scholarly journals Explaining Soil Fertility Heterogeneity in Smallholder Farms of Southern Ethiopia

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-16 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fanuel Laekemariam ◽  
Kibebew Kibret
Keyword(s):  
Soil Fertility ◽  
Diffraction Method ◽  
Soil Samples ◽  
Organic Fertilizers ◽  
Available P ◽  
Southern Ethiopia ◽  
Soil Parameters ◽  
Continuous Cropping ◽  
Total N ◽  
Management Interventions

Soil is spatially heterogeneous and needs site-specific management. However, soil nutrient information at larger scale in most cases is lacking. Consequently, fertilizer advisory services become dependent upon blanket recommendation approach. Subsequently, it affects yield and profitability. This study is aimed at explaining soil fertility heterogeneity in Wolaita zone, Southern Ethiopia. About 789 soil samples were collected to evaluate soil physical (color, particle size, and bulk density) and chemical properties (pH, OC, N, P, K, Ca, Mg, B, Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn, PBS, and CEC). The laser diffraction method for soil particles and mid-infrared diffused reflectance (MIR) spectral analysis for OC, TN, and CEC determination were employed. Mehlich-III extraction and inductively coupled plasma (ICP) spectrometer measurement were used for the remaining elements. The result based on principal component analysis showed that 52% of the total variations were explained by exchangeable bases, CEC, pH, available P, Cu, B, and particle sizes. Clay texture and acidic soil reaction are dominant. Soil parameters with the following ranges were found at low status: soil OC (0.2–6.9%), total N (0.01–0.7%), available P (0.1–238 mg/kg), S (4–30 mg/kg), B (0.01–6.9 mg/kg), and Cu (0.01–5.0 mg/kg). Besides, low levels of exchangeable Ca, Mg, and K (Mg-induced K deficiency) on 22, 34, and 54% soil samples, respectively, were recorded. The soil contained sufficient Fe, Zn, and Mn. In conclusion, the study aids in developing practical decision for optimum soil management interventions and overcomes lower productivity occurring due to fertilizer use that is not tailored to the local conditions. Overall, continuous cropping, low return of crop residues, and low and/or no fertilizer application might have caused the low status of N, P, K, S, B, and Cu. Therefore, application of inorganic fertilizers specific to the site, lime in acidic soils, and organic fertilizers are recommended to restore the soil fertility and improve crop productivity.

scholarly journals Maping the Soil Fertility of Bisankhel Catchment of Chitlang Vdc and Comparison of Different Geo-Spatial Interpolation Techniques

2018 ◽  
Vol 35 (1) ◽  
pp. 95-104 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. Bhusal ◽  
S. Lamichhane ◽  
R. K. Shrestha
Keyword(s):  
Soil Fertility ◽  
Soil Ph ◽  
Research Work ◽  
Soil Nutrient ◽  
Soil Samples ◽  
Available P ◽  
Available Phosphorus ◽  
Limiting Factor ◽  
Total N ◽  
Interpolation Methods

The aim of this research work was to map the status of soil nutrients in the Bisankhel catchment of Chitlang VDC, Makawanpur, Nepal. The study area covered 1023.25 hectares of land, extending from 85°8'8.433"E to 85°10'10.198"E longitude and 27°37'24.251"N to 27°40'21.560"N latitude. Total Nitrogen (N), available Phosphorus(P), extractable Potassium (K), soil organic matter (SOM) and soil pH were measured for 50 soil samples collected using random sampling representing different land uses in the study area. Most of the samples were found very acidic where uplands (4.879±0.119) were more acidic than lowlands (5.036±0.0973). Most samples upon analysis were found to be medium in SOM and total N. SOM was slightly higher in lowlands (3.385±0.256%) than in uplands (3.05±0.206%). Total N was also slightly higher in lowlands (0.145±0.00634%) than in uplands (0.127±0.00639%). Similarly, Available P and K were found very high in majority of the soil samples. Available P was slightly higher in lowlands (92.34±16.96ppm) than in uplands (71.58±15.47ppm). However, extractable K was slightly more in uplands (269±31.32ppm) than in lowlands (240.4±23ppm). Spatial prediction using various interpolation methods was performed in ArcGIS 10.5 software platform using ‘Geostatistical Analyst’ extension. The predicted values in raster data structure were used for mapping the soil fertility status of the catchment. Different interpolation methods were evaluated following cross-validation approach. Comparison of prediction errors was carried out to select the optimum prediction methods for the interpolation of soil nutrient values. Completely Regularized Spline and Ordinary Kriging methods were found to yield better prediction of soil nutrient status among the Deterministic and Kriging methods respectively. Soil pH being the limiting factor, pH control was necessary.

