scholarly journals EVALUATION OF VEGETABLE VERMICOMPOST ON THE CHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF TWO DIFFERENT SOILS

2020 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
I A Nweke ◽  
E U Chime ◽  
U O Ogugua
Keyword(s):  
Microbial Biomass ◽  
Chemical Properties ◽  
Mineral Elements ◽  
Growth Hormones ◽  
Clay Soils ◽  
Eudrilus Eugeniae ◽  
Mosquito Net ◽  
Exchangeable Acidity ◽  
Ph Level ◽  
Different Soils

Vermicompst is a rich source of vitamins and growth hormones and contains most nutrients in plant available form. Ten adult earthworms (Eudrilus eugeniae) were cultured for three (3) months and three (3) weeks in sack made from old window mosquito net. The resultant product at harvest – vermicompost made of mostly worm casts was used to incubate sandy and clay soils respectively at the ratio of 50g: 300g for two (2) months and replicated five (5) times. The results of  the study shows that the produced vermicompost enriched the two types of soil with favourable pH level, high content of P, Ca, Mg and OM. Available P, pH level, Ca, Mg and OM were significantly (P < 0.05 ) increased and varied among the treatments. Exch. K and microbial biomass (MB) result showed higher value in clay while sand recorded higher value in N, Na and exchangeable acidity (EA). The findings of this study are of evidence that vermicompost improved the fertility of the soils by releasing mineral elements in the forms that are available for uptake of crops.

scholarly journals Evaluation of Humic Fertilizers Applied at Full and Reduced Nitrogen Rates on Kentucky Bluegrass Quality and Soil Health

Agronomy ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 395
Author(s):  
Alex J. Lindsey ◽  
Adam W. Thoms ◽  
Marshall D. McDaniel ◽  
Nick E. Christians
Keyword(s):  
Microbial Biomass ◽  
Humic Substances ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Soil Health ◽  
Chemical Properties ◽  
Kentucky Bluegrass ◽  
N Fertilizer ◽  
Turfgrass Quality ◽  
N Rates ◽  
Fertilizer Rates

Soil health and sustainable management practices have garnered much interest within the turfgrass industry. Among the many practices that enhance soil health and sustainability are applying soil additives to enhance soil biological activity and reducing nitrogen (N) inputs—complimentary practices. A two-year study was conducted to investigate if reduced N fertilizer rates applied with humic substances could provide comparable turfgrass quality as full N rates, and whether humic fertilizers would increase biological aspects of soil health (i.e., microbial biomass and activity). Treatments included synthetic fertilizer with black gypsum (SFBG), poly-coated humic-coated urea (PCHCU; two rates), urea + humic dispersing granules (HDG; two rates), urea, stabilized nitrogen, HDG, and a nontreated control. Reduced rates of N with humic substances maintained turfgrass quality and cover, and reduced clipping biomass compared to full N rates. There were no differences in soil physical and chemical properties besides soil sulfur (S) concentration. SFBG resulted in the highest soil S concentration. Fertilizer treatments had minimal effect on microbial biomass and other plant-available nutrients. However, PCHCU (full rate) increased potentially mineralizable carbon (PMC) and N (PMN) by 68% and 59%, respectively, compared to the nontreated control. Meanwhile SFBG and stabilized nitrogen also increased PMC and PMN by 77% and 50%, and 65% and 59%, respectively. Overall, applications of reduced N fertilizer rates with the addition of humic substances could be incorporated into a more sustainable and environmentally friendly turfgrass fertilizer program.

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.

The relationship between aggregation and other soil properties in cracking clay soils

Soil Research ◽  
1984 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 59 ◽  
Author(s):  
KJ Coughlan ◽  
RJ Loch
Keyword(s):  
Hydraulic Conductivity ◽  
Salt Content ◽  
Chemical Properties ◽  
Aggregate Size ◽  
Strong Relationship ◽  
Clay Soils ◽  
Coarse Surface ◽  
Seedbed Preparation ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Dispersion Ratio

This paper explores the processes responsible for clay dispersion, and the formation of large dry aggregates, in cracking clay soils. It also isolates the soil factors causing variations in dry aggregate size using regression analysis. Twelve cracking clay soil samples were selected on visual differences in dry aggregate size distribution following seedbed preparation, and a range of soil structural and chemical properties were measured. The per cent dry aggregates > 5 mm was found to increase with resistance to mechanical abrasion, stability to wet sieving after capillary wetting, and dispersion ratio, indicating that large dry aggregates are formed as a result of binding by dispersed clay. Both raindrop impact and puddling by cultivation may be involved in dispersion. There was a strong relationship between dry aggregate size in the 0-10 cm layer and salt content in the subsurface (60-90 cm) layer. Coarse surface aggregation is explained in terms of limited profile hydraulic conductivity. For the soils studied, the properties of the surface layer appear to be responsible, at least in part, for the limitation in profile hydraulic conductivity. Dry aggregate size in the 0-10 cm layer was not simply correlated with any of the chemical properties of that layer. However, equations containing two (ESP and CEC per gram of clay) or three (ESP, per cent clay and CEC) independent variables were derived to explain variations in dry aggregate size, both for the 12 soils studied and for a wider range of Queensland cracking clay soils.

