Soil Research Institute Research Articles

A comparative study between the efficacy of fertigation and spraying procedures in terms of the content of Cadmium (Cd) and Arsenic (As) in greenhouse cucumber.

A comparative study between fertigation and spraying procedures in terms of the status of Cadmium (Cd) and Arsenic (As) in greenhouse cucumber was conducted as a two-factor split plot based on a randomized complete block design with three replications at the Soil and Water Research Institute, Karaj, Iran in 2023. The main and sub-factors were respectively fertigation and spraying that were used in two levels [the maximum permissible concentration of Cd and As in granular triple super phosphate fertilizer (25ppm Cd and 50ppm As) and the minimum permissible concentration of these metals in granular triple super phosphate fertilizer (5ppm Cd and 5ppm As)]. Spraying was done in three modes (spraying of leaves, leaves and fruit, and fruit). On average, the results showed that the order of the concentration of Cd in plant tissues (DW) was as leaf (0.284mg/kg) > fruit peel (0.102mg/kg) > fruit peel + flesh (0.054mg/kg) > fruit flesh (0.044mg/kg). This order for As was as leaf (0.608mg/kg) > fruit flesh (0.127mg/kg) > fruit peel + flesh (0.109mg/kg) > fruit peel (0.072mg/kg). Based on the measurements, the spraying procedure accumulated more amounts of Cd and As in the fruit (i.e., peel + flesh) than the fertigation procedure. In general, it is concluded that under soilless culture, the status of heavy metals in plant tissues of greenhouse cucumber is related to the nature of the metal, the organ exposed to the metal, and the fertilization procedure. Because there is the risk of contamination of vegetables grown in the areas fertigated and sprayed with poor-quality nutrient solutions in terms of the content of heavy metals, the frequency of fertigation and spraying needs to be monitored continuously for the quality of the vegetables cultivated in greenhouses.

Spraying or fertigation? looking for the better method in terms of the lower concentration of Pb and Ni in greenhouse cucumber.

This study was conducted to investigate the status of Lead (Pb) and Nickel (Ni) in greenhouse cucumber affected by fertigation and spraying as a factorial split plot arrangement based on a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications at Soil and Water Research Institute, Karaj, Iran in 2023. The main and sub-plots were respectively fertigation and spraying that was applied in two levels [the minimum permissible concentration of these metals in granular triple super phosphate fertilizer (five ppm Pb and five ppm Ni) as the control treatment, and the maximum permissible concentration of Pb and Ni in granular triple super phosphate fertilizer (50 ppm Pb and 100 ppm Ni)]. Spraying was done in three modes (spraying leaves, leaves + fruit, and fruit). Based on the results, the highest concentration of Pb in the fruit (fruit peel + fruit flesh) (0.295 mg/kg DW) was recorded in the fertigation + spraying with the maximum permissible concentrations of Pb and Ni treatments. A general comparison between the two fertilization methods showed that the sprayingmethod accumulated a higher concentration of Pb in the fruit (i.e., peel + flesh) than the fertigation method. The reverse of this status happened for Ni, so the fertigation method accumulated a higher concentration of Ni in the fruit (skin + flesh) compared to the spraying method. On average, the order of Pb concentration in different organs was as follows: leaf (0.765mg/kg) > fruit peel (0.232mg/kg) > fruit peel + flesh (0.174mg/kg) > fruit flesh (0.129mg/kg). This order for Ni was as follows: fruit flesh (0.597mg/kg) > fruit peel + flesh (0.345mg/kg) > leaf (0.3mg/kg) > fruit peel (0.175mg/kg). These orders show that the status of the heavy metals in plant tissues is related to the nature of the metal, the type of the organ, and the method of fertilization.

