Soils In Study Area Research Articles

Geospatial Distribution of Iron in Major Sugarcane Growing Soils of Sivagangai, Tamil Nadu, India

The present study was undertaken to assess the available DTPA iron status in the major sugarcane growing soils of Southern Sivangai district, Tamil Nadu, India. A total of 500 geo referenced surface (0-30 cm) were collected from five blocks viz., Kalaiyarkovil, Padamathur, Sivagangai, Thiruppachetty and Thiruppuvanam and analyzed for basic soil properties and available DTPA iron. Simple correlation was worked out to ascertain the degree of relationship between soil properties and available DTPA iron content of soil study area. The available DTPA iron in the entire sugarcane growing soils ranged from 2.95 to 5.79 mg kg-1, 2.11 to 4.31 mg kg-1, 3.49 to 5.59 mg kg-1, 1.99 to 5.66 mg kg-1 and 3.94 to 6.39 mg kg-1 in soil samples of Kalaiyarkovil, Padamathur, Sivagangai, Thiruppachetty and Thiruppuvanam respectively. In the soil samples from Kalaiyarkovil, Padamathur, Sivagangai, Thiruppachetty, and Thiruppuvanam, the results revealed that 52, 59, 55, 53, and 51 % of the soils were deficient in available iron and 33, 29, 35, 30 and 32 % of the soils were moderate in available iron, and 15, 12, 10,5 and 17 % of the soils were sufficient in available iron. As per the nutrient index study, the soils of study area recorded very low to low fertility rating for available iron and the mean nutrient index value (NIV) ranged from 1.42 to 1.64 in the soil of the study area. SOC and CEC were found to have a beneficial impact on iron availability, whereas EC and CaCO3 levels had a negative impact on DTPA iron availability.

Impact of Nitrogen Fertilizer use on Soil Ecosystem Integrity in the Greater Port Harcourt Region, Nigeria

Fertilizers are used in agriculture to increase crop yields, but if they are misused, they can harm the integrity of soil ecosystems. The study's aim was to look at the impact of inorganic fertilizers on soil microbial populations in selected soils in the Greater Port Harcourt Area using Lethal Concentration 50 (LC50). The results revealed that the use of inorganic fertilizer altered soil microbial characteristics in three different settings: agricultural, urban, and industrial. For agricultural areas the maximum NPKB mean value was 0.70±0.76 ppm which was higher than the mean value of the control location of 0.23±0.00 ppm. In the agricultural area, UREA tolerant fungi had a lower LC50 mean value (0.43±0.09 ppm) than the control, which had a mean value of 0.46±0.00 ppm. The mean values in the industrial and urban areas were significantly different (p = 0.001). This study concluded that applying UREA and NPK fertilizers to study area soils lowered the pH of soils in agricultural sites (A1, A2, and A3). Fertilizer use in the study areas increased the population of microorganisms at threshold concentrations but was harmful at concentrations of 1.50 % or higher. Furthermore, findings revealed that microorganisms were more tolerant to fertilizers in agricultural areas (higher LC50 values) than in urban and industrial areas (lower LC50 values). According to the findings of this study, fertilizers used in the study areas were linked to soil microorganisms developing tolerance to NPK and UREA. Farmers should use the recommended amounts of fertilizer to ensure the soil ecosystem's integrity.

Ecological risk and source analysis of soil heavy metals pollution in the river irrigation area from Baoji, China.

Due to various human activities, soil quality under different land use patterns is deteriorating all over the world. This deterioration is very complex in the river irrigation area and is caused by multi-point and non-point source pollution and seasonal variation. Therefore, the characteristics and sources of soil metal pollution in river irrigation area of Baoji city were analyzed. The contents of 8 metals were given by ICP-MS, in the soil samples. Statistical methods, geo-accumulation index (Igeo) and potential ecological risk index (RI) were conducted to evaluate the spatial distribution features, sources and ecological risks of metal contamination from the study area soil. Principal component analysis and cluster analysis were used to analyze the pollution sources of metal. The analysis showed that Cd is the most polluted, and human activities represented a great impact on the contents of Zn, Ni, Cu and Cd in soil, Cd post moderate-strong pollution and strong risk, Cd has a maximum Igeo value of 3.17. All rivers were at risk of moderate pollution levels in study. Among them, some rivers had even reached strong pollution level. Pollution caused by human activities was the most significant pollution source of metal in the research area soil.

