Maintenance Of Soil Quality Research Articles

Soil chemical quality indicators for agricultural life cycle assessment: a case of study in Brazil

AbstractModern agriculture has had to face complex environmental issues, many of which result from land use, which includes the degradation of its fertility properties. Soil quality is fundamental to the sustainability of the planet, as it also affects other natural resources. Therefore, it must be seen as a fundamental action for the sustainability of the planet and be evaluated using methodologies capable of holistically relating the environmental impacts of production systems, as does the Life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology. However, due to the lack of suitable models, LCA is still ineffective in assessing soil quality. Therefore, our objective was to evaluate the use of chemical soil quality indicators in the context of LCA, contributing new information to the debate. To this end, a set of soil quality indicators from the APOIA-NovoRural method were applied in some agricultural production systems in southern Brazil. Thus, the LCA results confirmed soil quality maintenance activities as those that most contribute to impacts, particularly in the categories of climate change, (eco)toxicities and land use. However, the indicators efficiently contributed direct information about the agricultural environment, relating them to the impacts estimated by the LCA. Therefore, the use of indicators makes it possible to improve soil management by adjusting chemical parameters, accurately contextualizing activities, and use of inputs to the real conditions of the area assessed. Thus, we demonstrate that indicators can be useful in providing information for agricultural environmental management in interrelation with LCA, whose application alone is not yet capable of achieving such results.

Enzyme Activity Stoichiometry Suggests That Fertilization, Especially Nitrogen Fertilization, Alleviates Nutrient Limitation of Soil Microorganisms in Moso Bamboo Forests

Rational application of N fertilizer is essential for maintaining the long-term productivity of Moso bamboo forests. Microbial activity is a crucial indicator of soil quality. Changes in soil nutrient resources due to N addition can lead to microbial nutrient limitations, thereby impeding the maintenance of soil quality. Currently, there is limited research on the effects of N application on microbial nutrient limitations in Moso bamboo forest soils. To examine the changes in extracellular enzyme activity and microbial nutrient limitations in Moso bamboo forest soils following N application, we conducted an N application experiment in northern Guizhou. The findings revealed that the N3 treatment (726 kg·N·hm−2·yr−1) significantly reduced β-glucosidase (BG) activity by 27.61% compared to the control group (no fertilization). The N1 (242 kg·N·hm−2·yr−1), N2 (484 kg·N·hm−2·yr−1), and N3 treatments notably increased the activities of leucine aminopeptidase (LAP) and N-acetyl-β-D-glucosidase (NAG) by 11.45% to 15.79%. Acid phosphatase (ACP) activity remained unaffected by fertilization. N application treatments significantly decreased the C:Ne and C:Pe ratios, while the N:Pe ratio was less influenced by N fertilizer application. Scatter plots and vector characteristics of enzyme activity stoichiometry suggested that microorganisms in the study area were limited by C and N, and N fertilizer application reduced the vector length and increased the vector angle, indicating that N application alleviated the C and N limitation of microorganisms in Moso bamboo forests. Redundancy Analysis (RDA) demonstrated that microbial biomass phosphorus (MBP) was the most critical factor affecting extracellular enzyme activity and stoichiometry. Furthermore, Random Forest Regression analysis identified MBP and the N:Pm ratio as the most significant factors influencing microbial C and N limitation, respectively. The study demonstrated that N application modulates the microbial nutrient acquisition strategy by altering soil nutrient resources in Moso bamboo forests. Formulating fertilizer application strategies based on microbial nutrient requirements is more beneficial for maintaining soil quality and sustainably managing Moso bamboo forests. Additionally, our study offers a theoretical reference for understanding carbon cycling in bamboo forest ecosystems in the context of substantial N inputs.

