Restoring soil fertility of degraded hardsetting soils in semi-arid areas with different pastures

2001 ◽  
Vol 41 (4) ◽  
pp. 507 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. Y. Chan ◽  
A. M. Bowman ◽  
W. Smith ◽  
R. Ashley
Keyword(s):  
Organic Carbon ◽  
Soil Fertility ◽  
Perennial Grass ◽  
Chemical Properties ◽  
Cropping System ◽  
Annual Grass ◽  
Stubble Retention ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Perennial Legume ◽  
Semi Arid

To evaluate the effectiveness of a pasture phase in restoring soil fertility, changes in concentration of organic carbon, physical and chemical properties of degraded hardsetting red soils (Alfisols) were assessed at 3 sites in the semi-arid central western region of New South Wales 3–4 years after conversion to different pastures. The pasture species included an annual grass, ryegrass (Lolium rigidum cv. Wimmera), an annual legume, barrel medic (Medicago truncatulata cv. Sephi) as well as a perennial grass, Consol lovegrass (Eragrostis curvula), and a perennial legume, lucerne (Medicago sativa cv. Trifecta). Significant differences in concentration of organic carbon in soils were found only in the top 0–2.5 cm even after 3–4 years under perennial pastures. The concentration of organic carbon under annual grass pasture did not differ from that in the fallow. Corresponding to the organic carbon concentrations, significant changes in water-stable aggregation (detectable to 20 cm depth) and hydraulic properties (up to a 5-fold difference in sorptivity, namely 0.29 mm/h 0.5 under fallow to 1.42 mm/h 0.5 under lucerne) were observed under perennial pastures when compared with that of the fallow. Of the 2 perennial pastures, Consol lovegrass and lucerne were both effective in promoting soil friability as well as water-stable aggregation. However, lucerne increased mineralisable nitrogen more than Consol lovegrass (by up to 4.6 times more, equivalent to 11.6 mg/kg in the 0–10-cm layer). Our results highlight the potential benefits of perennial pastures in maintaining the quality of the fragile hardsetting soils in the low rainfall areas. However, due to the slow rate and the restricted depth of improvement (0–2.5 cm), apart from incorporation of a pasture phase in the cropping system, soil management that maintains soil organic matter level and soil structure, namely reduced tillage and stubble retention, should also be adopted. These findings should be relevant to the management of the hardsetting soils that occupy 12% of the land area of Australia, particularly those in the lower rainfall areas.

Pastures in temperate rice rotations of south-eastern Australia

1994 ◽  
Vol 34 (7) ◽  
pp. 959 ◽  
Author(s):  
MAE Lattimore
Keyword(s):  
Soil Fertility ◽  
Weed Control ◽  
New South ◽  
New South Wales ◽  
Cropping System ◽  
Environmental Pressures ◽  
South Eastern ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Eastern Australia ◽  
South Eastern Australia

Legume-based pastures have long been an integral part of rice growing in the southern New South Wales irrigation areas and still offer potential to improve the productivity, profitability, and sustainability of the temperate rice-cropping system.This paper reviews both historical and current aspects of pastures in temperate rice rotations in southern New South Wales and highlights the importance of pastures in sustaining this cropping system as environmental pressures increase. Topics discussed include pasture species and rotations, their role in improving soil fertility and sustainability, the value of pastures in weed control, and their management for maximum profitability.

scholarly journals Effects of three coniferous plantation species on plant‐soil feedbacks and soil physical and chemical properties in semi‐arid mountain ecosystems

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Chun Han ◽  
Yongjing Liu ◽  
Cankun Zhang ◽  
Yage Li ◽  
Tairan Zhou ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Organic Carbon ◽  
Physicochemical Properties ◽  
Soil Fertility ◽  
Water Conservation ◽  
Soil Nutrient ◽  
Soil Physicochemical Properties ◽  
Plantation Forest ◽  
Plant Soil ◽  
Plantation Species ◽  
Semi Arid

Abstract Background Large-scale afforestation can significantly change the ground cover and soil physicochemical properties, especially the soil fertility maintenance and water conservation functions of artificial forests, which are very important in semi-arid mountain ecosystems. However, how different tree species affect soil nutrients and soil physicochemical properties after afforestation, and which is the best plantation species for improving soil fertility and water conservation functions remain largely unknown. Methods This study investigated the soil nutrient contents of three different plantations (Larix principis-rupprechtii, Picea crassifolia, Pinus tabuliformis), soils and plant-soil feedbacks, as well as the interactions between soil physicochemical properties. Results The results revealed that the leaves and litter layers strongly influenced soil nutrient availability through biogeochemical processes: P. tabuliformis had higher organic carbon, ratio of organic carbon to total nitrogen (C:N) and organic carbon to total phosphorus (C:P) in the leaves and litter layers than L. principis-rupprechtii or P. crassifolia, suggesting that higher C:N and C:P hindered litter decomposition. As a result, the L. principis-rupprechtii and P. crassifolia plantation forests significantly improved soil nutrients and clay components, compared with the P. tabuliformis plantation forest. Furthermore, the L. principis-rupprechtii and P. crassifolia plantation forests significantly improved the soil capacity, soil total porosity, and capillary porosity, decreased soil bulk density, and enhanced water storage capacity, compared with the P. tabuliformis plantation forest. The results of this study showed that, the strong link between plants and soil was tightly coupled to C:N and C:P, and there was a close correlation between soil particle size distribution and soil physicochemical properties. Conclusions Therefore, our results recommend planting the L. principis-rupprechtii and P. crassifolia as the preferred tree species to enhance the soil fertility and water conservation functions, especially in semi-arid regions mountain forest ecosystems.