scholarly journals Soil Chemistry and Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) Yield as Influenced by 16 Years of Composted Poultry Litter Addition

2017 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 325
Author(s):  
Hebert D. A. Abobi ◽  
Armand W. Koné ◽  
Bernard Y. Koffi ◽  
Saint Salomon F. Diahuissié ◽  
Stanislas K. Loukou ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Soil Fertility ◽  
Growth Parameters ◽  
Block Design ◽  
C:N Ratio ◽  
Poultry Litter ◽  
Growth And Yield ◽  
Soil Parameters ◽  
Total N ◽  
Organic C ◽  
Litter Addition

Poultry litter is increasingly used as organic amendment in market gardening in Côte d’Ivoire. To know about the sustainability of this practice, its impacts on soil quality should be known. This study aimed at assessing the effect on soil fertility of composted poultry litter addition for 16 years following two distinct ways, and identifying soil parameters driving cucumber yield. Trials were laid out in a Fisher randomized block design with 3 treatments replicated 5 times each: Control (C), Surface-applied compost (SAC) and Buried compost (BC). Soil (0-20 cm) chemical characteristics and cucumber growth and yield parameters were measured. Values of all parameters were higher with compost addition compared to the control, except for the C:N ratio. SAC and BC showed similar values of organic C, total N, CEC, pH and available phosphorus. However, Ca2+, Mg2+, K+ and base saturation were higher in SAC than in BC. Relative to values in the control, the greatest changes in soil parameters were observed with exchangeable cations, followed by soil organic matter. Soil organic C and total N concentrations have doubled in SAC while Ca2+, Mg2+, and K+ increased at greater rate (702.4, 400.9 and 186.67% respectively). Also, cucumber growth parameters were the highest with compost addition compared to the control. Significant effect of the compost application way on cucumber was also observed: collar diameter, leaf area and fresh fruit yield in SAC (0.72±0.02 cm, 258.9±12.3 cm2, 11.1±1.3 t ha-1, respectively) were higher than in BC (0.56±0.01 cm, 230.2±2.5 cm2, 5.4±0.5 t ha-1 respectively). Fruit yields in SAC and BC were four times and twice higher than in the control (2.6±0.3 t ha-1), respectively. Cucumber growth parameters were determined by soil concentration in Mg2+ while yield was determined by Ca2+. Composted poultry litter should be promoted for a sustainable soil fertility management in vegetable farming systems.

scholarly journals Soil Fertility Assessment of Semiarid Soils from Nigeria Cropped to Sorghum

2020 ◽  
pp. 36-46
Author(s):  
Nasiru M. Danmowa ◽  
Peter Nkedi- Kizza ◽  
Kelly T. Morgan ◽  
Kamal Mahmoud
Keyword(s):  
Organic Matter ◽  
Soil Fertility ◽  
Ammonium Acetate ◽  
Extraction Methods ◽  
Soil Samples ◽  
Available P ◽  
Northern Nigeria ◽  
Semiarid Soils ◽  
Sorghum Production ◽  
Macro Nutrients