Decomposed chicken feather: A biostimulant to lettuce (Lactuca sativa) growth

It is crucial to produce plant growth biostimulants from waste and renewable resources. A study was carried during 2020 at the Soil and Water Research Institute, Karaj, Iran to evaluate the effect of decomposed chicken feather as a biostimulant on lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) growth. A total of 29 soil samples from 15 Iranian regions were used to isolate and identify the bacteria and 31 strains that were able to produce keratinase and capable of feather degrading were isolated. Then, 8 isolates that were able to degrade the feather during 7 days were selected as the superior strains. Based on the results Bacillus siamensis c11, Bacillus methylotrophicus gh1 and Bacillus methylotrophicus a2 were identified as the new strains that can produce keratinase enzyme. Then, the effect of foliar spraying of the solutions produced from feather degradation by the new strains (c11, gh1, and a2) on the growth of lettuce was investigated. The results showed that the solution produced by methylotrophicus gh1 strain significantly increased the fresh and dry weight of the shoot and root (respectively, 25.9, 36.9, 34.1 and 51.9% increase compared to the control). It is concluded that the microbial solution of these three microbes as a consortium could be quite a new addition on one hand, could also reduce the human allergy as a via- medium of waste disposal.

Influence of biochar and NPK on soil chemical properties, growth and yield of cabbage (Brassica oleracea L.)

Few studies have examined how fertilizers affect soil chemical properties, cabbage (Brassica oleracea L.) yield, and nutrient uptake in Ghana. This study examined how corn cob biochar (CCB) and NPK (15:15:15) fertilizer affected cabbage growth, yield, soil chemical properties, and nutrient uptake. The study was conducted during the 2021 major season at Soil Research Institute, Kwadaso. A 3×3 factorial experiment set out in a Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications was conducted. The treatments applied were control (No fertilizer), 50% NPK, 100% NPK, 2,500 kg ha-1 CCB, 50% NPK + 2,500 kg ha-1 CCB, 100% NPK + 2,500 kg ha-1 CCB, 5,000 kg ha-1 CCB, 50% NPK + 5,000 kg ha-1 CCB and 100% NPK + 5,000 kg ha-1 CCB. Application of 100% NPK resulted in the largest (2.99 cm) stem diameter. Application of 100% NPK + 5,000 kg ha-1 CCB resulted in the tallest plants (42.3 cm) and cabbage leaf spread (71.23 cm). Application of 100% NPK + 5,000 kg ha-1 CCB resulted in the largest cabbage head circumference (67.43 cm). The 100% NPK + 2,500 kg ha-1 CCB gave the highest yield (40679 kg ha-1). 100% NPK + 2,500 kg ha-1 CCB increased nitrogen uptake, 50% NPK + 5,000 kg ha-1 increased phosphorus and calcium uptake, 100% NPK + 5,000 kg increased potassium uptake, and 50% NPK + 2,500 kg increased magnesium uptake. Therefore, it is suggested that CCB and NPK fertilizers be applied to enhance the soil’s physical and chemical properties, nutrient uptake, and other factors contributing to cabbage growth and yield.

Application of Clay and Rice Husk Biochar and its effect on Soil Pore Distribution of Psamment and Corn Yield

Abstract The effect of clay and rice husk biochar application under minimum soil tillage on soil pore distribution of psamment and corn yield was conducted in Batang Anai District, Padang Pariaman Regency. Plot experiment consisting of four treatment (without clay or biochar; 20 ton clay/ha; 20 ton biochar/ha; and 20 ton biochar/ha + 20 ton clay/ha) with 3 replications. Soil samples were analyzed at the soil laboratory, Faculty of Agriculture, Andalas University Padang and Soil Laboratory, Bogor Soil Research Institute. Soil physical properties were categorized by soil criteria, while crop growth and yield data were statistically analyzed using F test and DNMRT at 5% level. Results showed that application of 20 ton/ha of clay and rice husk biochar improved soil physical properties of psamment namely: decreasing soil bulk density, increasing total soil porosity, aeration pores, and available water pores. The application of biochar and clay has also increased the growth and yield of corn.

