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.396237

10.18393/ejss.396237

Imaging soil pore characteristics using computed tomography as influenced by agroecosystems

Melis Cercioglu melis.cercioglu@dpu.edu.tr

192 - 202

2017-11-01

2018-02-12

2018-02-17

2018-07-01

Soil pore parameters are important for water infiltration into the soil and transport within the soil. The aim of this study was to compare influences of agroecosystems on soil pore characteristics (number of pores, macropores, coarse mesopores, porosity, macroporosity, coarse mesoporosity, pore circularity) using computed tomography (CT). This experiment was carried out four different agroecosystem field [Tucker Prairie (TP): native prairie, Prairie Fork (PF): restored prairie, Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), and row crop (RC): corn/soybean rotation] in Missouri state of United States during the year of 2017. Undisturbed soil samples were collected at four soil depths (0-10, 10-20, 20-30, and 30-40 cm) from each treatment with three replications. Five scan images from each sample were acquired using a X-ray CT scanner with 0.19 by 0.19 mm pixel resolution with 0.5 mm slice thickness and analyzed with Image-J. TP, PF, CRP, and RC treatments had 195, 88, 112, and 49 pores on a 2500 mm2 area, respectively across all the depths. Soil under TP and CRP treatment had significantly higher porosity (0.046 m3 m-3, 0.046 m3 m-3), and macroporosity (0.036 m3 m-3, 0.041 m3 m-3) values than other treatments. The CT-measured number of macropores (>1000 μm diam.) were 5 times higher for TP when compared with RC treatment. The CT-measured pore circularity values were lower for CRP and RC treatments. CT-measured number of coarse mesopores, and mesoporosity were significantly greater under TP treatment. Results show that native prairie can improve soil pore parameters.

Agroecosystems, computed tomograpy, Image-J, soil pore.

http://ejss.fesss.org/10.18393/ejss.399775

10.18393/ejss.399775

Assessment of soil fertility index for potato production using integrated Fuzzy and AHP approaches, Northeast of Iran

Ali Bagherzadeh abagherzadeh@mshdiau.ac.ir

Amin Gholizadeh

Ali Keshavarzi

203 - 212

1970-01-01

2018-02-26

2018-02-28

2018-07-01

Considering the important role of soil fertility and nutrient management in the modern agriculture seems to be a key step in appropriate site-specific fertilizers management for crop production. The present study was conducted to prepare a soil fertility zonation map based on soil nutrient elements including total nitrogen, available potassium and phosphorus, magnesium, manganese and iron and soil chemical parameters comprising cation exchange capacity, organic carbon, salinity and pH by integrated Fuzzy and AHP approaches for potato production in Rokh plain, northeast of Iran. In this regard the most important soil chemical parameters and nutrient elements in 0-30 cm depth of the soil was analyzed and mapped. The S-shaped fuzzy membership function was subsequently defined for each factor to fuzzify soil fertility parameters. The soil fertility map was prepared by weighing factor layers by the AHP approach and summation of factor layers by IDW interpolation function in GIS. The values of the soil fertility index in the scale of 0 to 1 ranged from 0.104 to 0.574, classified the study area in very low (922.90 km2), low (566.10 km2) and moderate fertility (14.86 km2) classes which comprises 61.37%, 37.64% and 0.99% of the surface area, respectively. A regression between soil fertility values and potato yield in the study area revealed a high correlation (R2 = 0.91) between the observed results which validate the zonation of the fertility classes in the region.

: Potato, fuzzy, AHP, fertility index, Rokh plain.

http://ejss.fesss.org/10.18393/ejss.416675

10.18393/ejss.416675

Applications of geographic information systems in studying changes in groundwater quality and soil salinity in Sohag Governorate

