Soil modification by termites in the central wheat-belt of Western-Australia

Soil Research ◽  
1995 ◽  
Vol 33 (1) ◽  
pp. 179 ◽  
Author(s):  
LAL Debruyn ◽  
AJ Conacher
Keyword(s):  
Western Australia ◽  
Sandy Loam ◽  
Chemical Properties ◽  
Food Sources ◽  
Termite Mounds ◽  
Plant Soil ◽  
Semi Arid Region ◽  
Open Woodland ◽  
Considerable Period ◽  
Modified Soil

In a semi-arid region of Western Australia, in kwongan and open woodland, we examined the texture and selected chemical properties of two soil types, firstly in the mounds of two mound-building termite species (Drepanotermes tamminensis and Amitermes obeuntis) and secondly in the foraging galleries of D. tamminensis and A. neogermanus. The soil properties of the termite-modified soil were compared with soil unaffected by termite activity. It was found that both mounds and foraging galleries had significantly higher clay contents, increased organic carbon, and lower pH than the surface soil. The mean standing mass of D. tamminensis mounds was 5 Mg ha-1) on yellow sand (under kwongan vegetation) and 7 Mg ha-1) on grey sandy loam (under open woodland). However, this modified soil is predicted to be inaccessible for plant growth for a considerable period of time, since termite mound longevity could be as much as 70 years. In contrast, termite-modified soil from foraging galleries and chambers in the soil or soil sheetings covering food sources would be more readily accessible to the plant-soil ecosystem than modified soil materials in termite mounds.

Changes in chemical properties of 48 intensively grazed, rain-fed dairy paddocks on sandy soils over 11 years of liming in south-western Australia

Soil Research ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 48 (8) ◽  
pp. 682 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. D. A. Bolland ◽  
W. K. Russell
Keyword(s):  
Western Australia ◽  
Root Zone ◽  
Sandy Loam ◽  
Chemical Properties ◽  
Soil Testing ◽  
Soil Test ◽  
Organic Carbon Content ◽  
Pasture Production ◽  
Soil P ◽  
Soil Test P

Soil testing was conducted during 1999–2009 to determine lime and fertiliser phosphorus (P), potassium (K), and sulfur (S) requirements of intensively grazed, rain-fed, ryegrass dairy pastures in 48 paddocks on sand to sandy loam soils in the Mediterranean-type climate of south-western Australia. The study demonstrated that tissue testing was required in conjunction with soil testing to confirm decisions based on soil testing, and to assess management decisions for elements not covered by soil testing. Soil testing for pH was reliable for indicating paddocks requiring lime to ameliorate soil acidity, and to monitor progress of liming. Soil P testing proved reliable for indicating when P fertiliser applications were required, with no P being required when soil-test P was above the critical value for that soil, and when no P was applied, tissue testing indicated that P remained adequate for ryegrass production. Soil testing could not be used to determine paddocks requiring fertiliser K and S, because both elements can leach below the root-zone, with rainfall determining the extent of leaching and magnitude of the decrease in pasture production resulting from deficiency, which cannot be predicted. The solution is to apply fertiliser K and S each year, and use tissue testing to improve fertiliser K and S management. Research has shown that, for dairy and other grazing industries in the region, laboratories need measure and report every year soil pH and soil-test P only, together with measuring every 3–5 years the P-buffering index (estimating P sorption of soil), organic carbon content, and electrical conductivity.

scholarly journals Soil physico-chemical characterization in the different soil layers of National Maize Research Program, Rampur, Chitwan, Nepal

2018 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 28-44
Author(s):  
Dinesh Khadka ◽  
Sushil Lamichhane ◽  
Amit P Timilsina ◽  
Bandhu R Baral ◽  
Kamal Sah ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Research Program ◽  
Soil Structure ◽  
Sandy Loam ◽  
Chemical Properties ◽  
Single Layer ◽  
Chemical Characterization ◽  
Bottom Layer ◽  
Soil Parameters ◽  
Physico Chemical

Soil pit digging and their precise study is a decision making tool to assess history and future of soil management of a particular area. Thus, the present study was carried out to differentiate soil physico-chemical properties in the different layers of excavated pit of the National Maize Research Program, Rampur, Chitwan, Nepal. Eight pits were dug randomly from three blocks at a depth of 0 to 100 cm. The soil parameters were determined in-situ, and in laboratory for texture, pH, OM, N, P (as P2O5), K (as K2O), Ca, Mg, S, B, Fe, Zn, Cu and Mn of collected soils samples of different layers following standard analytical methods at Soil Science Division, Khumaltar. The result revealed that soil structure was sub-angular in majority of the layers, whereas bottom layer was single grained. The value and chrome of colour was increasing in order from surface to bottom in the majority pits. Similarly, the texture was sandy loam in majority layers of the pits. Moreover, four types of consistence (loose to firm) were observed. Furthermore, mottles and gravels were absent in the majority layers. Likewise, soil was very to moderately acidic in observed layers of majority pits, except bottom layer of agronomy block was slightly acidic. Regarding fertility parameters (OM, macro and micronutrients), some were increasing and vice-versa, while others were intermittent also. Therefore, a single layer is not dominant for particular soil physico-chemical parameters in the farm. In overall, surface layer is more fertile than rest of the layers in all the pits.     

