Indexing soil quality: a new paradigm in soil science research

Soil Research ◽  
2007 ◽  
Vol 45 (2) ◽  
pp. 129 ◽  
Author(s):  
Teklu Erkossa ◽  
Fisseha Itanna ◽  
Karl Stahr
Keyword(s):  
Soil Quality ◽  
Land Management ◽  
Crop Production ◽  
Microbial Biomass Carbon ◽  
Block Design ◽  
Permanent Plots ◽  
Available Phosphorus ◽  
Soil Quality Index ◽  
Preparation Methods ◽  
Land Preparation

Soil quality indexing is a new approach in spatial and temporal evaluation of land management systems effects on soils’ capacity to function. A field experiment was conducted at Caffee Doonsa (2400 m a.s.l., 08°57′N, 39°06′E) for 6 years (1998–2003) to compare the effects of land preparation methods on soil quality (SQ) and to test the use of the Soil Management Assessment Framework (SMAF) in assessing SQ under the Ethiopian Central Highlands conditions. Four methods of land preparation [broad bed and furrows (BBF), green manure (GM), ridge and furrows (RF), and reduced tillage (RT)] were arranged in a randomised complete block design with 3 replications on permanent plots (22 m by 6 m). Physical, chemical, and biological SQ indicators were determined and scored, and a soil quality index (SQI) was developed using the SMAF procedures. Seven SQ indicators including microbial biomass carbon (MBC), bulk density, aggregate stability (AGG), soil organic carbon (Corg), pH, available water capacity (AWC), and available phosphorus were selected as a minimum dataset. The scored values of the indicators ranged from 0.21 for AGG and 0.97 for pH, both under BBF. Compared with RF (control), all the alternatives (GM, BBF, and RT) increased the scores of Corg and MBC. Moreover, BBF and GM increased the score values of AWC and AGG, respectively. Consequently, there was a non-significant increase in SQI due to the use of GM, BBF, and RT compared with the control. As a result, the land preparation methods may be preferred in a decreasing order GM ≥ BBF ≥ RT ≥ RF for the management goal of crop production. The study indicated that SMAF could be a robust tool to assess the performance of land management methods on soil quality in the study area, but some modifications may be required to fit to the prevailing cropping system and soil characteristics.

Effect of 10 years of biofertiliser use on soil quality and rice yield on an Inceptisol in Assam, India

Soil Research ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 56 (1) ◽  
pp. 49 ◽  
Author(s):  
Smrita Buragohain ◽  
Banashree Sarma ◽  
Dhruba J. Nath ◽  
Nirmali Gogoi ◽  
Ram S. Meena ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Soil Quality ◽  
Field Experiments ◽  
Microbial Biomass Carbon ◽  
Block Design ◽  
Biological Properties ◽  
Inorganic N ◽  
Soil Quality Index ◽  
North East India ◽  
North East ◽  
Total P

In the present study, field experiments were performed over 10 consecutive years (2006–15) to assess the effects of biofertiliser and enriched biocompost on soil quality, total organic carbon (TOC) and rice yields in an Inceptisol. Experiments were conducted in a randomised block design with four replicates and five treatments: unfertilised control (T1); recommended doses of inorganic fertiliser (T2); biofertiliser with reduced (50%) inorganic N and P fertilisers (T3); reduced (50%) inorganic N and P fertilisers with 1 t ha–1 enriched biocompost (T4); and reduced (75%) inorganic N and P fertilisers with 2 t ha–1 enriched biocompost (T5). T3 improved soil chemical and biological properties with enhanced soil quality index (40%), total P (23%), total K (42%) and fungal (38%) and bacterial (44%) colony counts. T5 significantly improved the carbon pool index (29%) and available nutrients (N, P and K at rates of 37%, 22% and 10% respectively) and increased soil pH (11%), resulting in a higher sustainable yield index (39%) of rice. Fraction 2 (labile carbon) of TOC, total P, available K, microbial biomass carbon and phosphate-solubilising bacteria were key indicators to assess the suitability of these fertilisers in rice cultivation in north-east India.

scholarly journals Performance Analysis and Soil Quality Indexing for Dalbergia sissoo Roxb. Grown in Marginal and Degraded Land of Eastern Uttar Pradesh, India

