scholarly journals Evaluation of the Effects of New Environmental Additives Compared to Mineral Fertilizers on the Leaching Characteristics of Some Anions and Cations under Greenhouse Plant Growth of Saline-Sodic Soils

2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 246-256
Author(s):  
Mohamed Hafez ◽  
Alexander I. Popov ◽  
Mohamed Rashad
Keyword(s):  
Plant Growth ◽  
Chemical Properties ◽  
Exchange Capacity ◽  
Mineral Fertilizers ◽  
Organic Additives ◽  
Sodic Soils ◽  
Organic Cultivation ◽  
Leaching Characteristics ◽  
Spent Grain ◽  
Anions And Cations

Aims: The aim of this study was to determine and monitor the influences of organic and biological additives compared to mineral fertilizers on leaching characteristics of anions and cations, also to know more about the ability of these additives to make complexes with dissolved and toxic salts to decrease soil salinity. Background: Salt-affected soils comprise of saline and sodic soils which differ in origin, physico-chemical properties and the constraints to plant growth. Due to the presence of excess soluble salts (e.g. sodium (Na+) and chlorides (Cl-)). Methods: Ten treatments were established, including two levels of spent grain (environmental organic wastes from the beer industry), S1(10 g of spent grain / kg soil) and S2 ( 20 g of spent grain / kg soil); two levels of compost M1(10 g of compost / kg soil) and M2 ( 20 g of compost / kg soil); mixed M1 with S1 (M1S1); inoculation of Azospirillum brasilense (A1); inoculation A1 with S2 (A1S1); inoculation A1 with M1 (A1M1); 20:20:20 of N, P, and K fertilizers (NPK), and control (CK, without any additives). All treatments were mixed with 30 kg soil pots under greenhouse conditions, corn (Zea mayz L.) seeds were sown in the soil pots. The most relevant nitrogen and salt in soil leachates were collected and analysed every 20 days for 100 days. The soil leachates were collected under plant growth from pots by closed system. Results: The result revealed that organic additives such as A1 and S2 treatments effectively decreased soil pH, soil EC, and reduced NaCl concentration in soil leachates. The Ca2+ and K+ cations in the soil leachates were not stable at high levels of organic additives. Soluble NO3- and NH4+ were significantly lower in A1, S2, and A1S1 treatments than in NPK, M2, and CK treatments. Soil treatment with A1 and S2 significantly improved the soil chemical environment by increasing the Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC) and soluble and exchangeable-K+ and thus limited entry of Na+ into the exchange complex in soil and consists complex with soluble Na+ as sodium humate form. Conclusion: In the final, the highest nitrogen use efficiency with the least NO3- and NH4+ losses in saline-sodic soil was also found in S2 and A1 treatments. Moreover, under this bio-organic fertilization way, NO3- concentrations in soil leachates was outside of danger of damaging the environment. Thus, spent grain with Azospirillum were suggested to be the optimal fertilizer with the lowest nitrogen leaching losses, best yield, quality, and the least groundwater environmental risk under corn (Zea mays L.) organic and bio-organic cultivation comparing with chemical cultivation.

scholarly journals The response of saline-sodic soils to reclamation using biological and organic amendments under arid regions of Egypt

2021 ◽  
Vol 247 ◽  
pp. 01047
Author(s):  
Mohamed Hafez ◽  
Alexander I. Popov ◽  
Mohamed Rashad
Keyword(s):  
Soil Ph ◽  
Arid Regions ◽  
Organic Amendments ◽  
Chemical Properties ◽  
Control Treatment ◽  
Mineral Fertilizers ◽  
Sodic Soils ◽  
Sodic Soil ◽  
Spent Grain ◽  
And Control