scholarly journals Effects of three plantation coniferous species on plant-soil feedbacks and soil physical and chemical properties in semi-arid mountain ecosystems

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chun Han ◽  
Yongjing Liu ◽  
Cankun Zhang ◽  
Yage Li ◽  
Tairan Zhou ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Organic Carbon ◽  
Physicochemical Properties ◽  
Soil Fertility ◽  
Tree Species ◽  
Water Conservation ◽  
Soil Nutrient ◽  
Soil Physicochemical Properties ◽  
Plantation Forest ◽  
Plant Soil ◽  
Semi Arid

Abstract Background: Large-scale afforestation can significantly change the ground cover and soil physicochemical properties, especially the soil fertility maintenance and water conservation functions of artificial forests are very important in semi-arid mountain ecosystems. However, how different tree growth affect soil nutrient and soil physicochemical properties following afforestation and which is the best plantation tree species for improving soil fertility and water conservation functions remain largely unknown. Methods: This study investigated the soil nutrient contents of three plantations with different tree species (Larix principis-rupprechtii, Picea crassifolia, Pinus tabuliformis), soils and plant-soil feedbacks, as well as the interaction between soil physicochemical properties. Results: The results revealed that the leaf and litter layer strongly influence soil nutrient availability through biogeochemical processes: P. tabuliformis has higher organic carbon, ratio of organic carbon to total nitrogen (C:N) and organic carbon to total phosphorus (C:P) in the leaves and litter layer than L. principis-rupprechtii or P. crassifolia, suggesting that higher C:N and C:P hinder litter decomposition. As a result, the L. principis-rupprechtii and P. crassifolia plantation forests significantly improve soil nutrients and clay components than the P. tabuliformis plantation forest. Furthermore, the L. principis-rupprechtii and P. crassifolia plantation forests significantly improved the soil capacity, soil total porosity, and capillary porosity, decreased soil bulk density, and enhanced water storage capacity than the P. tabuliformis plantation forest. In conclusion, the results of this study showed that the strong link between plants and soil is tightly coupled to C:N and C:P, and there had a close correlation between soil particle size distribution and soil physicochemical properties. Conclusions: Therefore, our results recommend planting the L. principis-rupprechtii and P. crassifolia as the preferred tree species to enhance the soil fertility and water conservation functions, especially in semi-arid regions mountain forest ecosystems.

scholarly journals Distribution of Some Macro Nutrients and Chemical Properties in Some Semi-arid Soils of Borno State

2019 ◽  
pp. 1-5
Author(s):  
M. K. Sandabe ◽  
A. M. Zubairu ◽  
M. I. Yusuf
Keyword(s):  
Organic Carbon ◽  
Chemical Properties ◽  
Base Saturation ◽  
Available Phosphorus ◽  
Arid Soils ◽  
High Base ◽  
Very High ◽  
Semi Arid ◽  
Macro Nutrients ◽  
And Chemical Properties

The research was carried out to study the distribution of some macro nutrients and chemical Properties in some semi–arid soils of Borno state. Three composite soil samples were collected at different locations at depth of 0-20 cm which were analysed for some macro nutrients and chemical properties. University of Maiduguri (Unimaid) soil is slightly acidic to neutral in reaction,  low in electrical conductivity (EC), high base saturation, low in percent organic carbon, moderate in calcium, high in magnesium, low in potassium, high in sodium, low in available phosphorus. Dalori soils were neutral in reaction, low in EC, high base saturation low in percent organic carbon, low in calcium, high in magnesium, low in potassium, high in sodium, low in available phosphorus. Gongulong soil was moderately acidic in reaction, moderate in EC, high base saturation, moderate in percent organic carbon, high in calcium, very high in magnesium, moderate in potassium, high in sodium, low in available phosphorus.

scholarly journals Impact of alley cropping system on soil fertility

2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 173
Author(s):  
Jannatul Ferdush ◽  
Md. Meftahul Karim ◽  
Iffat Jahan Noor ◽  
Sadia Afrin Sadia Afrin Ju ◽  
Tofayel Ahamed ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Soil Fertility ◽  
Tree Species ◽  
Alley Cropping ◽  
Soil Layer ◽  
Chemical Properties ◽  
Cropping System ◽  
Soil Nutrient ◽  
Total N ◽  
Organic C ◽  
Wheat Production

