Subangular Blocky Research Articles

Characterization and Classifications of Soils in an Experimental Farm in the Tiruvannamalai District, Tamil Nadu, India

It is essential to characterize and classify soil resources in order to plan agricultural land use agroforestry, agri-horticulture and silvipastoral farming systems. In the present study, an attempt was made to characterize and classify the soils occurring on different topography in an experimental farm in Tiruvannamalai District of Tamil Nadu, India. A detailed soil survey was carried out using cadastral map. Physiographically, the area has been characterized into Pediplain shallow weathered and Pediplain moderately weathered which were further subdivided based on slope and erosion categories. Six typical pedons were identified based on landform and their soil morphological properties. The soils were very shallow to moderately deep, dark reddish brown to yellowish red (red soils) in colour with sub-angular blocky in structure, These soils were sandy loam to sandy clay loam in texture, slightly acidic to mildly alkaline (3.28-7.70) in reaction (non-saline soils) and had low to medium (1.2 to 6.4 g/kg) organic carbon content. Calcium and magnesium were the dominant exchangeable cations followed by sodium and potassium. Taxonomically these soils were classified as Typic Rhodustalfs, Typic Haplustalfs, Vertic Haplustepts and Typic Haplustepts at the subgroup level.

Characterization and classification of soil resources of hittinahalli sub-watershed derived from basalt in Northern dry zone of Karnataka

Eighteen Typical pedons representing upland, midland, and lowland forms in a Hittinahalli subwatershed of Vijayapur district were studied for their morphological characteristics and physicochemical properties. The soils were shallow to very deep (25 to >150 cm), very dark brown to black (Munsell color chart) and moderately well to poorly drained. The soil structure changes from weak, medium sub- angular blocky on the surface to moderate, coarse sub-angular blocky in the subsurface horizons. The soils are moderately alkaline to strongly alkaline (7.59–9.41), low to high in organic carbon (0.08–0.75 g/kg). The pedons on uplands exhibit the development of an argillic horizon (Bt). The pedons on the midlands and lowlands have cambic horizons (Bw), classified as Verisols and Inceptisols, respectively. The lowlands (P6, P10, P16, and P18) and midlands (P7, P8, P12, P15, and P17) are classified as fine, mixed, Iso-hyperthermic, and Typic Haplustalfs.

Taxonomical Classification of soils of Asvaru Sub-watershed, Hunsur Taluk, Mysuru District

Soil characterization and classification is crucial to all soil studies, as it is an important tool for understanding the nature of soil along with successful transfer of research results from one study area to another. The proper understanding of the nature and properties of soil and their management based on their potential and problems is important for increasing crop production to the optimum level. For understanding the problems and potentials, detailed soil survey plays an important role which provides adequate information in terms of land form, slope, land use as well as characteristics of soils (viz., texture, depth, structure, stoniness, drainage, acidity, salinity etc.) which can be utilized for the planning and development. The purpose of the study is to classify the soils of Asavru sub-watershed in Mysuru district to categorize the soils into different soil order upto family level of Soil taxonomy Classification and enhance the productivity and profitability of the area. The detailed soil survey was carried out in Asvaru sub-watershed. Seventy two profiles were studied for its different morphology, physical and chemical properties. The subwatershed area was grouped into 75 mapping units consisting of 16 soil series. The soils were shallow to very deep with texture varying from sandy loam to sandy clay. The structure was sub-angular blocky in all profiles with friable consistency. Soil reaction varied from moderately acidic to moderately alkaline and non saline in +2 + + + nature. Exchangeable cations followed the pattern of Ca >Mg >Na >K . The soil series identified in the sub-watershed area were classified under different soil orders (Alfisols and Inceptisols) upto family level according to revision of Soil Taxonomy. Major proportion of the soils of the sub-watershed belonged to Alfisols (Pedons1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 and 15) and Inceptisols (Pedon5, 13 and 16).