Whether Wheat–Maize Rotation Influenced Soil Organic Carbon Content in Sushui River Basin

Enhancing soil organic carbon (SOC) content in farmland is crucial for soil quality maintenance and food security. However, the relationship between crop rotation and SOC sequestration remains unclear. We used sample data on SOC, collected in September of every year, from cultivated land for quality monitoring from 2017 to 2021, combined with spatially extracted planting system information, and focused on the effects of wheat–maize crop rotation on SOC in the Sushui River Basin. An analysis of variance (ANOVA) indicated that the SOC content was only significantly different between wheat monoculture and maize monoculture. Among the three cropping systems, wheat–maize rotation did not show absolute superiority. The Geodetector analysis showed that the planting system dominated the spatial distribution of soil organic carbon (p = 0.05), but its explanatory factor was only 5%, and the explanatory power was significantly improved after interaction with other factors. Geographically weighted regression showed that wheat–maize rotation had a trade-off effect with elevation and synergistic effects with rainfall and pH. It displayed a synergistic effect with temperature in the southwest and a trade-off effect in the northeast. The degrees of trade-offs and synergy varied spatially among all interacting factors. We focused on the spatial heterogeneity of soil organic carbon in a small watershed, and the results had scientific significance for the layout of planting systems according to local conditions and the improvement in soil organic carbon levels.

Concept and Assessment Methodology of Soil Quality: A Review

Soil analysis is commonly used to gauge its quality and suitability for diverse purposes from local to national evaluations. However, the complexity of soils, their site-specific traits, past land use impacts, and balancing ecosystem benefits pose significant challenges in identifying relevant parameters and interpreting measurements. This manuscript comprehensively reviews and examines the concept and assessment methodologies of soil quality. It is evaluated to learn about the effects of management practices on soil function. Sustainability of agriculture system is inwardly linked to maintenance of soil quality. Therefore, soil quality assessment is of paramount importance to know the appropriate management practices to be adopted for sustainable crop production. By just measuring yield of crop, quality of water or any other, soil quality cannot be judged. As we know, soil have different properties (chemical, physical and biological), that interact in a precipitously manner to give, soil its capacity to perform or function. Thus, soil capacity can be surmised from measuring changes in its properties or of ecosystem’ sattributes and cannot be measured directly. Assessment of Soil quality composed of three key steps (1) Selection, measurement and minimization of the set of relevant soil attributes. (2) Quantification of the selected soil attributes through direct measurement and assigning an appropriate Score. (3) Integration among the scored attributes to construct the final index, by providing criteria for defining the weight of each attribute or group of attributes. Soil quality assessment will allow interpreter to identify the attributes which are most significant, quantify the relative contribution of soil properties and subsequently assess the overall quality of soils. The review study aims to inspire researchers by integrating a detailed information on soil quality assessment and promoting the sustainable practices in preservation and enhancement of soil quality.

Symbiosis to Sustainability: Exploring the Role of Termitomyces clypeatus in Ecosystem Services and Community Livelihoods in West African Forests

Termitomyces clypeatus, a member of the genus Termitomyces, enjoys a strong symbiotic relationship with termites. This symbiosis between the wild edible mushrooms and termites yields innumerable provisioning, regulating, supporting, and cultural services through its contributions to the well-being of the members of the communities living along the forests in regions in which Termitomyces clypeatus thrive. West Africa is one of these regions. Their association with significant ecosystem services in ways that improve the livelihoods of communities establishes Termitomyces clypeatus as important members of the terrestrial ecosystem. This review evaluates existing literature and studies on the specific roles played by Termitomyces clypeatus in improving the well-being and livelihoods of communities in West African forests. The findings uncover relatively understudied links between Termitomyces clypeatus, termites, and the food insecurity and protein deficiency problems facing West African communities. The missing links establish the need for further investment in research on Termitomyces clypeatus to ensure that their potential as sources of food and medicine, ecological benefits, and roles in the maintenance of soil quality are realized fully.

Assessment and Comparison of Soil Quality Using Principal Components Analysis (PCA) & Expert Opinion (EO) Methods in different Rice-based Cropping Systems in Alfisol

The present study was undertaken to assess and compare soil quality using principal components analysis (PCA) and expert opinion (EO) methods in different rice-based cropping systems in Alfisol. In both the PCA and EO methods rice cultivation in rotation with legumes (chickpea and field pea) sustained significantly better soil quality than that of RW and RF cropping systems and established a good relationship between soil quality index (SQI) and defined soil functions. The study confirmed that the integration of legumes into the rice-based cropping systems will ensure the maintenance of soil quality and environmental stability under intensive” cultivation. However, the PCA method was found comparatively better for soil quality assessment in the North Hill region.