Heavy Metal Contamination and Ecological Risk Assessment in the Soil of Tannery Industry at Savar

Heavy metal contamination in soil is considered a global crisis and its bulk proportion are in developing countries like Bangladesh. Five heavy metals such as Cd, Cr, Pb, Cu and Ni were investigated in the soil of Savar tannery industrial estate. The decreasing trend of metals was observed in soil as Cr>Cu>Ni>Pb>Cd. According to US EPA guideline, Cr was heavily polluted at the selected locations. Cu was highly polluted, whereas Cd and Pb were not polluted and Ni was moderately polluted. On the basis of Pearson’s correlation Cd-Pb, Cd-Cu, Cu-Ni, Ni-Cu, Ni-Pb were significantly correlated. From the pollution index, metal pollution of sediments was found in the order as Cr>Cu>Pb>Cd. Degree of contamination and modified degree of contamination were higher in the dumping zones. The geo-accumulation index for Cr showed moderate to extremely contaminated. Ecological risk arrayed in the order of Cr>Cu>Ni>Pb>Cd in the soil of study area. Geographic information system (GIS) was also used to map the spatial distribution of heavy metal contamination in the soil. This study recommended that continuous monitoring of heavy metal contamination should be directed to assess their risk in the soil of tannery industry at Savar.
 Chemical Engineering Research Bulletin 21(2020) 106-113

WITHDRAWN: Qualitative estimation for groundwater: A case study for Al-Mahaweel city in Iraq

Risk assessment for heavy metal concentrations in groundwater samples extracted from thirteen wells distributed over the study area in Al-Mahaweel city in Iraq was investigated intensively in this work. The potential risks for drinking water was evaluated by means of different indices, namely; Water Quality Index (WQI), Heavy metals Pollution Index (PHI), and Heavy metal Evaluation Index (HEI). The groundwater pollution with Lead (Pb), Nickel (Ni), Cadmium (Cd), Zink (Zn), and Iron (Fe) were analytically analyzed throughout the study. The results show that presence (expressed by concentration units) distributed within study area in the following order Cd < Pb < Fe < Zn < Ni. Based upon the WQI results, the groundwater from wells was considered unsuitable for drinking. From perspective of heavy metal pollution indices, HPI, and HEI, contamination level was declared as low level. On the other hand, irrigation water assessment was carried out and calculations of three factors, namely Electrical Conductivity (EC), Sodium Adsorption Ratio (SAR), and Soluble Sodium Percentage (SSP) were performed. The findings showed that, quality of irrigation water varies from “permissible” to “unsuitable”. These inferences probably resulted from human activates such as leached from landfills and percolation to groundwater from septic tanks. In addition to the alkali nature of agricultural soil in study area. In particular, presence of these elements in silicate rock to form minerals and advanced are transported into the mineral part of soils.

Drainage Morphometric Analysis of Shope watershed, Rift Valley, Ethiopia: Remote sensing and GIS-based approach