Karakteristik Fisik, Kimia dan Mineral Tanah Di Lokasi Kampus IAIN- Ambon Kecamatan Sirimau Kota Ambon

The aims of this study was to identify morphological characteristics, clay mineral composition and soil similarity index between two soil profiles at the IAIN campus. The results showed that soil color characteristics of soil layers of both soils are different. Both soil profiles have deep solums with loam to sandy loam texture distribution. The increasing of clay content in the B horizon of both soil profiles is still weak as indicated by the present of a Bw (kambik) horizon. Soil structure is a subangular blocky with fine to coarse sizes and weak to strong structural development. Soil consistency is slightly sticky to sticky. Cation exchange capacity is very low as indicated by low Ca dan Na, medium to high Mg and high Na soil exchangeable cations. The dominant clay mineral in both soil profiles is kaolonit, which is formed by unwell-consolidated weathering materials mixed with weathering-resistant quartz. The silt/clay ratio and CEC values shows similarity between layers between both profiles, however, the Ca/Mg ratio shows dissimilarity. The soil type in both soil profiles is district Kambisol (Typic distrudepts) categorized as a developed soil

Karakteristik Fisik, Kimia dan Mineral Tanah Di Lokasi Kampus IAIN- Ambon Kecamatan Sirimau Kota Ambon

The aims of this study was to identify morphological characteristics, clay mineral composition and soil similarity index between two soil profiles at the IAIN campus. The results showed that soil color characteristics of soil layers of both soils are different. Both soil profiles have deep solums with loam to sandy loam texture distribution. The increasing of clay content in the B horizon of both soil profiles is still weak as indicated by the present of a Bw (kambik) horizon. Soil structure is a subangular blocky with fine to coarse sizes and weak to strong structural development. Soil consistency is slightly sticky to sticky. Cation exchange capacity is very low as indicated by low Ca dan Na, medium to high Mg and high Na soil exchangeable cations. The dominant clay mineral in both soil profiles is kaolonit, which is formed by unwell-consolidated weathering materials mixed with weathering-resistant quartz. The silt/clay ratio and CEC values shows similarity between layers between both profiles, however, the Ca/Mg ratio shows dissimilarity. The soil type in both soil profiles is district Kambisol (Typic distrudepts) categorized as a developed soil

Characterization, classification, and suitability evaluation of soils formed in fluvial deposits within eastern part of Kogi State in Nigeria for rice and maize production

The impact of rice and maize production on food security in Nigeria cannot be over-emphasized. The aim of this research was to characterize, classify and evaluate the suitability of soils formed in fluvial deposits within eastern part of Kogi State in Nigeria for rice and maize production. This was supported by the fact that the knowledge of the characteristics and soil groups of fluvial deposits in soils is an integral part in soil suitability evaluation as well as management. Four (4) soil profile pits were sunk within the research area. The pedonswere located within the 19a mapping unit of the soil map of Nigeria which has the fluvial deposits. Pedons were adequately described as soil samples were collected from pedogenic horizons, and preserved in well-labelled polyethylene bags, transported to the Laboratory for analyses. The findings revealed that the soils were characterized by dominant gray (10YR4/1) and dark reddish gray (10R4/1) in the surface soils and dominance of various shades of gray in the subsurface soils. Most of the soil structures were single-grained and subangular blocky at the surface and subsurface soils respectively. The soil texture was sandy clay loam and sandy loam in the A horizons. The soil reaction showed mean values of 6.1 and 5.5 at the surface and subsurface horizons with base saturation highest (91%) at C1 horizon of 19a3 pedon. The pedons were classified as inceptisols, and were currently not suitable (N1) for rice cultivation but marginally suitable (S3) for maize cultivation.

