EJSS

Eurasian Journal of Soil Science

Eurasian J Soil Sci

2147 - 4249

Federation of Eurasian Soil Science Societies

http://ejss.fesss.org/10.18393/ejss.339032

10.18393/ejss.339032

Spatial and fractal characterization of soil properties across soil depth in an agricultural field, Northeast Iran

Ali Keshavarzi alikeshavarzi@ut.ac.ir

Henry Oppong Tuffour

Ali Bagherzadeh

Duraisamy Vasu

93 - 102

2017-06-20

2017-09-08

2017-09-20

2018-04-01

The present study was conducted to explore the fractal behavior and establish fractal dimensions of soil physical and chemical properties (i.e., sand, silt, and clay contents, bulk density, degree of moisture saturation, pH, organic carbon content, total nitrogen, available phosphorus, and available potassium) to characterize their spatial patterns. Soil samples were collected from 0-30 (surface) and 30-60 cm (subsurface) depths from an agricultural field, Mashhad Plain, Northeast Iran. Descriptive statistics and fractal analysis were used to describe the extent and form of variability. Spatial patterns of the soil properties were estimated using GS+ 10.0 software. Soil properties showed low to high variations in both surface and subsurface layers across the field, where bulk density and pH being the most reliable soil physical and chemical properties in the study area. The variability was high (CV > 35%) for total N, available P, available K and organic carbon in both surface and subsurface soils and it could be attributed to management practices and micro-topographical variations as these are the dynamic properties of soil. The fractal dimension (D) values of soil physical properties ranged from 1.398 to 1.913 at the surface, and from 1.874 to 1.934 at the subsurface indicating both short and long range variations. The D values for the chemical properties ranged from 1.331 to 1.975, and 1.148 to 1.990 in the surface and subsurface layers, respectively. The results showed that fractal analysis could be employed to effectively describe the structure of soil heterogeneity in spatial scale for effective agricultural and environmental management of soil.

Fractal dimension, Hurst exponent, Spatial variability, Self-similarity, Semivariogram.

http://ejss.fesss.org/10.18393/ejss.340719

10.18393/ejss.340719

Soil carbon, nitrogen and texture dynamics at root zone and between plants in Riverine plantation of Acacia catechu, Dalbergia sissoo, Phyllanthus emblica and Eucalyptus camaldulensis

Ram Asheshwar Mandal ram.mandal@gmail.com

Ishwar Chandra Dutta

Pramod Kumar Jha

103 - 108

2017-07-01

2017-09-18

2017-09-29

2018-04-01

This research was objectively carried out to assess the dynamic of carbon, nitrogen and texture at root zone and location between plants. The plantation of Acacia catechu, Dalbergia sissoo, Phyllanthus emblica and Eucalyptus camaldulensis of Pragati community forest, Mahottari district, Nepal was selected for this study which was done in 2011. The stratified random sampling was applied to collect soil samples. Altogether 320 soil samples were collected from 0-10, 10-30, 30-60 and 60-90 cm depths. The result showed that soil carbon was about 8.16 t ha-1 at root zone which was only 7.56 t ha-1 at location between plants at 0-10cm depth in Phyllanthus emblica stratum. The soil carbon was the least nearly 2.08 t ha-1 at root zone which was 1.59 t ha-1 at location between plants in Eucalyptus camaldulensis stratum. The carbon percentage was the highest about 1.35% at root zone of Phyllanthus emblica stratum. However, the C/N ratio was the highest about 69:1 at location between plants of Dalbergia sissoo stratum. The texture of soil was loamy sand at root zone in Phyllanthus emblica, Acacia catechu and Dalbergia sissoo plantations while it was sandy at both root zone and between plants of Eucalyptus plantation. Plantations have significant effect on soil carbon and nitrogen at 95% confidence level.