A field experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of pruned materials of two hedgerow species on wheat production and soil nutrient changes at different nitrogen levels in the research farm of the Bangabandhu Shiekh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University (BSMARU) during November 2012 to March 2013. The design of the experiment was split plot, where two multipurpose tree species (MPTS) namely Gliricidia sepium and Leucaena leucocephala were arranged in main plots and five different doses of nitrogen (0, 25, 50, 75 and 100 % of recommended dose) with pruned materials were distributed to sub plots. Alley widths of both tree species were 6.0 meter. There were also control plots where full dose of recommended nitrogen was applied but no pruned material (PM) was incorporated. The soil chemical properties in the alleys consisting of G. sepium and L. leucocephala responded differently. Positive changes in the soil fertility in terms of soil pH, organic C, total N, available P, available S and exchangeable Ca, Mg, K and CEC of the top soil layer were observed in alley cropping system. Pruned materials application substantially reduced the nitrogen requirement for wheat production and 50 % Nitrogen fertilizer could be saved through pruned materials application. Among the tree species G. sepium seemed to be superior over L. leucocephala in building soil health.    

Influence of lime and gypsum on long-term rehabilitation of a Red Sodosol, in a semi-arid environment of New South Wales

Soil Research ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 52 (2) ◽  
pp. 120 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. McL. Bennett ◽  
R. S. B. Greene ◽  
B. W. Murphy ◽  
P. Hocking ◽  
D. Tongway
Keyword(s):  
Soil Respiration ◽  
Soil Chemistry ◽  
Soil Health ◽  
Chemical Properties ◽  
Aggregate Stability ◽  
Arid Environment ◽  
Major Effect ◽  
Sodic Soils ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Semi Arid

This paper determines the influence of lime and gypsum on the rehabilitation of a degraded sodic soil in a semi-arid environment 12 years after application. The aim was to assess rehabilitation strategies for sodic soils as alternatives to the application of gypsum alone. An experimental site was used where lime and gypsum combinations (L0G0, lime 0 t ha–1 and gypsum 0 t ha–1; L0G1, L0G2.5, L0G5, L1G0, L2.5G0, L5G0, L1G1, L2.5G1) had been applied 12 years prior, in 1994. An earlier study had reported on the effects after 3 years of the chemical ameliorants and tillage on a range of soil physical and chemical properties at the site. The current study, sampled in 2006, assessed the effects after 12 years of lime and gypsum on soil chemistry, stability, hydraulics, vegetative growth and soil respiration. Calcium, primarily from lime, was observed to have a major effect on soil health. Significant effects on soil chemistry were limited to increases in exchangeable calcium and decreases in exchangeable magnesium, although aggregate stability in water and hydraulic conductivity were significantly improved where L5G0 was applied. Vegetation patch width, total nitrogen and carbon, and soil respiration were significantly improved where lime had been added at 2.5 or 5 t ha–1. As no lime could be detected in the soil 12 years after application, it was deduced that lime had acted as a catalyst for increased functionality in soil and vegetation interactions. This increased soil functionality resulted in an increased rate of lime dissolution in the soil.

scholarly journals Effects of three plantation coniferous species on plant-soil feedbacks and soil physical and chemical properties in semi-arid mountain ecosystems

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chun Han ◽  
Yongjing Liu ◽  
Cankun Zhang ◽  
Yage Li ◽  
Tairan Zhou ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Organic Carbon ◽  
Physicochemical Properties ◽  
Soil Fertility ◽  
Tree Species ◽  
Water Conservation ◽  
Soil Nutrient ◽  
Soil Physicochemical Properties ◽  
Plantation Forest ◽  
Plant Soil ◽  
Semi Arid

Abstract Background: Large-scale afforestation can significantly change the ground cover and soil physicochemical properties, especially the soil fertility maintenance and water conservation functions of artificial forests are very important in semi-arid mountain ecosystems. However, how different tree growth affect soil nutrient and soil physicochemical properties following afforestation and which is the best plantation tree species for improving soil fertility and water conservation functions remain largely unknown. Methods: This study investigated the soil nutrient contents of three plantations with different tree species (Larix principis-rupprechtii, Picea crassifolia, Pinus tabuliformis), soils and plant-soil feedbacks, as well as the interaction between soil physicochemical properties. Results: The results revealed that the leaf and litter layer strongly influence soil nutrient availability through biogeochemical processes: P. tabuliformis has higher organic carbon, ratio of organic carbon to total nitrogen (C:N) and organic carbon to total phosphorus (C:P) in the leaves and litter layer than L. principis-rupprechtii or P. crassifolia, suggesting that higher C:N and C:P hinder litter decomposition. As a result, the L. principis-rupprechtii and P. crassifolia plantation forests significantly improve soil nutrients and clay components than the P. tabuliformis plantation forest. Furthermore, the L. principis-rupprechtii and P. crassifolia plantation forests significantly improved the soil capacity, soil total porosity, and capillary porosity, decreased soil bulk density, and enhanced water storage capacity than the P. tabuliformis plantation forest. In conclusion, the results of this study showed that the strong link between plants and soil is tightly coupled to C:N and C:P, and there had a close correlation between soil particle size distribution and soil physicochemical properties. Conclusions: Therefore, our results recommend planting the L. principis-rupprechtii and P. crassifolia as the preferred tree species to enhance the soil fertility and water conservation functions, especially in semi-arid regions mountain forest ecosystems.

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