Karık ve Damla Sulama Yöntemleriyle Kırmızı Biberde Farklı Sulama Stratejilerinin Yaprak Osmotik Potansiyeli ile K ve Ca İyon Konsantrasyonları Üzerine Etkilerinin Belirlenmesi

A study was managed to identify the water stress effect on marketable yield, osmatic potential, and potassium (K) and calcium (Ca) ions for drip and furrow irrigated processing red pepper in the 2010 and 2011 growing seasons in Tarsus, Turkey. The treatments for drip irrigation; comprise full irrigation (DFI1.0), deficit irrigation DDI0.75, DPRD0.5, DFPRD0.5, and DDI0.5; for furrow irrigation; full irrigation (FFI1.0), fix alternative furrow (FAF0.5) and PRD furrow (FPRD0.5). FAF0.5 and FPRD0.5 received 50 % of the water applied to FFI1.0. In FAF0.5 the same furrows were irrigated while in FPRD0.5 irrigated alternately. Irrigation methods and irrigation levels had a remarkable effect on the total yield of red pepper in both experimental years. Drip irrigation treatments manufactured higher red pepper yields than the furrow irrigation treatments. The maximum yield in the drip irrigation system was acquired from the DFI1.0 treatment followed by DDI0.75, DDI0.5, and DFPRD0.5 treatments. Though DPRD0.5, DFPRD0.5, and DDI0.5 applied the same amount of water, DPRD0.5 resulted in a higher yield. In furrow treatments, FFI1.0 resulted in the highest yield followed by FPRD0.5 and FAF0.5. Water use efficiency (WUE) diminished with increasing the water amount for drip and furrow irrigation methods. While lower osmotic potential values were measured in full irrigation treatments in furrow and drip irrigation plots, higher osmotic potential values were determined in treatments where water stress was determined in both years. In both drip and furrow irrigation, the lowest Ca (%) values were obtained in full irrigation, while the highest Ca values were obtained in limited irrigation with water stress in the 2010 and 2011 years. K ion values were generally similar in the first and fourth pepper harvests in drip and furrow irrigation.

USE OF PLANT GROWTH PROMOTING RHIZOBACTERIA CONTAINING ACC- DEAMINASE ACTIVITY FOR IMPROVING GROUNDNUT YIELD IN RAINFED AREA

Groundnut (Arachis hypogea) is amongst the most valuable leguminous cash crops grown in rainfed areas. The role of plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) containing ACC-deaminase is considered vital promoting plant roots under moisture deficit conditions. Under these circumstances a research experiment was conducted at the farm area of Soil and Water Conservation Research Institute, Chakwal in association with PMAS Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi for 3 years consecutively during 2015-2017. The main objective of the experiment was to exploit and evaluate the impact of PGPR deaminase activity on yield of groundnut crop. The four treatments included farmer practice (no compost & inoculums), with inoculums, with compost and compost + inoculums in 4 replications under RCBD. The improvement recorded in the pod yield of groundnut was 12 %, in the number of pods plant-1 by 20 % and the shelling percentage by 2 % by application of the treatment inoculum + compost. Conclusively, it was ascertained that PGPR containing ACC-deaminase application is an effective approach to enhance groundnut crop production and soil characteristics of degraded soils under rainfed scenario.

Effect of Cyanobacteria-Enriched Compost on Maize (Zea mays. L) Growth and Yield and Nutrient Uptake in Inceptisols

Increased production of food crops has various obstacles, including soil fertility, which is also caused by the price of inorganic fertilizers, which is burdensome for farmers. Organic and biofertilizers can reduce the use of inorganic fertilizers and the level of degradation of soil fertility. The research was conducted in the greenhouse of Indonesia Soil Research Institute in Bogor from October 2021 to March 2022. The treatments were laid out in a randomized block design consisting of 12 treatments with three replications, consisting of level doses of NPK combined with compost, cyanobacteria, and (Cyanobacteria-enriched compost). (NPK75%+compost) treatment gave the highest corn cobs and grain yield by 209.86 g plant-1 (8.55%) and 163.49 g plant-1 (6.42%), respectively compared to NPK100%. The treatment of (NPK75%+compost) gave a similar grain yield with 100% NPK and can scale down NPK used by 25%. (NPK50%+cyanobacteria-enriched compost) treatment increased N uptake by 48.81% compared to NPK100%. The treatment of (NPK50%+cyanobacteria-enriched compost) increased P uptake by 0.8 mg plant-1 or 17.0% compared to NPK50%+compost. At NPK50%+cyanobacteria, K uptake increased by about 31.46% compared to NPK50%.