The study focused on investigating the contribution of reclamation strategies of saline-sodic soils and their impacts on soil fertility characteristics. In this study, the soil treatments were denoted as: SG1 and SG2 (23.8 and 47.7 ton/ha of spent grain); TC1 and TC2 (23.8 and 47.6 ton/ha of compost); Azospirillium in inoculation with seed and soil (Az); Az + SG1 (Az+SG1); Az + TC1 (Az+TC1); mineral fertilizers (NPK); and control (CK). All treatments were mixed in pots with 30 kg soil. The results showed that reclamation with Az and SG2 treatments significantly affected soil pH, EC, and macronutrients. In contrast, no significant (P > 0.05) effects were found with the two compost levels and NPK treatments. The salt contents were maximal in the control treatment, while decreased with Az, SG2, and Az+SG treatments. However, SG2 application decreased the soluble Na+ concentrations in soil solution. The effect of organic and biological reclamations on chemical properties was in the following order: Az+SG > SG2 > Az > TC2 > Az+M > SG1 > TC1 > NPK > CK. Moreover, it positively impacted the salt contents, which improved soil chemical properties in the saline-sodic soil after three months of seed sowing in the greenhouse.

scholarly journals Changes in some chemical properties of saline-sodic soils over time as affected by organic residues: An incubation study

2020 ◽  
Vol 53 (1) ◽  
pp. 1
Author(s):  
Mohsen Jalali ◽  
Maryam Saeedi Lotf ◽  
Faranak Ranjbar
Keyword(s):  
Crop Production ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Chemical Properties ◽  
Exchange Capacity ◽  
Limiting Factors ◽  
Plant Residues ◽  
Organic Residues ◽  
Sodic Soils ◽  
Treated Soil ◽  
Incubation Study

<p>Salinization and sodification of agricultural lands in arid and semi-arid regions of the world are two limiting factors in the crop production. This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of readily available agricultural residues on changing some chemical properties of saline-sodic soils. Wheat, potato, sunflower, and canola residues were separately added into three saline-sodic soils at a rate of 2% by weight and thoroughly mixed with soils. Control and treated soils were incubated for 168 days at a constant moisture and temperature. The pH, electrical conductivity (EC), soluble cations, available nitrate (NO3-) and phosphorous (P), cation exchange capacity (CEC), and exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP) were measured during the incubation. The EC increased in the response to the incorporation of plant residues, whereas the pH was reduced. The application of organic components in soils increased CEC and decreased ESP. The results showed that the maximum reduction in ESP was observed in the potato treatment because of the highest Ca2+ concentration. The average reduction in ESP of treated soil samples at the end of incubation followed this order: 16.1% (potato residue-treated soil) &gt;12.7% (canola residue-treated soil) &gt;11.1% (wheat residue-treated soil) &gt;9.6% (sunflwer residue-treated soil). The potato residue was the most effective amendment in changing the chemical properties of saline-sodic soils in comparison with other organic residues. The results indicated that the application of organic residues had a positive impact on reducing the soil sodicity and improving the soil fertility depending on their chemical composition.</p>

scholarly journals MEDIA ROOT TRAINER MENGANDUNG COCOPEAT DAN GAMBUT MENDUKUNG PERTUMBUHAN DAN KUALITAS AKAR BATANG BAWAH KARET / Root Trainer Media Containing Cocopeat and Peat to Support Growth and Quality of Rubber Rootstock Roots

2020 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
pp. 23
Author(s):  
Nur Eko Prasetyo ◽  
Budi Setyawan ◽  
Samijan Samijan ◽  
Nofitri Dewi Rinojati ◽  
Sumarmadji Sumarmadji
Keyword(s):  
Plant Growth ◽  
Block Design ◽  
Chemical Properties ◽  
Dry Weight ◽  
Organic Content ◽  
Exchange Capacity ◽  
Duncan Multiple Range Test ◽  
Randomized Block Design ◽  
Physical And Chemical ◽  
Range Test

