Typic Ustifluvents Research Articles

Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi Associated with Maize (Zea mays L.) in the Formation and Stability of Aggregates in Two Types of Soil.

Knowledge of native Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF) and their relationship with the edaphic characteristics where they live is important to establish the influence of allochthonous AMF, which were inoculated, on the development and stability of soil aggregates. The objectives of this research were to know the composition of native AMF species from two contrasting soils, and to establish the development and stability of aggregates in those soils with corn plants after inoculating them with allochthonous AMF. The experiment had three factors: Soil (two levels [S1 and S2]), HMA (three levels: without application [A0], with the application of Claroideoglomus claroideum [A1] and with the application of a consortium [A2]) and Fertilization (two levels (without fertilization [f0] and with fertilization [f1])). Twelve treatments were generated, with five replicates (60 experimental units [EU]). The EU consisted of a pot with a corn plant and the distribution was completely random. The results demonstrated that the Typic Ustifluvent presented nine species of native AMF, while the Typic Dystrustert had three; the native AMF in each soil influenced the activity of allochthonous AMF, such as their colonization and sporulation. Likewise, differences were found in the stability of macro-sized aggregates (0.5 to 2.0 mm).

Physiological response and productivity of aerobic rice (Oryza sativa L.) to iron fertilization in typic Ustifluvents soil

Aerobic rice is projected as a sustainable rice production technology for the immediate future to address water scarcity and environmental safety. Micronutrient deficiency, particularly iron is one of the main factors responsible for low productivity in aerobic rice. With this perspective, a field experiment was conducted at farmer’s field in 2022 at Kuttalam, Mayladuthurai district, Tamilnadu, in sandy clay loam (Padugai Series – Typic Ustifluvents) to predict the response of aerobic rice (Oryza sativa) to iron nutrition. The experiment was laid out in randomised block design with eleven treatments (Recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF) NPK only (control)(T1), (RDF) + FeSO4 @ 25 kg ha-1 (SA) (T2), RDF + FeSO4 37.5 kg ha-1 (SA)(T3),RDF+ FeSO4 @ 50 kg ha-1 (SA)(T4), RDF+ FeSO4 @ 25 kg ha-1 (SA) + FeSO4 @ 1% (FS)(T5), RDF+ FeSO4 37.5 kg ha-1 (SA) + FeSO4 @ 1% (FS)(T6) , RDF+ FeSO4 @ 50 kg ha-1 (SA) + FeSO4 @ 1% (FS)(T7), RDF+ FeSO4 @ 25 kg ha-1(SA) + Fe-EDTA @ 0.5% (FS)(T8), RDF+ FeSO4 37.5 kg ha-1 (SA) + Fe-EDTA @ 0.5% (FS)(T9), RDF+ FeSO4 @ 50 kg ha-1 (SA) + Fe-EDTA @ 0.5% (FS) (T10) and RDF + Seed priming 0.05M Fe-EDTA(T11)) and replicated thrice. The results revealed that application of FeSO4 @ 50 kg ha-1 (SA) + Fe-EDTA @ 0.5% (FS) with RDF recorded the highest growth and yield parameters and the highest grain (3438 kg ha-1) and straw yield (5078 kg ha-1) compared to other treatments including control. This study concluded that iron fertilization through the soil and foliar application could enhance aerobic rice productivity.

Quantity-intensity parameters of potassium and their relationship with potassium fractions, soil properties and wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) yield under integrated nutrient management system in a typic ustifluvents