An Exploratory Research on the Adoption of Different Phosphate-Solubilizing Fungi for Production of Phosphate Biofertilizers

Using the inherent capacity of the soil to meet the nutritional needs of plants is considered an efficient and environmentally friendly solution. In order to study the survival of different phosphate-solubilizing fungi in different combinations of rock phosphate and organic matter as the basis of biofertilizer with the aim of producing an effective formula of biological phosphorus granular fertilizer, this study was conducted as a factorial experiment based on a completely randomized design with three replications. For this purpose, after isolating phosphate-solubilizing fungal strains from agricultural soils in different regions of Iran (Fars, Kermanshah and Razavi Khorasan provinces), the superior strains with high growth stimulating capability were selected for bio-fertilizer formulation based on determination of fungi survival. In order to study the survival of the superior strains [including Talaromyces pinophilus strain 1FB, T. pinophilus strain MFA, Talaromyces verruculosus strain PF157-2 and Aspergillus tubingensis strain PF140-2], six levels of carrier including 100% rock phosphate, 80% rock phosphate + 20% organic matter, 60% rock phosphate + organic matter 40%, 40% rock phosphate + 60% organic matter, 20% rock phosphate + 80% organic matter and 10% rock phosphate + 90% organic matter were used in three temperature levels (28, 40 and 50 °C) during eight time periods (15 days, 30 days, 45 days, 60 days, 75 days, 90 days, 105 days and 120 days) under incubation condition. The results showed that based on the longer time of survival, and the instruction of Soil and Water Research Institute, Karaj, Iran, for the minimum acceptable number of phosphate solubilizing fungi in granulated phosphate microbial fertilizer, a granulated phosphate microbial fertilizer included each of the isolates (respectively PF 157-2 > PF 140-2 > MFA≫ 1FB), a carrier with at least 20% rock phosphate + at least 20% organic matter, and at the temperature of 28 or 40 °C may be developed and recommended in the agricultural soils as an environment-friendly source of phosphorus.

Effect of feldspar and bentonite as soil amendments and foliar silicon application on soil physical properties and maize productivity in sandy soil El-Edfawy, Y. M. and Fanous, N. I. Soil, Water and Environment Research Institute, Agric., Res. Center, Giza, Egypt.

Effect of feldspar and bentonite as soil amendments and foliar silicon application on soil physical properties and maize productivity in sandy soil El-Edfawy, Y. M. and Fanous, N. I. Soil, Water and Environment Research Institute, Agric., Res. Center, Giza, Egypt.

Analysis of physical and chemical characteristics of soil in coffee plantations in the Mount Puntang Social Forestry Area, West Java

Characteristics of soil physics, chemistry, and altitude are important aspects to assess the quality and level of soil fertility. Field studies and laboratory analysis have been carried out to determine some of the physical and chemical characteristics of the soil at an altitude of 1200 m 1300 m 1500 m above sea level. The research aims to analyze the physical and chemical properties of the soil at various altitudes in the coffee plantation social forestry area. The research was conducted in the highlands of Mount Puntang, West Java Province, using survey methods, field observations, and laboratory analysis. Soil samples were taken randomly and then analyzed for soil water content, texture, pH, C-Organic, Nitrogen, C/N ratio, P2O5, and K2O at the Cimanggu Soil Research Institute Laboratory, Bogor. The results showed that the highest available soil water was found at an altitude of 1300 m asl, namely, 15.83% at a depth of 30 cm, with a dusty loam texture. While pH (4.50 - 6.00), C-organic (1.99 - 4.32 %), N-total, (0.18 - 0.32 %) C/N-ratio (11 - 14 % ), P2O5 (8 -13 ppm) and K2O (461 – 579 ppm).
 