Sensitivity of Labile Carbon Pools and Soil Organic Carbon Stocks to Organic and Mineral Fertilization Across Foothill Himalayas

ABSTRACTWhile soil organic carbon (SOC) is instrumental in soil fertility and soil productivity, thus offers an extremely imperative part in sandy soils of foothill Himalayas, scarce documentation has been surfaced regarding the short-term SOC changes and carbon stocks. The current study was conducted over two consecutive years (2016 and 2017) to assess the soil organic carbon changes under varied fertilization practices in black gram monoculture. A total of 13 treatments were replicated thrice in randomized block design in sandy loam soil. The results revealed that application of farmyard manure @ 2 t ha−1 (FYM) and inorganic fertilization under T13 recorded the highest labile carbon (LC), particulate organic carbon (POC), microbial biomass carbon (MBC), and soil organic carbon. Further, it has recorded lowest bulk density, while the treatment T2 marked the highest value for bulk density. A significant and positive relationship was observed among different carbon fractions. The sensitivity index (SI) of MBC, POC, KOC and SOC varied from 3.14 to 15.37%, 2.42 to 5.06%, 1.87 to 17.40% and −0.40 to 4.45%, respectively and differences were greatest in FYM treatments. The results inferred that application of FYM holds a prime prominence and should be preferred in the nutrient management to boost soil fertility and properties of soils, for maintenance of soil quality and crop production.

Edaphic properties in a eucalyptusforest ecotone in the Nova Baden State Park, Southeastern Brazil

ABSTRACT State parks are integral protection units created to protect ecosystems. However, anthropic activities may have been previously performed before their creation, forming transitional areas. Studies that evaluate the modifications of edaphic properties in these environments are scarce. The aim of this study was to evaluate the changes in soil properties and litter stock in areas of eucalyptus-forest ecotones. Litter stock (Stock litter ) and total soil organic carbon content and stock (TOC soil ), weighted mean diameter (MWD), origin of aggregates (biogenic or physicogenic) and respective content of total organic carbon (TOC Bio and TOC Phy ), total organic carbon (TOC AG ), soil organic matter chemical fractions [fulvic acid (FAC), humic (HAC), and humin (HUMC)], and particulate, mineral-associated, free light and intra-aggregate light (POC, MAOC, FLFC, and ILFC) soil organic matter, fertility, and glomalin-related soil protein (GRSP) fractions were evaluated in aggregates (layer 0.00-0.10 m) in areas of eucalyptus-forest ecotone (Eco), preserved forest fragment (For), and eucalyptus plantation (Euc), in Nova Baden State Park, Lambari–MG. In the Euc and Eco areas, the highest Stock litter content was found. Higher values of TOC soil , TOC AG , GRSP, and MWD were observed in the Euc area. In the biogenic aggregates, the highest content of TOC Bio , HAC, HUMC, POC, MAOC, FLFC, and ILFC was determined in detriment of the physicogenic ones. The dynamics of edaphic properties in the Eco area showed greater similarity with the For area than in the Euc area. In general, all vegetation covers contribute to the maintenance of soil quality.

Effect of Integrated Nutrient Management Practices on Soil Quality Indicators and Plant Growth in Greengram on Alfisol