Fertilizer use in India is highly unbalanced especially with respect to potassium (K) and the soil shows significant responses to K application, even in alluvial soils dominated by K bearing minerals. Potassium availability to the plant is influenced by internal soil properties and other external properties. Quantity intensity characteristics are one of the satisfactory measures of potassium dynamics and its availability. So quantity intensity characteristics of potassium were studied to quantify the potassium availability in soil classified as typic ustifluvents. Soil samples (0-15 cm) were collected from the experimental plot located at Mandan Bharti Agriculture College, Agwanpur, Saharsa, Bihar after harvest of wheat during rabi 2015-16. The experiment was laid out in split plot design with four levels of NPK viz., 0, 50, 100 and 150 per cent recommended NPK in main plot and four levels of organic sources of nutrients viz.,no organic manure, vermicompost, water hyacinth compost and vermicompost + water hyacinth compost in sub plot treatment in three replications. Soil K pool quantity intensity relationship, K release kinetics along with grain yield and K uptake of wheat were studied. Equilibrium K activity ratio was positively correlated with available, water soluble, exchangeable, non-exchangeable and total K. Non-significant and negative relationship of PBCK with all forms of K were obtained. ΔG showed non-significant but positive correlation with water soluble, exchangeable, available and total K. The Q/I parameters were significantly interrelated with each other. Equilibrium activity ratio was positively significantly correlated with grain yield, straw yield, K uptake and organic carbon. The sand, silt and clay showed significant relation either positive or negative with all quantity-intensity parameters. The result suggested that integrated use of organics and K input regularly sustain a steady supply of K to successive crops.

Chemical and Biological Synthesis, Characterization and Control Release Pattern of Iron Nanoparticles (Fe Nps) Under Incubation Experiment in Typic Haplustepts and Typic Ustifluvents Soil

Chemical and Biological Synthesis, Characterization and Control Release Pattern of Iron Nanoparticles (Fe Nps) Under Incubation Experiment in Typic Haplustepts and Typic Ustifluvents Soil

Response of rice (Oryza sativa L.) productivity and nutrient uptake to nitrogen and boron fertilization in Typic Ustifluvents soil

Nitrogen and boron are necessary for the metabolic activities of rice for its growth. With this perspective, a field experiment was conducted in farmer’s field during 2020 at Kuttalam, Mayladuthurai district, Tamilnadu in sandy clay loam(Padugai Series – TypicUstifluvents) to predict the response of rice (Oryza sativa) to different levels of nitrogen(N) and boron (B) application. The treatments consisted of Factor A- Nitrogen levels, 0, 75, 150, 225 kg ha-1 and Factor B- Boron levels 0, 1.5, 3.0 kg ha-1. Fifteen treatments were conducted in a Factorial randomised block (FRBD) design with three replications. The test crop was rice with a variety ADT 46. Concerning nitrogen alone, the highest grain (5344 kg ha-1) and straw yield was recorded in N3(225 kg ha-1). Among the boron levels tested, the highest grain (4695 kg ha-1) and straw yield (6509 kg ha-1) was registered in B1 (1.5 kg ha-1) in rice. The highest total nutrient uptake viz., N(88.2 kg ha-1), P(30.5 kg ha-1), K(105.0 kg ha-1) and B(172mg kg-1) were recorded in N3B1. Among the N alone, the highest total nutrient uptake viz., N(78.1kg ha-1, P(26.3kg ha-1), K (95.8 kg ha-1) and B(156.6 mg kg-1) in N3. Concerning B alone, the highest nutrient uptake viz., N(60.5, kg ha-1) , P(17.8kg ha-1) K(74.9 kg ha-1) and B(112.1mg kg-1) were registered in B1 over other B levels. The highest grain (5631 kg ha-1) was recorded in N3B1 (225 kg N ha-1 and 1.5kg B ha-1) than other interactions. The study concluded that applying nitrogen and boron is required to achieve the maximum yield of rice in sandy clay loam soil.

Enhancement of agronomic traits and yield of rice var. ADT 43 grown in typic ustifluvent soil through silicon fertilization

Rice is a rich accumulator of silicon and its supply is essential for the growth and economic yield of rice. Hence, a field experiment was conducted in sandy clay loam soil belonging to Padugai series (Typic ustifluvent) at farmers holding in Kuttalam block, Mayiladuthurai district, Tamil Nadu to assess the role of silicon in improving agronomic characters and yield of rice ADT 43, Oryza sativa. The treatments included T1 - Recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF), T2 - RDF + Potassium silicate (FS) - 0.25%, T3- RDF + FS - 0.50%, T4 - RDF +FS - 1.00%, T5­ -RDF + FS - 0.25%, T6 - RDF + FS - 0.50%, T7­ - RDF + FS - 1.00%, T8 - RDF + SA - 50 kg ha-1, T9 - RDF + SA - 100 kg ha-1 and T10 - RDF + SA- 150 kg ha-1. From T2 to T4, the foliar spray was done at tillering stage and from T5 to T7, the foliar spray was done at tillering and panicle initiation stage. The silicon was applied through FS with the rice crop. The soil application of silicon relatively recorded higher growth and yield compared to foliar application. Besides improving different agronomic characters of the rice, the soil application of 50 kg Si ha-1 registered the highest grain yield (6183.3 kg ha-1) and straw yield (6740 kg ha-1) and was comparable with a single foliar spray of 1% Si. Growth and rice yield increased with Si concentration of 0.25% to 1%. Thus, the soil application of silicon @50 kg ha-1 through potassium silicate is advocated to realize maximum rice yield.