 Keywords: coffee plantation, physical properties, chemical properties, arabica Puntang, Puntang mountain

CALIBRATION OF SOIL NUTRIENT MEASUREMENTS WITH MULTIPLE EXTRACTIONS USING INDUCTIVELY COUPLED PLASMA (ICP)

Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP) instrument is a tool used to measure nutrients in the soil, plants, fertilizers, and water, good measurement requires a specific extraction. This study was conducted from March to November 2013 at the Soil Testing and Research Laboratory, Indonesian Soil Research Institute. The soils were collected from the Banten, West Java, and Central Java. The experiment was carried out by the statistical method of two means. The soil used was 100 g of wind-dried soil, which was analyzed by extracting Morgan Venema, Wet Ashing HNO3 and HClO4, Morgan Wolf. The observation was made on the chemical properties of the soil with various concentrations and several extracts. The best extraction was determined based on the value of R2 and the significance of the regression equation between the results of soil analysis of several extractions with the percent yield and nutrient uptake as measured by ICP and AAS tools. The experimental results showed that the ICP-OES and AAS tools could be used with some extractions. This was indicated by the significant regression coefficient data on various extraction. The parameters K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn, Cu, and Zn were obtained in the HNO3 and HClO4 extraction, which could be said to be the best extractions used in ICP and AAS equipment. Morgan Wolf extract obtained insignificant results on Cu measurements. This showed that the Cu parameters in the Morgan Wolf extract were not suitable for analysis with ICP.

Analysis of Soil Fertility in Oil Palm Plantation (Elaeis guineensis Jacq) Smallholder Farmers in East Luwuk District, Banggai Regency

One of the factors that influence the production of oil palm plantations is the condition of the land favorable for their growth and development, especially regarding the physical and chemical properties of the soil and the status of soil fertility. The purpose of this study was to determine soil’s physical and chemical properties, as well as its fertility status on smallholder oil palm plantations. Soil sampling was conducted through a descriptive exploratory survey method, involving six sampling points and representing three oil palm ages (11, 16, and 22 years old). The soil chemical and fertility status were analyzed using the National Criteria of Soil Chemical Properties developed by Soil Research Institute and Five Major Soil Chemical Properties approach developed by Soil Research Center. All observed soil exhibited clay textures and varying soil color matrix. The soil had neutral acidity, medium to high base saturation/BS and cation exchange capacity/CEC, moderate P2O5, as well as low organic C and K2O. Soil fertility status on the entire sites were classified as low, which primarily caused by low soil organic C and K contents. In order to improve soil condition favorably for oil palm growth and development, further studies must be conducted using more direct approach, relating the oil palm requirement with current state of soil and land conditions.

Soil organic carbon of grassland and bush forest on dryland in Aceh Besar District, Indonesia

Abstract. Abdullah UH, Sufardi S, Syafruddin S, Arabia T. 2022. Soil organic carbon of grassland and bush forest on dryland in Aceh Besar District, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 23: 2594-2600. Soil organic carbon (SOC) is one of the important components that can improve soil conditions and maintain agriculture sustainability. This study was conducted to determine the potential of soil organic carbon in grassland and bush forest in Aceh Besar District. We used purposive random sampling by taking soil samples at various depths with five samples for each land type. The parameters of soil bulk density, % carbon soil, the potential of carbon and carbon stock were analyzed. Soil organic carbon (SOC) analysis followed the Walkley and Black method using analytical guidelines from the Indonesian Soil Research Institute. The results showed that land type and soil depth affected bulk density, % carbon soil, the potential of carbon and carbon stock. Land type affected soil organic carbon in which grasslands had a higher soil carbon than bush forests. In total, total soil carbon stock in the bush forest of Aceh Besar District was higher than that in grassland due to the much larger extent of bush forest in the district. Land use management efforts to improve soil SOC need to be carried out and in collaboration with various parties. Thus, it is necessary to maintain the availability of soil carbon stock for sustainable land management, including agriculture.

