Effects of exotic guava ( Psidium guajava L.) invasion on soil properties in Limpopo, South Africa

2019 ◽  
Vol 58 (2) ◽  
pp. 272-280
Author(s):  
Sheunesu Ruwanza ◽  
Farai Dondofema
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Soil Properties ◽  
Psidium Guajava

scholarly journals Poultry and cattle manure effects on sunflower performance, grain yield and selected soil properties in Limpopo Province, South Africa

2019 ◽  
Vol 115 (11/12) ◽  
Author(s):  
Matome J. Mokgolo ◽  
Jestino Mzezewa ◽  
Jude J.O. Odhiambo
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Grain Yield ◽  
Soil Properties ◽  
Plant Height ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Poultry Manure ◽  
Organic Manure ◽  
Limpopo Province ◽  
Organic Manures ◽  
Cropping Season

The application of organic manures as alternatives to reduce the use of mineral fertilisers is considered a good agricultural practice for smallholder farmers. However, the effect of organic manure on soil properties and crop yield depends upon its application rate and its chemical composition. A field experiment was carried out during the 2013/2014 and 2014/2015 seasons at the University of Venda experimental farm (Limpopo Province, South Africa) to determine the effect of three organic manures (cattle, poultry and their 1:1 combination, 20 t/ha) on sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) performance, grain yield and selected soil properties under rainfed conditions. Poultry manure produced the highest final infiltration rate and cumulative infiltration followed by cattle manure, their combination and the control in that order. Total nitrogen, calcium, and zinc were significantly different between treatments in the first season while potassium, sodium, and zinc were significantly different in the second season. Manure combination and poultry manure produced the highest organic carbon and available phosphorus, respectively, in both seasons compared to other treatments. Organic manure application had a significant (p less than 0.05) effect on dry matter, plant height and stem girth at all growth stages in the second cropping season but only in the flower bud stage for both parameters in the first season. Manure application in the second season resulted in an increase in the grain yield compared to the first season, except after application of poultry manure whereafter the grain yield decreased significantly by 168% from the first cropping season. The application of organic manure had a significant effect on sunflower grain yield, dry matter, head dry matter, plant height and stem girth throughout all growing stages in the second cropping season with poultry manure producing the best values.

Dissolution of phosphate rock fertilisers in some soils of Okinawa, Japan

Soil Research ◽  
1999 ◽  
Vol 37 (1) ◽  
pp. 115 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel E. Dodor ◽  
Yoshihiro Tokashiki ◽  
Kazuhiro Oya ◽  
Moritaka Shimo
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Regression Analysis ◽  
Regression Model ◽  
Soil Properties ◽  
Phosphate Rock ◽  
Soil Samples ◽  
Direct Application ◽  
Primary Concern ◽  
Rapid Estimation ◽  
Rate Of Dissolution

The ability of phosphate rock (PR) to dissolve rapidly in soil is a primary concern in its direct application as P fertiliser. The dissolution of 4 PR materials (Togo, South Africa, Florida, Morocco PRs) in 15 soil samples in Okinawa was investigated in a closed-incubation system for 7 days. The fertilisers were mixed with the soils at rates of addition of 600–1200 µg Ca/g soil. The extent and rate of dissolution of the PRs were determined by measuring the increase in extractable Ca of the fertilised soils compared with unfertilised soils, i.e. the delta Ca (ΔCa) technique. Generally, the amounts of dissolution of 3 of the PRs were very low (mean 6·7% for Togo PR, 13·6% for South Africa PR, and 20·8% for Florida PR). However, Morocco PR dissolved to an appreciable extent (mean 60·8%), suggesting that it can be an alternative P source, especially in the red and yellow soils of Okinawa. Soil properties identified as affecting dissolution were different for the different PRs. In order to predict the suitability of Morocco PR for Okinawan soils, the extent of its dissolution was related to soil properties in a multiple regression analysis. Results indicated that the best regression model for predicting the amount of dissolution was the combination of pH, Ca saturation, and Truog P (r2 = 0·55**). Measured values of percentage dissolution of Morocco PR were significantly correlated with calculated percentages (r = 0·844***), indicating that the equation obtained could offer a rapid estimation of amount of dissolution of Morocco PR in Okinawan soils.

How Tree Encroachment and Soil Properties Affect Soil Aggregate Stability in an Eroded Grassland in South Africa

2014 ◽  
Vol 78 (5) ◽  
pp. 1753-1764 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pascal Podwojewski ◽  
Séraphine Grellier ◽  
Sandile Mthimkhulu ◽  
Louis Titshall
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Soil Properties ◽  
Aggregate Stability ◽  
Soil Aggregate ◽  
Soil Aggregate Stability ◽  
Tree Encroachment
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