Root zone, plants carbon, nitrogen, soil texture

http://ejss.fesss.org/10.18393/ejss.342511

10.18393/ejss.342511

Chemical and microbiological properties in soil cultivated with sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum)

Rosana Faria Vieira rosana.vieira@embrapa.br

Nilza Patrícia Ramos

109 - 114

2017-06-26

2017-09-20

2017-10-09

2018-04-01

The aim of this study was to evaluate the response of chemical parameters and microbiological processes related to the nitrogen (N) cycling in an area cultivated with sugarcane (SC), as compared to the native forest area (NF), considered as the reference. The pH value, the total C (Ctot), N (Ntot) contents, the P, K, Ca, Mg, Zn, Mn, B and Cu contents, the labile carbon (LC) content, cation exchange capacity (CEC), microbial biomass N (Nmic), potentially mineralizable nitrogen (PMN) and the urease activity (UA) were determined in soil samples taken at depths of 0-10 and 10-20 cm. Most of the chemical properties were higher in the NF soil at both depths, except for Ctot, Ntot and the total K content, which did not present significant differences between the areas at the deeper level. All microbiological processes were higher in the NF soil and showed positive correlations with the total Cu and B contents, demonstrating the importance of these nutrients in the biological N cycling. The higher values obtained for almost all parameters in the NF soil attest to the need for constant monitoring of areas cultivated with sugarcane in order to avoid the adverse effects of soil degradation. The results obtained between the areas, in relation to N cycling processes also demonstrated the suitability of using them as reliable indicators of soil quality.

N cycling, urease activity, N immobilization, mineralizable nitrogen.

http://ejss.fesss.org/10.18393/ejss.348412

10.18393/ejss.348412

Relationships between soil properties, topography and land use in the Van Lake Basin, Turkey

Siyami Karaca s.karaca@yyu.edu.tr

Füsun Gülser

115 - 120

2017-06-21

2017-10-20

2017-11-01

2018-04-01

The objective of this study was to determine the relationship between soil properties and different topography and land uses in the Van Lake Basin, Turkey. It has sharp and sheer slopes, and the big differences on altitude generally occur from the mountainous formations. Surface soil samples (0–20 cm) were taken from 40 different points with three different topography (backslope, footslope and terrace) and three different landuses (wheat, clover and pasture). Some of the studied soil properties (soil texture, electrical conductivity [EC], pH, lime content, organic matter content, macro and micro nutrients) changed in response to land use and topography. The clay, boron content, pH and EC values increased from the backslope to the terrace. Soil organic matter and EC values were lower in cultivated wheat and clover fields than in uncultivated pasture. The EC values had significant positive correlations with CaCO3, organic matter, K, B, Cu contents at 5% level and with Mg at 1% level statistically. The soil nutrient contents of cultivated wheat and clover fields were generally lower than the uncultivated pasture. The nutrient contents of soils in cultivated fields decreased due to nutrient uptake by crops. Soil texture, EC, pH, lime, organic matter and nutrient contents significantly varied in different topographic positions due to leaching, transporting and accumulation.

Land use, nutrient, soil properties, topography.

http://ejss.fesss.org/10.18393/ejss.376250

10.18393/ejss.376250

Amending triple superphosphate with chicken litter biochar improves phosphorus availability

Audrey Asap

Ahmed Osumanu Haruna osumanuharuna@gmail.com

Nik Muhamad Ab. Majid

Maru Ali

121 - 132

2017-07-09

2017-09-18

2017-12-03

2018-04-01

The reaction of H2PO42- and HPO4- with Al and Fe in acid soils to form a precipitate reduces P availability. Chicken litter biochar has been used to improve soil P availability for maize production but with limited information on optimum rates of biochar and Triple Superphosphate (TSP) to increase P availability. This study determined the optimum amount of chicken litter biochar and TSP that could increase P availability. Different rates of chicken litter biochar and TSP were evaluated in an incubation study for 30, 60, and 90 days. Selected soil chemical properties before and after incubation were determined using standard procedures. Soil pH, total P, available P, and water soluble P increased in treatments with 75% and 50% biochar. Total acidity, exchangeable Al3+, and Fe2+ were significantly reduced by the chicken litter biochar. The chicken litter biochar also increased soil CEC and exchangeable cations (K, Ca, Mg and Na). The use of 75% and 50% of 5 t ha-1 biochar with 25% TSP of the existing recommendation can be used to increase P availability whilst minimizing soil Al and Fe content. This rates can be used to optimize chicken litter biochar and TSP use in acid soils for crop production especially maize and short term vegetables.