Impact of heat stress on reproductive performance of Sahiwal cows

The objective of the present study was to investigate the effect of temperature humidity index (THI) and indicator of heat stress on reproductive performance i.e. calving interval, conception rate and pregnancy rate of Sahiwal cows maintained under Livestock Research Center, National Dairy Research Center, Karnal. A total calving record pertaining to 3000 lactations of 847 Sahiwal cows, spread over 26 years from 1990 to 2015 from were considered for the present study. The daily ambient temperature and relative humidity records were collected from Central Soil Salinity and Research Institute, Karnal and NICRA center (Climate Resilient Livestock Research Center), NDRI, Karnal. All statistical procedures were performed using SAS Statistical Package. A univariate logistic regression model was fitted to assess the effect of independent variable THI on the dependent variables conception and pregnancy status. A distinct relationship between THI and calving interval was observed in the present study, the cows had a significant longer calving interval at high THI as compared with low THI. It was observed that the average calving interval was increased by 2 days with per unit increase in THI value. Pregnancy rate and Conception rate of Sahiwal animals was significantly reduced from 35% at low THI to 18% at high THI and from 55% at low THI to 26% at high THI respectively with decreasing odd ratio. In conclusion high environmental temperature reduces the reproductive performance of animals and significantly influences the animal productivity.

Analysis of Soil Biological Conditions in Organic and Inorganic Agriculture Areas in Tanah Datar Regency

Enzyme activity due to soil microbial activity is an important event in knowing the status of microbial biomass and as an indicator of the occurrence of nutrient cycling. This activity is not just a chemical event, but rather a complex biological process related to the interaction of life interests between organism. The activities of each soil microbial group further emphasize its diversity status, and have an impact on various bioprocess events that allow the degradation and synthesis of soil organic matter. Respiration events are a description of the acceleration of bioprocesses carried out by soil microbial biomass. The implementation of an enzymatic process can reflect an integrated chemical process, physics and mineralization that occurs in the soil as a result of microbial activity, in maintaining and realizing the resilience of its ecosystem. This research is a survey method and soil sampling (purposive sampling) followed by soil testing in the laboratory with the following stages: (a) analysis of experimental soil samples at the Soil Biology Laboratory, Soil Research Institute, Bogor, (b) interview. Analysis of organic and organic soil nitrogenase activity in Jorong Carano Batirai and Jorong Aie Angek, Tanah Datar Regency obtained a total of 4 samples. Indicates the presence of nitrogenase activity, namely NOI, NAI, NOII and NAII. The highest nitrogenase activity based on ARA was in the NOII sample and the lowest was in the NAI sample. Land management affects urease activity, urease is an enzyme that is sensitive to various levels of land management. Higher urease activity with organic use, because the level of land management is less intensive and receives little inorganic fertilizer or pesticide.
 Keywords : soil enzyme activity, soil biological fertility

Penyuluhan Kesuburan Tanah, Pupuk Organik serta Hama dan Penyakit Tanaman bagi Kelompok Tani Baranuri

<p><em><strong>Counseling of Soil Fertility, Organic Fertilizers, Pests and Plant Diseases for Baranuri Farmers Group</strong>. </em>The Baranuri Farmers Group (KT. Baranuri) is one of the providers of vegetables for the people of Ende City. The results of interviews with farmers obtained several problems, namely, there is no data on soil fertility and lack of understanding of soil fertility, organic fertilizers, pests and plant diseases. The solution given is to analyze soil pH and organic-C to be used as a reference for soil fertility conditions as well as counseling about soil fertility, organic fertilizers, pests and plant diseases. This service activity aims to provide information on soil fertility, increase farmers' knowledge regarding soil fertility, organic fertilizers and plant pests and diseases. The counseling method used is a group approach. Purposive soil sampling, samples were taken diagonally. The organic-C content was analyzed in the laboratory by Walkley and Black method, while soil pH was measured directly on the field using 4 in 1 Soil Survey Instrument and then matching with the criteria of assessment of soil analysis results by the Indonesian Soil Research Institute. The results obtained were the soil pH was 4-5 (very acidic-acidic) and soil organic C was 2.03-2.37% (moderate). The extension activities were succeeded in increasing public knowledge from 46.7% to 86.7% (an increase of 85.7%). The recommendation from this activity is to create a demonstration field to apply an organic fertilizer that can be observed directly by farmer groups.</p>

