Soil Quality Properties Research Articles

Assessment of the sustainability of land use systems through sensitive indicators of soil quality and biophysical properties in temperate ecosystem

Assessment of the sustainability of land use systems through sensitive indicators of soil quality and biophysical properties in temperate ecosystem

Assessment of Morphometric Characteristics and Gully Development Susceptibility in Itu Local Government Area Using Geographic Information System

The intensification in urbanization and wrong termination of drains into ravine has resulted in gully development which has rendered people homeless and reduced agricultural and economic development. Consequently, this study assessed morphometric characteristics and gully development susceptibility in Itu Local Government Area using Geographic Information System. In conducting this study, measurement of the morphometric parameters of the identified gullies were carried out while the susceptibility extent of gully development was done using multi-criteria technique in GIS. In assessing the characteristics features of the gullies, Field surveys measurements of gully morphology and hydraulic variables were carried out by the researcher using Global Positioning System (GPS), measuring tape, ranging pole, etc. This help in determining gullied land volume and cross-sectional area. Result of the study shows that the measured gully depth varies from 6.4m at Obong Itam to 25.8m at Enen Atai, while the gully width ranges from 4.1m in Ikot Ekang to 9.3m in Ntiat Itam. The cross-sectional profiles ranges from 45.43m<sup>2</sup> to 165.12m<sup>2</sup>. Also, the cross-sectional profile of the area indicative of V-shape to U- shape, all with very narrow gully width and steeply sloping gully sides, which are features of gullies developed on very loose and incoherent soils that slump/collapse on exposure. On the other hand, the mean sand composition of the soil was 62.2% ranging between 55.3-70.1 while silt ranges from 17.7-25.2 with a mean of 20.2% and clay ranging between 10.0-21.9 with mean of 17.7%. The correlation matrix between the gully depth and cross- sectional area (0.84) and is significant at 99% confidence level, meaning that the retreat of gully sides take place at rates proportional to the rate of gully deepening. In assessing the susceptibility extent of gully development in Itu Local Government Area using multi-criteria Analysis technique, the summary of the map shows that 52.94% of the total study area are highly susceptible to gully development, 28.19% are moderately susceptible while 9.31% and 9.56% marginally and not susceptible respectively to gully development in Itu local government area. The study concludes that the poor soil quality attributes, soil conservation and management practices contribute to gully development in the area, hence, the need for government to enact laws against such activities that favour gully growth and initialization.

Mixed Eucalyptus plantations enhance soil organic carbon accumulation and chemical stability through soil microbial community and multifunctionality

Forest conversion can impact soil organic carbon (SOC) fixation and ecosystem functions. The newly proposed “evenness of SOC chemical components” index can indicate the permanence of stored SOC during environmental disturbances. However, how the mixing of tree species impacts SOC accumulation and persistence and changes in soil microbial communities and multifunctionality remain unknown. Thus, we conducted a field experiment (11 years) of monospecific Eucalyptus urophylla × E. grandis plantation for evaluating the influences of the mixed planting of a non-nitrogen (N)-fixing tree, Castanopsis hystrix, and an N-fixing tree, Dalbergia odorifera, on SOC accumulation and chemical stability. Compared with pure plantations, mixed Eucalyptus plantations (particularly those mixed with D. odorifera) exhibited significantly increased SOC concentrations by 28.60–33.71 % and increased SOC chemical component evenness by 3.96–4.67 % (P < 0.05). We also found that the concentrations and chemical component evenness of SOC were strongly linked with litter quality, soil N, phosphorus and their availability, multifunctionality, microbial activity, carbon use efficiency (CUE), biomass, diversity, and network complexity. Furthermore, tree species mixing increased litter quality, soil nutrient availability, microbial biomass, activity, diversity, CUE, and network complexity. Soil microbial anabolism, community characteristics and multifunctionality influenced the SOC concentrations and SOC chemical components evenness. Specifically, microbial diversity enhanced the concentrations and chemical component evenness of SOC by increasing network complexity and soil multifunctionality. These findings revealed differential responses and mechanistic controls of SOC accumulation and chemical stability in different Eucalyptus planting patterns. Overall, mixed plantations, particularly those in which N-fixing species were introduced, effectively improved SOC accumulation and stabilization by positively altering soil quality and microbial properties, potentially representing a sustainable forestry management strategy to improve soil C benefits and multifunctionality in forest ecosystems.