Incubation period, interaction, optimization, phosphorus fertilizers, phosphorus fixation, tropical

http://ejss.fesss.org/10.18393/ejss.366168

10.18393/ejss.366168

Soil physico-chemical properties and fertility status of long-term land use and cover changes: A case study in Forest vegetative zone of Nigeria

Idowu Ezekiel Olorunfemi olorunfemiidowu@gmail.com

Johnson Toyin Fasinmirin

Funke Florence Akinola

133 - 150

2017-07-13

2017-12-11

2017-12-14

2018-04-01

Proper utilization of land is essential to soil quality maintenance and sustainable agricultural development. This study was conducted to evaluate effects of land use management on physico-chemical characteristics of soils in Ekiti State, Southwestern Nigeria. In this study, a total of 105 sampling points in 35 locations comprising of the 3 land uses were sampled. Random sampling pattern of 3 sampling points per location were carried out and undisturbed soil samples were collected at depths up to 30 cm. Soil physical properties (bulk density (BD), water holding capacity (WHC), and particle size distribution) and chemical properties (organic matter content (SOM), cation exchange capacity (CEC), phosphorus (P) and organic nitrogen (SON)), were determined and evaluated. Results showed that natural forest on the overall accumulated more nutrients than plantations and cropland. The highest SOM value of 4.07 % was recorded in the natural forests, while the lowest value of 1.52 % was found in the croplands. Organic matter accumulation showed a decreasing trend in the order: forest > plantation > cropland. Natural forest soils had significantly higher volumetric moisture content (VMC) than plantations and croplands. Correlation analysis of the 11 physico-chemical properties for the study area, showed a significant correlation among 70 of the 190 soil attribute pairs. Land use system reveals a significant decline of soil quality under cropland. Management systems by which soil could be improved towards the development of suitable agricultural management systems must be incorporated during land cultivation. In order to have sustainable land use systems, land use development must not be only economically sustainable but also socially acceptable and environmentally sound. Therefore, strategies to improve agricultural productivity have to seek a sustainable solution that better addresses soil fertility management.

Organic matter, bulk density, natural forest, croplands, plantation agriculture.

http://ejss.fesss.org/10.18393/ejss.376267

10.18393/ejss.376267

Characterization and classification of soils of Yikalo Subwatershed in Lay Gayint District, Northwestern Highlands of Ethiopia

Endalkachew Fekadu endalkf@gmail.com

Kibebew Kibret

Bobe Bedadi

Asmare Melese

151 - 166

2017-08-08

2017-12-25

2018-01-08

2018-04-01

Soil resource information is vital for sound land use planning and sustainable fertility management. This study was carried out with the objective of characterizing and classifying soils of Yikalo Subwatershed at Lay Gayint district, Northwestern Ethiopia. Representative soil pedons were opened along topographic positions and described on genetic horizon basis in the field for their morphological characteristics and analyzed in the laboratory for selected physical and chemical soil properties. The soils were classified following the FAO (2014). The results revealed the presence of variations in the selected morphological properties within a pedon and along the topographic positions. Soils differed in reaction from 4.57 to 6.42. On the surface horizons of the soil pedons, available P content varied from 0.21 to 3.25 mg kg-1, while exchangeable acidity ranged from 0.17 to 3.65 cmolc kg-1 soil. There was no consistent trend for cation exchange capacity (CEC) and PBS (percent base saturation) with soil depth and topographic positions. The soils in Yikalo Subwatershed were classified as Hyperdystric Cambisols (Humic), Haplic Alisols (Humic), Cambic Umbrisols (Colluvic), Haplic Luvisols (Epidystric), and Pellic Vertisols (Mesotrophic). Optimum rates of organic and inorganic amendments should be applied to reduce the level of soil acidity, and improve the fertility level of the soils for better crop production and productivity.

slope positions, soil classification, pedon.

http://ejss.fesss.org/10.18393/ejss.376284

10.18393/ejss.376284

Soil-landscape relationship as indicated by pedogenesis data on selected soils from Southwestern, Iran

