Soils In Study Area Research Articles

Impact of Crude Oil Pollution on some Geotechnical Characteristics of North Rumaila Soils in the Southern Iraqi Province of Basrah Governorate

Background: Pollution affects the soil and results in a change in its natural, chemical, or organic characteristics and properties, which directly or indirectly affect the geotechnical properties of the soil and make it unsuitable for engineering use. The aim of the study is to determine how adding various amounts of crude oil to the study area's soil affects the soil's geotechnical characteristics, including soil shear resistance, compaction coefficients, and California bearing capacity. Materials and Methods: The North Rumaila site was chosen for the study. At a depth of one meter, natural, pollution-free soil was extracted, and weight percentages of 2%, 4%, 6%, 8%, and 10% of crude oil were added. Grain size analysis, moisture content, direct shear, compaction, and Californian bearing tests were conducted. Results: The findings indicate that the soil at the North Rumaila site has a moisture content of 6.45% and is mostly silty sand with small amounts of clay and gravel. Crude oil was added to the soil, which caused the Californian to lose some of its bearing capacity, the optimal moisture content to raise, the angle of internal friction to decrease, and the bearing capacity of the soil to decrease. Conclusion: Pollution by crude oil effects negatively impacted the soil's geotechnical qualities.

Characteristics and risk assessments of mercury pollution in a county region undergoing industrialization in northeastern China: a case study in Gongzhuling

Mercury pollution in emerging industrial zones and surrounding areas, especially in industrial concentration areas, has attracted much attention. So as to clarify the characteristics of Hg in the environment in China’s small and medium-sized industrial emerging and surrounding areas, central urban area of Gongzhuling, a traditional agricultural town with a high degree of industrialization in northeast Changchun industrial base, is taken as the scope. Geological accumulation trin (Igeo) was used to study the degree of soil mercury contamination in Gongzhuling area, latent Er (ecological risk) trin was used to appraise the Er of soil Hg in the study area, and non-carcinogenic risk assessment of mercury in soil using human exposure risk assessment model. The results showed that 34% of soil samples had higher Hg content than the background value of the province’s soil (0.04 mg kg−1). The Igeo results showed that Hg pollution rate of soil in study area was 9% (index >0). In conclusion, the level of soil Hg pollution in Gongzhuling area was low, and the pollution area is mainly concentrated in the northwestern part of the study range. The highest and lowest Er values of soil Hg from the study sample were 2.23 and 214.83, and 24% of the samples had Er > 40, that means they pose a moderate or higher potential ecological risk, and most of these points are located in the northeast of the study range. The main route of human exposure to Hg is oral ingestion. The HQ (non-carcinogenic risk index) and HI (total non-carcinogenic risk value) of soil mercury were both much less than 1, it indicates that the present level of soil Hg in the study range does not pose a threat to local adult health for the time being. This study provides reference for other urban pollution risk assessment, and further defines the direction of future work.

Development of an integrated framework for dissecting source-oriented ecological and health risks of heavy metals in soils

Heavy metals (HMs) in soils pose significant risks on ecosystem and human health. To design targeted regulatory measures for mitigating and controlling the risk, it is necessary to accurately identify the pollution sources and environmental risks of soil HMs, as well as to reveal the linkages between them. To date, yet systematic investigation aimed at deciphering the links between source apportionment of soil HMs and their associated environmental risks is still lacking. To fill the gap, an integrated framework has been developed in this study and applied for dissecting the source-sink relationship and source-oriented ecological and health risks of soil HMs in Shanxi, a province with rich coal resource, in which long-term coal mining activities in history has resulted in soil HMs pollution and unavoidably posed environmental risks. Two advanced receptor models, multivariate curve resolution alternating least squares based on maximum likelihood principal component analysis (MCR-ALS/MLPCA) and multilinear engine 2 (ME2), have been employed for apportioning the potential sources, and their apportionment results are jointly incorporated into a modified ecological risk index and a probabilistic health risk assessment model for identifying the source-oriented ecological and health risks posed by soil metals. The results show that the soils in study area have been polluted by HMs (i.e., Cd, Cr, Hg and As) to varying degrees. Industrial activities (35%–35.8%), agricultural activities (11.1%–20.5%), atmospheric deposition (10.5%–13%) and mix source (31.5%–42.6%) are apportioned as the main contributors of soil HMs in the area. The source-oriented ecological risk assessment suggests Hg has presented significant ecological risk and largely contributed by the sources from atmospheric deposition and industrial activities. The source-oriented health risk assessment shows the non-carcinogenic hazard level and carcinogenic risk posed by soil HMs in the study area are acceptable. Relatively, industrial activities and mix source have contributed more on the health risks.