Salah Hassanien Abd El-Aziz abdelazizsh@yahoo.com

Mohsen A. Gameh

Ahmed Ghallab

Ibrahim H. Bakeer

213 - 223

2017-11-24

2018-04-09

2018-04-18

2018-07-01

Sohag governorate is a narrow long strip of a cultivated valley located in upper Egypt. Groundwater and soil samples were collected along the Nile river, starting form the southern border to the northern border of Sohag governorate to assess the groundwater quality and soil salinity between 1991 and 2006. The obtained data reveal that the electrical conductivity of well waters (ECw) was classified to four classes (250-750, 750-2250, 2250-5000 and greater than 5000 μS/cm). The results showed an increase in the groundwater salinity within 15 years, especially in the first class where it increased from 9% in 1991 to 14% in 2006 but it raised from 17% in 1991 to 37% in 2006 for the third class. The surface and subsurface soil layers showed an increase trend in the soil salinity from 1991 to 2006. The soil salinity increased with depth from 1991 to 2006. The groundwater pH values changed due to the changes in their salt content from 1991 to 2006. The pH values of the surface and subsurface soil samples also changed from 1991 to 2006 that may be due to the changes in salt content of well waters. Cations and anions of the groundwater increased from 1991 to 2006. The groundwater SAR decreased for the first class (0-10) from 89 % in 1991 to 83 % in 2006 but increased for the second class (>10) from 11% in 1991 to 17% in 2006. The groundwater RSC for the first and third classes changed from 91 and 3 %, respectively, in 1991 to 83 and 11%, respectively, in 2006. The increase in the high class of RSC may limit the use of these waters in irrigation. Thus, the irrigation with such water might affect the permeability of soil and cause infiltration problems.

Groundwater quality, soil salinity, geographic information systems.

http://ejss.fesss.org/10.18393/ejss.421609

10.18393/ejss.421609

Relationship between phosphorus fractions of some selected Sudanese soil orders to phosphate availability

Abdel Wahab Ahmed Mohamed Ahmed

Mohammed Abdalla Elsheikh mohmedelsheikh@gmail.com

Yousif El Gorashi El Mahi

224 - 229

2018-02-26

2018-04-30

2018-05-07

2018-07-01

A laboratory experiment was conducted to determine the extent and the importance of phosphorus (P) fractions of some agriculturally important Sudanese soils on P availability. The soils were gathered from different locations in Sudan, to represent three different orders: Aridisols (Um Dum soil, North Kordofan state), Alfisols (Hagu soil, Senar state), and Vertisols (Hosh soil, Gezira state). The soil P was fractionated using an authenticated procedure. The results showed that the soils had low total, organic and available P contents. Most of the inorganic soil P was present in the Fe-Al fraction in Um Dum soil (> 50%), and about 40% of this fraction in Hagu soil, but, only 20% in alkaline Hosh soil. The Ca-P fraction constituted > 60% in Hosh soil, about 40% in Hagu soil and 20 % in Um Dum soil. The available P in the top soils studied was positively related to the percent sum of Al+Fe -P of the total P, and was negatively related to the percent Ca-P fraction content of the total P. It has been proposed that the P sorption starts by exchange with singly coordinate Fe or Al- OH clay (OH− edge group) and quickly reorganizes into more stable and less soluble ring forms especially at pH more than 7.0, Alkaline pH more than 8.0 in soil like Hosh, will in presence of Ca, favour with time, the formation of inactive less soluble form like octacalcium phosphates and apatites at expense of the initial Al and Fe-P forms which are less stable at alkaline pH.

Phosphorus forms, total phosphorus, organic phosphorus, inorganic phosphorus, available soil phospho

http://ejss.fesss.org/10.18393/ejss.424989

10.18393/ejss.424989

Trace minerals pollution in south indian branded tea, and from the tea waste disposal sites

Selvam Ramarajan

Sugumar Susila

Duraisamy Tamilselvi

Muthunarayanan Vasanthy drvasanthy02@gmail.com

230 - 237

2017-12-05

2018-05-14

2018-05-18

2018-07-01

We aim to quantify heavy metals in tea powders (packed and used), tea waste disposal sites and in the soil away from the site of disposal and to isolate the bacteria from both the soil sample. Atomic Absorption Spectrometer (AAS) analysis revealed chromium in the samples collected from Thanjavur (0.12 mg/kg) and Tiruchirappalli (4.77 mg/kg). The quantity of Copper was between 0.14 mg/kg and 0.97 mg/kg Namakkal and Erode samples respectively. We also found trace levels of other heavy metals. The spatial map distribution patterns of selected Physico-chemical parameters like pH, EC, Alkalinity, Total carbon in the disposal sites were presented. Some of the metal-intolerant strains isolated from the disposal sites became resistant. Further investigation would unravel the possible mechanism behind Chromium reduction by the selected isolates.