The quantitative drainage morphometric analysis at the watershed level is essential for understanding its geo-hydrological nature. Drainage morphometric evaluation has been conducted to identify the predominant geological divergence, topographical details, structural arrangement, and interrelationship in the Shope watershed Rift Valley, Ethiopia. The Remote Sensing Data and Geographical Information System (GIS) tools have delineated the Shope Watershed and calculated various morphometric attributes. The Shope watershed exhibits a dendritic drainage pattern very clearly. The watershed’s drainage pattern also suggested that the region lacked geological structural control over the drainage pattern growth. Shope watershed is categorized as a 5th order drainage watershed. The bifurcation ratio ranges between 1.11 and 2.28 (with an average of 1.72) between various stream orders. Low bifurcation values area is more prone to flooding. Mean drainage length and length ratio values indicating the present study area’s undulating topography and steep slope. The Shope watershed’s circularity and elongation ratio values are 0.7 and 0.63. Both values indicate that the present watershed is elongated and has steep slopes, and more prone to erosion and flooding. The higher drainage density values 6.75 km/km2 indicating low infiltration and high runoff. The Shope watershed’s relative relief value is 1757 m, and this high value indicating the study area’s proneness to the flooding and soil erosion. The results of the current drainage morphometric analysis of the Shope watershed are essential for assessing and managing soil and water resources and selecting suitable sites for artificial recharge structures and soil conservation structures for future soil and water management in the present study area.

Soil contamination and healthy risk assessment of peach orchards soil of Bilecik Province Turkey

ABSTRACT The soil is the part of the biosphere where heavy metal pollution is most common. Heavy metals pose a threat to animal and human health through plants. This study aimed to evaluate heavy metal concentrations in the soil of orchards of Bilecik Province and possible human health risks. In 2016, 42 soil samples were taken from peach orchards of Bilecik Province, and Cr, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd, and Pb analyzed. Pollution indices (Enrichment Factor, Geoaccumalation Index, Contamination Factor, Ecological Risk Factor) were used to determine heavy metal pollution, and the effects on human health were determined by the hazard quotient (HQ) and hazard index (HI). The study area is moderate contaminated by Cd (3.64), Ni (2.38) and Cu (2.24) in terms of enrichment factor. Similarly, the study area soils were moderately contaminated by Cd (1.72), Ni (1.40) and Cu (1.38) in terms of the contamination factor. Besides, soils had moderate potential ecological risk by Cd (51.54). The principal component and correlation analysis showed Cd and Cu are anthropogenic and Ni is the lithogenic origin. Although soil pollution indexes show moderate pollution, there is no non-carcinogenic health risk for children (0.56) and adults (0.061).

Potential toxic metals (PTMs) contamination in agricultural soils and foodstuffs with associated source identification and model uncertainty

The research aimed to find out physiochemical properties, metal concentration, sources of metals using statistical analyses, and positive matrix factorization (PMF) model using 315 soil and 250 foodstuff samples (25 species) in Jhenidah as well as Kushtia district, Bangladesh. The range of Pb, Cd, As, Cu, Ni and Cr contents (mg/kg) in soils were found to be 0.97–114.72, 0.11–7.51, 1.07–23.38, 0.89–122.91, 0.91–77.32 and 0.7–23.03 mg/kg, respectively, whereas those in foodstuff samples were found to be 0.46–11.48, 0.30–11.54, 0.47–9.21, 0.20–3.59, 0.001–1.76, and 0.27–5.93 mg/kg, respectively. PMF model revealed that Cu (81.4%) in the study area soils were predominantly contributed by vehicular fuel combustion, Cr (84.9%) was primarily of natural origin, Pb (73%) resulted from traffic emissions, Cd (74.3%), and As (63.4%) mainly came from agricultural practices while Ni (70.9%) was dominated as industrial pollution. EF > 1.5 of Cu, As, and Pb suggesting mild contamination; however, soils from all the studied sites revealed moderate potential ecological risk. Cr recorded BCF values of >1 in the majority of the examined crops, suggesting higher uptake of Cr than other metals. Cr, Ni, As, and Pb showed cancer risks from food intake and risk values were greater than the threshold range (10−4), suggesting potential cancer risks.

