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.436181

10.18393/ejss.436181

Screening for Lotus creticus growth promoting rhizobacteria under greenhouse conditions

Imane Achkouk

Saida Aarab

Amin Laglaoui

Mohammed Bakkali

Abdelhay Arakrak arakrak_abdelhay@yahoo.fr

284 - 291

2018-03-20

2018-06-21

2018-06-25

2018-10-01

Utilization of plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) is now gradually increasing in agriculture and offers an attractive way to replace chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and supplements. This study was conducted with a view to isolate bacteria from the rhizosphere of the legume Lotus creticus (L. creticus) and to assess their plant growth promoting functional potentialities. A total of 113 rhizobacteria was isolated from the rhizosphere of L. creticus and were tested for their capacity of solubilizing tricalcium phosphate (TCP) on Pikovskaya (PVK) solid medium. Out of 29 phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB), 5 isolates were selected for their solubilization diameters (between 0.6 and 1.5 cm). These isolates were characterized for plant growth promoting (PGP) traits. The results showed that the highest concentration of indole acetic acid (IAA) was produced by LCR33 (19.08 ± 0.96 mg L-1). All 5 isolates could produce hydrogen cyanide (HCN), siderophores, ammonia and amino-cyclopropane carboxylate (ACC) deaminase. The isolates were evaluated for TCP solubilizing quantitative assay in PVK liquid medium. The concentrations of solubilized P were between 43.34±0.18 mg L-1 and 173.57±0.77 mg L-1. This solubilization was accompanied by a pH decrease of the culture media from 7 to 4.06. Furthermore, the 5 selected PSB were tested in vitro for antagonism against phytopathogenic fungus Fusarium oxysporum. In fact, all the PSB, were capable of inhibiting its growth and the highest percentages of inhibition were obtained for LCP27 and LCR33 (48.15±0.99% and 40.74±0.45%). Also, the effect of these 2 PSB on growth of L. creticus plants was investigated under greenhouse conditions. Significant increases were obtained for shoot and root length and dry and fresh matter production of plants as compared to the uninoculated control. These PSB could be recommended as biofertilizers for contributing to the rehabilitation of degraded soils.

Farmyard manure, compost, soil acidity, incubation.

http://ejss.fesss.org/10.18393/ejss.436186

10.18393/ejss.436186

Characterization and classification of soils of Wolkite University research sites, Ethiopia

Teshome Yitbarek teshalm7@gmail.com

Abdeta Jembere

Habtamu Kerebeh

292 - 299

2018-03-20

2018-06-22

2018-06-26

2018-10-01

The main purpose of this study was to characterize and classify soils of Wolkite University research sites, Gurage zone, Ethiopia. In each five research sites, Wabe (RS1), Geche (RS2), Yefereze (RS3), Kotergedra (RS4) and Keratemo (RS5), representative pedons were opened and described. Almost all the pedons were deep (>150 cm) with argillic B horizons and had clay textural class. The pH of the surface soils ranged from strongly acidic (4.5) to moderately acidic (5.6). The soils had medium (2.60%) to high (3.84%) organic carbon content and very low (1.46 mg kg-1) to low (10.34 mg kg-1) available phosphorus. The status of cation exchange capacity (CEC) and base saturation were ranged from medium (23.15) to very high (66.32 cmolc kg-1) and low (33%) to high (99%), respectively. According to WRB classification, pedon RS1 was classified as Haplic Vertisols (Hypereutric) with USD equivalent of Typic Haplusterts. Pedons RS2 and RS3 were classified as Vertic Alisols (Hyperdysric), which is correlated with Ultisols (Typic Haplustults) in USDA classification. Pedon RS4 and RS5 classified as Vertic Luvisols (Hypereutric), which is correlated with Alfisols (Vertic Haplustalfs) in USDA classification. Generally, the soils of the research sites were acidic with low status of available phosphorus, which need amelioration of soil acidity and nutrient management.