<p>The physical and chemical properties of the growing medium for <em>root trainer</em> of rubber are critical to support plant growth. This study aimed to obtain the best medium for growing rootstock rubber seedlings in the <em>root trainer</em>.  Rubber clone PR 300 seeds were germinated for 21 days, then raised in <em>root trainer</em> pots for five months. The treatments evaluated were a mixture of <em>cocopeat</em>, Rawapening peat, and manure at different ratios.  The experiment was designed in a Randomized Block Design, three replications, 30 plants per replicate, totaling 720 plants. The observed variables were N, P, K, Mg, C-organic content, pH, and cation exchange capacity of <em>cocopeat</em>, peat, and manure, as well as plant growth (height, stem diameter, wet weight, and dry weight). ANOVA used for analyzing data, followed with the <em>Duncan Multiple Range Test</em> at 5% level. The results showed that there were three best <em>root trainer</em> media for PR 300 rubber rootstock seedlings were a mixture of <em>cocopeat</em> + peat (1:1), <em>cocopeat</em> + peat + manure (1:2:1), and <em>cocopeat</em> + peat + manure (2:1:1). The growth and compactness of the roots are outstanding, so the seedlings are easily removed from the <em>root </em><em>trainer</em> pots without significant damage. Based on the initiation and cost, the best <em>root trainer</em> medium is a mixture of <em>cocopeat</em> + peat + manure (1: 2:1). It is necessary to study the use of other types of peat soils apart from Rawapening. Also, it needs to be observed further plant growth after inoculation with the stem and after planting in the field.</p><p><strong>Keywords </strong>: Planting medium, Rawapening peat, rubber clone PR 300.<em></em></p><p><em><br /></em></p><p><strong>Abstrak<br /></strong></p><p>Sifat fisik dan kimia media tanam di dalam wadah <em>root trainer</em> bibit karet sangat penting untuk mendukung pertumbuhan tanaman. Penelitian ini bertujuan mendapatkan media terbaik untuk pertumbuhan bibit batang bawah karet di dalam <em>root trainer</em>.  Benih klon karet PR 300 dikecambahkan selama 21 hari pada bedeng pengecambahan kemudian dipindah-tanam dan dibesarkan selama 5 bulan dalam pot <em>root trainer</em>. Perlakuannya yaitu campuran <em>cocopeat</em>, gambut Rawapening, dan pupuk kandang (pukan) pada berbagai ratio, dan kontrol. Penelitian dirancang secara Acak Kelompok, tiga ulangan, masing-masing 30 tanaman, sehingga totalnya 720 tanaman. Variabel yang diamati yaitu kandungan N, P, K, Mg, C-organik, pH, dan kapasitas tukar kation dari <em>cocopeat</em>, gambut, dan pupuk kandang, serta pertumbuhan tanaman (tinggi, diameter batang, bobot segar, dan bobot kering). Data dianalisis dengan ANOVA, kemudian <em>Duncan Multiple Range Test</em> pada taraf 5%. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa ada tiga macam media <em>root trainer</em> terbaik untuk bibit batang bawah karet klon PR 300 yaitu campuran <em>cocopeat </em>+ gambut (1:1), <em>cocopeat </em>+ gambut + pukan (1:2:1), dan <em>cocopeat </em>+ gambut + pukan (2:1:1). Pertumbuhan dan kekompakan akar sangat baik sehingga bibit mudah dilepas dari <em>root tainer</em> tanpa kerusakan berarti. Berdasarkan kepraktisan dan biaya maka media <em>root trainer</em> terbaik adalah campuran media <em>cocopeat </em>+ gambut + pukan (1:2:1). Perlu dilakukan kajian mengenai pemanfaatan tanah gambut jenis lainnya selain dari Rawapening. Selain itu, juga perlu diamati lebih lanjut pertumbuhan tanaman setelah diokulasi dengan batang atas maupun setelah ditanam di lapangan.</p><p><strong>Kata kunci </strong>: Gambut Rawapening, klon karet PR 300, media tanam.</p>

scholarly journals Evaluation of soil fertility: a case study in Aceh Besar district