Effect of Silicon through Potassium Silicate on Yield, Nutrient Uptake and Quality of Grand Naine Banana

Field experiment was conducted in Farmers holding located at Rajagopalapuram village under Kuttalam taluk, Mayiladuthurai district, Tamilnadu, India belonging to Padugai series (Typic ustifluvent) low in available silicon to elucidate the response of banana in terms of yield, nutrition and quality due to silicon nutrition applied through potassium silicate. The treatment consists of T1 - NPK (RDF), T2 - NPK + Potassium silicate (FS) - 0.25%, T3- NPK + Potassium silicate (FS) - 0.50%, T4 - NPK + Potassium silicate (FS) - 1.00%, T5­ - NPK + Potassium silicate (FS) - 0.25%, T6 - NPK + Potassium silicate (FS) - 0.50%, T7­ - NPK + Potassium silicate (FS) - 1.00%, T8 - NPK + Potassium silicate (SA) - 50 kg ha-1, T9 - NPK + Potassium silicate (SA) - 100 kg ha-1 and T10 - NPK + Potassium silicate (SA) – 150 kg ha-1. From T2 to T4 foliar spray was done at 3rd and 5th month and from T5 to T7, foliar spray was done at 3rd, 5th and 7th month. The test crop is Banana Var. Grand Naine. The results showed that the highest fruit yield was noticed with 50 kg Si ha-1 (96.0 t ha-1) and it reduced with Si levels. Among foliar treatments, fruit yield increased with silicon concentrations (0.25 to 1%). The highest fruit yield was observed with 1% Si applied at 3rd and 5th month (92.7 t ha-1). Foliar spray of 0.25 and 0.5% Si applied thrice increased the fruit yield compared to twice application at same concentration. But fruit yield declined when Si was sprayed at 1% thrice. Soil application of silicon recorded higher nutrient uptake over foliar addition. The nutrient uptake was maximum with 150 kg Si ha-1. With respect to foliar treatments, the highest uptake was noticed with foliar spray of 1% Si applied at 3rd and 5th month. Soil application of 50 kg Si ha-1 recorded the highest fruit quality viz., TSS, total sugars, reducing and non-reducing sugar and leaf protein. The highest fruit quality was noticed with foliar spray of 1% Si applied at 3rd and 5th month.

Assessment of Silicon and Nitrogen Fertilization on Plant and Soil Nutrition and Rice Yield Grown in Typic Ustifluvent Soil

Aim: Assess the effect of silicon and nitrogen application on chemical nutrition of plant and soil grown in Typic Ustifluvent soil
 Study design: Factorial RBD
 Place and duration of study: Field experiments was conducted in farmers holding in Kuttalam Block, Mayiladuthurai district. The experiment was conducted for two seasons
 Methodology: Field experiments was conducted in farmers holding during kuruvai and samba seasons to. The treatments consists of silicon levels viz., 0, 50,100 and 150 kg ha-1 and nitrogen levels viz., 0, 50,100, 150 kg ha-1. using rice as test crop var. ADT43 and CR1009.The grain and straw yield was recorded at harvest. The grain and straw samples were analyzed for nutrient contents and corresponding uptake was calculated. The soil samples were analyzed for nutrient status at different physiological stages.
 Results: The result revealed that graded doses of nitrogen and silicon applied alone or in combination caused significant improvement in rice yield over control. The rice yield reached its pinnacle (5600, 6786 kg ha-1) and straw yield (6811, 8031 kg ha-1) was noticed with 150 kg N ha-1 + 150 kg Si ha-1. However it was comparable with 150 kg N ha-1 + 100 kg Si ha-1 and 100 kg N ha-1 + 150 kg Si ha-1. The uptake increased with nitrogen and silicon levels. The highest nutrient uptake was recorded with 150 kg N ha-1 + 150 kg Si ha-1. It was comparable with 150 kg N ha-1 + 100 kg Si ha-1. Available nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and silicon increased with N and Si levels. The highest available N, P, K and Si was maximum when nitrogen and silicon was applied at 150 kg ha-1.
 Conclusion: Conjoint application of 150 kg N ha-1 and 150 kg Si ha-1 recommended to realize maximum yield of rice grown in soil low nitrogen and silicon