scholarly journals Physical and chemical attributes of archaeological soils developed from shell middens in the Região dos Lagos, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

2011 ◽  
Vol 35 (4) ◽  
pp. 1100-1111 ◽  
Author(s):  
Guilherme Resende Corrêa ◽  
Carlos Ernesto G.R Schaefer ◽  
Vander de Freitas Melo ◽  
Kleberson Worslley de Souza ◽  
João Carlos Ker ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sandy Loam ◽  
Chemical Properties ◽  
Brazilian Coast ◽  
High Fertility ◽  
Physical Analysis ◽  
Shell Middens ◽  
Organic C ◽  
Chemical Attributes ◽  
Região Dos Lagos ◽  
Physical And Chemical

In prehistoric times, innumerous shell middens, called "sambaquis", consisting mainly of remains of marine organisms, were built along the Brazilian coast. Although the scientific community took interest in these anthropic formations, especially since the nineteenth century, their pedological context is still poorly understood. The purpose of this study was to characterize and identify the physical and chemical changes induced by soil-forming processes, as well as to compare the morphology of shell midden soils with other, already described, anthropogenic soils of Brazil. Four soil profiles developed from shell middens in the Região dos Lagos - RJ were morphologically described and the physical and chemical properties determined. The chemical analysis showed that Ca, Mn, Mg, and particularly P and Zn are indicators of anthropic horizons of midden soils, as in the Amazon Dark Earths (Terras Pretas de Índio). After the deposition of P-rich material, P reaction and leaching can mask or disturb the evidence of in situ man-made strata, but mineralogical and chemical studies of phosphate forms can elucidate the apparent complexity. Lower phosphate-rich strata without direct anthropic inputs indicate P leaching and precipitation in secondary forms. The total and bioavailable contents of Ca, Mg, Zn, Mn, Cu, P, and organic C of midden soils were much higher than of regional soils without influence of ancient human settlements, demonstrating that the high fertility persisted for long periods, at some sites for more than 4000 years. The physical analysis showed that wind-blown sand contributed significantly to increase the sand fraction in the analyzed soils (texture classes sand, sandy loam and sandy clay loam) and that the aeolian sand accumulation occurred simultaneously with the midden formation.

scholarly journals Effect of termite activity on soil under different land management strategies

2017 ◽  
Vol 38 (1) ◽  
pp. 143
Author(s):  
Liane Barreto Alves Pinheiro ◽  
Rodrigo Camara ◽  
Marcos Gervasio Pereira ◽  
Eduardo Lima ◽  
Maria Elizabeth Fernandes Correia ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Organic Carbon ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Chemical Properties ◽  
Clay Content ◽  
Exchange Capacity ◽  
Termite Mounds ◽  
Eucalyptus Plantation ◽  
Exchangeable Acidity ◽  
Calcium And Magnesium ◽  
Surrounding Soil

Mound-building termites are important agents of soil bioperturbation, but these species have not been extensively studied thus far. The present study aimed to evaluate the soil particle-size and the chemical attributes of termite mounds and the surrounding soil under different land use strategies. A one-hectare plot was defined for an unmanaged degraded pasture, planted pasture, and for a eucalyptus Corymbia citriodora plantation. In each plot, the top, center, and base sections of five Cornitermes cumulans mounds, and the surrounding soil at the depths of 0-5; 5-10; 10-20 cm, were sampled in the Pinheiral, Rio de Janeiro state. In the three areas, the center of the mounds contained higher clay content, organic carbon, phosphorous, calcium and magnesium, total bases, and cation exchangeable capacity, when compared to the top, base, and the surrounding soils. However, the center had lower values of exchangeable acidity and potassium, of the three areas. In the eucalyptus plantation, the values of pH, total bases, calcium, and magnesium were lower, whereas aluminum, exchangeable acidity, sodium, and cation exchange capacity were higher both in the mounds and in the surrounding soil, in relation to the pastures. There were no differences among the three areas in terms of organic carbon, potassium, phosphorous, and total bases, in the mounds and adjacent soil. Thus, the termite activity altered the clay content and most of the soil chemical properties in all of the studied areas, but only for the center of the mounds. However, the effect of these organisms was different in the eucalyptus plantation in relation to the pasture areas.