Characterization and classification of soils under different land use systems in the upper Brahmaputra valley of Assam

For characterization of soils, soils were collected from Jorhat and a Golaghat district during 2016-2017under different land uses systems i.e. bamboo, sugarcane, tea and rice. Results indicated that surface soils of different land use systems varied from greyish brown (10YR 5/2) to brownish yellow (10YR 6/8).The structure was found predominantly sub-angular blocky and loam to clay loam in texture. The soil soils of all horizons of bamboo, tea plantation and rice were extremely acidic (pH <4.5) except sugarcane horizons (strongly acidic pH 5.0-5.50).Soil cation exchange capacity(CEC) in bamboo, sugarcane, tea plantation and rice varied from 6.20 to 7.29 cmol (p+)/kg, 8.19 to 9.92 cmol (p+)/kg, 5.54 to 6.88 cmol (p+)/kg, and 6.99 to7.58 cmol (p+)/kg, respectively due to variation in clay content. Sugarcane and tea plantation soils showed clay alleviation with more than 1.2 times in sub-surface horizon over surface horizon with low base saturation <35%to place them in the Ultisol and classified as fine-loamy, mixed, hyperthermic family of Typic Hapludults.In bamboo plantation, the soil had cambic horizon with base saturation <35%and classified as coarse loamy, mixed, hyperthermic family of Typic Dystrudepts, whereas, in case of rice soil, the gleyed sub-surface horizon was observed with base saturation <35% and classified as loamy, mixed, hyperthermic, Typic Endoaquepts.The correlation coefficient (r) among physico-chemical of soil properties in profiles under different land use systems in upper Brahmaputra valley of Assam showed organic carbon was positively and significantly correlated with base saturation. The pH showed positive and significant correlation with CEC and clay content.

Characterization and classification of soils under different land use systems in the upper Brahmaputra valley of Assam

For characterization of soils, soils were collected from Jorhat and a Golaghat district during 2016-2017under different land uses systems i.e. bamboo, sugarcane, tea and rice. Results indicated that surface soils of different land use systems varied from greyish brown (10YR 5/2) to brownish yellow (10YR 6/8).The structure was found predominantly sub-angular blocky and loam to clay loam in texture. The soil soils of all horizons of bamboo, tea plantation and rice were extremely acidic (pH <4.5) except sugarcane horizons (strongly acidic pH 5.0-5.50).Soil cation exchange capacity(CEC) in bamboo, sugarcane, tea plantation and rice varied from 6.20 to 7.29 cmol (p+)/kg, 8.19 to 9.92 cmol (p+)/kg, 5.54 to 6.88 cmol (p+)/kg, and 6.99 to7.58 cmol (p+)/kg, respectively due to variation in clay content. Sugarcane and tea plantation soils showed clay alleviation with more than 1.2 times in sub-surface horizon over surface horizon with low base saturation <35%to place them in the Ultisol and classified as fine-loamy, mixed, hyperthermic family of Typic Hapludults.In bamboo plantation, the soil had cambic horizon with base saturation <35%and classified as coarse loamy, mixed, hyperthermic family of Typic Dystrudepts, whereas, in case of rice soil, the gleyed sub-surface horizon was observed with base saturation <35% and classified as loamy, mixed, hyperthermic, Typic Endoaquepts.The correlation coefficient (r) among physico-chemical of soil properties in profiles under different land use systems in upper Brahmaputra valley of Assam showed organic carbon was positively and significantly correlated with base saturation. The pH showed positive and significant correlation with CEC and clay content

Soil mapping, classification and morphological characteristics of the University of Benin land