Cereal rye cover crop termination at or before soybean planting has minimal effect on soybean yield across the midwestern US

ContextInterest is growing among farmers in the Midwestern US region in the potential benefits of establishing cereal rye (Secale cereale L.) as a cover crop. However, they are concerned about the implications and potential trade-offs due to this practice. ObjectiveWe aimed to evaluate the effects of cereal rye cover crop termination at or before soybean planting on soybean (Glycine max [L.] Merr.) seed yield. MethodsField experiments were conducted from 2019 to 2021 across 28 location-years in the Midwestern US. Treatments consisted of no cereal rye, cereal rye termination before soybean planting, and termination at planting. Cereal rye was chemically terminated at each termination timing. Cereal rye biomass and soybean yield were assessed. ResultsDelaying cereal rye termination in soybean systems increased rye biomass, but its impact on soybean yield was inconsistent. Results showed that delayed termination did not reduce soybean seed yield in 25 of 28 location-years compared to a no cover crop treatment. There was no clear evidence indicating that a threshold level of cereal rye biomass accumulation reduced soybean seed yield. ConclusionsOur results suggest that farmers who adopt cereal rye as a winter cover crop in the examined region have a flexible management window for terminating cereal rye, as the timing of termination had minimal effect on soybean seed yield. However, there were no significant soybean seed yield benefits that would justify the associated cost with the use of cover crops. Therefore, conducting long-term studies in the future is highly recommended to better understand how cereal rye cover crops can influence soybean seed yield and soil quality properties over time. Further studies should also investigate the aspect of non-chemical rye management to assess its potential cost-saving effects for farmers adopting this system. ImplicationsThese findings hold several implications for farmers, agronomists, and stakeholders. The increased cereal rye biomass due to delayed termination could offer greater soil benefits. While the inconsistent effects on soybean yield imply flexible termination options for cover crop adoption, the absence of substantial yield benefits underscores the importance of considering both short-term costs and long-term sustainability goals.

The role of information support in the withdrawal of unused lands

The goal is to analyze the state of land resources and information about them in digital format, as well as occupancy and updating in order to identify the quality of unused lands for their subsequent assignment to a specific type of land and provision for temporary use. Methods – monographic, abstract-logical, analytical, statistical, mapping and forecasting. Results - current problems in the land use system are considered. During the pandemic, all land cadastral work was transferred online. It is shown that the main vector of economic development of the republic is digitalization of agriculture, which occupies a leading position in management of agricultural lands. It is noted that in 2023 an interactive map of lands returned to state ownership was launched - jerkarta.gharysh.kz. This geoservice allows not only to display withdrawn land plots in the context of regions and districts, but also to track the statistics of vacant land plots not assigned to land users, as well as the need for pastures. Conclusions - an analysis of two databases is presented, as a result of which it was revealed that information they contain about land masses is incomplete, since there are no indicators of soil quality, physical and chemical properties, and cadastral value of land. The criteria used in conducting land competitions for the provision of unused agricultural land for commercial production have been systematized. The authors state that in order to increase the efficiency of agricultural land use, it is necessary to develop a set of regulatory materials, methodology for periodically updating cadastral documentation and land monitoring, as well as effective mechanism for interaction between bodies to provide information on land plots and ensure access to it for citizens and legal entities.

Clay and organic compost as quality conditioners of a sandy soil in the brazilian semiarid

Due to natural and anthropic pressures of semiarid regions, like sandy texture, organic matter (OM) deficiency, water scarcity and inadequate management, we carried out an experiment under greenhouse conditions, to evaluate the effects of clay and OM addition on the quality of a sandy soil of the Brazilian semiarid. The experiment lasted 75 days, testing four clay contents (10 and 31% natural soils, 15% by clay addition to a sandy soil and 26% by mixing clay subsoil to a sandy topsoil) in the absence and presence of organic compost (7.5g.kg-1). For biological parameters, sorghum plants were used for biometric and mineral composition analysis, in addition to assessing microbial activity (BSR, MBC, and qCO2). The results showed significant differences in soil microporosity and total porosity; the field capacity and permanent wilting point correlated linearly with clay content and OM addition; potencial and exchangeable soil acidity decreased significantly in the presence of compost. Sorghum plants showed higher values of biometric attributes and lower levels of nutrients in the presence of compost. The microbial activity did not show significant differences in terms of clay content or compost addition. The cluster analysis correlated the mixed soils (26%) to the lowest clay content soil (10%), and the clay addition (15%) to the highest clay content soil (31%), showing potential as soil conditioner in association with compost, as it might promote changes in the soil quality properties of semiarid regions.