Toxic metal, tea powder, AAS, spatial map, chromium, biosorption.

http://ejss.fesss.org/10.18393/ejss.427189

10.18393/ejss.427189

Spatial variability analysis of soil quality parameters in a watershed of Sub-Himalayan Landscape - A case study

Justin George Kalambukattu justin@iirs.gov.in

Suresh Kumar

Yogesh S. Ghotekar

238 - 250

2018-01-29

2018-05-18

2018-05-25

2018-07-01

Soil organic carbon (SOC) is a key component in maintaining soil quality. Mapping the local scale variations in the distribution and stratification of SOC and other soil quality parameters across different layers has always been a challenging task, in the current global scenario of changing climates. The study was aimed to investigate the spatial distribution of SOC and other soil quality parameters including SOC stratification ratio and CN ratio in a small hilly watershed (̴ 10 km2) located in the mid Himalayan region of Himachal Pradesh, India. Soil samples were collected in November 2015, from 75 points at two depths (0-15 cm and 15-30cm), along with their geographical coordinates using a Global Positioning System (GPS). The results revealed that SOC concentration (g kg-1) decreased with increasing soil depth, throughout the study area and differed significantly (P

Soil quality, Himalaya, IDW interpolation, watershed, soil organic carbon.

http://ejss.fesss.org/10.18393/ejss.430116

10.18393/ejss.430116

Heavy metal analysis in the soils of in and around Robe town, Bale zone, South Eastern, Ethiopia

Maneyahilishal Tefera

Ftsum Gebreyohannes

Mekala Saraswathi saraswatidevi_m@yahoo.co.in

251 - 256

2017-11-25

2018-05-27

2018-06-03

2018-07-01

The purpose of this study was to assess physicochemical parameter and heavy metal concentration of the soil in and around Robe town, Bale zone, Ethiopia. Seven soil samples (three from dump sites and four from farm lands) were collected and analyzed through different methods for analyzing the physicochemical parameters like, pH Sand/Silt/Clay Content, MC, OM. and the heavy metals including Cr, Cd, Cu, Fe, Zn and Pb, were investigated using Flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer (FAAS). The analyzed result of all sites revealed that, high moisture content % (14.83 ± 2.57to 19.96 ± 0.72), pH slightly acidic except S2 which is slightly basic, (5.77 ± 0.08 to 7.60 ± 0.33),high organic matter % (13.83 ± 0.49 to 16.60 ± 0.90), sand % (53.00 ± 4.51 to 65.33 ± 2.42), silt % (19.33 ± 1.03 to 24.84 ± 4.62), clay % (11.33 ± 1.03 to 19.50 ± 2.50) sandy nature of soil were observed and the concentration of heavy metals such as: Cr (32.53 ± 3.51 to 41.81 ± 1.06) ppm, Cd (0.57 ± 0.21 to 0.93 ± 0.24) ppm, Cu (26.54 ± 0.68 to 37.44 ± 2.72) ppm, Zn (66.98 ± 1.09 to 170.48 ± 1.51) ppm Fe (33483.55 ± 1470.02 to 49012.18 ± 2692.20) ppm and Pb (18.04 ± 0.37 to 20.77±0.46) ppm were obtained. The results showed that all of the assessed heavy metals below maximum permissible limit except Fe, which is above maximum permissible limit that recommended by Ewers, Based on the results obtained from the study the level of metals concentrations safe for agricultural activities. But different measures must be taken to minimize additional soil pollution.

Dump site, farm land, physicochemical parameters, heavy metals, FAAS.

http://ejss.fesss.org/10.18393/ejss.435073

10.18393/ejss.435073

Irrigated common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) performance on calcareous alkaline soils as influenced by previous crops in North of Sudan

Abdelazim Mohammed Ali azimali58@yahoo.com

257 - 260

2017-08-22

2018-05-27

2018-06-20

2018-07-01

This study examines the ability of different cropping sequence (including or not including alfalfa) to improve bean productivity in calcareous and alkaline soils of the old Nile (high) terraces in North of Sudan. The soil in the experimental site is sandy clay to sandy clay loom. Soil properties were examined before planting and after bean harvest. Salinity which was greater in non-reclaimed soil decreased regardless of the cropping sequence. Soil alkalinity remain higher than 8 in all cropping sequence after more than 6-7 cropping seasons. P (Olsen) and calcium carbonate showed inconsistent trends regardless of the cropping sequence. Organic carbon increased after bean cultivation in both cropping sequence. Change in growth parameters as affected by cropping sequence were significant in various levels, however, that determining yield were not. Presence of alfalfa in the cropping sequence increased seed yield, number of pods per plant, number of seeds per pods, pod length, plant length, leaf length, leaf width, fresh plant weight, nodule number. However seed weight was decreased.