Heavy metal contamination of topsoil in Denizli Organized Industrial Zone, Western Anatolia, Turkey

This paper deals with determination of the environmental pollution in Denizli Organized Industrial Zone and its surroundings. Denizli is one of the biggest industrial cities of Turkey hosting several factories with immense production, regularly shipped by a vast haulage system. The study area is traversed by one of the most crowded highways in the country, ensuring the transportation between Western and Central Anatolia. It is also traversed by a railroad connecting Denizli city to Izmir city located on the Aegean Sea coast. Therefore, covering an area of about 30 km2, 154 samples were collected to be subject of the magnetic susceptibility measurements end up at highlighting contaminated zones in the study area. The spatial distribution maps plotted for both magnetic susceptibility measurements acquired at high (χHF) and low (χLF) frequencies showed coherent anomalies following the direction of the roads (east-west). According to the magnetic susceptibility measurements, 40 initial samples were chosen to be chemically analysed by X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis. The soil nature was determined by examining 10 supplementary samples collected from the study area. Concentrations of copper (Cu), lead (Pb), nickel (Ni), chromium (Cr), zinc (Zn), and iron (Fe) and magnetic parameters were statistically analysed for the best understanding of the correlation of the heavy metal pollution and magnetic susceptibility values. The environmental status of the study area was evaluated by the aid of elaboration and interpretation of the contamination factor (CF), geoaccumulation index (Igeo), enrichment factor (EF), and the pollution load index (PLI) which allowed the comparison between the different polluted parts of the study area. The results obtained as maximum values from the calculation of the contamination factor were found as follows: Cr (31.12), Ni (12.88), Fe (11.42), Cu (11.20), Zn (4.71), and Pb (2.87). The maximum values obtained for the implemented geoaccumulation index were found for each element as follow: Cr (4.37), Ni (3.1), Fe (2.93), Cu (2.9), Zn (1.65), and Pb (0.9), while the enrichment factor’s results were found as follow: Fe (2.93), Cr (4.37), Ni (3.10), Zn (1.65), Cu (2.90), and Pb (0.93). Results showed that the Tomlinson pollution load index (PLI) calculated for the six elements is reflecting a heavy pollution of the study area by reaching the value of 6.41 as a mean of the total analysis results and 11 as a maximum value. The magnetic susceptibility and heavy metals distribution showed similar anomaly locations especially out of the area of Denizli organized industrial zone which seems to be less contaminated giving a sign of the liberation of industrial wastes into the surrounding areas. The farming lands were also found to be acting in the enrichment of the heavy metal content in the study area soils. The main anomalies introduce the contamination of the lower zones of the study area which is the result of the transportation of anthropogenic pollutants by wind and stream. Considering the study results, it is recommended to regularly evaluate the environmental status of the study area in order to prevent irremediable diseases.

Statistical Analysis on Shear Strength Parameter from Index Properties of Fine-grained Soils

Shear strength is the essential engineering property of soil required to analyze and design foundations, retaining walls, bridges, embankment, and related infrastructure. The laboratory equipment and field instruments are not sufficient in developing countries to obtain soil engineering properties, especially strength properties. Thus, Geotechnical engineers usually endeavor to develop statistical models that best fit a particular area and soil type, especially for analysis and design purposes. In this research, a Statistical Analysis on the Shear Strength parameter from the Index Properties of Fine-Grained Soils was studied. For predicting the undrained shear strength parameter, single linear regression (SLR) and multiple linear regressions (MLR) analyses were developed. To develop the intended statistical models for a study, SAS JMP Pro 13, SPSS v22, and Microsoft Excel-2013 software were introduced. The results of a study indicated that undrained shear strength(Cu) was significantly correlated with liquid limit(LL), plastic limit(PL), bulk density (ρbulk), dry density(ρdry), natural moisture content(NMC), and plasticity index(PI). While it was not significantly correlated with a specific gravity (Gs) and liquidity index (LI) of study area soil. Finally, a strong Model of Cu with a coefficient of determination (R2 = 0.806), good significance level, and less Std. error was obtained from multiple linear regression (MLR) analysis. The developed model can figure undrained shear strength parameter and wide application in the construction industry to minimize the cost, effort, and time for laboratory tests of shear strength parameter of a study area.