Integrated use of organic and synthetic fertilizers improves soil functioning, growth, yield and quality attributes of maize

The combined use of organic and chemical fertilizers may prove to be an excellent option for maintaining soil health, increasing fertilizer use efficiency, and improving crop quality and yield of maize. So, with this objective in mind a pot experiment was conducted to find out the effectiveness of organic and synthetic fertilizers on the yield and quality of maize crop. Two organic fertilizer levels (FYM and Press-mud @ 2% and 4% of each) were tested separately and in combination with recommended NPK fertilizers (160: 80: 60 kg ha-1). The experimental units were laid out in a completely randomized design (CRD) with five replications. The results showed that the combined use of NPK + press mud @ 4% caused a significant increase in grain numbers per cob (8.6%), weight of grains per cob (11.5%), grain yield, biological yield, harvest index, stalk yield, and oil and protein contents up to 11.5%, 6.3%, 19.7%, 12.6% and 12.0%, respectively as compared to the control treatment. The oil and protein contents were also improved significantly over the sole application of NPK fertilizer. Soil health was also improved due to the combined use of synthetic fertilizer with 4% press mud and 2% FYM. It is concluded that integrated use of NPK fertilizers and press mud @ 4% not only increased the quality and yield of maize, but it also improved soil health.

Dynamics of soil quality in a conserved landscape in the highland sub humid ecosystem, Northwestern Ethiopia

Several studies have assessed the dynamics of soil quality induced by soil and water conservation (SWC), but many showed disagreement over the efficacy of SWC interventions in the Ethiopian highlands. This study used a before and after soil and water conservation practices (SWCP) comparison approach to evaluate the effect of SWCP on soil quality dynamics. Fifty-four composite and 10 undisturbed soil samples were collected in 2012 (before SWCP) and 2022 (after SWCP). Statistical mean, analysis of variance, and principal component analysis were applied to test the significant differences among treatments. The findings demonstrated that SWCP has significantly improved most of the soil quality indicators such as soil organic matter, total nitrogen, available phosphorous, pH, total porosity, field capacity, and available water, and reduced the value of bulk density and coarse fragments. The interaction effect of landscape position and types of structures provided statistically significant results for soil organic matter, total nitrogen, magnesium, calcium, and base saturation. Soil and stone-faced soil bunds treated at lower landscapes were superior in improving soil quality attributes. The soil quality indexing showed, the overall soil quality improvement as a result of SWCP was about 32.15%. The level of improvement for different SWCPs was 32% for stone faced soil bunds and 33% for soil bunds. The findings revealed that SWCP implementation can improve soil quality. Soil organic matter is a key biological quality component that contributed 25% to the soil quality index and highly impacted soil physicochemical properties. We suggest additional assessment of best and integrated land management practices to ensure further improvement in soil quality, crop productivity, and ecosystem services in the subhumid ecosystems.

Fertility assessment of soils under different land use in Oguta, Nigeria

Soil fertility assessment is essential for effective land management practices. This study was carried out to investigate the impact of three land use types Cassava farm (CF), Oil palm plantation (OPP) and Rubber plantation (RP) on soil properties in Oguta area of Imo State, Nigeria. Randomized sampling technique was implored in the collection of nine soil samples from each of the different land use within a depth of 15cm. Samples obtained from each land use were homogenized to form three composite samples per land use. The data generated from laboratory analysiswere subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA). Sand particles had a mean of 82.7 %, 66.7 % and 76.0 % for soils under CF, OPP and RP respectively. The mean values of silt and clay particles were 8.3 % and 9.0 %; 21.0 % and 12.3 %; 13.0 % and 11.0 % in CF, OPP and RP respectively. The other soil chemical properties did not differ significantly with the exception of pH and exchangeable K. The pH (H2O) had mean of 6.43, 6.17 and 5.73 of soils under CF, OPP and RP respectively while exchangeable K had mean of 0.38 Cmol/kg for CF, 1.71 Cmol/kg for OPP and 0.61 Cmol/kg for RP. Despite not showing significant difference, OPP and RP have more soil quality attributes than CF. However, the result from this study pointed that land use influence soil properties at various rates. Hence, use of good soil management practices is required to improve the soil quality attributes.