Alfalfa, calcareous soils, common bean, cropping sequence, Sudan.

http://ejss.fesss.org/10.18393/ejss.435082

10.18393/ejss.435082

Physico-chemical characterization of Oak, Pine and Sal forest soil profiles of Betalghat Region of Kumaun Himalaya

Naveen Ch. Pandey

Lalit M. Tewari l_tewari@rediffmail.com

G.C. Joshi

Brij M. Upreti

261 - 272

2017-12-20

2018-06-09

2018-06-20

2018-07-01

Soil is one of the basic natural resources on which all forms of terrestrial life co-exist. The soils of three forest types i.e., banj-oak (Quercus leucotrichophora A. Camus) chir-pine (Pinus roxburghii Sargent) and sal (Shorea robusta Gaertn. f.) of Betalghat block, Nainital District, (Kumaun Himalaya). Soils were drawn from three depths viz. 0-10 cm, 11-20 cm, 21-30 cm. The present study were studied resulted to soil physico-chemical properties i.e. maximum soil texture (sand 34.30 %, silt 57.21 % and clay 33.23 %), soil moisture (12.6 %), bulk density (1.43 g.cm-3), porosity (52.06%), water holding capacity (69.27%) and the maximum values of chemical analysis i.e. pH (6.80), total carbon (3.82 %), organic matter (6.57 %), total nitrogen (0.36 %), available potassium (267 mg/kg) and available phosphorous (62 mg/kg). Banj-oak forest shows rich physical properties followed by sal and chir-pine forest while chir-pine forest shows rich chemical properties in compared to sal and banj-oak forest.

Soil physico-chemical characterization, Betalghat region, banj-oak, chir-pine, sal forest, Kumaun Hi

http://ejss.fesss.org/10.18393/ejss.435095

10.18393/ejss.435095

Organic and inorganic amendments on soil chemical properties at different period of incubation of acidic soil

Endalkachew Fekadu endalkf@gmail.com

Kibebew Kibret

Bobe Bedadi

Asmare Melese

Birru Yitaferu

273 - 283

2017-08-08

2018-06-09

2018-06-20

2018-07-01

Soil acidity is a critical issue necessitating urgent attention in most highlands of Ethiopia due to its impact on crop production productivity. Application of organic and inorganic amendments could effectively minimize the problem and improve the fertility level of the soil. Accordingly, a greenhouse experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of sole and combined applications of lime, FYM, compost and P on soil chemical properties incubated at 20, 40 and 60 days. The treatments were arranged in a completely randomized design with three replications. The results indicated that various treatment combinations raised the soil pH at the 40 days of incubation. All treatments showed increased P availability consistently with increasing time of incubation. Maximum available P was observed at the 60 days of incubation due to application of 8 t FYM ha-1 + 30 kg P ha-1 + 5 t lime ha-1 followed by 8 t compost ha-1 + 30 kg P ha-1 + 5 t lime ha-1. Exchangeable acidity and Al were reduced at the 40 and 60 days of incubation with the application of 30 kg P ha-1 + 10 t lime ha-1 followed by 4 t FYM or compost ha-1 + 15 kg P ha-1 + 10 t lime ha-1. Highest exchangeable Ca was obtained at 20 days of incubation with the application of 30 kg P ha-1 + 10 t lime ha-1 followed by 4 t ha-1 FYM + 15 kg P ha-1 + 10 t lime ha-1. Sole addition of 10 t lime ha-1 elevated ECEC from 19.29 to 22.30 cmolc kg-1 at the 40 days of incubation. Likewise, combined applications of 30 kg P ha-1 + 10 t lime ha-1 improved ECEC of the soil from 19.53 to 24.27 cmolc kg-1 at the 40 days of incubation. Integrated applications of organic and inorganic amendments were found more effective to reduce soil acidity and Al3+ concentration with increasing the fertility of the soil.

Farmyard manure, compost, soil acidity, incubation.