Factors Affecting the Translocation and Accumulation of Cadmium in a Soil-Crop System in a Typical Karst Area of Guangxi Province, China

To understand the main factors influencing the translocation and accumulation of cadmium (Cd) in soil-crop systems in typical karst areas, 68 sets of paddy soil and rice grain samples were collected in Guangxi Province. These were used to analyze Cd concentrations and soil properties (pH, organic matter (OM) content, oxide content, and texture). Spearman's correlation coefficients and principal component analysis (PCA) were used to examine the effects of soil properties on Cd concentrations and identify the main influencing factors. The studied soils were highly enriched in iron oxide (TFe2O3), aluminum oxide (Al2O3), and manganese oxide (MnO) compared to background levels, with average concentrations of 20.2%, 19.0%, and 0.2%, respectively. However, the soils are relatively depleted in silica (SiO2), with an average concentration of 41.0%. The soils are strongly weathered and leached in study area, giving rise to rich occurrences of Fe-Mn nodules. The concentrations of TFe2O3 and MnO in the study soils were significantly correlated with soil Cd, rice seed Cd, and the Cd bioconcentration factor (BCF). The PCA analysis further showed that TFe2O3 and MnO in soils were the main factors affecting the migration and enrichment of Cd while soil pH, OM, and Al2O3 had less of an influence. Furthermore, SiO2 and soil texture indirectly affected the migration and enrichment of Cd. It is suggested that the Fe-Mn nodules effectively adsorb and immobilize Cd in the study area soils, acting as a heavy metal scavenger that reduced the biological accessibility of Cd.

Spatial Distribution and Risk Assessment of Heavy Metal Pollution in Farmland Soils Surrounding a Typical Industrial Area of Henan Province

In order to fully explore the spatial distribution of soil heavy metal contaminants in farmland soil surrounding a typical industrial area in Dakuai town, Xinxiang city, Henan Province, the concentrations of As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn in the surface soil and within the soil profile were determined and assessed. The principal components were also analyzed for source apportionment to provide a theoretical basis for the control and prevention of heavy metal pollution. According to the results, the soils in the study area are severely contaminated by Cd and Cu and moderated contaminated by As due to the battery manufacture and Cu (e.g., pipe and wire) processing. The concentrations of Cd, Cu, and As in soils were (2.56±1.23) mg·kg-1, (205.58±157.49) mg·kg-1, and (15.27±4.14) mg·kg-1, respectively, which exceeds standards by 100%, 89.44%, and 3.40%, respectively. Accounting for the influence of pollution sources, terrain, runoff erosion, and prevailing wind direction, all heavy metal concentrations were higher in the south direction, lower in the north direction. The concentrations of Cd and Cu in soil profile samples decreased with depth, with highest concentrations at the surface, indicating the strong effect of industrial activities. Arsenic concentrations varied little with soil depth due to its strong migration ability in alkaline soil, again suggesting an industrial source. Among them, the soil of study area was severely contaminated by Cd and Cu (Level 5). Cd poses a severe potential ecological risk (Level 5) and Cu poses a medium risk (Level 2) in the study soils, while other heavy metals show low potential ecological risk (Level 1). The order of the risk identified was Cd > Cu > Ni > As > Pb > Cr > Zn. In addition, the combined potential ecological risk of heavy metals in the target area is severe. The principal component analysis showed that the high As, Cd, and Cu contents are mainly derived from industrial areas. Therefore, it is urgent to remediate Cd and Cu soil contamination in this area and implement precautions to limit As contamination.