Impact of vermicompost and pea (Pisum sativum L.) based intercropping system on soil fertility and quality attributes of pea and garlic

Impact of vermicompost and pea (Pisum sativum L.) based intercropping system on soil fertility and quality attributes of pea and garlic

Nutrient cycling and soil quality in threatened veredas in two Protected Areas of the Brazilian cerrado

Veredas are humid environments of significant importance for the Brazilian Cerrado. Understanding soil quality and ecological processes between the soil and vegetation in veredas can provide insights into ecosystem dynamics. This study was aimed to assess litter deposition and decomposition, as well as soil quality, including chemical, physical, and microbiological attributes, in two threatened veredas at various stages of conservation in Brazil. The research was conducted in Almescla (a preserved vereda) within the Environmental Protection Area of the River Pandeiros, and Peruaçu (a degraded vereda) located at the Veredas do Peruaçu State Park. Litter deposition was measured using collectors, and decomposition was assessed with litter bags. Soil granulometry, carbon and nutrient contents, and soil microbial biomass were also evaluated to a depth of 20 cm. The litter production was higher in Peruaçu, with the leaf fraction accounting for more than 70% of the total in both studied areas. The decomposition constant (kc) was higher in Almescla vereda. Nutrient concentrations followed a decreasing order of Ca &gt; N &gt; K &gt; Mg &gt; S &gt; P in both areas. Peruaçu vereda exhibited higher levels of clay, available P, and Ca. Microbial carbon, total organic carbon, microbial quotient, and carbon stock were higher in Almescla, whereas the metabolic quotient was higher in Peruaçu. Our results suggest that the degradation of vereda ecosystems may lead to changes in nutrient cycling, with reduced litter deposition and decreased carbon storage.

Enhancing Soil Fertility and Elevating Pecan Fruit Quality through Combined Chemical and Organic Fertilization Practices

This study focused on 6-year-old ‘Pawnee’ pecan trees to elucidate the differential responses of physicochemical properties of orchard soil and pecan fruit quality when combining chemical and organic fertilizers. The aim was to unveil the mechanisms that underlie the effects of different fertilization treatments on soil fertility, soil enzyme activities, and pecan fruit quality. Four treatments were established: sole chemical fertilizer (CF; N:P2O5:K2O is 15:15:15), chemical fertilizer combined with cake fertilizer (CF+CC), chemical fertilizer combined with manure fertilizer (CF+M), and chemical fertilizer combined with cake and manure fertilizer (CF+CC+M). Measurements were taken to assess the soil nutrient content, soil enzyme activities, and fruit growth quality in some orchards under different fertilization treatments. The results revealed that the combined application could increase yield and enhance pecan quality. Among these, the CF+M+CC treatment demonstrated the most favorable outcomes, with the pecan kernel oil and unsaturated fatty acid contents reaching 72.33% and 97.54%, respectively. The combined fertilization treatments had no significant impacts on soil trace elements such as Mg, Cu, and Mn; however, it significantly increased the Available Phosphorus (AP), Total Nitrogen (TN), Soil Organic Matter (SOM) and S-ACP (soil acid phosphatase) activities. In summary, the combined application of chemical and organic fertilizers can significantly increase the soil nutrient content and enzyme activities in pecan orchards, to promote the enhancement of fruit quality and economic aspects.