Land ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 63 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sheikh Adil Edrisi ◽  
Vishal Tripathi ◽  
Purushothaman Chirakkuzhyil Abhilash
Keyword(s):  
Soil Quality ◽  
Microbial Biomass Carbon ◽  
Uttar Pradesh ◽  
Principal Component ◽  
Climatic Conditions ◽  
Dalbergia Sissoo ◽  
Land Restoration ◽  
Degraded Land ◽  
Soil Quality Index ◽  
Degraded Lands

The successful utilization of marginal and degraded lands for biomass and bioenergy production depends upon various factors such as climatic conditions, the adaptive traits of the tree species and their growth rate and respective belowground responses. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the growth performance of a bioenergy tree (Dalbergia sissoo Roxb.) grown in marginal and degraded land of the Mirzapur district of Uttar Pradesh, India and to analyze the effect of D. sissoo plantations on soil quality improvement over the study years. For this, a soil quality index (SQI) was developed based on principal component analysis (PCA) to understand the effect of D. sissoo plantations on belowground responses. PCA results showed that among the studied soil variables, bulk density (BD), moisture content (MC), microbial biomass carbon (MBC) and soil urease activity (SUA) are the key variables critically influencing the growth of D. sissoo. The SQI was found in an increasing order with the growth period of D. sissoo. (i.e., from 0.419 during the first year to 0.579 in the fourth year). A strong correlation was also observed between the growth attributes (diameter at breast height, R2 = 0.870; and plant height, R2 = 0.861) and the soil quality (p < 0.01). Therefore, the developed SQI can be used as key indicator for monitoring the restoration potential of D. sissoo growing in marginal and degraded lands and also for adopting suitable interventions to further improve soil quality for multipurpose land restoration programs, thereby attaining land degradation neutrality and United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

scholarly journals Comprehensive evaluation of soil quality in a desert steppe influenced by industrial activities in northern China

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhe Xu ◽  
Wenbao Mi ◽  
Nan Mi ◽  
Xingang Fan ◽  
Yao Zhou ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Soil Quality ◽  
Quality Index ◽  
Northern Region ◽  
Main Element ◽  
Available Phosphorus ◽  
Desert Steppe ◽  
Geostatistical Model ◽  
Soil Quality Index ◽  
Industrial Activities ◽  
The Impact

AbstractDesert steppe soil security issues have been the focus of attention. Therefore, to understand the impact of industrial activities on the soil quality of desert grasslands, this experiment investigated the Gaoshawo Industrial Concentration Zone in Yanchi County. Based on the distance and direction from the industrial park, sample plots were established at intervals of 1–2 km. A total of 82 surface soil samples (0–20 cm) representing different pollution sources were collected. The samples were analysed for pH, total nitrogen, total phosphorus, available phosphorus, available potassium, organic matter, copper (Cu), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn). The desert steppe soil quality was analysed based on the integrated fertility index (IFI) and the Nemerow pollution index (PN), followed by the calculation of the comprehensive soil quality index (SQI), which considers the most suitable soil quality indicators through a geostatistical model. The results showed that the IFI was 0.393, indicating that the soil fertility was relatively poor. Excluding the available potassium, the nugget coefficients of the fertility indicators were less than 25% and showed strong spatial autocorrelation. The average values of Cu, Cd, Cr, Pb and Zn were 21.64 ± 3.26, 0.18 ± 0.02, 44.99 ± 21.23, 87.18 ± 25.84, and 86.63 ± 24.98 mg·kg−1, respectively; the nugget coefficients of Cr, Pb and Zn were 30.79–47.35%. Pb was the main element causing heavy metal pollution in the study area. Higher PN values were concentrated north of the highway in the study area, resulting in lower soil quality in the northern region and a trend of decreasing soil quality from south to north. The results of this research showed that the average SQI was 0.351 and the soil quality was extremely low. Thus, industrial activities and transportation activities in the Gaoshawo Industrial Zone significantly impact the desert steppe soil quality index.

scholarly journals Soil attributes and quality under treated domestic sewage irrigation in sugarcane

2018 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
pp. 137-142 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eduardo A. A. Barbosa ◽  
Edson E. Matsura ◽  
Leonardo N. S. dos Santos ◽  
Aline A. Nazário ◽  
Ivo Z. Gonçalves ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Soil Quality ◽  
Quality Index ◽  
Microbial Biomass Carbon ◽  
Chemical Properties ◽  
Domestic Sewage ◽  
Soil Quality Index ◽  
Reservoir Water ◽  
Soil Attributes ◽  
Subsurface Drip ◽  
Surface Reservoir