Long-Term Zinc Fertilization in Calcareous Soils Improves Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Productivity and Soil Zinc Status in the Rice–Wheat Cropping System

Rice–wheat cropping system (RWCS) is considered as the furthermost vital system in the Indo-Gangetic Plains of South-Asia, including India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Nepal. Recently, the deficiency of micronutrients like zinc (Zn) has emerged as one of the prime limitations for the sustainability issues of this RWCS in Zn deficient calcareous soils, particularly in India, as a result of the calcareous typic ustifluvents taxonomic nature of the soils. Therefore, a new Zn fertilization approach for soils is very much needed in the intensive RWCS. Thus, a six-year-long investigation was designed with three different modes of Zn application, viz., the application of Zn only in the first year of study, application in alternative years, and application in every year. Four different rates of Zn applications in a hectare of area for a single year, viz., 2.5, 5.0, 7.5, and 10 kg ha−1 year−1, and times of Zn application, viz., only at first year, alternative years, and in each year. The major aims of the study were to determine Zn concentration in soil; yield; and Zn accumulation by wheat crop under different application methods of Zn. From this study, it was found that a large portion of the applied Zn was present in the residual fraction, and it was also revealed that increasing the frequency of Zn application resulted in the increment in the crystalline fraction. Significant correlation of water-soluble and exchangeable Zn (WS+EX-Zn), complexed Zn (COM-Zn), amorphous Zn (AMO-Zn), organic Zn (ORG-Zn), total Zn (TOT-Zn), grain yield, and grain Zn uptake by wheat indicated that these Zn fractions were dominant forms in the soil to be utilized by plants under rice–wheat rotation. Concerning yield and Zn uptake by wheat, it was noted that the Zn application at 10 kg ha−1 in alternate years was the best Zn application method, while application of Zn at 7.5 kg ha−1 in each year also resulted in comparable yield.

INFLUENCE OF CONVENTIONAL AND NON-CONVENTIONAL ORGANIC SOURCES AND INDUSTRIAL REFUSE FOR YIELD AND QUALITY ATTRIBUTES OF RADISH

Radish is a unique root vegetable cultivated in India for its tender roots, consumed as a salad or cooked vegetable. The soil was collected from Vallampadugai, Chidambaram taluk farmer’s field having sandy loam soil texture, pH 7.0, EC 1.37 dSm-1, (textural class: Typic ustifluvents). A pot experiment was executed out in the pot culture yard of Annamalai University. Organic sources viz., FYM (12.5 and 25 t ha-1), non-conventional organic sources viz., household solid waste compost (12.5 and 25 t ha-1) and industrial refuse viz., rice hull ash (5 and 10 t ha -1) and bagasse ash (5 and 10 t ha-1) with 100% RDF and 75% RDF. There were 9 treatment combinations replicated thrice in CRD. The results showed that maximum root yield (845.9g pot-1) and shoot yield (501.9 g pot -1) were recorded in treatment, receiving 75% RDF + FYM @ 25 t ha-1 (T5). The highest chlorophyll content (1.38 mg g-1), total carbohydrates (4.76%), ascorbic acid (15.9 mg kg-1), and crude protein (0.85%) were registered in T5 (75% RDF+FYM @ 25 t ha-1)

Aluviyal Depositler Üzerinde Oluşmuş Genç ve Gelişmekte Olan Toprakların Isı Akışı ve Isı Miktarının İncelenmesi