This study was conducted to map, and classify the soils of University of Benin Teaching, Research and Integrated Farm site. Rigid grid soil survey method at an intensive scale was done on a 62-hectare land that produced seven mapping units. In each mapping unit, a representative pedon was sunk, described and sampled. Soil samples were analyzed using standard methods. Data generated were analyzed using descriptive statistics to determine their coefficient of variation. The r esult indicated that the soils were reddish when moist at different contrasting levels. Textural classes ranged from Loamy sand to Sandy Clay Loam while structure ranged from Single grain crumb to Sub-angular blocky. The pedons were well drained except for pedon 5, which had mottles at subsurface horizon. Means of Sand fraction ranged from ≤649 to ≥ 931 gkg-1 ; Silt ranged from ≤13.2 to ≥ 47.7gkg-1 while Clay ranged from≤ 50 to ≥ 303 gkg-1 in all the pedons; clay fraction increased with increase in depth, forming argillic horizon in pedons 1,2 and 7. pH had means ranging from ≤4.23 to ≥5.28 and recorded low variation (≤ 3.6 to ≥ 13.0 %) in all the pedons. organic carbon had means ranging from ≤ 3.3 to ≥ 36.4 gkg-1; CEC ranged from ≤ 4.85 to ≥ 16.4 cmolkg-1 while Base saturation ranged from ≤16.6 to ≥ 51%. Hence pedons 1, 2 and 7 were placed in the order Ultisols ( Acrisols); pedons 3and 4 in Entisols ( Arenosols) Pedon 4; Pedons 5and 6 in Inceptisols (Cambisols) according to USDA Soil Taxonomy and correlated with WRB.

Soil: Chemical characteristics of Vallanadu series in Tamiraparani river basin of southern Tamil Nadu, India

The soils of Vallanadu were characterized based on morphological, physico-chemical properties for land evaluation and classification. The soils were very shallow to deep, red to yellowish in colour, sandy loam to sandy clay in texture and had sub-angular blocky and angular blocky structures. The sand, silt and clay varied from 46.7 to 82.14%, 2.95 to 33.74% and 8.15 to 44.1% respectively. The soils were moderately acidic to moderately alkaline, non-saline, low to medium in organic carbon. The CEC varied from 4.5 to 16 Cmol(p+)kg-1 and dominated by Ca2+ >Mg2+>K+>Na+. The soils were low, medium, low to medium in available NPK respectively. Among the micronutrients, Fe and Mn were sufficient, Zn & Cu were deficient. The soils were classified as Typic Rhodustalf, Typic Haplustalf and Typic Haplustepts. The soils were evaluated as land capability sub-class of IVs, IVes and land irrigability sub-classes of 2s, 3s and 3st.

Genesis and classification of rice-maize-sorghum growing Vertisols in semi-arid tropical region of Chinnapalem village of Guntur district in Andhra Pradesh

The study was carried out in semi-arid tropical ecosystem of Chinnapalem Village of Guntur District. This study was an embodiment with an objective of genesis and classification of some black soils in semi-arid tropical region of Andhra Pradesh. The black soils of Chinnapalem Village, Duggirala mandal were formed at nearly level to plain topography with river alluvium parent material. All the pedons exhibited clear and smooth boundary in surface horizons and diffuse and wavy boundary in the sub-surface horizons and A horizon was designated as Ap horizon while B horizon was Bss due to the presence of well-formed distinct slickensides. The soil colour varied from from very dark gray to black. Textural class of fine earth was clayey with medium to coarse, moderate to strong and angular to subangular blocky in structure. The consistence varied from very hard to extremely hard, firm to extremly firm and sticky to very-sticky and plastic to very-plastic in dry, moist and wet conditions, respectively. Due to the presence of vertic features like slickensides, pressure faces, cracks and presence of more than 30 % clay in all the horizons were grouped under Vertisols and classified as Typic Haplusterts and ideal for cultivation of rice, sorghum, and maize.

Geostatistical based soil fertility mapping of Horticultural Research Station, Rajikot, Jumla, Nepal