Assessment of Physico-chemical Properties of Soil and Irrigation Water Quality of Phulpur Blocks of Prayagraj District, Uttar Pradesh, India

We aimed to study nutrient status in Phulpur block of Prayagraj District of Uttar Pradesh, India. We collected representative soil samples covering nine villages of Phulpur division at depths like 0-15cm, 15-30cm and 30-45cm before sowing of crops. The soil samples were analyzed for their physico-chemical properties. Results show that the soil samples of the areas of the Phulpur division were found to be mildly alkaline and non-saline. There are many reasons leading to soil quality deterioration, including changes in land use types of forest to arable land and the consequences of intensive land use. The colour of soil changes between the three depths at all locations. There were differences in the colour of dry and wet soils was dark brown to dark yellowish brown. The soil bulk density varied from 1.22 to 1.41 Mg m-3, soil particle density varied from 2.291 to 2.452 Mg m-3, pore space from 41.6 to 48.2 %, water holding capacity from 36.60 to 43.30 % respectively. Soil pH varied from 7.26 to 7.84 and EC is 0.24 to 0.38 dS m-1. while soil organic carbon varied from 0.29 to 0.45 % and available nitrogen from low to medium (180 to 275 kg ha-1), available phosphorous from medium to high (10.80 to 22.5 kg ha-1), potassium was found to be medium range (132.00 to 231.00 kg ha⁻1), exchangeable calcium and magnesium low from (3.48 to 5.50 Meq 100g-1) and (1.66 to 2.72 Meq 100g-1) respectively. The water pH of varied from 6.24 to 7.50, the electrical conductivity of water ranged from 0.31 to 0.90 dS m-1, the bicarbonate of water varied from 7 to 18 Meq L-1, the chloride of water varied from 4.5 to 10.4 Meq L-1, the available calcium of water varied from 4.2 to 8 Meq L-1, the available magnesium of water varied from 2.5 to 3.6 Meq L-1, the potassium of water varied from 0.05 to 0.17 Meq L-1 and the sodium of water varied from 0.08 to 0.21 Meq L-1. The sodium absorption ratio (SAR) ranged from 0.03 to 0.1 Meq L-1, indicating low to moderate levels of sodium content in the water samples. The soluble sodium percent (SSP) ranged from 1.47 to 3.93 Meq L-1, providing further insight into the sodium content in the water. The residual sodium carbonate (RSC) varied from -2.4 to 7.4 Meq L-1. The permeability Index (PI) ranged from 28 to 56 Meq L-1, serving as an indicator of the potential impact of water on soil permeability, the Kelley's ratio (KR) ranged from 0.08 to 0.024 Meq L-1. The KR is a measure of the sodium hazard in irrigation water, with lower values indicating a lower risk of sodium-related issues in soil and crops. The range of the irrigation water quality index value ranged from 44 to 157 Meq L-1 it was determined that 100% of the samples are in suitable range for irrigation.

Soil quality Change Following Compost and Farmyard Manure Application in Maize and Cassava based Agro-ecosystems of Mvomero and Masasi -Tanzania

Soil quality is a major driver for improved crop production and sustainable food security. While crop response to soil applied organic amendments is widely studied, little has been done to establish the effect of such amendments on soil quality. Field experiments were conducted for two seasons (2019/20 and 2020/21) in Mvomero and Masasi districts to study the effects of compost (CP) and Farmyard manure (FYM) application on selected soil quality attributes. Both CP and FYM were applied on maize, and cassava plots at 0.0 t ha-1 (Control), 2.5 t ha-1, 5 t ha-1 and 7.5 t ha-1. Maize variety TMV-1 and Kiroba cassava variety were used as test crops in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. Representative soil samples were collected before applying soil amendments and at the end of each season and analyzed for soil pH, Organic carbon (OC) and Extractable phosphorus (P). Assays of activities of ß-glucosidase and Phosphatase were performed on the samples as indicators of soil quality change. Results indicated that soil OC and soil extractable P increased with CP and FYM application rates at both sites. Activities of ß-glucosidase and Phosphatase increased in line with OC and extractable P, respectively. Application of CP or FYM at 5 t ha-1 and 7.5 t ha-1 resulted into statistically similar effects on soil OC, extractable P and activities of ß-glucosidase and Phosphatase. It was concluded that application of either CP or FYM at 5 t ha-1 can improve soil OC and P availability in degraded soils of Masasi and Mvomero, while activities of ß-glucosidase and phosphatase can serve to indicate such changes in soil quality.