ABSTRACT Using domestic sewage to irrigate and supply nutrients to plants is a sustainable practice; however, due to the physical and chemical properties of the domestic sewage, soil attributes and quality may be changed with its application. The aim of this study was to evaluate soil quality after two cycles of sugarcane irrigated with treated domestic sewage and surface reservoir water via subsurface drip irrigation, with and without nutritional supplementation by fertigation, and a non-irrigated control with top-dressing fertilization. Soil quality was established by applying the methodology proposed by Karlen & Stott. Physical, chemical and microbiological indicators were selected to compose the basic soil functions used to determine the quality index. Application of treated domestic sewage with fertigation increased soil electrical conductivity, Na+ content and exchangeable sodium percentage. Reservoir water applications with fertigation increased microbial biomass carbon and reduced the metabolic quotient, besides promoting significant effects on soil acidification indicators in comparison to reservoir water irrigation without fertigation. Despite the alteration of some soil attributes, no significant changes in the soil quality index were observed among the treatments.

scholarly journals Effect of feather compost on soil chemical indicators in CCN-51 cocoa plantation (Theobroma cacao L.)

2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 25-34
Author(s):  
Nelino Florida-Rofner ◽  
José Dolores Levano-Crisóstomo ◽  
Santos Jacobo-Salinas
Keyword(s):  
Organic Matter ◽  
Soil Quality ◽  
Block Design ◽  
Exchange Capacity ◽  
Available Phosphorus ◽  
Chemical Indicators ◽  
Phosphorus And Potassium ◽  
The Town ◽  
Cocoa Plantation

Introduction. Organic management of cocoa accounts for 60% of production in Peru and large amounts of compost prepared with different inputs are used, in order to improve the quality of the soil and cocoa yields. Objective. Evaluated the effect of the application of chicken feather compost on the main soil chemical indicators in a cocoa plantation CCN-51 un the Town of Nuevo Progreso, province of Padre Abad in the Ucayali-Peru region was evaluated. Materials and methods. A randomized complete block design was used, with four treatments and four repetitions where: FC1 was an absolute witness, FC2 feather compost at a rate of 2,000 kg. ha-1, FC3 feather compost at a rate of 4,000 kg. ha-1 and FC4 feather compost at a rate of 6 000 kg. ha-1. The main chemical indicators of soil quality were evaluated: hydrogen potential (pH), organic matter (OM), total nitrogen (N), available phosphorus (P), potassium (K+), calcium (Ca2+), magnesium (Mg2+) , aluminum (Al3+), available cadmium (Cd2+), changeable acids (AC) and cation exchange capacity (CEC). Results. The results showed a decrease in exchangeable aluminum and changeable acidity and increases in organic matter, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, depending on the proportion of compost applied, these indicators presented significant differences (p <0.05); The pH, calcium and cadmium available did not show significant differences (p <0.05). Conclusion. Feather compost (FC) significantly improved the levels of OM, N, P and K+, indicators that define soil quality and reduce aluminum levels, the latter of utmost importance in acidic soils.

scholarly journals Effects of pumice mining on soil quality

Solid Earth ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Cruz-Ruíz ◽  
E. Cruz-Ruíz ◽  
R. Vaca ◽  
P. Del Aguila ◽  
J. Lugo
Keyword(s):  
Bulk Density ◽  
Soil Quality ◽  
Total Nitrogen ◽  
Agricultural Soils ◽  
Microbial Biomass Carbon ◽  
Principal Component ◽  
Available Phosphorus ◽  
Total N ◽  
Organic C ◽  
Study Sites

Abstract. Mexico is the world's fourth most important maize producer; hence, there is a need to maintain soil quality for sustainable production in the upcoming years. Pumice mining is a superficial operation that modifies large areas in central Mexico. The main aim was to assess the present state of agricultural soils differing in elapsed time since pumice mining (0–15 years) in a representative area of the Calimaya region in the State of Mexico. The study sites in 0, 1, 4, 10, and 15 year old reclaimed soils were compared with an adjacent undisturbed site. Our results indicate that gravimetric moisture content, water hold capacity, bulk density, available phosphorus, total nitrogen, soil organic carbon, microbial biomass carbon and phosphatase and urease activity were greatly impacted by disturbance. A general trend of recovery towards the undisturbed condition with reclamation age was found after disturbance, the recovery of soil total N being faster than soil organic C. The soil quality indicators were selected using principal component analysis (PCA), correlations and multiple linear regressions. The first three components gathered explain 76.4 % of the total variability. The obtained results revealed that the most appropriate indicators to diagnose the quality of the soils were urease, available phosphorus and bulk density and minor total nitrogen. According to linear score analysis and the additive index, the soils showed a recuperation starting from 4 years of pumice extraction.