Geostatistical soil mapping is important for determining spatial distribution of soil parameters. This study was conducted to assess soil spatial distribution of the Horticultural Research Station, Rajikot, Jumla, Nepal. The total 27 samples were collected randomly at a depth of 0-20 cm by using soil sampling auger. A GPS device was used for determination of geographical position of soil sampling points. The collected samples were analyzed following standard analytical methods in the laboratory of National Soil Science Research Centre, Khumaltar. The Arc-GIS 10.1 software was used for the mapping spatial distribution of various soil parameters. The observed data revealed the structure was sub-angular blocky and granular, whereas colour were dark brown to dark grayish brown and dark yellowish brown. The sand, silt and clay content were ranged 24.40-72.10%, 19.40-63.10% and 6.20-14.50%, respectively and categorized loam, sandy loam and silt loam in texture. The soil pH was slightly acidic to moderately alkaline (5.01-8.06), and very low available sulphur (0.59-2.41 mg/kg) and very low to low available boron (0.04-0.87 mg/kg). Moreover, very low to medium available manganese (2.18-13.46 mg/kg), very low to very high available iron (4.50-138.58 mg/kg), and low to medium available magnesium (7.20-177.60.53 mg/kg) and zinc (0.26-1.66 mg/kg). Similarly, medium total nitrogen (0.09-0.22%), medium to high organic matter (1.71-6.26%) and available calcium (1200-3144 mg/kg), medium to very high available phosphorus (3.71-82.4 mg/kg) and potassium (59.37-173.05 mg/kg). Correspondingly, high to very high available copper (0.78-4.20 mg/kg). The determined soil test data can be used for sustainable soil management as well as developing future research strategy in the farm.

Soil suitability evaluation of Babayau flood plain for selected arable crop cultivation in Ardo-kola, Taraba State, Nigeria

The study's objective was to characterize the soils and carry out suitability evaluation of floodplain soils in Ardo-Kola, Taraba State. Six (6) profile pits were dug from two physiographic units and the most predominant land use (woodland area and arable land area). Three (3) profile pits were dug on each of the identified units using standard dimension. Soil morphological results indicated that the soils were sub-angular blocky, strong to fine structure, very sticky, hard when dry and firm when moist in the woodland area. Colour ranged from pale brown 10YR (6/3) to dark greyish brown 10YR (4/2). Soils in the arable land area were mostly very sticky, firm when moist and hard when dried. The colour ranged from light yellowish-brown 10YR (6/4) to dark grey 10YR (4/1). Results of particle size distribution were sandy loamy and loamy sand across the pedons. Bulk density values ranged from 1.50 to 1.67gm/cm3, and total porosity ranged from 37 to 43% respectively. The soils were generally moderately acidic to slightly acidic, organic carbon and total nitrogen was low (<2% and <0.15%), calcium and magnesium were rated medium (2-5cmol/kg and 0.3-1.0cmol/kg) respectively. Base saturation values were rated medium (50-80%) to high (>80%) across the pedons. Soil suitability result for the woodland area showed overall suitability for maize in pedon BYF1 was S3w (marginally suitable) with limitation in nutrient availability and suitable (S1) in pedon BYF5. Arable land area was also marginally suitable (S3) with limitation in oxygen availability except for pedon BYF4, which was not suitable (N) for maize cultivation. Woodland area was moderately suitable (S2) and suitable (S1) for the arable land area with limitation in texture except for pedon BYF 3 with limitation in oxygen availability. Rice production is encouraged in the arable land area while maize in the woodland area using fertilizers and organic materials to ameliorate low fertility limitations observed in the study area.

Characterization of soils of Jagdalpur in a topo-sequence

A study was conducted on the soils of Jagdalpur in a topo-sequence in order to characterize and classify them. The investigation revealed that the soils of the study area belong to Alfisols. The soils on subdued hills were very shallow and moderately deep on side slopes. These were well drained, gravely clay loam on the surface to clay loam in the sub-surface with redder hue (2.5YR 6/4) on summit and on the side slopes, and soils were grayer in colour together with yellower hue in the sub-surface. The soils were moderately deep to very deep well drained, with redder hue on undulating land to grey colour in the upper valley together with sandy clay loam to clay loam in texture and medium moderate sub-angular blocky structured. Soils were slightly acidic to moderately acidic soil reaction increased down the profile. CEC of surface horizon was 6.8 and 11.9 cmol (P+) kg-1 on the summit and the side slopes and almost comparable between 9 to 10 cmol (P+) kg-1 at undulating upland, and upper valley.