Susceptibility assessment of soil erosion in overlaying diluvial fan of shallow underground pipelines

Soil erosion is a serious hazards occurring in overlaying diluvial fans of shallow underground pipelines. To learn the extent of soil erosion in such landforms, we propose a method of susceptibility assessment of soil erosion based on a case study of the Chaka diluvial fan, Qinghai Province, China. First, we conducted a field investigation at 24 sites, to obtain the land surface properties. Then, vital information such as soil anti-scouribility, permeability, density, sectional water volume, and pipeline burial depth was collected. The slope grade and the vegetation index were determined with the geographic information system (GIS) technology. Further, the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) was used to determine the weight of various indices on the potential susceptibility of shallow underground pipelines. The susceptibility classification of the study area soil erosion was obtained based on the GIS overlay analysis tool. Lastly, the susceptibility classification was compared with the results of the field investigation. Their consistency indicates that the proposed method can be successfully implemented to accurately assess soil erosion. The erosion mechanism indicates that occlusion and cementation have an important influence on the susceptibility intensity in overlaying diluvial fans of shallow underground pipelines.

Effect of Integrated Application of Compost and NPS Fertilizer on Selected Soil Physicochemical Properties and Yield of Barley (&amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Hordeum vulgare&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; L.) at Welmera, Ethiopia

Soil nutrient depletion under losing of soil organic matter content as a result of continuous cultivation and low input are among the major problems that constrain the sustainable productivity of yield of barley at Welmera district. Integrated application of compost and NPS fertilizers can be used to resolve this condition of soil. In this context, a study was conducted in 2019/2020 to determine the effect of combined use of compost and NPS blended fertilizer on soil physicochemical properties and yield of barley at Welmera district. In order to achieve this objective, field experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design in a factorial arrangement and replicated three times. The results of this study showed that bulk density and total porosity of study area before planting were in acceptable range for barley crop production. The low content of soil organic carbon, total nitrogen, available phosphorus and available sulfur made the fertility status of the soils low. To improve this condition of soil conventional compost and NPS fertilizer were applied to study area soil and combined application of compost at (8 t ha^-1) and mineral NPS fertilizer at (150 kg ha^-1) gave yield of 5.96 t ha^-1. Therefore, based on the result of this study it can be concluded that low soil fertility status, which requires an urgent attention, is one of the major factors hampering the production and productivity of food barley at study area. However, the potential barley productivity of study area soil has not yet been exploited. Therefore, solving the soil fertility problems of the soils of study area through integrated application of compost and NPS fertilizer could be one option to reduce the yield gap seen between smallholder farmers and experimental fields. Hence, the current study recommends that in order to maintain soil fertility and sustain barley crop production combined application of compost at 8 t ha^-1 and NPS fertilizer at 150 kg ha^-1 can be the best alternative integrated soil fertility management option in place of the sole application of inorganic fertilizers for barley production at this area tentatively. Nevertheless, further studies at different locations for more than one cropping seasons should be considered to provide more conclusive recommendation for sustainable food barley production.

Assessment of micronutrient status of some soils of Tengakhat block of Dibrugarh district, Assam, India

A study was conducted to assess the micronutrient status in the soils of seven different villages of Tengakhat block of Dibrugarh district, Assam, India. GPS based 140 numbers of surface soil samples (0-15 cm depth), comprising of 20 composite soil samples from each site, were collected. The pH of the all soils of study area was found acidic and majority (37%) of the samples lie in the strongly acidic (5.1 to 5.5) range. Electrical conductivity was normal (

Effect of Integrated Use of Coffee Husk Compost and NPS Fertilizer on Soil Physicochemical Properties and Yield of Coffee (&amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Coffea arabica L&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;.) at Haru, Ethiopia