scholarly journals The effect of land use on soil quality in Giriwoyo Sub-district, Wonogiri Regency

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 2559-2568
Author(s):  
M Mujiyo ◽  
Yosua Yoga Setyawan ◽  
Aktavia Herawati ◽  
Hery Widijanto
Keyword(s):  
Land Use ◽  
Soil Quality ◽  
Quality Index ◽  
Microbial Biomass Carbon ◽  
Available P ◽  
Soil Quality Index ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Total N ◽  
Organic C

Determination of soil quality in Giriwoyo Sub-district, Wonogiri Regency, will generate a Soil Quality Index which can be used as a reference for soil cultivation for optimal productivity. This research was a descriptive exploratory with a survey approach. The survey area consisted of 12 land mapping units (LMU) with 3 replications for each LMU. Determination of LMU based on soil type, land use, slope and rainfall. The parameters used were BD (bulk density), porosity, organic C, pH, CEC (cation exchange capacity), BS (base saturation), available P, available K, total N, and MBC (microbial biomass carbon) that represented the physical, chemical and biological properties of the soil. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) analysis was performed to obtain the Minimum Data Set (MDS). The Soil Quality Index (SQI) at each LMU was calculated by multiplying the PCA result score (Wi) with the score for each selected indicator (Si). The result showed that the Soil Quality Index at each LMU was low. The highest Soil Quality Index was found in fields land use with an SQI of 0.34. The soil indicator that limited the soil quality was available P.

Kajian Kualitas Tanah pada Lahan Gambut Terbakar di Kota Pontianak Provinsi Kalimantan Barat

2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (3) ◽  
pp. 517-524
Author(s):  
Rinto Manurung ◽  
Rossie Wiedya Nusantara ◽  
Ismahan Umran ◽  
W. Warganda
Keyword(s):  
Moisture Content ◽  
Soil Quality ◽  
Quality Index ◽  
Physical Characteristics ◽  
Base Saturation ◽  
Available Phosphorus ◽  
Soil Biology ◽  
Soil Quality Index ◽  
Total N ◽  
Total P

Kebakaran lahan gambut menyebabkan terjadinya perubahan sifat fisika, kimia dan biologi tanah gambut sehingga secara otomatis mempengaruhi kualitas tanah yang dinyatakan dengan Indeks Kualitas Tanah (IKT). Tujuan penelitian ini adalah menentukan indeks kualitas tanah dan faktor penentunya pada lahan gambut terbakar (GT) dan tidak terbakar (GTT). Penelitian dilakukan di Kelurahan Bansir Darat Kecamatan Pontianak Tenggara Kota Pontianak pada GTT  dan GT. Tahapan penelitian meliputi pengambilan sampel tanah pada masing-masing lahan, pengamatan dan pengukuran kedalaman gambut, ketebalan lapisan gambut dan kematangan gambut serta perhitungan jumlah cacing. Analisis sifat fisika tanah meliputi bobot isi, kadar air kapasitas lapang, porositas total; sifat kimia tanah terdiri dari reaksi tanah (pH), karbon organik (C-organik), Nitrogen total (N-total), rasio CN, posfor tersedia (P-tersedia), natrium, kalium, kalsium dan magnesium dapat dipertukarkan (Na-dd, K-dd, Ca-dd dan Mg-dd), kapasitas tukar kation (KTK), kejenuhan basa (KB), kadar abu; dan jumlah cacing tanah untuk sifat biologi tanah. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan GT dengan kematangan saprik memiliki kedalaman gambut lebih dangkal dibandingkan GTT dengan kematangan hemik. Kadar air dan porositas pada GT juga lebih rendah dibandingkan GTT. Kation basa GT lebih tinggi dibandingkan GTT meskipun kriteria keduanya sangat rendah. Parameter penentu kualitas tanah yaitu C-organik, CN rasio, N-total, P-tersedia, kalsium, natrium, kalium, kejenuhan basa, bobot isi, kadar air dan porositas. Kedua lahan memiliki kriteria IKT rendah namun GT memiliki nilai yang lebih tinggi (0,34) daripada GTT (0,27). Meskipun nilai IKT pada GT lebih tinggi, banyak dampak negatif yang ditimbulkan dari pembakaran lahan gambut. Karena itu pemerintah melarang pembakaran lahan dengan mengeluarkan kebijakan-kebijakan tentang pelarangan pembakaran hutan dan lahan gambut.AbstractPeatland fires cause changes in the physical, chemical and biological characteristics of the peat soil. It automatically affects the quality of the soil as stated by the Soil Quality Index (IKT). The purpose of this study was to determine the soil quality index and its determinants in burnt (GT) and unburnt (GTT) peatlands. The research was conducted in Bansir Darat Village, Southeast Pontianak District, Pontianak City on GT and GTT. The research stages included taking soil samples from each land, observing and measuring the depth of the peat, the thickness of the peat layer, the maturity of the peat and counting the number of worms as well. Analysis of soil physical characteristics including bulk density, moisture content of field capacity, total porosity; soil chemistry consists of C-organic, total nitrogen (N-total), CN ratio, available phosphorus (P-available), exchangeable sodium (Na-dd), potassium (K-dd), calcium-dd (Ca-dd)dan magnesium (Mg-dd), cation exchange capacity (CEC), base saturation (KB), content of ash; and the number of earth worms for soil biology property. The results showed that the physical characteristics of peat on GT had a shallower peat depth with sapric compared to GTT with hemic. The water content and porosity on GT are lower than GTT as well. The base cation of GT is higher than GTT even though the criteria for both are very low. The determinants of soil quality were C-organic, CN ratio, N-total, P-available, calcium, sodium, potassium, base saturation, content weight, moisture content and porosity. The Soil Quality Index of both lands have low criteria but GT has a higher value (0.34) than GTT (0.27). Even though the IKT value in GT is higher, there are many negative impacts caused by burning peatlands. Therefore, the government forbids burning of land by issuing policies to prohibit the burning of forests and peatlands.