The aim of this study is to characterize the fertility status of the Dingyadi soils from semiarid Northern Nigeria, by using different methods of extraction to assess the potential for soil available macro and micronutrients to the sorghum crop. The study also compared concentrations of extractable nutrients between extractants for ascertaining the possibility of using one method to quantify a variety of plant-available nutrients in soils. Surface (0-15 cm) and sub-surface (15-30 cm) soil samples were collected along a topo-sequence at Dingyadi Sokoto-Nigeria, where sorghum had been grown, to characterize the soil chemical and physical properties that can influence soil fertility for sorghum production. The topo-sequence consisted of valley floor (TLL1), middle (TUP2), and crest (TUP3) positions of the slope. At each position 60 concentrations of each plant nutrient were used for the comparisons.Soil extraction for nutrients was carried out at the Environmental Soil Physics laboratory, Soil and Water Sciences Department, University of Florida, while analysis of aliquots for the elements was carried out at the Southwest Florida Research and Education Center, Immokalee, Florida. The study was carried out over a period of eight months, in 2016-2017. Soil samples were extracted using different extraction methods (Mehlich-3, Bray-1, Ammonium acetate, and DI-Water). A soil to solution ratio of 1:1 was used across all extraction methods to facilitate comparison between methods. However, a test was carried out to examine the effect of soil to solution ratio of (1:10) on extractable macro nutrients using Mehlich3 for randomly selected soil samples across the topo-sequence. Soil samples were also analyzed for texture, pH, organic matter, and cation exchange capacity (CEC). All soil soils were sandy, low in organic matter content, and CEC.With respect to sorghum production, the soils had adequate nutrients (Mg, Ca, K, and P) and soil pH. All soil samples contained no exchangeable K. Mehlich3 extracted higher available P than Bray1 in TLL1, but equal amounts in TUP2 and TUP3. Good correlations exist between extracting methods for macro nutrients (Mg, Ca, K, and P). Bray1 method used for available P is not suitable for soils that have pH greater than 7 determined in water. Mehlich3 is more suitable for the semiarid soils of Northern Nigeria that are acidic or alkaline. The Mehlich3 method should be calibrated with yield response of crops to substitute for Bray1 available phosphorus. Also, Mehlich3 method could be used for the multi-nutrient test with a good correlation with other methods like ammonium acetate for exchangeable bases.

scholarly journals Variation in Soil Chemical and Microbiological Properties as a Result of Yearly Amendment with Organic Fertilizer

2018 ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
O. A. Babalola ◽  
M. O. Adigun ◽  
I. O. Abiola
Keyword(s):  
Microbial Biomass ◽  
Organic Carbon ◽  
Soil Fertility ◽  
Organic Fertilizer ◽  
Organic Fertilizers ◽  
Project Work ◽  
Microbial Biomass C ◽  
Soil Parameters ◽  
Microbial Biomass Nitrogen ◽  
Microbiological Properties

Millions of organic fertilizers are produced annually all over the world. Substantial quantities of these were crop residues and the remaining being animal waste based. Meanwhile maintaining and improving soil fertility in the tropic is essential for increasing food production for rapidly expanding the population. This project work, therefore, investigated the variation in soil chemical and microbiological properties as a result of yearly amendment with compost. The experimental site was the Organic Agricultural Farm located within the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta. Soil samples were collected between 0 – 15 cm depth using soil auger and the samples were analyzed for the following soil parameters; total viable counts, total fungal counts, microbial biomass carbon, microbial biomass nitrogen, percentage organic carbon, microarthropod counts and earthworm counts. The experiment was a split-plot design using 2 varieties of tomato x 3 levels of compost and two durations of application. The variations include one improved variety (UCB 8) and a local variety (Beske), rate of compost – (0, 10, and 20) kg/ha and years of application (one and two years). Results generally showed that: duration has a significant effect on viable counts, microarthropod counts, microbial biomass P, microbial biomass C and percentage organic carbon but has no significant effect on fungal counts, microbial biomass nitrogen, and earthworm counts. The results indicate that application of compost manure is the preferred option to enhance SOM accumulation, improve soil fertility and quality, and increase tomato yield.