A field experiment was conducted at farmer fields at Vagarai, Dindigul District (Tamil Nadu) during the summer season of 2022 with green gram as a test crop.A field experiment was conducted at farmer fields at Vagarai, Dindigul District during the summer season of 2022 with green gram as a test crop. The main objectives of the present study focus on studying the impact of Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) practices on soil quality indicators and the growth of green gram (Vigna radiata).Alfisols are a specific soil order found in various parts of the world, known for their natural fertility and suitability for agriculture. However, continuous cultivation and improper nutrient management can lead to soil degradation, nutrient depletion, and reduced crop productivity. To address these challenges, researchers are exploring the potential of INM practices, which involve the balanced use of organic and inorganic fertilizers, to improve soil health and optimize crop growth. The study aims to assess how various INM treatments impact soil quality indicators. These indicators may include soil organic matter content, nutrient levels (e.g., nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium), pH, and analyze how the different INM practices influence the growth and performance of greengram crops. Organic manures viz. Farm Yard Manure (FYM) and vermicompost on different combinations were evaluated in a Randomized Block Design with three replications viz. T1-Absolute control, T2 -Vermicompost alone @5 t ha-1, T3 -FYM alone @ 12.5 t ha-1, T4 -STCR - NPK alone -0.8 t/ha, T5 -STCR -NPK alone -1 t/ha, T 6 -STCR -NPK alone -1.2 t/ha, T7 -STCR -IPNS -0.8 t/ha, T8 -STCR -IPNS -1 t/ha, T9 -STCR -IPNS -1.2 t/ha, T10 -Blanket (100 % RDF), T11 -Blanket (25:50:25) + FYM@ 12.5t ha-1 and T12-Farmer’s practice. Evaluating the physical, chemical, and biological indicators, the integrated module of organic and inorganic fertilization reflected a significant improvement in soil characteristics such as the available nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and soil biological characteristics encircling bacterial, fungal and actinomycetes count. The STCR -IPNS - 1.2 t ha-1 (T9) proved to be the best treatment in terms of SPAD chlorophyll meter reading, the maximum number of nodules (21.24, 30.49, 24.49 at 30, 45, and 60 DAS respectively), the highest grain yield (1225kg ha-1), and nutrient (N, P, K) availability. The population of Bacteria, fungi, and Actinomycetes (27.5, 9.8, and 27.1 soil respectively), was also significantly higher in STCR -IPNS - 1.2 t ha-1(T9). Thus, the combined application of manures and fertilizers can be recommended as a nutrient management strategy for yield enhancement and soil quality maintenance of green gram cultivation in soils of the southern Tamil Nadu region.

Effect of soil compaction on hydraulic properties and macropore structure: Evidence from opencast mines in the Loess Plateau of China

Affected by heavy machinery, the soil compaction in the opencast coal mine area is serious, which will change the characteristics of soil macropores, then affect the soil hydraulic properties and damage the ecological environment in mining area. In this study, the disturbed soil samples from the dumping area of Pingshuo opencast coal mine of China were collected. The soil samples were processed in bulk density from 1.30 g·cm−3 to 1.70 g·cm−3, and the soil hydraulic properties were measured, and the soil macropore characteristics were obtained using computerized tomography scanning in laboratory. The path analysis method was applied to analyze the effect of macropore characteristics caused by compaction on soil hydraulic properties. Soil compaction resulted in severe effects on soil hydraulic characteristics and macropore properties. Under same soil suction, the water contents remained in soil decreased with increasing compaction. The explanatory variables (average Euler number (AEN), macropore throat number (MTN), and macropore fractal dimension (MFD)) were main determinants of soil-water characteristic curve (SWCC), and the indirect path coefficient of macroporosity. The effects of AEN and MFD on soil infiltration properties were relatively high. The bulk density of 1.4 g·cm−3 was a critical point of affecting macropore properties then affecting soil hydraulic properties, and some soil reclamation measures should be conducted to make bulk density < 1.4 g·cm−3 for compacted soil in opencast coal mining area. This study provides a basis for selecting technology of land reclamation and the subsequent monitoring and maintenance of soil quality in mining areas.