بررسی تأثیر نسبت های مختلف کلسیم به منیزیم آب آبیاری بر خصوصیات رشدی و عملکرد کینوا (.Chenopodium quinoa Willd)

Introduction Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) is a facultative halophyte with very high adaptability to varied climatic conditions and high nutritional value. Different quinoa cultivars can have economical and stable yield in saline soil and water conditions. In addition to salinity, the chemical composition of irrigation water and thus soil solution affect the uptake and transfer of water and nutrients, and so plant yield. The intensity of this effect depends on various factors such as plant species. Calcium to magnesium ratio (Ca/Mg) is one of the quality indicators of irrigation water that can affect soil physical conditions and nutrient uptake independent of salinity level. A Ca/Mg < 1 and exchangeable magnesium percentage more than 25% in irrigation water are considered high enough to reduce soil quality and crop yields. Currently, frequent droughts and high water extraction have caused a sharp drop in water levels, increase in salinity, and in some cases a decrease in the Ca/Mg in the groundwater of most arid regions of the country. Since the effect of Ca/Mg in irrigation water on growth and yield of quinoa has not been studied so far, so the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of different Ca/Mg in irrigation water on growth parameters and quinoa grain yield in saline conditions. Materials and methods To study the effect of different Ca/Mg of irrigation water on quinoa growth and yield, three separate experiments in a randomized complete block design with four replications were conducted at the Research Greenhouse of Soil and Water Research Institute in 2018. Experimental treatments included three different Ca/Mg in irrigation water consisting of 0.25, 0.5 and 1, which were made by sodium chloride, magnesium and calcium as nutrient solutions fit to the salinity tolerance threshold of quinoa at different growth stages. In the previous research, yield reduction thresholds for Titicaca cultivar at different growth stages in a soilless culture (perlite) were a: 8 dS m-1 for emergence, b: 15 dS m-1 for flowering and c: 20 dS m-1 for grain filling. To conduct this research, 100 quinoa seeds were planted in pots, and the pots were irrigated with 8 dS m-1 water along with the desired Ca/Mg treatments. After establishing the quinoa seedlings and thinning to six plants per pot, pot irrigation was done with 15 dS m-1 salinity along with the desired treatments. After ensuring the end of the flowering stage, the remaining pots were irrigated with 20 dS m-1 salinity with the desired treatments until physiological ripening. Finally, the analysis of variance of the data was performed using SAS software and the means were compared with the protected LSD at 5% probability level. Results and discussion The results showed that the emergence percentage and non-uniformity of quinoa were not affected by Ca/Mg of irrigation water, however, increasing the magnesium amount significantly improved the emergence rate of quinoa seeds. Although the results showed that the fresh and dry weight at the flowering stage was significantly affected by Ca/Mg of irrigation water, the yield and yield components were not significantly affected. Therefore, the quinoa growth and yield are not affected by the ionic composition of irrigation water in terms of low Ca/Mg, however, the composition of absorbed and accumulated ions in plant tissues are significantly changed. So, compared to other conventional crops, quinoa has the potential to produce economic yield in saline conditions and is not affected by the Ca/Mg of water sources. Conclusion The results of this study showed that different Ca/Mg in irrigation water do not reduce the growth and yield of quinoa. Therefore, if the salinity tolerance threshold of the plant is considered, low water quality in terms of high magnesium concentration does not damage the plant and so can be cultivated with saline water sources such as diluted seawater.