Argilic, nutrient management, pedon, soil acidity

http://ejss.fesss.org/10.18393/ejss.448593

10.18393/ejss.448593

Theoretical and practical aspects of basic soil treatment in the conditions of modern soil management systems in Russia

Alexey Belenkov

Mikhail Mazirov

Valeria Arefieva pttcmoscow@bk.ru

300 - 307

2018-03-15

2018-07-10

2018-07-27

2018-10-01

The questions of inserting and implementing the different methods of basic soil treatment in the different crop plantings in the conditions of steppe zone in Nizhnee Povolzhye and Central Part of Non-chernozem Belt of the Russian Federation are analyzed. Systemize and complex research of the above questions are caused by multivalued opinions of agrarian scientists that are involved in the practical aspects of agrarian production towards them. On the results of long term researches is defined that the most effective and practice in cereal crop rotations are the basic soil management systems combining the different methods of tillage, mini-till and no-till soil treatment along with usage of modern machines and aggregates. In the conditions of field experiment at Centre of Precision Farming of Russian State Agrarian University - Moscow Timiryazev Agricultural Academy, along with the others, the tasks on economic efficiency and ecological safety that are the basis of precision farming concept are being solved.

Soil treatment methods, tillage, no-tillage, mini-till, no-till, resource saving, soil management sy

http://ejss.fesss.org/10.18393/ejss.450299

10.18393/ejss.450299

Scaling of infiltration rate using the similar media theory and dimensional analysis

Henry Oppong Tuffour hotuffour@agric.knust.edu.gh

Mensah Bonsu

Awudu Abubakari

Janvier Bigabwa Bashagaluke

Murphy Acheampong Opoku

Jimmy Clifford Oppong

308 - 317

2018-01-18

2018-07-11

2018-08-02

2018-10-07

The infiltration rates of variable soils were scaled using factors derived from the steady state infiltrability (Ko) and the saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ks) based on the similar media theory and dimensional analysis. Infiltration rates were successfully scaled when the characteristic scaling infiltration rate equations were formulated through combination of the similar media theory and dimensional analysis. This study disproved the earlier notion that to successfully scale variable infiltration measurements, both sorptivity and steady state infiltrability were required. Thus, the study revealed that using the saturated hydraulic conductivity as a substitute for the steady state infiltrability could predict and scale infiltration rates more accurately. The study further highlighted the importance of the scaling factor (α) in any characteristic equation supposedly to have been developed from the similar media theory. Invariably, the ability of any characteristic scaling equation containing no scaling factor to scale variable infiltration measurements successfully could be fortuitous and not evolved from the similar media theory.

Keywords: Dimensional analysis, saturated hydraulic conductivity, scaling factor, similar media, ste

http://ejss.fesss.org/10.18393/ejss.454506

10.18393/ejss.454506

Dynamics of earthworm species at different depths of orchard soil receiving organic or chemical fertilizer amendments

Mojtaba Yahyaabadi Yahyabadi@gmail.com

Amir Hossein Hamidian

Sohrab Ashrafi

318 - 325

2018-02-18

2018-08-03

2018-08-18

2018-10-01

We investigated the dynamics of different earthworm species through the soil profile, which had received short-term amendments of either organic or inorganic fertilizer in an orchard during the spring of 2016. Earthworm populations were sampled at two consecutive depths of soil on 20 and 60 days after addition of fertilizers. The dominant earthworm species were Eisenia fetida (Savigny, 1826), Dendrobaena veneta (Rosa, 1886), Dendrobaena hortensis (Michaelsen, 1890), Lumbricus terrestris (Linnaeus, 1758) and Aporrectodea longa (Ude, 1885). Seven different types of fertilizers including Urea, Ammonium sulfate (AS), Diammonium phosphate (DAP), Solupotas, NPK (15-5-25), (NPK+OM) and organic manure (OM) as experimental treatments were studied. Fluctuations in earthworm numbers and biomass were attributed to changes in time and depth of sampling, in addition to the types of fertilizers. The results of the means comparison showed that on the 20th day, at 0-20 cm soil depth, E. fetida species abundance was decreased significantly in AS and Urea treatments compared to the control plot (p˂0.05). We highlighted that from epigeic group, D. hortensis species had a better chance to survive and its population in AS treatment was more than that of Urea treatment. Results also showed that the anecic L. terrestris, had a greater tolerance to chemical fertilizers compared to the A. Longa species. The results of this study outline more clear horizons in managing the use of chemical fertilizers while simultaneously maintaining the biodiversity of soil organisms.