Land Evaluation of Tribal Talukas of Bharuch District in South Gujarat, India

Climate change interrupts existing agriculture, emphasizing the need for land evaluation to assess current capacities and introduce climate-resilient alternative crops. A study was undertaken to evaluate soils of three tribal talukas viz. Jhagadia, Netrang and Valia of Bharuch district in South Gujarat during 2021-24. The total fifteen representative soil profiles were identified and excavated from various landforms based on GIS maps. Land evaluation was conducted using land capability classification, land irrigability classification and soil site suitability for existing crops and alternative crops for the study area. The study area is predominantly classified under Land Capability Class II, indicating minor limitations and covering the majority of the region. The study area also includes Class III with moderate limitations and Class IV in Netrang taluka, which faces severe limitations due to soil quality, wetness, and erosion. The study area soils were grouped under three irrigability classes with further divided into six sub-classes based on the limitation of soils and site characteristics. Soil suitability indicates high cotton potential in specific profiles, while pigeonpea and soybean shows broad suitability. Sugarcane thrives in Jhagadia and Valia, with marginal suitability in Netrang and banana is highly suitable in most of Jhagadia. Key alternative crops suitable for the study area are finger millet, castor, groundnut, green gram, cluster bean, mango, guava and Kamalam. The study advocates soil and water conservation for intensified, sustainable agriculture, proposing tree-based BAIF's Wadi model for hilly terrains.

Source-specific ecological risk analysis and critical source identification of heavy metal(loid)s in the soil of typical abandoned coal mining area

Long-term coal mining activities in abandoned coal mining areas have resulted in the migration of large quantities of heavy metals into the surrounding soil environment, posing a threat to the regional ecological environment. This study focuses on the surface soil collected from a typical abandoned coal mining area. Methods such as the pollution index (PI) and potential ecological risk index (RI) were used to comprehensively evaluate the pollution levels and ecological risks of soil heavy metals. Geostatistical analysis and the APCS-MLR model were used to quantify the sources of soil heavy metals, and Nemerow integrated ecological risk (NIRI) model was coupled to apportion the ecological risks from different pollution sources. The results indicate that the average concentrations of Cd, As, and Zn are 4.58, 2.44, and 1.67 times the soil background values, respectively, while the concentrations of other heavy metals are below the soil background values. The soil of study area is strongly polluted by heavy metals, with the pollution level and ecological risk of Cd being significantly higher than those of other heavy metals. The NIRI calculation results show that the overall comprehensive ecological risk level is considerable, with sample points classified as relatively considerable, moderate, and low at 60.53 %, 36.84 %, and 2.63 %, respectively. The sources of soil heavy metals can be categorized into four types: traffic activities, natural sources, coal gangue accumulation, and a combined source of coal mining and agricultural activities, with contribution rates of 35.3 %, 36.1 %, 19.5 %, and 9.1 %, respectively. The specific source ecological risk assessment results indicate that coal gangue accumulation contributes the most to ecological risk (36.4 %) and should be prioritized for pollution control, with Cd being the priority control element for ecological risk. The findings provide theoretical support for the refined management of soil heavy metal pollution in abandoned coal mining areas.

Identification of Soil Fertility Constraints of Erstwhile Warangal District, Telangana, India, using GIS for their Precise Management for Sustainable Crop Productivity