Evaluation of Chemical Properties of Soil Quality for Irrigation Management in Osian Tehsil, Jodhpur Rajasthan

Evaluation of Chemical Properties of Soil Quality for Irrigation Management in Osian Tehsil, Jodhpur Rajasthan

Understanding relationship between physical quality indicators and organic carbon in soils affected by long-time continuous cultivation under sub-humid ecosystem

The objectives of this present study were to analyses soils and find out some soil quality properties and check relationship between soil compaction, crust formation and erodibility - K of the soils with the soil organic carbon (SOC) amount in the surface (0-20 cm) and subsurface (20-40 cm) soils affected by long-time continuous cultivation under sub-humid environmental condition. The research out comes showed that soil compaction, crust formation, erodibility K is highly significantly (P &lt; 0.001) related to organic carbon, organic carbon stock, organic matter and between each other. The research also identifies that the study area generally, has clay texture, neutral pH, low amount of the CaCO3, high amount of OC and OM in top layer (0-20 cm) and moderate amount in bottom layer (20-40 cm). It was not identified significant differences between the soil properties in surface and subsurface soil layers.

Impact of wastewater irrigation on chemical properties of soil and flower quality of marigold (Tagetes patula L. cv. Pusa deep)

A field experiment was conducted to find out the impact of wastewater irrigation on physical and microbiological soil health in marigold (Tagetes patula L. cv.Pusa deep) based on FDR sensor at Water Technology Centre farm of ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi during period of 2020-2021. Eight treatments T-1: Groundwater irrigation scheduled at 25% MAD (v=27%); T-2: Groundwater irrigation scheduled at 50% MAD (v =22.5%) T-3: Groundwater irrigation scheduled at 75% MAD (v= 18%);T4: Groundwater irrigation scheduled as per farmers practice/recommended POP; T-5: Wastewater irrigation scheduled at 25% MAD (v= 27%); T-6: Wastewater irrigation scheduled at 50% MAD (v= 22.5%); T-7: Wastewater irrigation scheduled at 50% MAD (v= 18%); T-8: Wastewater irrigation scheduled as per farmers practice/recommended POP were laid out in a Randomized Block Design (RBD) with three replications. Results indicated that soil chemical properties such as pH, organic carbon, EC, NPK and heavy metalat depth of 0-15 cm in marigold. As soil pH (7.80), EC (0.24 to 0.31 dS/m), OC (0.38), NPK and the concentration of heavy metals (Ni, Cd, Cr, Pb) were significantly higher in the treatment T6 where wastewater irrigations were scheduled at 50% MADas compared to groundwater irrigations. Moreover, the quality and grade of marigold came to be high in wastewater irrigated plots compared to groundwater. Thus, short-term application of wastewater has less impact over soil and gives better results in crop growth and quality but, the long-term application of wastewater may affect the chemical properties of the soil which can be analysed with different ranges of MAD (maximum allowable deficit) need to be studied.

Phenotypic diversity of bamboo Schizostachyum lima (Blanco) Merr. population grown in several critical habitats on Lombok Island, Indonesia

Abstract. Aryanti E, Arumingtyas EL, Azrianingsih R, Arisoesilaningsih E. 2023. Phenotypic diversity of bamboo Schizostachyum lima (Blanco) Merr. population grown in several critical habitats on Lombok Island, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 24: 2788-2796. This study aims to analyze the phenotypic diversity among populations of Schizostachyum lima (Blanco) Merr. grown in several critical habitats on Lombok Island. Sampling was conducted to record clump growth and habitat properties of 38 sites grouped based on the clump density using PAST 4.11 and ArcGIS 10.8.2 software. Sampling was conducted to record clump growth and habitat properties of 38 sites grouped based on the clump density using PAST 4.11 and ArcGIS 10.8.2 software. The results showed that habitat 1 was the most critical land and had the lowest fertility, but it provided a qualified bamboo as a raw material for the artisanal straw industry. The results showed that habitat 1 was the most critical land and had the lowest fertility, but it provided a qualified bamboo as a raw material for the artisanal straw industry. Bamboo density reached 46 culms per clump and had the smallest culms diameter of 13 mm. Bamboo density reached 46 culms per clump and had the smallest culms diameter of 13 mm. The soil comprised 90% sand, with SOC 0.9 g.kg-1, total N 0.08 g.kg-1, and CEC 8.3 me.100 g-1. The soil comprised 90% sand, with SOC 0.9 g.kg-1, total N 0.08 g.kg-1, and CEC 8.3 me.100 g-1. Meanwhile, habitat 6 and habitat 7 were lesser critical, consisted of 66% of sand, showed the best soil fertility, and mean SOC 4.98 g.kg-1, total N 0.30 g.kg-1, CEC 27.23 me.100 g-1, density 151 culms, and biggest culms diameter 33 mm. Meanwhile, habitat 6 and habitat 7 were lesser critical, consisted of 66% of sand, showed the best soil fertility, and mean SOC 4.98 g.kg-1, total N 0.30 g.kg-1, CEC 27.23 me.100 g-1, density 151 culms per clump, and biggest culms diameter 33 mm. The other habitats varied in soil quality and bamboo growth properties. It was revealed that the high culms density, diameter, height, and internodal length were significantly increased in the high soil CEC, SOC, and total N. Furthermore, the SOC and total N content significantly correlated with the wall thickness.