Toprak horizonlarındaki ısı akışı ve ısı miktarı, çeşitli toprak ordolarının pedogenik süreçlerine, toprakta biriken potansiyel enerji değişimine, enerji bilançosunun oluşumuna, diğer faktörlerle beraber önemli düzeyde etki yapan temel termo-fiziksel parametrelerdendir. Bu araştırmanın amacı, yarı humid ekolojik koşullar altında ve aluviyal depositler üzerinde oluşmuş genç (Entisol) ve gelişmekte olan (Inceptisol) toprakların profillerinde ölçülen sıcaklık değerlerine bağlı olarak, ısı akışının ve ısı miktarının belirlenmesidir. Inceptisol toprakların genetik horizon gelişimine bağlı olarak Entisol topraklarla karşılaştırıldığında, ısı akışı ve ısı miktarının daha yüksek olduğu belirlenmiştir. Inceptisol ordosuna ait Vertic Haplustept ve Typic Haplustept toprak profillerinde ısı akışı ve ısı miktarı sırasıyla 13.221-50.035 watt m-2 ve 2.285∙106-8.646∙106 J m-2; 7.757-29.284 watt m-2 ve 1.340∙106-5.060∙106 J m-2 aralıklarında değişmektedir. Entisol ordusunun ait topraklarda (Typic Ustifluvent, Mollic Ustifluvent-1, Mollic Ustifluvent-2) ise ısı akışının 8.958-34.300 watt m-2, ısı miktarının 1.548∙106-5.927∙106 J m-2 aralığında değiştiği tespit edilmiştir. Ayrıca, her iki ordoya ait topraklarda derinlik artışına bağlı olarak ısı akışı ve ısı miktarı azalmıştır. Meydana gelen bu değişimin, ordolara ait horizonlardaki kil, ve organik madde miktarları ile toprakların hacim ağırlıklarındaki farklılıkların ısı akışı ve ısı miktarı üzerinde önemli düzeyde etkilemesinden ileri geldiği düşünülmektedir. Ayrıca, herhangi zaman aralığında sıcaklık farkının değişimi; hacimsel ısı kapasitesi, ısısal yayınım ve ısı iletkenliği arasındaki karşılıklı etkileşim horizonlardaki ısı akışı ve ısı miktarını önemli düzeyde etkilemektedir.

Nutritional status of Galia melon plants irrigated with saline water in different soils

The experiment was conducted in 2014, in a completely randomized factorial design (5x6), with three replications. The factors were soil classes (Typic Ustipsamments, Typic Haplustults, Typic Haplustepts, Typic Ustifluvents, and Typic Haplusterts) and levels of irrigation water salinity (0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 3.0, 4.0, and 5.0 dS m-1). Increasing salinity of irrigation water caused increase in leaf contents of macronutrients in all soils. Adequate leaf contents of N, K, and Mg were observed in plants grown in all soils except K in Typic Haplusterts and Mg in Typic Ustipsamments. Appropriate P levels were observed only in Typic Haplustepts, and Ca only in Typic Haplustults and Typic Ustifluvents. Increased salinity of irrigation water caused increased leaf contents of micronutrients in all soils except copper in Typic Ustifluvents, iron in Typic Haplusterts and Typic Haplustults, and manganese in Typic Ustipsamments and Typic Haplustults.

Effect of Silicon Fertilization on Agro-Morphological Traits of Grand Naine Banana Grown in Typic Ustifluvent Soil

