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.

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.

scholarly journals DETERMINATION OF SOIL QUALITY AS A FOUNDATION OF SUSTAINABLE LAND MANAGEMENT FOR CHILLI IN THE AGROFORESTRY SYSTEM BASED ON COCONUTS IN SANDY SOIL OF BUGEL BEACH

2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 115
Author(s):  
Dina Ruslanjari ◽  
Taufan Alam
Keyword(s):  
Soil Quality ◽  
Sandy Soil ◽  
Block Design ◽  
Biological Properties ◽  
Agroforestry System ◽  
P Availability ◽  
Total Quality ◽  
Physical Chemical ◽  
Biological Form ◽  
Total P

The quality of soil cannot be measured directly, in which indicators need to be arbitrated of physical, chemical and biological properties, all of those affect the character of soil. The objective of this study was to identify the relationship between factors of soil quality and to review the effect of soil quality towards chili production. The exploration was done at Bugel Beach, Panjatan Sub-District, Kulonprogo, and DIY. Methods that were used in this study were Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) single factor. The factors was divided into initial agroforestry zone (shade intensity 0-30%), middle (shade intensity 31-60%) and final (shade intensity >60%) based on coconuts that was present at the location of sandy soil of Bugel Beach. Data collection was in physical, chemical, and biological form also in chili production. Data analyses were ANOVA with 5% LSD test, Structural Equitation Modelling (SEM), Factor Analysis and Stepwise Regression. The result of this study showed that initial agroforestry phase had the highest chilli production which followed by middle agroforestry and final agroforestry phase. SEM result showed that biological characteristic of soil in general directly affect the chili production and an interaction was evidence between physical and chemical characteristics of the soil. Two sets of the factors were found in factor I (BV, soil moisture, permeability, pH H2O, C-Organic, KPK, N-total, P-total, P-availability, K-total, K-dd, Ca-dd, mg-dd, Na-dd and total of microbes) and factor II (microbial and respiration total). Quality factor which effected chili production was the amount of total microbes.

Long-term effect of pastures on soil quality in acid soil of North-East India

Soil Research ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 47 (4) ◽  
pp. 372 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. K. Ghosh ◽  
R. Saha ◽  
J. J. Gupta ◽  
T. Ramesh ◽  
Anup Das ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Soil Water ◽  
Soil Quality ◽  
Microbial Biomass Carbon ◽  
Acid Soil ◽  
Perennial Grass ◽  
Perennial Grasses ◽  
Pennisetum Purpureum ◽  
North East India ◽  
North East

North-East India is known for its complex, diverse, risk-prone, and fragile hilly ecosystem. Natural resources in terms of soil, water, vegetation, and soil organic carbon (SOC) are much degraded. Effects of long-term perennial grasses maintained at a permanent fodder block of the ICAR Research Complex, Meghalaya, on soil quality were examined after 15 cropping cycles. The aims were (i) to ascertain whether perennial grass primarily maintained as fodder source for ruminants could conserve resources and improve soil quality in the hilly ecosystem of North-East India, and (ii) to select a suitable perennial grass to minimise land degradation, restore SOC, and improve the soil quality. Soil samples were collected in 2007–08 (dry season) from plots of 8 perennial grasses [Setaria sphacelata (setaria), Brachieria rosenesis (congosignal), Thysanolaena maxima (broom), Penicum maximum var. Makunia and var. Hamil (guinea), Pennisetum purpureum (napier), Paspalum conjugalum (paspalam), Arachis pintoi (wild groundnut)] and analysed for physical, chemical, and biological properties. A control plot had no grass cover. Hamil and Makunia produced a large amount of green fodder, while Makunia, paspalam, setaria, and congosignal had greatest root biomass. Relative to the control, soil under perennial grasses showed increases of ~30% SOC, 70% mean weight diameter, 20% available soil water, 40% hydraulic conductivity, 63% infiltration rate, and 10% soil microbial biomass carbon. Among grasses, soil under setaria, congosignal, and Makunia had higher values of these attributes than under other species because of better soil binding through an extensive root system. Improvement of soil physical properties and processes under these grasses, coupled with complete ground cover, reduced soil erosion by ~33% and also signified ecological benefits through C-sequestration. Soil quality management in the fragile ecosystem of North-East India should include permanent pastural grasses, particularly, setaria, congosignal, and Makunia.