Influence of some nano-fertilizers on chickpeas under three irrigation strategies

Chickpea is an important pulse grown in semi-arid areas where micronutrient deficiency and water shortage are the major problems for its production. Micronutrient deficiency is a great challenge in developing countries while using nano-fertilizers can solve this problem and improve crop growth and soil quality properties. In this research, three irrigation systems were conducted as trials which were in a randomized complete block design layout (Ir1, full irrigation; Ir2, rain-fed with two supplementary irrigations; Ir3, rain-fed). Also, three nano-fertilizers (Zn, Fe, and Mn) in nano-chelated forms were applied to the crop. The treatment combination (irrigation × nano-fertilizer) by trait biplot model described 97% of the total variability in the chickpea dataset. The Polygon View showed three vertex treatment combinations, Zn-Ir1, Fe-Ir2, and Fe-Ir3, in which Zn-Ir1 (nano-chelated zinc with fully irrigated) was the best in number of days to 50% flowering, the number of day to maturity, the first pod height, number of pods per plant, number of seeds per pod, thousand seeds’ weight, and seed yield. The Vector View showed that the number of empty pods per plant with thousand seeds’ weight and seed yield is independent while the number of day to maturity, the pods of plant, and the seeds of pod showed positive association. The Ideal Tester indicated seeds of pod, the number of day to maturity and pods of plant were ideal traits while the Ideal Entry showed that Zn-Ir1, Fe-Ir1, and Mn-Ir1 (nano-fertilizer treatments under a full irrigation system) were the ideal ones. Integrated use of micronutrient nano-fertilizers can be advised as ideal management for chickpea growers in semi-arid regions under rain-fed and irrigation systems.

Organic amendments alter microbiota assembly to stimulate soil metabolism for improving soil quality in wheat-maize rotation system

Straw retention (SR) and organic fertilizer (OF) application contribute to improve soil quality, but it is unclear how the soil microbial assemblage under organic amendments mediate soil biochemical metabolism pathways to perform it. This study collected soil samples from wheat field under different application of fertilizer (chemical fertilizer, as control; SR, and OF) in North China Plain, and systematically investigated the interlinkages among microbe assemblages, metabolites, and physicochemical properties. Results showed that the soil organic carbon (SOC) and permanganate oxidizable organic carbon (LOC) in soil samples followed the trend as OF > SR > control, and the activity of C-acquiring enzymes presented significantly positive correlation with SOC and LOC. In organic amendments, bacteria and fungi community were respectively dominated by deterministic and stochastic processes, while OF exerted more selective pressure on soil microbe. Compared with SR, OF had greater potential to boost the microbial community robustness through increasing the natural connectivity and stimulating fungal taxa activities in inter-kingdom microbial networks. Altogether 67 soil metabolites were significantly affected by organic amendments, most of them belonged to benzenoids (Ben), lipids and lipid-like molecules (LL), and organic acids and derivatives (OA). These metabolites were mainly derived from lipid and amino acid metabolism pathways. A list of keystone genera such as stachybotrys and phytohabitans were identified as important to soil metabolites, SOC, and C-acquiring enzyme activity. Structural equation modeling showed that soil quality properties were closely associated with LL, OA, and PP drove by microbial community assembly and keystone genera. Overall, these findings suggested that straw and organic fertilizer might drive keystone genera dominated by determinism to mediate soil lipid and amino acid metabolism for improving soil quality, which provided new insights into understanding the microbial-mediated biological process in amending soil quality.