Aims: Banana is the fifth largest agricultural commodity in the world trade after cereals, sugar, coffee and cocoa and second largest fruit crop in the world. The main objective of the study is to know the performance of banana to silicon fertilization grown in typic ustifluvent soil.
 Study Design: The experiment was conducted in randomized block design. The test crop banana var Grand Naine.
 Place and Duration of Study: Rajagopalapuram village under Kuttallam taluk, Tamilnadu, India
 Between July to October 2016
 Methodology: The experiment consisted of ten treatments viz., T1-NPK (RDF), T2-NPK+Potassium silicate (FS)- 0.25%,T3-NPK+Potassium silicate (FS)-0.50%,T4-NPK+Potassium silicate (FS)-1.00%,T5-NPK+Potassium silicate (FS)-0.25%,T6 -NPK+ Potassium silicate (FS)-0.50%,T7­-NPK+ Potassium silicate (FS)-1.00%,T8-NPK+Potassium silicate (SA)-50kgha-1,T9-NPK + Potassium silicate (SA)-100 kg ha-1 and T10 -NPK + Potassium silicate (SA)-150 kg ha-1. T2 to T4 foliar spray was done at 3rd and 5th month and from T5 toT7, foliar spray was done at 3rd, 5th and 7th month. Growth, yield parameters and banana yield were recorded.
 Results: The outcome was that soil application of silicon recorded higher growth and yield compared to foliar application. Pseudo stem height, Pseudo stem girth, LAI, chlorophyll content, sucker production and leaf dry matter weight, fruit characters viz., bunch weight and length, number of hands/ bunches, number of fingers / hands, total number of fingers/ bunches, finger weight, length and girth were highest with soil application of 50 kg Si ha-1. Similarly, foliar application of silicon at 1% applied at 3rd and 5th recorded the highest morphological and fruit characters compared to 0.25 and 0.5% Si. The highest fruit yield ((96.0 t ha-1) was noticed with 50 kg Si ha-1 followed by foliar spray of 1% Si applied at 3rd and 5th month (92.7 t ha-1).
 Conclusion: It is concluded that soil application of 50 kg Si ha-1 through potassium silicate is best followed by foliar spray of 1.0% Si for realizing higher banana productivity.

Effect of Organics and Chemical Fertilizers on Soil Organic Carbon Distribution in a Typic Ustifluvents

To assess the effect of water hyacinth compost, vermicompost and inorganic fertilizers a field experiment was undertaken during rabi 2015-16 in light textured sandy loam soil of Mandan Bharti Agriculture College, Agwanpur, Saharsa, Bihar in split plot design with four levels of NPK in main plot and four levels of organic sources in sub-plot treatment in three replications. The experimental site was located in between 25°52’50” North latitude and 86o48’62” East longitude in agro-climatic zone-II of Bihar having hot moist sub-humid climate with average annual rainfall of 1050 mm and mean maximum and minimum annual temperature of 26°C and 18°C, respectively. Wheat (cv. DBW- 14) was grown as test crop during the reputed period of 2015-16. Vermicompost, compost made from aquatic weed water hyacinth (water hyacinth compost) alone or in combination with different levels of NPK of recommended dose of fertilizers were applied. The soil organic carbon decreased with increasing soil depth. Vermicompost, water hyacinth compost either alone or incombination with different levels of NPK fertilizer increased the status of soil organic carbon over control at each soil depth, Effect of water hyacinth compost, vermicompost or both either individually or in combination with chemical fertilizers had been very small.

Effect of biochar application on production parameters of two cowpea cultivars planted in succession in five soils from the Brazilian semiarid region

In a context of the need to improve agricultural production combined with sustainable soil management practices, the present work aimed to assess the effect of increasing doses of biochar on production parameters of two cowpea cultivars planted in succession on five soils from the Brazilian northeastern semiarid region. Soils assessed were Typic Haplustepts, Typic Haplustults, Typic Hapludox, Typic Ustifluvents, and Typic Ustipsamments. Biochar was produced with wood from pruning cashew trees. Biochar doses were 0.0, 3.5, 7.0, and 10.5 t ha−1. Two cowpea cultivars were planted in succession, BRS Potengi in the first cycle and BRS Guariba in the second. The following production variables were assessed: number of grains per pod, average pod length, hundred-grain weight, and grain yield. Experimental data from each cycle were submitted to analysis of variance using the F-test. The effect of biochar doses was assessed by regression analysis. The cowpea production parameters in the first cycle showed an increasing response as biochar dose increased for the five soils. A positive linear response of production variables in the second cycle indicated the residual effect of applying biochar in the soils Haplustults, Ustifluvents, and Haplustepts, which presented the highest response of most variables to biochar in both cycles. The results obtained without fertilization indicate the benefits of using biochar as amendment in soils of the Brazilian semiarid region, at least up to a dose of 10.5 t ha−1.