scholarly journals Changes in Soil Phosphorus Pools and Chemical Properties under Liming in Nitisols of Farawocha, South Ethiopia

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-11
Author(s):  
Fikeremareyam Chulo ◽  
Fanuel Laekemariam ◽  
Alemayehu Kiflu
Keyword(s):  
Soil Ph ◽  
Nutrient Dynamics ◽  
Soil Phosphorus ◽  
Acid Soil ◽  
Chemical Properties ◽  
Soil Chemical Properties ◽  
Southern Ethiopia ◽  
Organic Part ◽  
Exchangeable Acidity ◽  
P Pools

Understanding the nutrient dynamics in acid soil is fundamental to carry out proper management. The study was conducted to investigate phosphorus (P) pools and selected properties under different rates of lime for acid nitisols of Farawocha, Southern Ethiopia. Four lime rates incubated for a month in three replications were tested. The lime rates were 0 t/ha (0%), 5.25 t/ha (50%), 10.5 t/ha (100%), and 15.75 t/ha (150%). Lime requirement (LR) for 100% was calculated targeting soil pH of 6.5. Data on the P pools such as soluble P (P-sol) and bounded forms of P with iron (Fe-P), aluminum (Al-P), calcium (Ca-P), organic part (Org-P), residual P (Res-P), and total of P fractions were measured. In addition, changes in soil chemical properties such as pH, exchangeable acidity, calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), sulfur (S), iron (Fe), copper (Cu), boron (B), zinc (Zn), and manganese (Mn) were analyzed. The result showed that total P was 357.5 mg/kg. Compared to nontreated soil, liming at a rate of 15.75 t/ha significantly improved P-sol (34.2%, r2 = 0.88), Ca-P (61.6%, r2 = 0.92), and Res-P (195%, r2 = 0.94); however, it reduced Fe-P (58.5%, r2 = −0.83), Al-P (71%, r2 = −0.97), and Org-P (19.1%, r2 = 0.93). Overall, the P-associated fractions in the soil, regardless of the lime rates, were in the order of Org_P > Res_P > Fe_P > Ca_P > Al_P > P-sol. Liming raised soil pH by 2.1 units (4.5 to 6.6) over nonlimed soil, whereas it reduced exchangeable acidity from 4.18 to 0.23 meq/100 g soil. Available P, Ca, Mg, S, Cu, Zn, and B contents were significantly improved with lime application. However, liming reduced Fe and Mn contents. In conclusion, these findings showed that liming facilitated the release of P from various pools, modified pH and exchangeable acidity, and resulted in beneficial changes for most of the soil chemical properties.

Effects of biochars generated from crop residues on chemical properties of acid soils from tropical and subtropical China

Soil Research ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 50 (7) ◽  
pp. 570 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jin-Hua Yuan ◽  
Ren-Kou Xu
Keyword(s):  
Soil Ph ◽  
Crop Residues ◽  
Chemical Properties ◽  
Acid Soils ◽  
Base Cations ◽  
Exchange Capacity ◽  
Chemical Compositions ◽  
Subtropical China ◽  
Exchangeable Base Cations ◽  
Exchangeable Acidity

The chemical compositions of biochars from ten crop residues generated at 350°C and their effects on chemical properties of acid soils from tropical and subtropical China were investigated. There was greater alkalinity and contents of base cations in the biochars from legume residues than from non-legume residues. Carbonates and organic anions of carboxyl and phenolic groups were the main forms of alkalis in the biochars, and their relative contributions to biochar alkalinity varied with crop residues. Incubation experiments indicated that biochar incorporation increased soil pH and soil exchangeable base cations and decreased soil exchangeable acidity. There were greater increases in soil pH and soil exchangeable base cations, and a greater decrease in soil exchangeable acidity, for biochars from legume than from non-legume residues. The biochars did not increase the cation exchange capacity (CEC) of soils with relatively high initial CEC but did increase the CEC of soils with relatively low initial CEC at an addition level of 1%. The incorporation of biochars from crop residues not only corrected soil acidity but also increased contents of potassium, magnesium, and calcium in these acid soils from tropical and subtropical regions and thus improved soil fertility.