scholarly journals Changes in soil quality after converting <i>Pinus</i> to <i>Eucalyptus</i> plantations in southern China

Solid Earth ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 115-123 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. Zhang ◽  
H. Zheng ◽  
F. L. Chen ◽  
Z. Y. Ouyang ◽  
Y. Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Microbial Biomass ◽  
Soil Quality ◽  
Quality Index ◽  
Microbial Biomass Carbon ◽  
Southern China ◽  
Soil Quality Index ◽  
Microbial Biomass Nitrogen ◽  
The Third ◽  
Eucalyptus Plantations ◽  
Time Substitution

Abstract. Vegetation plays a key role in maintaining soil quality, but long-term changes in soil quality due to plant species change and successive planting are rarely reported. Using the space-for-time substitution method, adjacent plantations of Pinus and first, second, third and fourth generations of Eucalyptus in Guangxi, China were used to study changes in soil quality caused by converting Pinus to Eucalyptus and successive Eucalyptus planting. Soil chemical and biological properties were measured and a soil quality index was calculated using principal component analysis. Soil organic carbon, total nitrogen, alkaline hydrolytic nitrogen, microbial biomass carbon, microbial biomass nitrogen, cellobiosidase, phenol oxidase, peroxidase and acid phosphatase activities were significantly lower in the first and second generations of Eucalyptus plantations compared with Pinus plantation, but they were significantly higher in the third and fourth generations than in the first and second generations and significantly lower than in Pinus plantation. Soil total and available potassium were significantly lower in Eucalyptus plantations (1.8–2.5 g kg−1 and 26–66 mg kg−1) compared to the Pinus plantation (14.3 g kg−1 and 92 mg kg−1), but total phosphorus was significantly higher in Eucalyptus plantations (0.9–1.1 g kg−1) compared to the Pinus plantation (0.4 g kg−1). As an integrated indicator, soil quality index was highest in the Pinus plantation (0.92) and lowest in the first and second generations of Eucalyptus plantations (0.24 and 0.13). Soil quality index in the third and fourth generations (0.36 and 0.38) was between that in Pinus plantation and in first and second generations of Eucalyptus plantations. Changing tree species, reclamation and fertilization may have contributed to the change observed in soil quality during conversion of Pinus to Eucalyptus and successive Eucalyptus planting. Litter retention, keeping understorey coverage, and reducing soil disturbance during logging and subsequent establishment of the next rotation should be considered to help improving soil quality.

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