The present investigation was carried out to identify soil fertility constraints and map the fertility status of erstwhile Warangal District, Telangana, India using geographic information system (GIS) and global positioning system (GPS). 241 geo-referenced surface soil samples (0-20 cm) from the study area were analyzed for their fertility parameters. Soil fertility maps were prepared for each parameter under GIS environment using Arc-GIS v 10.8.2. The soils in study area were slightly acidic to slightly alkaline in reaction (6.16 - 8.34), non saline in nature (0.14 to 1.00 dS m–1) and low to high (0.12 - 1.14%) in organic carbon (OC%) content. The soils were low in available nitrogen (136 to231 kg ha-1), low to high in available phosphorus (14.00 to 166.00 kg P2O5 ha-1) and medium to high in available potassium (199 to 997 kg K2O ha-1). The wide variation from deficient to sufficient was observed in the status of available zinc (0.13 to 2.05 mg kg-1), iron (0.09 to 11.80 mg kg-1), copper (0.14 to 2.14 mg kg-1) and manganese (0.18 to 10.30 mg kg-1). The soil fertility status in study area revealed that soil organic carbon, available nitrogen and zinc are important soil fertility constraints in the erstwhile Warangal District Telangana India. To build up organic matter, zinc content, native nitrogen and maintain nutrient balance in the soil the farmers are advised to adopt farmyard manure (FYM) and ZnSO4 application regularly.

Effects of atmospheric deposition on heavy metal contamination in paddy field systems under different functional areas in ChangZhuTan, Hunan Province, China

In recent decades, the problem of heavy metal contamination in rice paddies has attracted widespread attention. However, most studies on heavy metal contamination in paddy fields are biased towards soil and/or rice plants, without taking atmospheric deposition into account. In this study, atmospheric deposition, paddy soil, and rice samples were collected from three functional areas (area proximity to factories, along the roadside, and suburban) in ChangZhuTan, Hunan Province. The pollution characterization, translocation, and health risk of heavy metals were reassessed. The findings revealed that Cd and As contamination in the study area's soils was more severe, with point exceedance rates reaching 70 % and 35.9 %, respectively. The highest concentrations of As, Ni, Cd, and Pb in atmospheric deposition were found along the roadside, with 1.42 μg/m2/day, 3.21 μg/m2/day, 0.34 μg/m2/day, and 8.28 μg/m2/day, respectively. In area proximity to factories, As and Ni in atmospheric deposition showed to be lowest, whereas Cd and Pb concentrations showed lowest in suburban areas. Furthermore, the accumulation of Cd and Pb in rice grains in regions proximity to factories was significantly higher than in other regions. The human health risk assessment indicated the health risk caused by rice intake in areas proximity to factories was the highest and requires attention, which was mainly due to Cd accumulation, with HQ value reached 3.19. Correlation tests indicate that atmospheric deposition has a positive effect on heavy metal enrichment in rice grains. Further Random Forest analysis revealed that the transport of heavy metals from atmospheric deposition to leaves and shells were important influencing factors for As, Cd, Ni and Mg accumulation in rice grain. Therefore, more attention should be paid to the effects of atmospheric deposition on the accumulation of heavy metals in paddy fields in order to maintain the production safety of crops.

Mapping of plant nutrients in the soils of Bandarupalli and Mannasamudram villages in Yerpedu Mandal of Tirupati District: A GIS Approach

The present investigation involves understanding of the site-specific nutrient content through nutrient maps and recommendation of fertilizers based on the soil test values. The Fertilizer recommendations based on soil fertility status is the key for ensuring the productivity and sustainability of the system. The generation of soil fertility maps at Rythu Bharosa Kendra (RBK) or Farmer Assurance Centres level helps in judicious use of chemical fertilizers. The present study was conducted in Bandarupalli and Mannasamudram villages of Tirupati district, Andhra Pradesh. The soil fertility parameters were mapped by using the Arc GIS ver 10 software for major and micro nutrients. The spatial analysis of fertility of the study area indicated that the soils of study area were slightly acidic to strongly alkaline (6.17 to 8.71). The electrical conductivity (EC) was non- saline and ranged from 0.08 to 0.46 dS m-1 . The organic carbon was low to medium status. The available nitrogen was ranged from low to medium (50.16 – 304.6 kg ha-1 ), available phosphorous (13.4 – 89.6 kg ha-1 ) and potassium (69 – 925 kg ha-1 ) were ranged from low to high. The available calcium and magnesium were sufficient status ranged from 5.0 to 16.5 and 1.9 to 9.7 cmol (p+ ) kg-1 , respectively. The available sulphur varied from deficient to sufficient (2.5 to 24 mg kg-1 ). The DTPA extractable micronutrients viz., Cu, Mn and Zn were sufficient and ranged from 0.2 to 9.53, 1.33 to 9.37 and 0.62 to 9.32 mg kg-1 , respectively except iron which was in deficient to sufficient status (4.12 to 22.57 mg kg-1 ).