Chemical fertilizer, organic fertilizer, earthworm species, abundance, biomass.

http://ejss.fesss.org/10.18393/ejss.454512

10.18393/ejss.454512

Relation of reactive solute-transport parameters to basic soil properties

Md. Abdul Mojid ma_mojid@yahoo.com

A.B.M. Zahid Hossain

Guido C. L. Wyseure

326 - 336

2018-01-13

2018-08-14

2018-08-18

2018-10-01

Solute-transport parameters are needed to assess the pollution risks of soil and groundwater resources. A reliable estimate of these parameters from easily measurable soil properties is therefore important. So, the correlations of the transport parameters for one metalloid compound (NaAsO2), six heavy metal compounds (Cd(NO3)2, Pb(NO3)2, Ni(NO3)2, ZnCl2, CuSO4 and Co(NO3)2), two pesticides (cartap and carbendazim) and one inert salt (CaCl2) with some basic properties of eight agricultural soils of Bangladesh were investigated. The purpose of this study was to generate information for development of non-parametric pedo-transfer functions for reactive solute transport through soils. The transport experiments with the solutes were done in repacked soil columns under unsaturated steady-state water flow conditions. The major solute-transport parameters – velocity of transport (V), dispersion coefficient (D), dispersivity (l), retardation factor (R) and Peclet number (P) – were determined by analysing solute breakthrough curves (BTCs). The basic soil properties pertinent to solute transport: clay content, median grain diameter (D50), pore-size distribution index (n), bulk density (r), organic carbon content (C) and pH were determined. The associations of the solute-transport parameters with these soil properties were investigated and evaluated. Both the solute dispersivity and retardation factor increased significantly (p<0.05) (l linearly and R following power law) with the increase in soil clay content. Dispersivity significantly decreased with the increase in median grain diameter following power law. The V, D, l and P values were weakly and negatively correlated with the soil bulk density. Retardation factor, R, was moderately and positively correlated with the ratio of clay content to organic carbon content. Dispersivity decreased but P increased, both significantly, with increasing pore-size distribution index, n. V, D and P were positively correlated with soil pH, while R and l were negatively correlated with it. The correlation of the solute-transport parameters with soil properties being significant (p < 0.05), in most cases, provides strong possibility of predicting solute-transport parameters from the basic soil properties through the development of pedo-transfer functions.

Reactive solutes, transport parameters, soil pH, pore-size distribution.

http://ejss.fesss.org/10.18393/ejss.445128

10.18393/ejss.445128

Assessing soil quality issues for crop production function based on farmers’ perception: An experience from Itapaji Watershed in Southwestern Nigeria

Olateju Dolapo Adeyolanu olatejuadeoyolanu@gmail.com

Kayode Stephen Are

Ayodele Olumide Adelana

Gabriel Akinboye Oluwatosin

Oluwabunmi Aderonke Denton

Olufunmilayo Titilayo Ande

Olugbenga Egbetokun

Lucia Ogunsumi

James Alabi Adediran

337 - 345

2017-10-31

2018-08-14

2018-08-25

2018-10-01

To successfully manage soil quality for sustainable crop production, there is need to identify issues affecting it. These are problems facing the capacity of soil to perform its functions and thus reducing its productivity. In addition, the similarities and differences between farmers’ perception of soil quality issues and that of soil scientist are very pertinent. This study, which was carried out at Itapaji watershed in Ikole local government area of Ekiti state, aims at identifying soil quality issues using participatory approach and conventional method. Diagnostic survey was carried out using participatory approach involving farmers’ judgement using questionaires. . The resultswere analysed to identify the soil quality issues from farmers’ perspectives. For conventional method, major soil types were identified and soil quality issues were identified using soil management assessment framework. The relationship between the soil issues from farmers’ interview and soil analysis were established by correlation analysis at α0.05. Soil quality issues identified by farmers are soil compaction, low soil fertility, termite infestation, crop wilt, hardpan formation, erosion, poor drainage and land use intensification. Low soil fertility is the most prominent with about 36.2 % impact on crop production in the watershed. Conventionally from soil analysis, CEC and organic matter are low which indicate low soil fertility; there is high acidity, shallow soil depth with presence of plinthite and hard pan. The farmers’ perception of soil quality and that of soil scientists correlate well (r = 0.70). There is therefore need for promotion of farmers’ participation by providing a forum for articulation of their opinions in mitigating low soil quality.