Hamidreza Owliaie owliaie@gmail.com

Mahdi Najafi Ghiri

Sirous Shakeri

167 - 180

2017-10-02

2018-01-02

2018-01-08

2018-04-01

Soils of semiarid regions of Dehdasht and Choram in Southwestern Iran have formed on alluvium derived from mixed calcareous-gypsiferous materials from Lower Miocene to Upper Pliocene. In order to characterize and classify the soils and to determine the soil-landscape relationship in the area, nine pedons located on different physiographic positions including plateau, river alluvial plain, piedmont plain, alluvial plain and alluvial fan have been described, sampled and analyzed. Physicochemical analyses, clay mineralogy and micromorphological studies were performed. The results showed that topography and parent material were two important soil forming factors affecting soil formation in the area. The soils were dominated by carbonate, gypsum, and clay illuviation and accumulation. More developed soils were found on the stable plateau and piedmont plain. Clay illuviation and argillic horizon development in soils of the more stable alluvial plain were assumed to be relict features from presumably more humid climates. Palygorskite, illite, chlorite, smectite, kaolinite, and quartz clay minerals were identified in almost all physiographic surfaces, but more palygorskite and less smectite were found in the soils with gypsiferous parent materials. Observations by SEM revealed the occurrence of neoformed palygorskite as thread-like faces and coating of gypsum crystals and marly matrix. Coating and infilling of gypsum and calcite crystals in voids and channels were common pedofeatures observed in the soils studied. Two different distribution patterns of Fe-Mn oxides were identified in aquic and non-aquic soils.

Clay mineralogy, gypsum, soil landscape, soil micromorphology.

http://ejss.fesss.org/10.18393/ejss.384515

10.18393/ejss.384515

Can arbuscular mycorrhiza fungi and NPK fertilizer suppress nematodes and improve tuber yield of yam (Dioscorea rotundata ‘cv’ ewuru)?

Gani Oladejo Kolawole ogkolawole@lautech.edu.ng

Tunmise Moses Haastrup

Timothy Ipoola Olabiyi

181 - 186

2017-03-07

2018-01-16

2018-01-26

2018-04-01

Poor soil fertility and nematodes limit yam tuber yield and quality. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and fertilizers may suppress nematodes and improve yam productivity. We evaluated the extent AMF and fertilizer suppressed nematodes and improved yam performance. Tuber weight, mycorrhizal colonization of roots and nematode populations were evaluated with eight treatments; Control (No amendments), 90-50-75, kg N- P2O5-K2O ha-1 (NPK), (AMF) (2g/kg soil), nematodes (5000 juvenile/pot), and their combinations. Tuber weight was higher in NPK+AMF and NPK+nematode treatments than AMF+nematode. NPK+AMF improved tuber weight by 17.5% and 32% compared with sole NPK or AMF respectively. Compared with control, nematodes did not reduce tuber weight but, AMF+nematode reduced it by 49.4%. NPK reduced AMF colonization of roots and reduced nematode population on tuber, in roots and soil by 34%, 42.6% and 41% respectively. NPK+AMF treatment was superior to either NPK or AMF in improving tuber yield while NPK was superior to AMF in suppressing nematodes in roots, soil, and tuber.

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, nematodes, Nigeria, mineral fertilizer, root colonization, yam tuber w

http://ejss.fesss.org/10.18393/ejss.393289

10.18393/ejss.393289

Response of three soils in the derived savanna zone of southwestern Nigeria to combined application of organic and inorganic fertilizer as affecting phosphorus fractions

Abigail O. Ojo remia_ode@yahoo.com

Michael T. Adetunji

Christopher O. Adejuyigbe

Ibukun O. Fademi

187 - 194

2018-01-17

2017-06-17

2018-02-11

2018-04-01

Phosphorus inputs to the soil are primarily from the application of fertilizer P and organic resources. A ten week incubation study was carried out to determine the effects of organic and inorganic P sources on phosphorus fractions in three derived savanna soils. Poultry manure was applied at 0, 0.75g, 1.5g, 2.25g and 3g per 300g weight of soil while single superphosphate was applied at 0.0023g, 0.0046g, 0.0069g and 0.0092g per 300g of soil. Sampling was done at two weeks interval. At 0 week of the incubation study, Ekiti series had the largest amount of P fractions i.e. Fe-P, Al-P, residual P, reductant soluble P, occluded P, organic P and occluded P while Ca-P was high in Apomu series. However, increases in Fe-P, Al-P, Ca-P and organic P were observed in the three soil series evaluated and poultry manure was notably effective in reducing P occlusion. In conclusion, it was observed that irrespective of the soil series at different stages of the incubation studies, poultry manure and the combined application of poultry manure and Single superphosphate was highly effective in increasing P fractions.

Poultry manure, single superphosphate, phosphorus fractions, derived savanna soils.