Microplastic pollution in terrestrial environment: Identification, characterization, and risk assessment in Indore, Central India

AbstractWidespread use of plastics and improper management of plastic waste have resulted in generation of microplastic particles in the environment. These microplastic particles are pervasive contaminants having potential to invade almost all the environmental matrices and biotic species including humans. Therefore, immediate concern is necessary to investigate the level of contamination and probable risk imposed because of microplastics. Present investigation has been carried out for estimating the presence of microplastics in terrestrial environment of Indore, which is considered as commercial capital of the state of Madhya Pradesh (India). Soil samples (30 in no.) were collected from agricultural and recreational areas of the city and analysed for the presence of microplastics. Approximately 11 particles/kg and 68.25 particles/kg were found in the agricultural and recreational site soil samples, respectively. Chemical composition analysis revealed that most of the microplastic particles belonged to polyethylene terephthalate, polypropylene, polyethylene, polyester, and polyamide. Significant presence of various fibres made up of polyester, polyacrylic, and cellulose acetate was also seen, which could be attributed to the presence of textile industries in and around Indore. Ecological risk assessment aided in concluding that study area soil is under the ‘very low’ risk category; however, considering the long‐term impacts of microplastics, suitable control measures for plastic waste are needed to be adopted.

Applicability of visual and analytical soil quality indicators in environmentally diverse catchments of the Ethiopian Rift

This research focuses on two science-based soil quality assessments, i.e., visual soil assessment (VSA) and analytical (lab-based) soil quality (SQ) assessment. The VSA, especially when conducted by farmers, offers a cost-effective approach to studying soil in extended study areas. However, little is known about the applicability of VSA in areas subjected to different degradation processes. Our study takes place in the lowland, midland, and highland agro-ecological zones (AEZs) of the Shafe and Sile-Elgo catchments, in the Southern Main Ethiopian Rift Valley. It aims to contribute to the state-of-art knowledge on VSA by evaluating its reproducibility when conducted by farmers and extensionists and its correlation to analytical SQ indicator scores, and to generate insight into SQ of the cropland in the various AEZs of two selected catchments. To that aim, 36 cropland fields were selected, half of these fields receiving soil and water conservation (SWC) practices, while no SWC was applied to the others. In each field, the VSA was conducted by farmers and experts, followed by laboratory analyses and calculation of an SQ index. Our finding reveals that overall VSA scores assigned by both groups were very strongly correlated (r=0.909–0.975, p<0.001) and reproducible at any level of stratification in the highly diverse, tropical study area covered in this research. However, the VSA indicator soil texture turned out to be non-reproducible. Both VSA and analytical SQ indicator scores are significantly (p<0.05) higher in fields receiving SWC practices and integrating both methods provided a clear contrast between fields that have good and poor SQ conditions in different AEZs of the catchments. The VSA method is less capable of capturing problems related to toxicities or low nutrient and water availability as a consequence of acidity, salinity and sodicity. Therefore, when the VSA method is applied to monitor SQ status of fields subjected to diverse degradation processes, it would be better to include specific indicators of pH and EC.

Assessment and Mapping of Soil Fertility Status of Migna Kura Kebele, Wayu Tuka District, East Wollega, Oromia, Ethiopia