Soil quality issues, participatory, conventional, watershed.

http://ejss.fesss.org/10.18393/ejss.460841

10.18393/ejss.460841

Morphological, mineralogical and geochemical features of topomorphic vertisols used for sorghum production in North Cameroon

Simon Djakba Basga simonbajak@yahoo.fr

Jean Pierre Temga

Désiré Tsozué

Nicodème Danbé

Jean Pierre Nguetnkam

346 - 354

2018-02-13

2018-08-27

2018-09-17

2018-10-01

In the present study, two topomorphic vertisols profiles used for sorghum production were described and characterized. After macroscopic characterization, physicochemical, mineralogical and geochemical analyses were made. Physicochemical analyses were made by standard methods while mineralogy was determined on clay fraction (˂2µm) by X-ray diffraction coupled to Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Geochemical analysis was determined on 180µm fraction by inductively coupled plasma- Atomic Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-AES) and mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Results revealed that studied vertisols were average deep, less differentiated with desiccations cracks and gilgai micro relief. The angular blocky structure and clayey texture were observed. They were alkaline (7.3 ≤ pHwater ≤ 8.4) and recorded a low to moderate organic matter and nitrogen contents. Cation exchange capacity was high reaching 52.24 meq 100g-1 and exchangeable cations were moderates with Ca2+ (3.69- 29.6 meq 100g-1) the most represented cation. Vertisols were made of smectites associated to kaolinite and a lesser content of quartz. Illites and calcite were also identified in some horizons. On the geochemical point of view, Si02 (55.87- 83.64%), Al2O3 (6.08-20.25%), Fe2O3 (2.09-6.39%) and K2O (1.43-2.24 %) were the dominant oxides. Traces elements were represented essentially by Ba (518-1202 mg kg-1), Zr (334-685 mg kg-1) and Sr (71-190 mg kg-1). The overall features are suitable to dry season sorghum production. The amount of smectites seemed to be an important factor affecting their water holding capacity on which dry season sorghum production depends. Improved cropping systems have to be developed to sustain productivity in vertisols with low smectites and where annual rainfall is lesser.

Topomorphic vertisols, clay, smectites, dry season sorghum, North Cameroon.

http://ejss.fesss.org/10.18393/ejss.466424

10.18393/ejss.466424

Spatial variability pattern and mapping of selected soil properties in hilly areas of Hindukush range northern, Pakistan

Munir Ahmad munirahmad089@yahoo.com

Dost Muhammad

Maria Mussarat

Muhammad Naseer

Muhammad A. Khan

Abid A. Khan

Muhammad Izhar Shafi

355 - 364

2018-02-23

2018-09-16

2018-09-29

2018-10-01

Soil samples at 0-20 cm depth were collected from major crop areas of Hindukush mountainous range, District Chitral, extreme Northwestern Pakistan, during April 2014 to assess their physico-chemical properties and spatial distribution pattern. 103 soil samples were analyzed and maps were created by geostatistical technique of inverse distance weighting and kriging techniques using GIS and GS win-7 computer software. The soil texture ranged from silt loam to dominantly sandy loam, slightly acidic to alkaline and moderate to highly calcareous but with no salinity indication. Soil organic matter was higher than 2 % in about 75 % of samples. Soil pH, EC and lime showed slight dependence on each other with r values from 0.4 to 0.5 while OM varied independently as indicated by their lower correlation values. Semivariogram analysis showed that soil pH, lime, OM had strong spatial dependence (nugget-sill ratio,

Spatial variability, soil mapping, kriging, Chitral district, geostatistics.

http://ejss.fesss.org/10.18393/ejss.467595

10.18393/ejss.467595

An investigation of mercury distribution in the soils around gold mining area at Dar-Mali locality, river Nile State, Sudan

Mushtaha Ali

Abdalla Elhagwa

Jamal Elfaki jemy20001@hotmail.com

365 - 372

2017-12-14

2018-09-30

2018-10-01

An artisanal gold mining region located in North of Atbara (Dar-Mali locality), River Nile State, Sudan (17.82289 to 17.82389N and 33.99974 to 34.02127E) has been studied with the aim to evaluate the soil contamination with mercury (Hg) using two parameters; (i) Comparison of the Hg concentration with the mean concentrations in world soils, (ii) Enrichment Factor (EF). The results revealed that, the concentrations of the Hg are varying in the studied area and the highest concentrations were obtained inside the mining basins used for gold extraction (2.62 mg kg-1 soil) it is around 29 times more than mean Hg concentration in world soils, while the lower concentrations are found at recent Nile River terrace (0.10 mg kg-1 soil). The results also indicated that the soil samples collected from inside mining basins had a highest E.F value (352.84) that means, this site must be closed and remediation process should be started immediately. While the E.F value of recent Nile River terrace site was 8.74, means, all studied sites have significant contamination with Hg. The mobility of Hg may have influenced by northeast wind, or water runoff from mining zone to nearest areas at same wind direction or water flow direction.

Sudan, River Nile State, Hg concentration, gold mining, enrichment factor, mining basins.