2021 ◽  
Vol 922 (1) ◽  
pp. 012069
Author(s):  
S Mechram ◽  
B Rahadi ◽  
Z Kusuma ◽  
Soemarno
Keyword(s):  
Plant Growth ◽  
Soil Fertility ◽  
Cation Exchange Capacity ◽  
Chemical Properties ◽  
Nutrient Content ◽  
Evaluation Study ◽  
Exchange Capacity ◽  
Fertility Status ◽  
Soil Fertility Status

Abstract Plant growth requires nutrients and their functions in plants cannot be replaced by other elements so that if there are not enough nutrients in the soil, plants cannot grow normally. The nutrient content in the soil and the ability of the soil to provide nutrients for plant growth is different. So that the type of fertilizer and the amount of fertilizer given to each type of soil will be different and it depends on the type of plant being cultivated. To determine the requirements of fertilizers and the types of fertilizers required for each type of soil, need some research about the evaluation study of soil fertility. The research was conducted in Aceh Besar with located between 5¼ 2 ‘-5¼ 8’ N and 95¼ 80 ‘-95¼ 88’E. Assessment of soil fertility status based on the criteria of several soil chemical properties, CEC (cation exchange capacity), alkaline saturation, C-Organic, P2O5 (HCL, 25%) mg / 100g, and K2O (HCL, 25%) mg / 100g. The analysis results obtained from 11 sample points show that Aceh Besar has soil fertility status from medium to low.

scholarly journals Effects of Biochar on Container Substrate Properties and Growth of Plants—A Review

Horticulturae ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 14 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lan Huang ◽  
Mengmeng Gu
Keyword(s):  
Plant Growth ◽  
Chemical Properties ◽  
Total Porosity ◽  
Hydrothermal Carbonization ◽  
Exchange Capacity ◽  
Toxic Substances ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Substrate Properties ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Production Conditions

Biochar refers to a processed, carbon-rich material made from biomass. This article provides a brief summary on the effects of biochar on container substrate properties and plant growth. Biochar could be produced through pyrolysis, gasification, and hydrothermal carbonization of various feedstocks. Biochar produced through different production conditions and feedstocks affect its properties and how it performs when incorporated in container substrates. Biochar incorporation affects the physical and chemical properties of container substrates, including bulk density, total porosity, container capacity, nutrient availability, pH, electrical conductivity and cation exchange capacity. Biochar could also affect microbial activities. The effects of biochar incorporation on plant growth in container substrates depend on biochar properties, plant type, percentage of biochar applied and other container substrates components mixed with biochar. A review of the literature on the impact of biochar on container-grown plants without other factors (such as irrigation or fertilization rates) indicated that 77.3% of the studies found that certain percentages of biochar addition in container substrates promoted plant growth, and 50% of the studies revealed that plant growth decreased due to certain percentages of biochar incorporation. Most of the plants tested in these studies were herbaceous plants. More plant species should be tested for a broader assessment of the use of biochar. Toxic substances (heavy metals, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and dioxin) in biochars used in container substrates has rarely been studied. Caution is needed when selecting feedstocks and setting up biochar production conditions, which might cause toxic contaminants in the biochar products that could have negative effects on plant growth.

scholarly journals Insights on Molecular Characteristics of Hydrochars by 13C-NMR and Off-Line TMAH-GC/MS and Assessment of Their Potential Use as Plant Growth Promoters

Molecules ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (4) ◽  
pp. 1026 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laís G. Fregolente ◽  
João Vitor dos Santos ◽  
Giovanni Vinci ◽  
Alessandro Piccolo ◽  
Altair B. Moreira ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Plant Growth ◽  
Phosphoric Acid ◽  
13C Nmr ◽  
Chemical Properties ◽  
Water Soluble ◽  
Molecular Characteristics ◽  
Initial Growth ◽  
Growth Promoters ◽  
Molecular Features ◽  
Potential Use