Soil fertility decline is a significant obstacle to Ethiopia's increased food production, but information on current soil fertility status among the study areas is inadequate. Accurate soil fertility data is crucial for implementing effective strategies and developing targeted interventions to improve agricultural productivity and food security in Ethiopia. This study was initiated in this context with the aim of mapping the spatial distribution of specific soil parameters and assessing the status of soil fertility in Migna Kura Kebele, Wayu Tuka District, East Wollega, Ethiopia, providing crucial information for agrarian development. A total of 32 samples of surface soil were drawn at Stratifying random for laboratory analysis in 2019 G.C. Maps of soil fertility status were created using ArcGIS 10.4.1 and the common Kriging interpolation technique. Clay loam and clay are the two types of soil in the research study area. The bulk density of the soil ranged from 1.13 to 1.46 g/cm3, while the total porosity ranged from 42.57 to 55.15%. The pH of the soil can range from 6.7, which is slightly acidic, to 4.91, which is strongly acidic. The range of soil exchangeable acidity levels was 0 to 2.46 cmol (+) kg-1, while the range of OC values was medium (1.79% to 3.51%). Soil total N and available P values were between very low and low (0.19 to 1.11%) and 6.71 to 13.44 mg kg-1, respectively. Exchangeable Ca, Mg, K, and Na levels in the soil ranged from 6.93 to 51.15, 2.85 to 23.63, 0.21 to 1.76, and 0.05 to 0.71 cmol (+) kg-1, respectively, while a medium to very high degree of CEC (22.19 to 77.42 cmol (+) kg-1) was observed. A moderate to very high rating was assigned to soil PBS, which ranged from 42.13 to 98.30%. Micro nutrients; Fe, Mn, Cu, and Zn extractable from soil by DTPA ranged in value from 12.07 to 33.51 mg kg-1, 16.02 to 48.26 mg kg-1, 0.18 to 0.62 mg kg-1, and 0.19 to 0.62 mg kg-1, respectively. The soil fertility map was created for the following parameters: pH, OC, total N, available (P, S), CEC, PBS, Ca, Mg, Fe, and Mn; Cu, Zn, and B. According to the study's findings, the study area's soils were found to be deficient in six nutrients that limit yields: N, P, K, S, B, and Zn. he soil in the study area is affected by soil acidity; for sustainable crop production in the study area, soils should be amended with lime, organic matter, and fertilizers of N, P, S, K, B, and Zn.

Fast soil recovery after a fire: case study in Maritime Alps (Piedmont, Italy) using microarthropods and QBS-ar index

Soil is a very fragile ecosystem, often subject to many threats. Wildfires can affect edaphic communities depending on the intensity and seasonality of the fire. Different groups of soil fauna tend to respond differently to this type of disturbance, but the lack of data prevents to fully analyze the impact of fire. Soil microarthropods show a particular sensitivity to disturbances of different nature, making them excellent biological indicators. That is why in recent years many biotic indices to assess soil quality, like QBS-ar (Soil Biological Quality based on arthropods), have been developed. The objective of this study was to evaluate whether there might be a significant difference between areas affected or not by fire in the locality of Andonno (Piedmont, Italy) in terms of QBS-ar values, 18 years after this disturbance, and whether the reforestation intervention is having a positive effect on soil quality. Two sampling sites were selected within the sampling area and in each, six soil samples were taken. Microarthropods were extracted with a Berlese-Tüllgren extractor and soil biological quality was calculated using the QBS-ar index. No significant difference in QBS-ar values were found between the fire burned and unburned areas (p=0.37). The number of biological and euedaphic forms in the two sites was similar. It appears that microarthropod communities manage to recover in a short time, indicating that in the study area soil fauna has shown a fast recovery after extreme events like wildfires.

Elements characteristics and ecological risks of farmland soil with typical heavy metal high background in Chongqing

To investigate the characteristics of elements in selenium and cadmium rich soil and the ecological risk of local agricultural products in the typical heavy metal high background area of Chongqing,Taking the Se and Cd enriched soil in study area as a research object, The effects of Cd and Se on agricultural products were studied by collecting and analyzing the element contents and available contents of soil and agricultural products samples, The results showed that The pH value of soil in the study area is 6.89 ~ 8.22, which is alkaline and rich in organic matter; The study area belongs to the typical high background area of heavy metals. The content of Cd in the soil is 0.52 ~ 1.84 mg·kg-1, the average value is 1.26 mg·kg-1, the content of se is 0.41 ~ 0.77 mg·kg-1, the average value is 0.64 mg·kg-1, and its element characteristics are rich in selenium and cadmium; The activation rates of Cd and Se were 6.63 ~ 28.26% and 0.17 ~ 1.58% respectively; The concentration of Cd and Se in the soil of the study area may be mainly from the parent material of soil, and it is closely related to the content of organic matter in the soil. The local agricultural products are less affected by the high background value of heavy metals in the soil, and there is no excessive Cd in the agricultural products, among which potatoes and sweet potatoes have reached the standard of selenium enrichment. The research suggests that the soil rich in selenium and cadmium in the study area may come from the soil parent material, which is caused by the natural geological background and closely related to the content of organic matter in the soil. The activation rate of Cd and Se in the soil is low, which has little impact on the ecological risk of local agricultural products. This paper has important guiding significance for the development and utilization of selenium-rich soil resources in typical heavy metal high background areas.