Effect of Gypsum on Rice Growth in Three Salt- affected Agricultural Soils in the Ho-Keta Plain

Aims: To assess the growth attribute of NERRICA- L19 rice in three salt-affected Agricultural soils amended with Gypsum from the Ho- Keta plain in the Volta region, Ghana.&#x0D; Study Design: Complete Randomized Design.&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: Soil Research Institute, Kwadaso, Kumasi between June 2016 and July 2019.&#x0D; Methodology: Approximately 2.6 kg of the soil samples were taken from three different sites, namely, Anyako, Anyenui and Atiehife and were mixed thoroughly with different rates 0%, 75% and 100% of Gypsum, (CaSO4.2H2O) and filled into thirty six perforated polyvinyl plastic pots. The pots were saturated with water and incubated for 24 h. Twenty-one-day old seedlings of NERRICA- L 19 rice were transplanted into the pots, arranged in a randomized complete design and leached for four weeks. Core sample of the soils from each pot were taken and analyzed at the end of the experiment. Data on growth attributes (plant height, number of leaves and number of tillers) and leave tissue compositions (Ca, Mg, K, Na, P and N) were measured.&#x0D; Results: The study revealed that Gypsum rates at (75 and 100%) increased the growth attributes and tissue concentrations of NERRICA- L 19 rice compared to the control. Growth parameters, such as plant height, number of leaves and tiller for Anyako, Anyenui and Atiehife soils, increased as Gypsum levels increased with significant differences in the height of the plants and the number of plant leaves recorded (P = 0.05). However there was no significant difference in tillers growth recorded for Atiehife soil, compared to Anyako and Anyenui soils (P = 0.05). The chemical constituents of the leave tissue, showed high composition of calcium and potassium than magnesium, while the composition of sodium decreased. The concentration of calcium, magnesium and potassium increased significantly at (P = 0.05) in Anyako and Atiehife soils with no-significant level in Anyenui soil. The trend was the same for the concentration of sodium.&#x0D; The concentration of nitrogen and phosphorus increased as the level of treatment increased. In respect to P accumulation, the differences were not significant in Atiehife soils, but was significant in Anyako and Anyenui soils.&#x0D; Conclusion: Gypsum application significantly enhanced nutrient uptake and increased the growth attributes of NERRICA - L19 rice compared to the control. Atiehife soil responded better to the reclamation process than the remaining soils, showing high growth performance. Gypsum applied at the rate of 16.92 kg/ha was recommended for adoption.

Assessment of Gypsum as a Soil Ameliorant on Salt-affected Soils in the Ho-Keta Plain of the Volta Region, Ghana

Aims: To assess the effectiveness of Gypsum as a chemical ameliorant on three selected salt-affected soils of the Ho-Keta plain, in the Volta region of Ghana.&#x0D; Study Design: Complete Randomized Design.&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: Soil Research Institute, Kwadaso, Kumasi between June 2014 and July 2019.&#x0D; Methodology: Soil sampling was taken in two forms. The initial sampling was taken at a depth of 0-30 cm from Anyako, Anyenui and Atiehife for the soil physical and chemical analysis. Samples were further taken from profiles, composited and sub-sampled for the leaching experiment. Approximately 2.6 kg of the soil samples from the different sites were taken, mixed thoroughly with different rates 0%, 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% of Gypsum, (CaSO4.2H2O) and filled into fifteen perforated polyvinyl plastic pots and replicated four times. The pots were saturated with water, incubated for 24 h and leached intermittently with 120 mL distilled water for a period of four weeks.&#x0D; Results: Significant displacement of Na+ by Ca2+ and subsequently leached became evident in the reduced values recorded for pH, EC and SAR. The applied gypsum reduced pH within a range of 4.0 to 4.2 compared to the original soil with no significant differences among the treatments at p = 0.05. Though a similar trend was observed for EC, significant difference at p = 0.05 was observed at gypsum level above 50%. Sodium adsorption ratio recorded a marked difference as gypsum level was varied with significant difference at p = 0.05 compare to the control. &#x0D; Conclusion: The study revealed that gypsum rates at 75% and 100% Gypsum requirement were effective in improving the chemical properties of the soils with significant reductions in salinity, sodicity and pH. Atiehife soil performed better compared to Anyenui and Anyako soils.