Physiological responses of grapevines to biodynamic management

2015 ◽  
Vol 31 (5) ◽  
pp. 402-413 ◽  
Author(s):  
Renato Vasconcelos Botelho ◽  
Roberta Roberti ◽  
Paola Tessarin ◽  
José María Garcia-Mina ◽  
Adamo Domenico Rombolà
Keyword(s):  
Plant Protection ◽  
Disease Incidence ◽  
Physiological Responses ◽  
Chemical Properties ◽  
Mineral Elements ◽  
Organic Production ◽  
Defense Compounds ◽  
Natural Defense ◽  
Physico Chemical ◽  
Biodynamic Preparations

AbstractA 3-year (2011–2013) field trial was carried out in a mature vineyard (Vitis vinifera L., cv. Sangiovese), planted in 2003, to assess physiological responses of grapevines to biodynamic management. Starting in 2007, the vineyard was managed with organic production protocols in accordance with EC Regulations (834/2007). In 2008, the vineyard (2 ha) was divided in two large plots, with each plot having similar soil physico-chemical properties. One of the plots was managed with organic protocols per EC Regulations and the other with biodynamic practices, consisting of spray application of preparations 500, 500 K, fladen and 501. During the 2011–2013 season, the biodynamic preparations were used at least twice per year, with the exception of 501 that was applied only once in 2013. Concentration of hormones and mineral elements in biodynamic preparations were determined. Biodynamically managed vines showed lower stomatal conductance in all years and lower leaf water potential in 2012. Leaf photosynthetic activity was not influenced by cultivation method. Biodynamic management led to an increase in leaf enzymatic activities of endochitinase (EC 3.2.1.14), exochitinase (β-N-acetylhexosaminidase, EC 3.2.1.52 and chitin 1,4-β-chitobiosidase) and β-1,3-glucanase (EC 3.2.1.39), which are typically correlated with plant biotic and abiotic stresses and associated with induced plant resistance. Year effects were observed with 1,3-β-glucanase, whose activity in 2012 was 4.1-fold higher than in 2013. Disease incidence and grape yields were not different between organic and biodynamic treatments. This study provided a strong indication of a stimulation of natural defense compounds in grapes grown under biodynamic cultivation, but subsequent effects on plant protection and productivity require further evaluation.

Microbial Biomass and Enzyme Activities in Chromium and Lead-Contaminated Sediments

2013 ◽  
Vol 798-799 ◽  
pp. 1139-1143
Author(s):  
Chao Wang ◽  
Shuai Cheng ◽  
Pei Fang Wang ◽  
Yan Yan Ma
Keyword(s):  
Heavy Metals ◽  
Microbial Biomass ◽  
Enzyme Activities ◽  
Chemical Properties ◽  
Nitrogen And Phosphorus ◽  
Oxidation Reduction ◽  
Oxidation Reduction Potential ◽  
Organic Carbon Oxidation ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Cr Contamination

The relationship between microbial biomass and enzyme activities under heavy metal pollution had attracted much attention in ecology. The experimental sediment samples were supplemented with Pb and Cr and incubated at room temperature for a month. Microbial properties such as microbial biomass, urease, catalase and cellulase activities, together with several chemical properties such as pH, total organic carbon , oxidation-reduction potential, total nitrogen and phosphorus were measured to evaluate changes in sediment qualities. Our results demonstrate that heavy metals would inhibit sediment microbe biomass and enzyme activities. Such decreases in sediments microbial biomass and enzyme activities by Pb and Cr contamination may help to evaluate heavy metals contaminated soil ecologies.

scholarly journals Differences of soil enzyme activities and its influencing factors under different flooding conditions in Ili Valley, Xinjiang

PeerJ ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
pp. e8531 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yulu Zhang ◽  
Dong Cui ◽  
Haijun Yang ◽  
Nijat Kasim
Keyword(s):  
Microbial Biomass ◽  
Organic Carbon ◽  
Soil Organic Carbon ◽  
Total Phosphorus ◽  
Enzyme Activities ◽  
Catalase Activity ◽  
Microbial Biomass Carbon ◽  
Chemical Properties ◽  
Soil Enzyme ◽  
Biomass Carbon

Background A wetland is a special ecosystem formed by the interaction of land and water. The moisture content variation will greatly affect the function and structure of the wetland internal system. Method In this paper, three kinds of wetlands with different flooding levels (Phragmites australis wetland (long-term flooding), Calamagrostis epigeios wetland(seasonal flooding) and Ditch millet wetland (rarely flooded)) in Ili Valley of Xinjiang China were selected as research areas. The changes of microbial biomass carbon, soil physical and chemical properties in wetlands were compared, and redundancy analysis was used to analyze the correlation between soil physical and chemical properties, microbial biomass carbon and enzyme activities (soil sucrase, catalase, amylase and urease). The differences of soil enzyme activities and its influencing factors under different flooding conditions in Ili Valley were studied and discussed. Result The results of this study were the following: (1) The activities of sucrase and amylase in rarely flooded wetlands and seasonally flooded wetlands were significantly higher than those in long-term flooded wetlands; the difference of catalase activity in seasonal flooded wetland was significant and the highest. (2) Redundancy analysis showed that soil organic carbon, dissolved organic carbon, total phosphorus and soil microbial biomass carbon had significant effects on soil enzyme activity (p < 0.05). (3) The correlation between soil organic carbon and the sucrase activity, total phosphorus and the catalase activity was the strongest; while soil organic carbon has a significant positive correlation with invertase, urease and amylase activity, with a slight influence on catalase activity. The results of this study showed that the content of organic carbon, total phosphorus and other soil fertility factors in the soil would be increased and the enzyme activity would be enhanced if the flooding degree was changed properly.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document