Effect of micronutrient and bioactive compounds fortified organic manure on the growth and yield of blackgram in coastal saline soil

The micronutrients availability especially Zn and Fe is low in coastal saline soils due to soil characters such as poor texture, organic matter, leaching and chemical reaction involving precipitation and fixation at high pH and salinity. This results in greater yield reduction in such soil. To evaluate the influence of fortified organic manures on the growth and yield of blackgram in coastal saline soil, one field experiment was conducted in a farmer's field at Arunmozhidevan village, Parangipettai Block, of Tamil Nadu state during January-March 2018. The texture of the soil was sandy loam and taxonomically classified as Typic Ustifluvent. The soil analyzed pH 7.93, EC 2.03 dS/m and represented low status of organic carbon (0.44%). The soil had low alkaline KMnO4-N (120.21 kg/ha), Olsen-P (7.18 kg/ha) and NH4OAc-K (275.70 kg/ha). The following treatments, namely, T1-Control (recommended NPK), T2-NPK+ZnSO4 @ 25 kg/ha+FeSO4 @ 25 kg/ha, T3-NPK+100% Zn and Fe fortified organic manure @ 5 t/ha, T4-NPK+100% Zn and Fe+bio-active compounds fortified organic manure @ 5 t/ha, T5-NPK+75% Zn and Fe fortified organic manure @ 5 t/ha, T6-NPK+75% Zn and Fe+bio-active compounds fortified organic manure @ 5 t/ha, T7-NPK+50% Zn and Fe fortified organic manure @ 5 t/ha and T8-NPK+50% Zn and Fe+bio-active compounds fortified organic manure @ 5 t/ha were studied in RBD with three replications. Blackgram variety ADT 3 was cultivated. The results of the field experiment showed that all the growth characters like plant height, DMP, LAI, number of branches and yield components viz., number of pods per plant, number of flowers and 100-seed weight and seed and haulm yield were significantly influenced by the fortified manure application. Among the treatments, T6-NPK+75% Zn and Fe+bio-active compounds fortified organic manure @ 5 t/ha was superior in significantly increasing the growth and yield of blackgram. This treatment recorded a seed and haulm yield of 763 and 1314 kg/ha, respectively.

Soil-geomorphology relationships of alluvial fans in Costa Rica

The precise determination of landforms and their formation processes are key to accomplish detailed soil mapping and better understand of soil genesis. The Upper General River Basin is located at the southeast of Costa Rica on the transition between Cordillera de Talamanca and General River Valley, forming an extensive alluvial fan sequence. Our work aims to determine the soil–geomorphology relationships on these alluvial fans. The methods employed consisted of geomorphological mapping using 1:25,000 aerial photographs to determine five alluvial fans: buried inactive, modeled inactive, early, intermediate, and late. Soil maps were established by combining landforms with soil survey data that allowed to differentiate twelve soil units of Ultisols associated with Oxisols, Inceptisols and Entisols. The most weathered soils were classified as Anionic and were Acrustox found on the oldest landforms located on buried inactive and early alluvial fans. These soils were found associated with Typic Rhodustults and Ustic Haplohumults. Typic Ustifluvents occurred on early alluvial fans and modeled inactive alluvial fans. Similar morphologic and chemical characteristics of the evaluated Oxisols were found for soils previously classified as Ultisols. These findings support the hypothesis that many soil currently classified as Ultisols could be reclassified as Oxisols (if the appropriate mineralogical analyses were conducted). These results put in perspective that the origin of the fans and hence their ages control the consequent soil development. In addition, the study contextualizes the implications of mapping and classifying highly weathered tropical soils for territorial planning, agricultural management and natural resources conservation.

Growth and Productivity Response of Rice to Applied Zinc and Organic Manure

The objective of this research was to find out the impact of zinc and organic fertilization on the productivity of rice. Two separate field experiments were conducted in a zinc deficient soil belonging to Typic Haplusterts and Typic Ustifluvents during Rabi 2011-2012. The results revealed that grain and straw yield was significantly enhanced on addition of zinc or organics or both over control in both soils. The rice yield increased with zinc doses and maximum yields was noticed with 5 mg Zn kg-1 and declined at 7.5 mg Zn kg-1. While addition of poultry manure recorded the maximum rice yields and was on par with vermicompost. However the highest grain yield (6103, 6344 kg ha-1) and straw yield (8369, 8459 kg ha-1) was recorded with application of 5 mg Zn kg-1 and poultry manure in Vertisol and Entisol respectively. Similarly, addition of 5.0 mg Zn kg-1 along with poultry manure @ 10 t ha-1 registered the highest growth traits it was comparable with vermicompost at same level of zinc, but superior to other treatment combination.