Hydrochar is a carbon-based material that can be used as soil amendment. Since the physical-chemical properties of hydrochar are mainly assigned to process parameters, we aimed at evaluating the organic fraction of different hydrochars through 13C-NMR and off-line TMAH-GC/MS. Four hydrochars produced with sugarcane bagasse, vinasse and sulfuric or phosphoric acids were analyzed to elucidate the main molecular features. Germination and initial growth of maize seedlings were assessed using hydrochar water-soluble fraction to evaluate their potential use as growth promoters. The hydrochars prepared with phosphoric acid showed larger amounts of bioavailable lignin-derived structures. Although no differences were shown about the percentage of maize seeds germination, the hydrochar produced with phosphoric acid promoted a better seedling growth. For this sample, the greatest relative percentage of benzene derivatives and phenolic compounds were associated to hormone-like effects, responsible for stimulating shoot and root elongation. The reactions parameters proved to be determinant for the organic composition of hydrochar, exerting a strict influence on molecular features and plant growth response.

scholarly journals Effect of Low Zeolite Doses on Plants and Soil Physicochemical Properties

Materials ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (10) ◽  
pp. 2617
Author(s):  
Alicja Szatanik-Kloc ◽  
Justyna Szerement ◽  
Agnieszka Adamczuk ◽  
Grzegorz Józefaciuk
Keyword(s):  
Plant Growth ◽  
Physicochemical Properties ◽  
Cation Exchange ◽  
Surface Area ◽  
Cation Exchange Capacity ◽  
N Fertilization ◽  
Exchange Capacity ◽  
First Year ◽  
Soil Physicochemical Properties ◽  
Water Holding

Thousands of tons of zeolitic materials are used yearly as soil conditioners and components of slow-release fertilizers. A positive influence of application of zeolites on plant growth has been frequently observed. Because zeolites have extremely large cation exchange capacity, surface area, porosity and water holding capacity, a paradigm has aroused that increasing plant growth is caused by a long-lasting improvement of soil physicochemical properties by zeolites. In the first year of our field experiment performed on a poor soil with zeolite rates from 1 to 8 t/ha and N fertilization, an increase in spring wheat yield was observed. Any effect on soil cation exchange capacity (CEC), surface area (S), pH-dependent surface charge (Qv), mesoporosity, water holding capacity and plant available water (PAW) was noted. This positive effect of zeolite on plants could be due to extra nutrients supplied by the mineral (primarily potassium—1 ton of the studied zeolite contained around 15 kg of exchangeable potassium). In the second year of the experiment (NPK treatment on previously zeolitized soil), the zeolite presence did not impact plant yield. No long-term effect of the zeolite on plants was observed in the third year after soil zeolitization, when, as in the first year, only N fertilization was applied. That there were no significant changes in the above-mentioned physicochemical properties of the field soil after the addition of zeolite was most likely due to high dilution of the mineral in the soil (8 t/ha zeolite is only ~0.35% of the soil mass in the root zone). To determine how much zeolite is needed to improve soil physicochemical properties, much higher zeolite rates than those applied in the field were studied in the laboratory. The latter studies showed that CEC and S increased proportionally to the zeolite percentage in the soil. The Qv of the zeolite was lower than that of the soil, so a decrease in soil variable charge was observed due to zeolite addition. Surprisingly, a slight increase in PAW, even at the largest zeolite dose (from 9.5% for the control soil to 13% for a mixture of 40 g zeolite and 100 g soil), was observed. It resulted from small alterations of the soil macrostructure: although the input of small zeolite pores was seen in pore size distributions, the larger pores responsible for the storage of PAW were almost not affected by the zeolite addition.

scholarly journals Biosurfactant from endophytic Bacillus pumilus 2A: physicochemical characterization, production and optimization and potential for plant growth promotion