scholarly journals Changes in soil quality due to converting <i>Pinus</i> to <i>Eucalyptus</i> plantations and subsequent successive <i>Eucalyptus</i> planting in southern China

2014 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 2779-2802
Author(s):  
K. Zhang ◽  
H. Zheng ◽  
F. L. Chen ◽  
Z. Y. Ouyang ◽  
Y. Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Microbial Biomass ◽  
Soil Quality ◽  
Microbial Biomass Carbon ◽  
Southern China ◽  
Soil Disturbance ◽  
Biological Properties ◽  
Soil Quality Index ◽  
Microbial Biomass Nitrogen ◽  
Eucalyptus Plantations ◽  
Time Substitution

Abstract. Plants play 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 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th 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 (SQI) was calculated. Soil organic carbon, total nitrogen, alkaline hydrolytic nitrogen, microbial biomass carbon, microbial biomass nitrogen, cellobiosidase, phenol oxidase, peroxidase and acid phosphatase activities significantly decreased in the 1st and 2nd generations of Eucalyptus plantations after conversion from Pinus to Eucalyptus but gradually recovered in the 3rd and 4th generations. Soil total and available potassium were significantly lower, but total phosphorus was significantly higher in Eucalyptus plantations compared to the Pinus plantation. As an integrated indicator, SQI was highest in the Pinus plantation (0.92), but decreased to 0.24 and 0.13 in the 1st and 2nd generations of Eucalyptus plantations, respectively. However, it recovered to 0.36 and 0.38 in the 3rd and 4th generations, respectively. Changing tree species, reclamation and fertilization may have contributed to the "U" shaped change observed in soil quality during conversion of Pinus to Eucalyptus and successive Eucalyptus planting. Litter retention, keeping understory coverage, and reducing soil disturbance during logging and subsequent establishment of the next rotation should be considered to help improving soil quality during plantation management.

scholarly journals Impact of Integrated Agronomic Practices on Soil Fertility and Respiration on the Indo-Gangetic Plain of North India

Agronomy ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 402
Author(s):  
Rama Kant Dubey ◽  
Pradeep Kumar Dubey ◽  
Rajan Chaurasia ◽  
Ch Srinivasa Rao ◽  
Purushothaman Chirakkuzhyil Abhilash
Keyword(s):  
Soil Respiration ◽  
Soil Quality ◽  
Mycorrhizal Fungi ◽  
Field Experiments ◽  
Block Design ◽  
North India ◽  
Gangetic Plain ◽  
Agronomic Practices ◽  
Soil Sustainability ◽  
Indo Gangetic Plain

Global agricultural production is accountable for the emission of ~30% of greenhouse gases. Therefore, the wide-scale adoptions of low-input, soil-friendly, and resource-conserving agronomic practices are imperative for the ‘planet healthy food production’ and also for reducing the carbon emissions from agricultural soil. In this context, the present study aimed to analyze the impacts of integrated agronomic interventions i.e., the application of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) + reduced tillage (RT), biochar + RT, and AMF + biochar + RT, on spatiotemporal variations in soil-quality and soil-sustainability indicators, including microbial and soil respiration, in the Indo-Gangetic Plain (IGP) of North India. For this, field experiments on the above-mentioned agronomic interventions were employed using three different staple crops (Zea mays, Vigna mungo, and Brassica juncea) growing in three different agro-climatic zones of IGP (Varanasi, Sultanpur, and Gorakhpur) in a randomized block design. Periodic data collection was done to analyze the changes in physiochemical, biological, and biochemical properties of the soil, and statistical analyses were done accordingly. Irrespective of the sites, the experimental results proved that the integrated application of AMF + biochar + RT in V. mungo resulted in the highest soil organic carbon (i.e., 135% increment over the control) and microbial biomass carbon (24%), whereas the same application (i.e., AMF + biochar + RT) in Z. mays had the maximum reduction in microbial (32%) and soil (44%) respiration. On the other hand, enhanced occurrence of glomalin activity (98%) was noted in Z. mays cropping for all the sites. Significant negative correlation between soil respiration and glomalin activity under AMF + biochar + RT (−0.85), AMF + RT (−0.82), and biochar + RT (−0.62) was an indication of glomalin’s role in the reduced rate of soil respiration. The research results proved that the combined application of AMF + biochar + RT was the best practice for enhancing soil quality while reducing respiration. Therefore, the development of suitable packages of integrated agronomic practices is essential for agricultural sustainability.

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 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 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.

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