Study Of Some Morphological Feautures Of Calcarious-Gypsiferous Soils And Its Management

The study was conducted to demonstrate some morphological features of gypsiferous soils and the possibility of managing these soils to improve their productivity. The soil samples were taken from three pedons (p1,p2,p3) for physical and chemical analysis. A plot experiment was conducted by randomized complete block design planted with barley seeds and three levels of npk. Results showed a sharp decline of organic matter, calcium carbonate and highest gypsum value with depth. Also results showed higher value for hue and value in p3 comparing with p1 and p2. The structure of soil surface was subangular blocky in p1 and p2, while it was structureless in p3. The boundaries at p1 and p2 were clear and wavy or irregular, but defuse and irregular at p3. The index accumulation values of clay (ci) showed pedogenic migration of clay from the surface horizons to the subsurface horizons. All soil pedons were classifieds according to soil survey staff (2006, 2015) to a series level: (fine silty clay, mixed, thermic typic calcigypsids). Results of the field experiment showed superiority of adding mineral fertilization in (plant height, spike longth, number of seeds per spike and seed weigh) compared to control treatment.

Soil fertility assessment and mapping spatial distribution of Agricultural Research Station, Bijayanagar, Jumla, Nepal

Knowledge about the soil fertility status and mapping their spatial distribution play a crucial role for sustainable planning of particular area. Thus, a study was conducted to assess the soil fertility status of the Agricultural Research Station, Bijayanagar, Jumla, Nepal. The farm is situated at the latitude 29.273656°N and longitude 82.180967°E a s well altitude 2370masl. The total 18 samples were collected randomly at a depth of 0-20 cm by using soil sampling auger. A GPS device was used for determination of geographical position of soil sampling points. The collected samples were analyzed following standard analytical methods in the laboratory of Soil Science Division, Khumaltar. The Arc-GIS 10.1 software was used for the soil fertility distribution mapping. The observed data revealed the structure was sub-angular blocky, whereas colour were dark grayish brown and very dark brown. The sand, silt and clay content were ranged 27-47%, 33.10-61.10% and 11.90-23.90%, respectively and categorized loam and silt loam in texture. The soil pH was moderately acidic to moderately alkaline (5.45-7.66) and very low in available boron (0.01-0.28 mg/kg) and sulphur (0.59-6.23 mg/kg). Moreover, very low to very high available iron (15.90-300.50 mg/kg), very low to high available manganese (1.46-12.88) and low to high organic matter (2.07-6.53%). Similarly, medium to high total nitrogen (0.14-0.23%), available potassium (40-255 mg/kg) and zinc (1.12-8.26 mg/kg). Correspondingly, high available calcium (1632-2880 mg/kg) and magnesium (98-456 mg/kg), and very high available phosphorus (64.2-257.2 mg/kg) and copper (2.58-12.16 mg/kg). The determined soil test data can be used for sustainable soil management as well as developing future research strategy in the farm.

Characterization and Classification of Major Mango-growing Soils in Arid Part of Ananthapuramu District, Andhra Pradesh, India

Four typical pedons representing major mango growing soils, developed from granite gneiss parent material were studied for their morphological, physical and chemical properties. The soils were moderately shallow (50-75 cm) to very deep (>150 cm) in depth, loamy sand to sandy clay loam in texture, sub-angular blocky in structure, reddish brown to dark red in colour, slightly acidic to moderately alkaline in reaction, non-saline, very low to high in organic carbon content (0.09 to 1.29%), low AWC (3.36 to 7.80%), low to medium in cation exchange capacity (2.90 to 19.36 cmol (p+) kg-1) and high base saturation (78 to 98%). The soils also had high amounts of coarse fragments in P1 and P2 and high clay content in P4 and P2. Among the exchangeable cations, calcium was found to be high in most of the soils, followed by magnesium, sodium, and potassium. Based on the soil characteristics, the mango growing soils were classified as Typic Haplargids and Typic Paleargids in subgroup level. Varying soil and site characters i.e., poor rainfall, shallow soil depths, excess gravel contents, low AWC, poor nutrient status and severe soil erosion are limiting the growth and development of mango plantation. Developing site-specific soils based suitable management practices can improve the productivity of mango crops.