Congruence between phylogeographic patterns in cpDNA variation in Eucalyptus marginata (Myrtaceae) and geomorphology of the Darling Plateau, south-west of Western Australia

2006 ◽  
Vol 54 (1) ◽  
pp. 17 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. A. Wheeler ◽  
M. Byrne
Keyword(s):  
Western Australia ◽  
Rflp Analysis ◽  
Major Influence ◽  
Eastern Region ◽  
Eucalyptus Marginata ◽  
Climatic Oscillations ◽  
Cpdna Variation ◽  
Late Neogene ◽  
Semi Arid Region ◽  
Cp Genome

Phylogeographic patterns in the cp genome of Eucalyptus marginata Don ex Sm., a species common in the mesic region of south-western Australia, were investigated by using RFLP analysis. The chloroplast diversity was structured into two geographically distinct lineages and nested clade analysis inferred historical fragmentation as the major influence on the phylogeographic pattern. The lineages were separated along the geomorphological boundary of the Darling Scarp, which separates the Coastal Plain from the Darling Plateau. The divergence between the lineages is consistent with uplifting of the Darling Plateau in the late Neogene. Further geographic structuring in haplotype distributions was evident in the forest lineage on the Darling Plateau, where one sublineage was present in the central forest region and another was restricted to the south-eastern region. The level of divergence between these sublineages was similar to that between divergent lineages that have been identified in comparative phylogeographic studies of cpDNA variation in three species widespread throughout south-western Australia. In these species, divergence was attributed to the influence of significant changes in climatic oscillations across the semi-arid region during the mid-Pleistocene. The divergence identified in this study indicates that the influence of climatic change was widespread throughout south-western Australia, including the mesic, higher-rainfall region.

scholarly journals Abundance of macrozoobenthos in relation to bottom soil textural types and water depth In aquaculture ponds

2014 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
N Nupur ◽  
M Shahjahan ◽  
MS Rahman ◽  
MK Fatema
Keyword(s):  
Water Depth ◽  
Sandy Loam ◽  
Chemical Properties ◽  
Experimental Period ◽  
Quality Parameters ◽  
Population Densities ◽  
Bottom Soil ◽  
Aquaculture Ponds ◽  
Different Depths ◽  
The Mean

The present experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of bottom soil textural classes and different water depths on abundance of macrozoobenthos in aquaculture ponds. Three treatments, i.e., ponds bottom with sandy loam (T1), with loam (TS2) and with clay loam (T3) were considered in this experiment. Samples were collected from three different depths (60.96 cm, 106.68 cm and 152.40 cm) with three replications. The ranges of water quality parameters were suitable for the growth of macrozoobenthos during the experimental period. Similarly, chemical properties of soil were also within suitable ranges and every parameter showed comparatively higher ranges in T2. Eight genera were recorded belonging to major groups of Chironomidae, Oligochaeta, Mollusca and Ceratoponogonidae. The highest population densities of Oligochaeta (1200±4.25 per m2), Chironomidae (1422±4.88 per m2), Ceratopogonidae (399±1.56 per m2) and Mollusca (977±2.24 per m2) were found in T2. The population densities of macrozoobenthos showed fortnightly variations in all the treatments. Among the three depths, significantly highest densities of macrozoobenthos were recorded in 106.68 cm in every treatment. The mean abundance of macrozoobenthos was significantly highest in T2. The present study indicates that loamy soil pond bottom along with water depth 106.68 cm is suitable for the growth and production of macrozoobenthos in aquaculture ponds. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/ijarit.v3i2.17811 Int. J. Agril. Res. Innov. & Tech. 3 (2): 1-6, December, 2013

scholarly journals Gas exchanges and growth of cotton cultivars under water salinity

2019 ◽  
Vol 23 (6) ◽  
pp. 393-399
Author(s):  
André A. R. da Silva ◽  
Luana L. de S. A. Veloso ◽  
Ronaldo do Nascimento ◽  
Elka C. S. Nascimento ◽  
Carlos V. de C. Bezerra ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Irrigation Water ◽  
Sandy Loam ◽  
Saline Water ◽  
Water Salinity ◽  
Gas Exchanges ◽  
Randomized Design ◽  
Irrigation Water Salinity ◽  
Completely Randomized Design ◽  
Semi Arid Region ◽  
Response To Water

ABSTRACT Indication of salt-tolerant cotton cultivars can make the agricultural exploitation with saline water irrigation feasible in the Brazilian semi-arid region. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the gas exchanges and growth of cotton cultivars irrigated with saline water. The study was conducted in pots adapted as drainage lysimeters under greenhouse conditions, using a sandy loam Entisols as substrate. Treatments were distributed in completely randomized design, in 5 x 2 factorial arrangement, relative to five levels of irrigation water electrical conductivity - ECw (1.5, 3.0, 4.5, 6.0 and 7.5 dS m-1) and two cotton cultivars (BRS 368 RF and BRS Safira). Increase in irrigation water salinity inhibits the vegetative growth and gas exchanges of the cotton cultivars BRS Safira and BRS 368 RF. Leaf area and instantaneous carboxylation efficiency are the most affected variables. Physiological and growth performance of the cultivar BRS Safira in response to water salinity was higher than that of BRS 368 RF.

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