Integrated application of inorganic and organic fertilizers is the main sources for replenishing plant nutrients in agricultural soils. However, selecting the optimum combination of these resources based on soil type and crop species is necessary. In this context, field experiment was conducted at Haru research center to assess the effect of coffee husk Compost and NPS Fertilizer on soil physicochemical properties and Yield of coffee in 2018/2019. The treatments were the different rates of both compost and NPS fertilizers laid out in randomized complete block design. The results of the study showed that combined application of coffee husk compost and NPS fertilizers were improved soil moisture and total porosity over control, while, bulk density was decreased below the control. Combined application of coffee husk compost at (7.5 t ha^-1) and mineral NPS fertilizer at (50 kg ha^-1) has better improved yield of coffee crop. The experimental yield of Manasibu variety for present study from the station was 1.59 t ha^-1. Therefore, based on the result of the study it can be concluded that under condition of low soil pH of study area the availability of essential nutrients (e.g. P, N, K, Ca, Mg, and Mo) are critically affected. This indicates that the strong acid pH values at Haru Research sub-center require more attention. Moreover, the low levels of CEC, organic carbon, total nitrogen, and available P contents at study area soils confirm that soil fertility is among the constraints for sustainable coffee production in the Haru district. In response to this application of integrated NPS fertilizer and coffee husk compost with different rates improved soil physicochemical properties and coffee yield. The study recommended that the use of 7.5 t ha^-1 coffee husk compost and 50 kg ha^-1 of NPS fertilizer can be the best alternative integrated soil fertility management option in place of the sole application of inorganic fertilizers at study area tentatively. Nevertheless, in order to give conclusive recommendation further research studies are needed for more soil types and coffee crop varieties.

Statistical Analysis on Shear Strength Parameter from Index Properties of Fine-grained Soils

Shear strength is the essential engineering property of soil required to analyze and design foundations, retaining walls, bridges, embankment, and related infrastructure. The laboratory equipment and field instruments are not sufficient in developing countries to obtain soil engineering properties, especially strength properties. Thus, Geotechnical engineers usually endeavor to develop statistical models that best fit a particular area and soil type, especially for analysis and design purposes. In this research, a Statistical Analysis on the Shear Strength parameter from the Index Properties of Fine-Grained Soils was studied. For predicting the undrained shear strength parameter, single linear regression (SLR) and multiple linear regressions (MLR) analyses were developed. To develop the intended statistical models for a study, SAS JMP Pro 13, SPSS v22, and Microsoft Excel-2013 software were introduced. The results of a study indicated that undrained shear strength(Cu) was significantly correlated with liquid limit(LL), plastic limit(PL), bulk density (ρbulk), dry density(ρdry), natural moisture content(NMC), and plasticity index(PI). While it was not significantly correlated with a specific gravity (Gs) and liquidity index (LI) of study area soil. Finally, a strong Model of Cu with a coefficient of determination (R2 = 0.806), good significance level, and less Std. error was obtained from multiple linear regression (MLR) analysis. The developed model can figure undrained shear strength parameter and wide application in the construction industry to minimize the cost, effort, and time for laboratory tests of shear strength parameter of a study area.

Status of Selected Physicochemical Properties of Soils Under Long Term Sugarcane Cultivation Fields at Wonji-Shoa Sugar Estate

A declining trend in per hectare yield of sugarcane in Wonji-Shoa Sugar Estate is being observed due to altering of soil physicochemical properties resulted from long term sugarcane cultivation. Cognizant of this fact, a study was conducted in 2017at Wonji-Shoa Sugar Estate with the objective of determining the effects of more than 62 years of sugarcane cultivation on the physicochemical properties of soil. In order to achieve this objective disturbed and undisturbed soil samples were collected from 0-30 and 30-60 cm layers of selected cultivated and uncultivated light and heavy soils for laboratory analysis. Results of the study indicated that long term cultivation of sugarcane at the same depth and low soil organic matter content of cultivated fields induced soil compaction and consequently highest bulk density was recorded in subsoil layer of cultivated than uncultivated land. The bulk density and total porosity values were out of ranges recommended for optimum sugarcane cultivation and suggest the existence of some degree of compaction. The finding further showed that the pH of study area soils is out of the normal pH range for sugarcane plant growth. The soil organic carbon, total nitrogen content and available phosphorus concentration of soils under both land uses of all soils was found within low range. Therefore, based on the result of the study it can be concluded that under condition of strong base soil pH of study area the availability of essential nutrients are critically affected. This indicates that the strong pH values at Wonji-Shoa Estate require more attention. Moreover, the low levels of organic carbon, total nitrogen, and available P contents under both cultivated and uncultivated soils indicated that soil fertility is among the constraints for sustainable sugarcane production in the estate. Based on the findings and conclusions of this study one can recommend that to maintain sustainability of sugarcane production in the estate soil management practices that can protect as well as ameliorate soil compaction, increase soil organic carbon, total nitrogen, soil available P and that can decrease soil pH are important. Nevertheless, in order to give conclusive recommendation further research studies are needed for more soil management units in the estate.