scholarly journals EVALUASI STATUS KESUBURAN N P K TANAH SAWAH TADAH HUJAN DI KECAMATAN BERINGIN KABUPATEN DELI SERDANG

2019 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Fitra Syawal Harahap
Keyword(s):  
Soil Fertility ◽  
Soil Samples ◽  
Rice Fields ◽  
Paddy Fields ◽  
Soil Parameters ◽  
Urea Fertilizer ◽  
Fertility Status ◽  
Rainfed Rice ◽  
High Soil ◽  
Soil Fertility Status

Rainfed rice fields are paddy fields whose water sources depend on rainfall without permanent irrigation structures. This study aimed to identify fertility variables that are obstacles in Beringin Subdistrict by evaluating soil fertility status and reviewing management alternatives that are in accordance with the soil fertility status found in rainfed lowland rice fields in several villages in Beringin Subdistrict, Deli Serdang District.This research was a phenomenological qualitative descriptive study with land survey and supported by qualitative laboratory analysis. The taking of soil samples was carried out in the survey area sequentially based on the location of the estimated nature of the soil with the purposive random sampling method. The taking of soil samples was taken in the upper layer at the top soil depth of 0-20 cm, and the coordinates of the point were recorded using GPS.The fertility status of paddy fields in BeringinSubdistrict was classified as high, medium, and low soil fertility status. High soil fertility in P-total soil parameters in all villages, for medium land in K2O parameters in all villages, while for low land status in N-total land parameters in all villages. Prompts for giving urea fertilizer without organic matter as much as 250 kg ha-1, with 5 tons of straw ha-1 adding urea fertilizer as much as 230 kg ha-1 and using 2 tons of manure ha-1 giving urea fertilizer as much as 225 kg ha-1.P fertilization in medium status paddy fields is 75 kg SP-36 ha-1, and high P fertility status is 50 kg ha-1SP-36. K fertilizer application for high soil fertility status is 50 kg ha-1. Prompts for organic fertilizer using compost of rice straw equal to 5 tons ha-1 and or manure 2 tons ha-1. Keywords: Status of N,P,K, Rainfed Rice Field, Beringin District

scholarly journals Delineation of Soil Fertility Management Zones for Site-specific Nutrient Management in the Maize Belt Region of Nigeria

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (21) ◽  
pp. 9010
Author(s):  
Kamaluddin T. Aliyu ◽  
Alpha Y. Kamara ◽  
Jibrin M. Jibrin ◽  
Jeroen E. Huising ◽  
Bello M. Shehu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Spatial Variability ◽  
Soil Fertility ◽  
Crop Production ◽  
Nutrient Management ◽  
Available P ◽  
Soil Fertility Management ◽  
Extrinsic Factors ◽  
Total N ◽  
Site Specific ◽  
Management Zones

Site-specific nutrient management can reduce soil degradation and crop production risks related to undesirable timing, amount, and type of fertilizer application. This study was conducted to understand the spatial variability of soil properties and delineate spatially homogenous nutrient management zones (MZs) in the maize belt region of Nigeria. Soil samples (n = 3387) were collected across the area using multistage and random sampling techniques, and samples were analyzed for pH, soil organic carbon (SOC), macronutrients (N, P, K, S, Ca and Mg), micronutrients (S, B, Zn, Mn and Fe) content, and effective cation exchange capacity (ECEC). Spatial distribution and variability of these parameters were assessed using geostatistics and ordinary kriging, while principal component analysis (PCA) and multivariate K-means cluster analysis were used to delineate nutrient management zones. Results show that spatial variation of macronutrients (total N, available P, and K) was largely influenced by intrinsic factors, while that of S, Ca, ECEC, and most micronutrients was influenced by both intrinsic and extrinsic factors with moderate to high spatial variability. Four distinct management zones, namely, MZ1, MZ2, MZ3, and MZ4, were identified and delineated in the area. MZ1 and MZ4 have the highest contents of most soil fertility indicators. MZ4 has a higher content of available P, Zn, and pH than MZ1. MZ2 and MZ3, which constitute the larger part of the area, have smaller contents of the soil fertility indicators. The delineated MZs offer a more feasible option for developing and implementing site-specific nutrient management in the maize belt region of Nigeria.