Characterization and Classifications of Soils of Eastern Ghats Region of Karnataka

Characterization and classification of soil resources is essential scientifically plan agricultural land use agroforestry, agri-horticulture and silvipastoral farming systems. In the present study, an attempt was made to characterize and classify the soils occurring on different topography in three villages of Ramanagara district of Karnataka. Out of forty five pedons, nine representative pedons (covering all the soil types) very shallow to deep, dark reddish brown to yellowish red (red soils), to very dark brown to very dark greyish-brown (black soils) in colour. With sub-angular blocky in structure, These soils were sandy clay to clay in texture, strongly acidic to slightly alkaline (4.5-8.02) in reaction (non-saline soils) and had medium to high (0.5-1.33%) organic carbon content. Calcium and magnesium were the dominant exchangeable cations followed by sodium and potassium. Soils were grouped under Alfisols, Inceptisols and Entisols orders.

Soil analysis gis-based fertility assessment and mapping of agricultural research station, Pakhribas, Dhankuta, Nepal

<p>Soil fertility evaluation has been considered as a most effective tool for sustainable planning of a particular region. This study was conducted to determine the soil fertility status of the Agricultural Research Station, Pakhribas, Dhankuta, Nepal. The total 60 soil samples were collected randomly at a depth of 0-20 cm by using the soil sampling auger. For identification of soil sampling points A GPS device was used. The collected samples were analyzed for their texture, pH, OM, N, P<sub>2</sub>O<sub>5</sub>, K<sub>2</sub>O, Ca, Mg, S, B, Fe, Zn, Cu and Mn status following standard methods in the laboratory of Soil Science Division, Khumaltar. The Arc-GIS 10.1 software was used for soil fertility maps preparation. The observed data revealed that soil was dark yellowish brown (10YR 4/4) and yellowish brown (10YR 5/6) in colour, and single grained, granular and sub-angular blocky in structure. The sand, silt and clay content were 56.61±0.97%, 27.62±0.56% and 15.77±0.58%, respectively and categorized as loam, sandy loam and sandy clay loam in texture. The soil was very acidic in pH (4.66±0.07) and very low in available sulphur (0.53±0.11mg/kg), available boron (0.24±0.07mg/kg). The organic matter (1.34±0.07%), total nitrogen (0.09±0.003mg/kg), available calcium (605.70±31.40mg/kg), available magnesium (55.96±4.67mg/kg) and available zinc (0.54±0.22mg/kg) were low in status. Similarly, available potassium (115.98±9.19 mg/kg) and available copper (1.13±0.09 mg/kg) were medium in status. Furthermore, available manganese (36.31±2.82mg/kg) was high, whereas available phosphorus (105.07±9.89 mg/kg) and available iron (55.80±8.89 mg/kg) were very high in status. The soil fertility management practice should be adopted based on the determined status in the field for the sustainable production of crops. The future research strategy should be built based on the soil fertility status of the research farm.</p>

Morphology and physicochemical properties of soils in reclamation of ex-coal mining

Misusing soil-forming materials and reconstruction methods changes soil body and soil properties of coal mine reclamation. This research was aimed to understand the factors causing degradation and chronosequence of reclaimed soil properties to formulate a proper model for coal-mine reclamation soil. The research was conducted by using systematic grid survey method. The soil sample for reclamation land was taken from layers and horizon of native soil. The results showed that soil body reconstructed with topsoil and subsoil on the surface layer has dark brown morphological form, organic carbon 1.70-2.40%, subangular blocky to blocky structures, percentage of micro-aggregate formed 6.1-10.3%, aggregate stability 50-53.3%, bulk density 1.29-1.37 g cm-3, infiltration rate 1.66-4.67 cm hour-1, pH H2O 4.57-4.58, and SO4-2-soluble 92.5-240.3 mg kg-1. The body of reclamation soil which reconstructed with parent material and bedrock and differed among layers has fluctuate properties based on the layer composition and changes with a random pattern based on the age of reclamation.