Characterization and Classification of Soils of Valsad taluka, Valsad District, Gujarat

Five representative pedons (P1 Umarsadi; P2 Segvi; P3 Chikla; P4 Bagal; and P5 Faldhara) from different landforms of Valsad taluka in the coastal region of Valsad district, Gujarat were studied for their morphological, physical, and chemical properties. The soils were deep to very deep, well to imperfectly drained, slightly alkaline to strongly alkaline (pH 7.8 to 9.7), non-saline tosaline (0.1 to 4.4 dS m-1), low to high in organic carbon (2.4 to 12.3 g kg-1) and CaCO3 (0.2 to 19.5%), and medium to high in CEC [21.8 to 69.9 (p+) kg-1]. Soil texture varied from sandy clay loam to clay with clay content ranging from 21.2 to 53.5 %. Bulk density was lower in P5 (1.28-1.33 Mg m-3) than the other pedons (1.21-1.48 Mg m-3). Saturated hydraulic conductivity (sHC) was less than the critical limit of 1.0 cm hr-1 in P3, and generally low due to high (>15) exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP) and exchangeable magnesium percentage (EMP). Pedon P1 was classified as Sodic Haplusterts and P4 as Typic Haplusterts. The pedon P2 with an argillic horizon(<35 cm thickness) in the deeper layerswas classified as Inceptic Haplustalfs. The pedon P3 with lithological discontinuity was classified as Typic Ustifluvents and P5 as Vertic Haplustalfs. The pedons P1, P3 and P4 were developed in the basaltic alluvial parent material, and their subsurface properties were influenced by the paleosols. The pedons P1, P2, and P5 under perennial crops such as mango and eucalyptus have higher organic carbon and lower bulk density. Management measures are required to reduce subsoil sodicity, and sustain crop production in the heavy textured soils.

Forms and Distribution of Potassium in Some Selected Soils of Sahibganj District, Jharkhand, Developed from Rajmahal Trap

Distribution of different forms of potassium (K) was investigated in four representative pedons viz. P1: Lilatanr series (Lithic Ustorthents), P2: Rangamatiya series (Typic Haplustepts), P3: Jetkumarjari series (Vertic Endoaquepts) and P4: Dakshin Balua series (Typic Ustifluvents) developed from Rajmahal trap occurring on various landforms in Borio block of Sahibganj district, Jharkhand. The soils were moderately acidic to moderately alkaline in the surface (pH: 6.0 to 7.9), fine in texture (clay: 25.1 to 53.5%), low in soluble salt content (EC: 0.05 to 0.50 dS m−1), medium to high in organic carbon (OC) (7.3–8.6 g kg−1), and adequate in available K (surface mean 568 kg ha−1). Water soluble K, exchangeable K, non-exchangeable K, lattice K and total K in the soils varied from 0.021 to 0.130, 0.2 to 1.011, 0.10 to 0.839, 36.35 to 86.43 and 38.46 to 88.21 cmol(p+)kg−1, respectively. The profile weighted mean (PWM) of different forms of K revealed the sequence: total K [56.87 cmol(p+)kg−1] > lattice K [55.95 cmol(p+)kg−1] > non-exchangeable K [0.469 cmol(p+)kg−1] > exchangeable K [0.410 cmol(p+)kg−1] > water soluble K [0.046 cmol(p+)kg−1]. The overall contribution of water soluble K, exchangeable K, non-exchangeable K and lattice K to total K were 0.081, 0.721, 0.825 and 98.38%, respectively. Based upon PWM-K, the water soluble K and exchangeable K in the pedons followed the sequence: P4 > P3 > P2 > P1 and P4 > P3 > P1 > P2, whereas nonexchangeable K, lattice K and total K followed the sequence: P4 > P2 > P3 > P1, suggesting maximum quantity of the forms of K in soils of flood plain and minimum in those of foot hills. Vertical distribution of different forms of K revealed no definite trend except water soluble K which showed somewhat gradual decrease down the depth of the pedons. Highly significant positive correlation existed between exchangeable K and available K (r = 0.993**), non-exchangeable K and lattice K (r = 0.864**) and lattice K and total K and (r = 0.999**). A regression equation viz. total K = 32.47 non-exchangeable K = 42.88 (R2 = 0.752) is also proposed.