Impact of Nitrogen Fertilizer Use on Soil Ecosystem Integrity in the Greater Port Harcourt Region, Nigeria

Fertilizers are used to increase crop yields in agriculture but can affect the integrity of soil ecosystems if misused. The present study was conducted to observe the impact of inorganic fertilizers in selected soils in Greater Port Harcourt Area on soil microbial population, in addition, the association between soil microbial population and Lethal Concentration 50 (LC₅₀) was observed. Microbial communities and LC₅₀ values were determined using normal analytical procedures. The study showed various fertilizer types that altered soil microbial population and LC₅₀ values. For agricultural areas the maximum NPKB mean value was 0.70±0.76 ppm which was higher than the mean value of the control location of 0.23±0.00 ppm. Urea tolerant fungi’s (UREAF's) LC₅₀ mean value was 0.43±0.09 ppm in the agricultural area as compared to the control with a mean value of 0.46±0.00 ppm. Industrial and urban areas had significantly different mean values of 0.29 ± 0.19 ppm and 0.18±0.01 ppm and 0.23 ± 0.06 ppm and 0.23 ± 0.060.17 ± 0.010.17 ± 0.010.17 ± 0.01 ppm respectively (p = 0.001). This research concluded that the application of UREA and NPK fertilizers in study area soils lowered the pH of soils in A1, A2 and A3 agricultural sites. Application of UREA and NPK fertilizers in soils of the study areas increased the population of microorganisms in threshold concentrations but was detrimental for NPK and UREA fertilizers at concentrations of 1.50% or above. Further findings showed that microorganisms were more tolerant of NPK and UREA fertilizers in agricultural areas compared to urban and industrial areas which showed higher LC₅₀ values. This research concludes that fertilizers used in the study areas were related to soil microorganisms developing tolerance to NPK and UREA. Farmers should observe application of the recommended professional quantities of fertilizers to ensure the sustenance of the soil ecosystem integrity.

GIS Based Universal Soil Erosion Estimation in District Chakwal Punjab, Pakistan

Soil erosion is a serious environmental problem faced by district Chakwal. Unpredictable short term and high intensity rainfall, improper cultivation and deforestation have accelerated the soil erosion in the district. The agricultural productivity of the study area can be enhanced by understanding, estimating and controlling the root causes of soil erosion. This study was undertaken to estimate and spatially represent the rate of average annual soil erosion in Chakwal using GIS/RS techniques. The soil erosion was estimated using Universal Soil Loss Equation (USLE) model. To find out parameters of USLE, ASTER GDEM of 30 m resolution was used to estimate slope length and elevation of the study area. Landsat 8 satellite imagery of year 2019, was used to prepare land use map using supervised classification. Soil map with texture and geomorphology was used to identify soils of study area and rainfall data of last 7 years was also studied. Finally, the soil loss has been computed using raster calculator of ArcGIS 10.2 software. The average annual soil loss was predicted up to 268,619 tons/acre/year, of which maximum soil erosion was occurring near the steep slopes and river channels. It is necessary to adapt sustainable land management practices to reduce the risk of further soil erosion, by adopting rainwater harvesting and choosing right crops for suitable soil types.