Effect of cropland withdrawal on soil organic carbon in China, 1990–2018

AbstractSoil organic carbon (SOC) is one of the most important soil attributes responsible for the sustainable maintenance of soil quality. In recent years, cropland withdrawal (CWD) (i.e., conversion into natural landscapes) in China has become a remarkable phenomenon of land use changes, driven by the spontaneous cropland abandonment by rural households and government‐led conversion of cropland to forest and grassland. The CWD may affect SOC content and storage in China. Therefore, this study estimated the variation in SOC caused by CWD between 1990 and 2018 based on the grid data of land use and soil organic matter (SOM). The results showed that CWD had a significant effect on SOC. (1) From 1990 to 2018, the total area of CWD was about 358 × 103 km2, an area that represented about 20% of the total area of cropland in China in 1990. In addition, within the total area of CWD, the proportions represented by the conversion of cropland to forest and grassland were the highest, reaching 58% and 39%, respectively. The former was mainly distributed in the southern part of China, especially in the southwestern mountainous area. The latter was largely concentrated in the northern part of China, especially in the Loess Plateau; (2) From 1990 to 2018, the average SOC content of CWD increased by about 10%, representing an increase of 193 Tg in soil organic carbon storage (SOCS). This is equivalent to six times the carbon emissions from agricultural land in China in 2019; (3) Among eight agricultural regions in China, the middle‐lower Yangtze Plain had the largest area of CWD, which accounted for 19.9% of the total CWD of the whole country.

SUSTAINABLE UTILIZATION OF CROP RESIDUE AS BRIQUETTES

Reducing anthropogenic emission of CO2 and other greenhouse gases are important strategies for mitigating the greenhouse effect. Sustainable use of crop residue as a possible source of feedstock should be adequately assessed because of its potential impacts on soil carbon sequestration and good soil quality maintenance. Crop residue plays an important role in climate change mitigation without harming the food security. In the present work, an attempt to evaluate the CO2 emission released from the biomass briquettes compared to that from the coal and their cost benefit analysis has been carried out. The suitability of using biomass briquettes to substitute coal is debatable, as coal gives more production in the industry in less time than briquettes.

Positive Effects of Reforestation on the Diversity and Abundance of Soil Fauna in a Landscape Degraded Red Soil Area in Subtropical China

Serious soil degradation due to human intervention in subtropical China has resulted in a series of ecological problems. Soil fauna is an important part of forest soil ecosystems and plays a vital role in the maintenance of soil quality and can sensitively reflect the soil disturbances caused by human activities. This study assessed the long-term effects of reforestation on the soil fauna community and underground food web. Soil fauna was sampled from plots in a 30-year reforestation positioning test site. Six reforestation models (the pure Schima superba (Ss) forest, pure Liquidambar formosana (Lf) forest, pure Pinus massoniana (Pm) forest, mixed forest of Lf &amp; Ss, mixed forest of Pm &amp; Ss, and the mixed forest of Lf &amp; Pm) were chosen in Taihe County, southern China. The results found that the mixed vegetation restoration of Lf &amp; Pm significantly improved the soil fauna abundance and biomass when compared with other reforestation models in the degraded red soil region. Acari and Collembola accounted for 65.8% and 23.3%, respectively, of the total soil fauna abundance in the region. The mixed forest of Lf &amp; Pm had a positive effect on the abundance of secondary decomposers and micro predators in Acari. Moreover, a significant increase in the abundance of Collembola was found in the Lf &amp; Pm stand type. The stand type with the highest soil faunal population also had a higher soil fauna biomass. Therefore, reforestation in a degraded red soil area had positive effects on the soil fauna community.

Distribution of phosphorus fractions in soil aggregates in Chinese fir plantations with different stand ages