CARBON AND NUTRIENT LOSSES THROUGH BIOMASS BURNING, AND LINKS WITH SOIL FERTILITY AND YAM (DIOSCOREA ALATA) PRODUCTION

2018 ◽  
Vol 55 (5) ◽  
pp. 738-751
Author(s):  
AYA B. N'DRI ◽  
ARMAND W. KONE ◽  
SEBASTIEN K. K. LOUKOU ◽  
SEBASTIEN BAROT ◽  
JACQUES GIGNOUX
Keyword(s):  
West Africa ◽  
Soil Fertility ◽  
Biomass Burning ◽  
Negative Relationship ◽  
Soil Parameters ◽  
Nutrient Losses ◽  
Health Food ◽  
Total N ◽  
Organic C ◽  
Slash And Burn

SUMMARYBiomass burning has links with a number of global concerns including soil health, food security and climate change. In central Côte d'Ivoire (West Africa), we conducted a field study to compare nutrient losses, soil fertility and yam yield in slash-and-burn versus slash-and-mulch agriculture. Trials involved five sites established in the dominant Chromolaena odorata fallows of the region, each consisting of paired plots: slash and burnt biomass (SB) versus slashed and unburnt biomass, but left to serve as mulch (SM). Carbon and five elemental nutrients were assessed in the aboveground biomass prior to burning and in ash after fires; losses were assessed by subtraction. The greatest proportions of loss occurred with C (95%), N (95%) and K (74%), corresponding to losses into the atmosphere of 3532 ± 408, 200 ± 36, 132 ± 36 kg ha−1. Six weeks after the fire, soil properties were assessed: soil organic C, total N and Mg2+ were higher in SM than in SB sites. At final harvest, yam tuber yield was twice as large in SM as in SB (18 ± 4 vs. 9 ± 2 Mg ha−1) with soil C, total N and K+ as the main influential soil parameters. The key finding was that the elements lost in greatest proportion during burning were those mostly influencing yam yields. Because a clear negative relationship between biomass burning and yam production has been established the promotion of the more productive, alternate slash-and-mulch system compared to slash-and-burn system, is warranted. The findings of our research can be used in support of developing a sustainable yam production system in the region and in West Africa more generally.

Changes in soil fertility status as influenced by continuous cropping and fertilizer application

1984 ◽  
Vol 102 (1) ◽  
pp. 215-218 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. N. Sharma ◽  
Bijay Singh ◽  
D. S. Rana ◽  
M. L. Kapur ◽  
J. S. Sodhi
Keyword(s):  
Organic Carbon ◽  
Soil Fertility ◽  
Farmyard Manure ◽  
Fertilizer Application ◽  
Available P ◽  
Organic Carbon Content ◽  
Continuous Cropping ◽  
Fertility Status ◽  
Combined Application ◽  
Soil Fertility Status

SummaryChanges in soil fertility status brought about by the application of P and K fertilizers and farmyard manure (FYM) to a fixed wheat-maize rotation for 10 years in a calcic ustochrept are reported. The treatments comprised three rates of P (0, 30 and 60 kg P2O5/ha), two rates of K (0 and 30 kg K2O/ha) and two rates of FYM (0 and 15 t/ha) applied to maize or wheat alone or to both the crops. Organic carbon and available P and K contents of the soil increased significantly with the addition of FYM. P application at 60 kg P2O5/ha nearly maintained the original level of available P even after 10 years of continuous cropping. However, a considerable and highly significant increase in available P was obtained with the combined application of P and FYM. Available K status of the soil remained more or less unaffected by K application. Organic carbon content, and available P and K contents were significantly higher in the plots that received fertilizers and manure for both the crops than in those where the application was to maize or wheat alone.

scholarly journals Soil Fertility Changes With Climate and Island Age in Galápagos: New Baseline Data for Sustainable Agricultural Management