2021 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Olga Marchut-Mikołajczyk ◽  
Piotr Drożdżyński ◽  
Arkadiusz Polewczyk ◽  
Wojciech Smułek ◽  
Tadeusz Antczak
Keyword(s):  
Phaseolus Vulgaris ◽  
Carbon Source ◽  
Plant Growth ◽  
Taguchi Method ◽  
Beta Vulgaris ◽  
Food Processing ◽  
Bacillus Pumilus ◽  
Brewer’S Spent Grain ◽  
Spent Grain ◽  
By Products

Abstract Background Microbial surfactants called biosurfactants, thanks to their high biodegradability, low toxicity and stability can be used not only in bioremediation and oil processing, but also in the food and cosmetic industries, and even in medicine. However, the high production costs of microbial surfactants and low efficiency limit their large-scale production. This requires optimization of management conditions, including the possibility of using waste as a carbon source, such as food processing by-products. This papers describes the production and characterization of the biosurfactant obtained from the endophytic bacterial strain Bacillus pumilus 2A grown on various by-products of food processing and its potential applications in supporting plant growth. Four different carbon and nitrogen sources, pH, inoculum concentration and temperature were optimized within Taguchi method. Results Optimization of bioprocess within Taguchi method and experimental analysis revealed that the optimal conditions for biosurfactant production were brewer’s spent grain (5% w/v), ammonium nitrate (1% w/v), pH of 6, 5% of inoculum, and temperature at 30 °C, leading to 6.8 g/L of biosurfactant. Based on gas chromatography–mass spectrometry and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis produced biosurfactant was determined as glycolipid. Obtained biosurfactant has shown high and long term thermostability, surface tension of 47.7 mN/m, oil displacement of 8 cm and the emulsion index of 69.11%. The examined glycolipid, used in a concentration of 0.2% significantly enhanced growth of Phaseolus vulgaris L. (bean), Raphanus L. (radish), Beta vulgaris L. (beetroot). Conclusions The endophytic Bacillus pumilus 2A produce glycolipid biosurfactant with high and long tem thermostability, what makes it useful for many purposes including food processing. The use of brewer’s spent grain as the sole carbon source makes the production of biosurfactants profitable, and from an environmental point of view, it is an environmentally friendly way to remove food processing by products. Glycolipid produced by endophytic Bacillus pumilus 2A significantly improve growth of Phaseolus vulgaris L. (bean), Raphanus L. (radish), Beta vulgaris L. (beetroot). Obtained results provide new insight to the possible use of glycolipids as plant growth promoting agents.

scholarly journals The roles of plant growth promoting rhizobacteria in sustainable vegetable production in Ethiopia

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Habtamu Mekonnen ◽  
Mulugeta Kibret
Keyword(s):  
Plant Growth ◽  
Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria ◽  
Mineral Fertilizers ◽  
Vegetable Production ◽  
Inhibitory Effects ◽  
Food Grains ◽  
Plant Growth Promoting ◽  
Growth Promoting ◽  
Increasing Demand ◽  
Vegetable Cultivation

AbstractVegetable production is an important economic activity and a major source of vitamins, minerals, and income in Ethiopia. However, the production of vegetables is much less developed than the production of food grains in the country. Vegetable production still needs improvement in combating biotic and abiotic threats with innovative technologies. Nowadays, excess use of chemical fertilizers to satisfy the increasing demand for food exerts deadly effects on soil microorganisms and contribute to the deterioration of soil fertility and an increase in atmospheric pollution. Several types of research are still going on to understand the diversity and importance of plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) and their role in the betterment of vegetable production. PGPR facilitate plant growth directly by either assisting in the acquisition of nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus, and other essential nutrients) or regulation of the levels of hormones. Indirectly PGPR decrease the inhibitory effects of various pathogens on vegetable growth and development in the forms of biocontrol agents. Some of the notable PGPR capable of facilitating the growth of vegetables such as potato, tomato, pepper, onion belong to genera of Pseudomonas, Bacillus, Azotobacter, Enterobacter, and Azospirillum. Hence, to optimize vegetable production with reduced input of mineral fertilizers and pesticides, the use of PGPR in vegetable cultivation is recommended.

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.

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