Exploring the distribution of phosphorus (P) fractionsin soil aggregates is helpful to improve soil P availa-bility during Chinese fir planting. In this study, soil samples were collected in the 0-20 cm soil layer from Chinese fir plantations with different stand ages (9 a, 17 a, and 26 a) and one nearby abandoned land (CK) in Rongshui County, Guangxi, China. Soil aggregates were classified into &gt;2 mm, 1-2 mm, 0.25-1 mm, and &lt;0.25 mm size classes through dry-sieving process, and then soil P fractions in different sized aggregates were measured. These results showed that: 1) The composition of soil aggregates showed significant difference among different stand ages. As the major aggregate fractions in soil, the contents of &gt;2 mm aggregates increased firstly and then decreased over time, and peaked in the 17 a Chinese fir plantation. The changes of soil mean weight diameter (MWD) and geometric mean diameter (GMD) during Chinese fir planting were the same as the content of &gt;2 mm aggregates. 2) Soil total P, inorganic P, and organic P contents did not differ among different sized aggregates. However, soil available P content was mainly distributed in &gt;2 mm aggregates with a range of 1.23-7.33 mg·kg-1. Compared with CK, soil total P, available P, and inorganic P contents were significantly higher in Chinese fir plantations, and their contents increased firstly and then decreased over time. Soil total P (322.40 mg·kg-1) and available P (7.33 mg·kg-1) contents were the highest in the 9 a plantations, and soil inorganic P content (114.05 mg·kg-1) was the highest in the 17 a plantation. Moreover, soil organic P content showed an order of 9 a &gt; 26 a &gt;17 a &gt; CK, with the highest content (210.00 mg·kg-1) in the 9 a plantation. 3) The distribution of P stock in soil aggregates was related to the contents of different sized aggregates, with &gt;2 mm aggregates having the highest P stock. Except for organic P, soil P stock increased firstly and then decreased with the increases of stand age. In conclusion, Chinese fir planting was helpful to improve soil aggregate stability and to promote the increase of soil P level before the stand age of 17 a. However, Chinese fir planting could result in the degradation of soil aggregates and in the decrease of soil P level after 17 a. The formation and stabilization of &gt;2 mm aggregates played an important role in the maintenance of soil quality and soil P supply level after 17 a Chinese fir planting.

Status of disease prevalence, drugs and antibiotics usage in pond-based aquaculture at Narsingdi district, Bangladesh: A major public health concern and strategic appraisal for mitigation

This research aimed to investigate the present status of disease prevalence and usage of aqua drugs for various aquaculture operations in the Narsingdi region of Bangladesh. Data were collected through the market survey, preset questionnaire interview, personal contact, and participatory rural appraisal tools. Amongst the respondents, the maximum percentages were found practicing mixed cultures of carp, tilapia, and pangas. The respondents suggested that epizootic ulcerative syndrome, saprolegniasis, streptococcosis, tail and fin rot and bacillary necrosis are common fish diseases in the area. About 140 drugs of different companies used in aquaculture for different purposes such as disease treatment, growth enhancement, water quality improvement, toxic gas removal, improvement of feed conversion ratio. Zeolite, rotenone, disinfectant, oxygen precursors, ammonia reducers, and probiotics were applied for pond preparation, water, and soil quality maintenance, while 30 different antibiotics were used for the purpose of treatment. Among the available antibiotics, oxytetracycline, ciprofloxacin, enrofloxacin, erythromycin, sulphadiazine, and trimethoprim were found extensively used by the fish farmers. Four enzymes and eighteen growth promoters were identified as being utilized to enhance digestion and boost up the production. This study elicited various issues connected with application and administration of such aqua chemicals, including farmers’ ignorance about their usage, proper doses, application methods, withdrawal period, and the human health concerns associated with their irresponsible use. However, the consequences of these chemical products to the environment, animal health, and human health required further study for the betterment of mankind.

A biochemical, physiological and molecular evaluation of how the herbicide 2, 4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid intercedes photosynthesis and diazotrophy in the cyanobacterium Nostoc muscorum Meg 1.

Among the non-target microorganisms residing in crop fields that are potentially vulnerable to herbicides are cyanobacteria. They contribute to the maintenance of soil quality and fertility and hence are considered to be an important component of soil microflora. Consequently, the present study was aimed to check the influence of the herbicide 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) on some major parameters of carbon (CO2) and nitrogen (N2) fixations of a cyanobacterium Nostoc muscorum Meg 1 isolated from a rice field in Cherrapunji, Meghalaya, India. These include various photosynthetic pigments, the oxygen-evolving complex activity of the PSII, the protein contents of RuBisCO, D1 protein, isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH), nitrogenase and glutamine synthetase (GS) enzymes, the heterocyst percentage, nitrogenase and GS enzyme activities, and production of total proteins and carbohydrates in the cyanobacterium in a varying range of 50 to 125 ppm doses of 2,4-D. The mRNA levels of several proteins were also analyzed. Besides carotenoid concentration that enhanced at 50 ppm, all other parameters were compromised by 2,4-D in a dose-dependent manner resulting in a reduction in photosynthetic and N2-fixing activities. The negative effect on N2-fixation was partly due to compromised IDH activity. RT-PCR analysis further showed that these negative effects were initiated at transcription levels as mRNA contents of all enzymes studied were found compromised under 2,4-D exposure. The scanning and transmission electron microscopy further revealed herbicide induced adverse changes in the morphology and ultrastructure of the organism. The significance of the work lies in its detailed analysis of the effect of 2,4-D at biochemical, physiological, and molecular levels.