Maintenance of Balanites aegyptiaca scattered trees for improving sesame (Sesamum oriental) grain yield and soil properties in lowlands of Tigray, Ethiopia

A species of dryland tree called Balanites aegyptiaca provides numerous environmental and socioeconomic benefits. Those trees are cultivated by agriculturalists in their fields in lowlands of Tigray, but there was insufficient scientific data on how Balanites aegyptiaca trees affected the study area's soil characteristics and sesame yields. The purpose of this study was to look into the behavior of Balanites aegyptiaca to improve sesame yields and soil properties in Kafta-Humera District. Two variables were utilized to think about soil physicochemical properties and collect 48 pooled tests: separate from the tree trunk at four levels and soil profundity at two levels, reproducing the RCBD calculate framework on six trees. To study sesame yield, four-level log spacings were used, replicated six times.In addition, ANOVA was used to determine sesame seed yield and soil physicochemical properties. The outcomes demonstrated that the sesame seed yield was significantly (using p&lt;0.05) from the Balanites aegyptiaca tree. Under the canopy as opposed to outside of it, and in the topsoil as opposed to the subsoil layer, the BD was significantly (p&lt;0.05) lower. Findings for additional soil chemical parameters, including pH, OC, total N, available P, K, Ca, and CEC, showed a significant (p&lt;0.05) increase in the crown area relative to the field and surface area over the subsurface layer. Under its canopy, the multipurpose tree Balanites aegyptiaca generally improves soil fertility; when grown on agricultural land, it can also boost soil and plant productivity in drought-prone areas when managed properly.

Profile of desert sandy soils formed in the Aral Sea dried-up seabed

In subsequent years, as a result of the strengthening of natural and anthropogenic factors, the inability of the Amu Darya and Sir Darya waters to flow into the Aral Sea, the mechanical composition of desert sandy soils, the type of salinization, the degree of salinization, the variety of humus content in the soils common in the soil covers of the dried seabed were studied. During the study of the study area soils, the strong salinization of soils was noted by the chloride-sulfate salinization type and the salinization in the surface layer of the soil profile section No. 47, that is, in the layers 0- 9 cm and 9-50 cm deep, and weak salinization by the sulfate-chloride salinization type and the salinization in the lower layer of the soil profile. In the surface layer of the studied desert sandy soils, that is, by 0-9 cm and 9- 50 cm, the humus content ranged from 0.418% to 0.528%. On the dried bottom of the Aral Sea, because of strong evaporation of groundwater in the soil profile, an intensive process of accumulation of salt crystals took place, and desert sandy soils became highly saline.

Geochemical Assessment of Some Trace Elements in Selected Locations at Thi-Qar Governorate Soil, Southeast Iraq

Trace elements (Co, Cr, Mn, Mo, Ni, Rb, Th, U, and V) in surface soil of Al-Aslah (NH1), Nasiriyah refinery (NH2), Gharraf (NH3), and Tall Al-Laham (NH4) at Thi-Qar governorate, southeast Iraq, were studied. The study aims to detect their distribution and pollution levels to reduce the subtracted from industrial sources and avoid using contaminated areas for agricultural purposes before the soil treatment process. Inductivity Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) technique was used to determine the concentrations of these elements, and the results showed that there is a high concentration of Cr, Ni, Mo, and Mn in the soil of the study area, which exceeded the international levels compared with other elements (Co, Th, U, and V). The Geo accumulation index (I geo) values showed that the soil area was classified as low contamination in all sites and for all trace elements except for Mo, which is polluted in Al-Gharraf and strongly polluted in Tall Al-Laham. The values of the enrichment factor (EF) were indicated to be minimal enrichment of (Mn and V) in all sites and moderate enrichment of (Co) in all sites except in the Gharraf soil sample, which is considered as minimal enrichment. At the same time, it suffers from significant enrichment of (Cr) in all sites. The values of contamination factor (CF) showed extreme contamination of Cr and Ni in all sites due to the oil industry (Nasiriyah refinery), except for Ni in the Gharraf soil sample, which is considered as high contamination and moderately contamination with Co in all sites, and low contamination with Mn and V. The main cause of the increasing trace element concentrations in the study area that the samples located in industrial sites where trace elements are one of the waste products from fuel combustion from the oil fields and the waste of the brick factories near the study area, also the nature of the study area soil which is clay soil that absorb the trace elements on its surfaces.