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthias Strahlhofer ◽  
Martin H. Gerzabek ◽  
Nicola Rampazzo ◽  
Paulina M. Couenberg ◽  
Evelyn Vera ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Soil Fertility ◽  
Plate Tectonics ◽  
Agricultural Management ◽  
Base Saturation ◽  
Soil Parameters ◽  
Santa Cruz ◽  
Total N ◽  
Organic C ◽  
Galapagos Archipelago ◽  
Precipitation Regimes

While the extended absence of human influence has led to matchless natural conditions on the Galápagos archipelago, agricultural activities on the inhabited islands are increasingly affecting soil health and functioning. However, a systematic assessment of the agricultural soils on the Galápagos Islands is still absent. Plate tectonics and hotspot volcanism cause an eastward drift of the archipelago and result in a west-to-east soil age gradient from approx. 1 to 1,000 ka. In addition, precipitation regimes change from arid to humid with elevation on the higher-standing islands. The objective of this study was to investigate differences in soil fertility parameters and Mehlich (III)-extractable nutrient levels along these gradients in order to provide baseline information for sustainable agricultural management. Topsoil samples (0–20 cm) from 125 farms of the islands Isabela, Santa Cruz and San Cristóbal were analyzed. Gravel and sand content, pH, electrical conductivity, cation exchange capacity, base saturation, soil organic C and total N content tended to decrease with increasing island age, while clay content, soil macroaggregate stability, plant-available water and bulk density increased. Mehlich (III)-extractable base cations Ca, K, Mg and Na as well as P, Fe and Zn showed a decreasing tendency from the youngest to the oldest island, while Mn increased with island age. Mehlich (III)-extractable Cu and Na reached their highest levels on the most intensively farmed, intermediate-aged island Santa Cruz, likely related to anthropogenic inputs and irrigation with brackish water, respectively. Changes along the altitudinal climate gradient within the studied islands were most significant for soil pH, base saturation, and Mehlich (III)-extractable Ca and Mn. Our results highlight the importance of site-specific agricultural management to account for the strong heterogeneity in soil parameters among and within the Galápagos archipelago. The data provided herein shall serve as a baseline for targeted future management strategies to avoid soil degradation, restore and maintain soil functioning and, hence, sustain the soils’ provision of ecosystem services in this unique archipelago.

scholarly journals Appraisal Soil Quality in the Agrarian Society of Pir Panjal Himalayas

2021 ◽  
Vol 36 (2) ◽  
pp. 104-111
Author(s):  
M. Imran Ganaie ◽  
Manzoor A. Wani ◽  
Aisha Dev ◽  
Ishtiaq A. Mayer
Keyword(s):  
Electrical Conductivity ◽  
Soil Fertility ◽  
Soil Samples ◽  
Organic Fertilizers ◽  
Soil Testing ◽  
Chemical Parameters ◽  
Testing Laboratory ◽  
Holistic View ◽  
Agrarian Society ◽  
Physico Chemical

Background: The present study pertains to appraise the soil fertility in the foot hills of Pir Panjal by measuring different physico-chemical parameters such as pH, electrical conductivity (EC), organic carbon (OC), nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) in the foothill of Himalayas. Study area with unique physiographic and socio-economic identities have attributed to the soil fertility. Methods: Soil tests were carried at Soil Testing Laboratory (STL), Department of Horticulture. Soil samples at 1-30 cm depth were collected from 10 sample sites selected through composite sampling. Samples were collected randomly keeping in mind the maximum areal coverage. From each site, three sub samples were taken from selected locations to have holistic view of the soil fertility. Conclusion: The study showed deficiency of N & K in all the soil samples, with little variations in other parameters. Sample sites adopting organic farming showed optimum soil fertility. In the study we concluded that practice of adapting organic fertilizers is suitable for maintaing soil fertility. Least perception in the use of different fertilizers (organic & inorganic) a potent cause in the soil deformities in the region.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document