SOIL MICROBIAL ACTIVITY AS BIOINDICATORS DURING THE DECOMPOSITION OF GRASS RESIDUES IN SANDY CLAY LOAM SOIL

Assessing the quality of the soil is an important method in determining the sustainability and environmental impact of agricultural ecosystems. Soil microbial indices like microbial biomass and microbial activity are important criteria for the determination of soil quality. Laboratory incubation study was undertaken to examine the influence of 2 grass residues on changes in soil microbial indices {(microbial (Cmic: Corg), metabolic (qCO2), carbon mineralization (qM) and microbial biomass change rate (qC) quotients)} in a sandy clay loam soil. Both P.maximum and D.horizontalis amended soil showed maximum soil respiration rate (11.90 mgCO2-C g-1 soil) while P.maximum had maximum cumulative respiration rate (199.90 mgCO2-C g-1 soil) .Microbial biomass C was significantly improved by both P.maximum and D.horizontalis residues under study (158.08 and 162 mg/g respetively). The qCO2 among different grass residues ranged from 1.23 to 1.24μg CO2- C μg-biomass-C -1 on the 82nd day. The results showed that incorporation of both grass residues impacted a positive effect on microbial flora and their activity. The study suggests that the despite the high C:N ratio of grasses, its seems to be of advantage in the maintenance of soil quality in a sandy clay loam soil.

The trade-off between the reduction of phosphorus losses and the maintenance of soil quality in legislation

The trade-off between the reduction of phosphorus losses and the maintenance of soil quality in legislation

Modulation of ecosystem services by animal personalities

Conservationists rarely consider the roles individuals, with their own unique behavior, physiology, and genome, play in shaping ecosystem processes and consequently ecosystem services, but this is changing. An ongoing surge in research on animal personalities (that is, behavioral differences among individuals that are consistent over time and across contexts) is exposing the ecological roles of individuals to scientific scrutiny. Here, we present four broad examples of ecosystem services that are likely to be shaped by personalities: (1) pollination and seed dispersal, (2) regulation of pest species, (3) ecotourism, and (4) maintenance of soil quality. Although researchers have suggested diverse links between animal personality and ecosystem function, very few have examined this association. We outline a four‐step process for quantifying and validating these linkages, leading to application for conservation practitioners, and conclude by recommending that accounting for behavioral variation should be incorporated into the management of ecosystem services.

Soil quality significance of goat pens positioned on the hilltop of sloping cocoa farms in Polman-Sulawesi

Many smallholder cocoa farmers in Polman, West Sulawesi-Indonesia breed goats traditionally on hilltop of the sloped cocoa farms. The goat’s manure is deposited under the pens, not distributed on the farm. We investigated the significance of this traditional goat breeding on the hilltop of sloping cocoa farms on soil quality based on the distance from the pens along the slope direction. We selected three sloped-cocoa farms where this traditional model had been practiced for years. The farms studied had 30 to 70% slopes, clay loam to clay soil textures. Along a transect lane, 0-5, 5-10, and 10-15 meters from the pen on each farm, we measured soil bulk density, hydraulic conductivity (HC), soil organic carbon (SOC), pH, soil nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, cation exchangeable capacity (CEC) and earthworm population. This traditional practice improved soil quality compared to the adjacent farms which were not affected by the practice (control). Soil HC, SOC, N, P, K and CEC, and earthworm population were markedly higher under this system compared to the control, especially at 0 to 5 m distance from the manure deposit. The beneficial effects of this system were limited only within 10 m from the pens, beyond which soil quality was practically similar to the control site. This traditional system may be considered as an appropriate practice for soil quality maintenance in sloping cocoa farm, but an improvement is needed for greater benefits and reduced risks through terrace construction and manure deposition every 5-10 m range along the slope.