Use of Pedotransfer Equations (PTF) to Estimate soil Density in the Hydrographic Basins of The Amambai, Iguatemi and Ivinhema Rivers in the State of Mato Grosso do Sul

Theoretical framework: Bulk density (Bd) is a physical property of soil used as an indicator of soil compaction, influencing root growth and density, water movement and retention in the soil, it is an essential characteristic for assessments of carbon stocks or other nutrients in the soil. Objective: This studyevaluates the accuracy and selects pedotransfer functions (PTFs) for Bd estimates for soils in the Amambai, Iguatemi, and Ivinhema River basins in Mato Grosso do Sul - MS. Method: Estimates of Bd values of the samples were made using eleven PTFs-Bd that were calibrated to estimate Bd for Brazilian soils. The accuracy of PTFs-Bd predictions is evaluated based on the lowers root mean square error (RMSE) and the highers coefficient of determination (R²). Results and conclusion: Among the eleven analyzed PTFs-Bd, the most accurate ones were PTFs- Ds 1, 2, 3, and 4 by Huf dos Reis et al. (2024) and the one by Tomasella and Hodnett (1998). PTF-Bd 3, which uses fine and coarse sand and clay as predictors, showed the highest accuracy for the total dataset (88 samples). PTF-Bd 5 obtained better accuracy in estimating Bd in Latossolos Vermelhos, Argissolos Vermelho Amerelos, and Neossolos Quartzarênicos. Research implications: Identifying the best PTFs for estimating Bd for the study area's soils will facilitate other research as carbon stocks estimation and use of hydrophysical PTFs that use Bd as predictor. Originality/Value: PTFs for estimating Bd for soils in the state of MS have not yet been developed, highlighting the need to evaluate and indicate between existing PTFs the more accurate.

CHEMICAL COMPOSITION AND PEDOGENESIS OF SOILS OF AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE FARM, NAIRA, ANDHRA PRADESH

The study on elemental composition and pedogenesis of soils of Agricultural College farm, Naira of Srikakulam district was carried-out during 2021. The soils were developed from granite-gneiss parent material. Total silica (SiO2) content of soils ranged from 50.5 to 74.6 percentage. Silica content in general decreased with soil depth, while sesquioxides (R2O3), alumina (Al2O3), iron oxide (Fe2O3), CaO, K2O, Na2O, MnO were found increasing with depth. High silica/ sesquioxide ratio of soils indicated siliceous nature of soils. The aluminum oxide content of the profiles varied from 15.80% to 26.25%. Highest value was reported in lowland profile, whereas, the lowest value was recorded in rainfed upland profile. Iron oxide content varied from 5.04% to 8.50%. Iron oxide content showed slight variation within profiles. Among the other oxides, CaO &gt; MgO &gt; K2O &gt; Na2O was of the order as the soils were developed under semi-arid climate, wherein, basic cations have accumulated in these soil profiles due to limited leaching. The molar concentration of silica (SiO2) ranged from 0.841 to 1.24 moles, and molar concentration of sesquioxide ranged from 0.191 to 0.313 moles. The molar ratio of SiO2 / R2O3 varied from 2.68 to 6.51 in different soil profiles. The SiO2 / Al2O3 ratio varied from 3.33 to 8.02. These wider molar ratios indicated salacious nature of parent material and due to dominance of silica among chemical fractions. Midland (P3) and lowland (P4) soil profiles showed silt/clay ratio of less than 0.45 and upland profiles showed more than 0.45 indicating relatively advanced weathering in mid and lowland profiles while it was moderate weathering in upland profiles. The Weathering Index of Parker (WIP) values of the soils of study area ranged between 2.8 and 32.4. The lower WIP values (2.8 to 8.1) were associated with rainfed uplands and higher values of 14.7- 32.4 with irrigated low lands. The PIA values ranged from 67 to 97 tend to decrease with the depth in all profiles. The profiles examined have the CIA values varied from 66 to 95 indicating high to intense weathering. The CIA values decreased with depth in all the profiles. The surface horizons of P1 and P2 soil profiles were classified as moderately weathered. On the other hand, all subsurface horizons of these two profiles were highly weathered. However, in profiles P3 and P4 the CIA values ranged between 68 to 90 indicating that these soils were highly weathered. CIW values closely followed the trend of CIA values. The bases/R2O3 values of all profiles ranged from 0.061 to 0.608 and found increased with soil depth in all the profiles. Relatively higher values of bases/R2O3 were found in P4 (low lands) indicating base rich character. Middle land and lowland black soil profiles showed silt/clay ratio of less than 0.45 and upland profiles showed morethan 0.45 indicating relatively advanced weathering in mid and lowland profiles while moderate weathering in upland profiles.

Assessment of Soil Physical Properties under Major Cropping Systems of SPSR Nellore District, Andhra Pradesh, India

A study was carried out during 2021-22 in SPSR Nellore district of Andhra Pradesh, India to know the impact of major cropping systems on soil physical properties. A total of 240 soil samples (120 surface and 120 subsurface) under six major cropping systems such as paddy-paddy, fallow-paddy, groundnut-paddy, paddy-cotton, paddy-greengram and paddy-blackgram were collected and analysed for physical properties. The results revealed that the color of the soils ranged from pale red to very dark gray (2.5 YR 6/2 to 7.5 YR 3/1). The soils of study area were sandy clay loam, sandy loam, clay loam and clay in texture. Soils from paddy-paddy and paddy-cotton cropping systems recorded highest bulk density (1.55 mg m-3) in surface soils and paddy-cotton (1.66 mg m-3) cropping system in sub-surface soils whereas lowest bulk density observed in paddy-blackgram cropping system in both surface (1.13 mg m-3) and sub-surface soils (1.29 mg m-3). In surface and subsurface soils particle density was ranged from 2.45 mg m-3 in paddy-cotton and paddy-blackgram cropping system to 2.75 mg m-3 in paddy-cotton and paddy-greengram cropping systems. The soils of paddy-blackgram cropping system showed higher water holding capacity (54.65 and 49.71%, respectively) while the lowest was recorded in paddy-cotton cropping system in surface and sub-surface soils (31.39 and 28.28%, respectively). Volume expansion was found to be high in paddy-blackgram cropping system in both surface and subsurface soils (22.34 and 23.61%, respectively) while lowest volume expansion was noticed in paddy-paddy cropping system in surface soils (12.46%) and paddy-cotton cropping system in sub-surface soils (11.94%).

Determination of useful boron content of the soils of Kırıkhan-Kumlu region of Hatay province and their relationship with some soil properties

In this study, it was aimed to determine the useful boron content of the soils of Kırıkhan-Kumlu region of Hatay province and its relationships with some physical and chemical properties. For this purpose, a total of 60 soil samples were taken from 0-20 and 20-40 cm depths and from 30 different points to represent the study area. The pH, total salt, composition, cation exchange capacity (CEC), lime, organic matter and useful boron contents of the soils were determined. According to the results of the research; pH contents of the soils were 7.95-8.43; total salt contents 0.009-0.115 %; clay contents 18.88-74.16 %; sand contents 7.12-59.84 %; silt contents 15.28-52.72 %; lime contents 0.47-26.59 %; organic matter contents 1.16-6.08 %; CEC contents 22.26-72.83 me/100 g and useful boron contents 0.10-1.25 mg/kg. In terms of useful boron content of Kırıkhan-Kumlu soils of Hatay province, it was determined that 50.00 % of them were very low, 40.00 % were low and 10.00 % were sufficient at 0-20 cm depth and 50.00 % of them were very low, 43.34 % were low and 6.66 % were sufficient at 20-40 cm depth. While a positive significant relationship was determined between useful boron and salt, clay, lime and CEC contents of soils, a negative significant relationship was determined between useful boron and sand content. Positive significant relationships were determined between salt and clay, lime and CEC contents of the soils, while negative significant relationships were determined between salt and pH and sand contents. Positive significant relationships were determined between clay and organic matter and CEC contents of the study area soils, while negative significant relationships were determined between clay and sand and silt contents. Significant negative relationships were determined between sand and organic matter and CEC contents of the soils. At the same time, while negative significant relationships were determined between silt and CEC and lime and organic matter contents of the soils, positive significant relationships were determined between organic matter and CEC. As a result, it was seen that the useful boron content of the soils in the study area was determined at low and very low levels above 92 % in all soils of the study area and it was seen that the useful boron content of the soils was insufficient and therefore boron fertilization should be done.