scholarly journals Earthworm Abundance and Soil Characteristics Following Cocoa Waste and Manure Applications

Author(s):  
Erwin Prastowo ◽  
Lina Dwi Agustina ◽  
Cahyo Prayogo

Soil fertility level improvement in an environmentally friendlier way has been a key to provide a sustainable cocoa production. Earthworms, as decomposeragents in soil, may provide a sustainable way of improving soil fertility level. The objective of this study was to quantify top soil earthworm population andsome important soil characteristics, e.g. soil moisture, organic C, total N, and pH to see if there was any response observed due to different level and type oforganic waste applications. Their surface populations, i.e. at 5–10 cm depth, within cocoa circle were investigated with respect to different type of organic wasteapplications, i.e. cocoa pod waste, cocoa leaf waste, and sheep manure. For cocoa derived organic matter, the level of application was arranged at 5, 10, and 20 ton/ha to obtain an optimal condition at which the highest population of earthworm is obtained. A field investigation was performed at a square of 900 cm2 sizedarea, and extending down to 5–10 cm depth. Additionally, the effect of organic waste to top soil characteristics were also determined mainly to some importantparameters such as soil moisture, organic carbon, total nitrogen, and soil pH (H2O). Our analysis suggest that field heterogeneity condition may limit the conclusion, mainly related to the question of to what extent the effect of organic wastes to the changes in terms of soil characteristics. The application of organic wastes was able to increase the population of earthworms. Their highest abundance was obtained following the application of cocoa pod at 20 ton/ha, which was about 5 times higher than the population in the control. 

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 ◽  
...  

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.


1999 ◽  
Vol 79 (1) ◽  
pp. 73-84 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. A. Campbell ◽  
V. O. Biederbeck ◽  
G. Wen ◽  
R. P. Zentner ◽  
J. Schoenau ◽  
...  

Measurements of seasonal changes in soil biochemical attributes can provide valuable information on how crop management and weather variables influence soil quality. We sampled soil from the 0- to 7.5-cm depth of two long-term crop rotations [continuous wheat (Cont W) and both phases of fallow-wheat (F–W)] at Swift Current, Saskatchewan, from early May to mid-October, 11 times in 1995 and 9 times in 1996. The soil is a silt loam, Orthic Brown Chernozem with pH 6.0, in dilute CaCl2. We monitored changes in organic C (OC) and total N (TN), microbial biomass C (MBC), light fraction C and N (LFC and LFN), mineralizable C (Cmin) and N (Nmin), and water-soluble organic C (WSOC). All biochemical attributes, except MBC, showed higher values for Cont W than for F–W, reflecting the historically higher crop residue inputs, less frequent tillage, and drier conditions of Cont W. Based on the seasonal mean values for 1996, we concluded that, after 29 yr, F–W has degraded soil organic C and total N by about 15% compared to Cont W. In the same period it has degraded the labile attributes, except MBC, much more. For example, WSOC is degraded by 22%, Cmin and Nmin by 45% and LFC and LFN by 60–75%. Organic C and TN were constant during the season because one year's C and N inputs are small compared to the total soil C or N. All the labile attributes varied markedly throughout the seasons. We explained most of the seasonal variability in soil biochemical attributes in terms of C and N inputs from crop residues and rhizodeposition, and the influences of soil moisture, precipitation and temperature. Using multiple regression, we related the biochemical attributes to soil moisture and the weather variables, accounting for 20% of the variability in MBC, 27% of that of Nmin, 29% for LFC, 52% for Cmin, and 66% for WSOC. In all cases the biochemical attributes were negatively related to precipitation, soil moisture, temperature and their interactions. We interpreted this to mean that conditions favouring decomposition of organic matter in situ result in decreases in these attributes when they are measured subsequently under laboratory conditions. We concluded that when assessing changes in OC or TN over years, measurements can be made at any time during a year. However, if assessing changes in the labile soil attributes, several measurements should be made during a season or, measurements be made near the same time each year. Key words: Microbial biomass, carbon, nitrogen, mineralization, water-soluble-C, light fraction, weather variables


Soil Research ◽  
2007 ◽  
Vol 45 (1) ◽  
pp. 13 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fiona A. Robertson ◽  
Peter J. Thorburn

The Australian sugar industry is moving away from the practice of burning the crop before harvest to a system of green cane trash blanketing (GCTB). Since the residues that would have been lost in the fire are returned to the soil, nutrients and organic matter may be accumulating under trash blanketing. There is a need to know if this is the case, to better manage fertiliser inputs and maintain soil fertility. The objective of this work was to determine whether conversion from a burning to a GCTB trash management system is likely to affect soil fertility in terms of C and N. Indicators of short- and long-term soil C and N cycling were measured in 5 field experiments in contrasting climatic conditions. The effects of GCTB varied among experiments. Experiments that had been running for 1–2 years (Harwood) showed no significant trash management effects. In experiments that had been running for 3–6 years (Mackay and Tully), soil organic C and total N were up to 21% greater under trash blanketing than under burning, to 0.10 or 0.25 m depth (most of this effect being in the top 50 mm). Soil microbial activity (CO2 production) and soil microbial biomass also increased under GCTB, presumably as a consequence of the improved C availability. Most of the trash C was respired by the microbial biomass and lost from the system as CO2. The stimulation of microbial activity in these relatively short-term GCTB systems was not accompanied by increased net mineralisation of soil N, probably because of the greatly increased net immobilisation of N. It was calculated that, with standard fertiliser applications, the entire trash blanket could be decomposed without compromising the supply of N to the crop. Calculations of possible long-term effects of converting from a burnt to a GCTB production system suggested that, at the sites studied, soil organic C could increase by 8–15%, total soil N could increase by 9–24%, and inorganic soil N could increase by 37 kg/ha.year, and that it would take 20–30 years for the soils to approach this new equilibrium. The results suggest that fertiliser N application should not be reduced in the first 6 years after adoption of GCTB, but small reductions may be possible in the longer term (>15 years).


AgriPeat ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (01) ◽  
pp. 1-14
Author(s):  
Administrator Journal

ABSTRACTThis study aims to determine the effect of the location distance from the river bank and the depth ofsoil layer to the soil chemical properties in the tidal land area. The study was conducted in April untilJune 2016 in the tidal areas of Bajarum village, District of Kota Besi, East Kotawaringin, CentralBorneo Province. The study used survey methods and soil sampling in the field, analysis of soilsamples in the laboratory and continued with analysis and description of data. Soil sampling wasconducted at distances of 250, 500, 750, 1.000, 1.250 and 1.500 meters from the Mentaya river bankat two depth soil layers (0 - 25 cm and 25 - 50 cm). The soil chemistry properties analyzed includedpH, cation exchange capacity (CEC), base saturation, organic C, N total, total P2O5, total K2O,alumunium and hydrogen exchangeable and soil fertility status. The results of study showed that: (1)The further distance of soil from the position of Mentaya river bank there is an increase of organic C,total P2O5, total N, total K2O, pH, CEC, base saturation and soil fertility status, on the contraryshowed a decrease in alumunium and hydrogen exchangeable. The limiting factor of soil fertility ismainly the low base saturation, besides that at some point observation also due to low CEC, totalP2O5 and total K2O. (2) Sub soil layer (25 - 50) cm has a higher pH and base saturation valuescompared to topsoil layer (0 - 25) cm. In contrast, topsoil layer has CEC, alumunium and hydrogenexchangeable, total P2O5, total K2O, total N and organic C values higher than sub soil layer.Keywords: distance from river, tidal soil, soil chemical properties.


2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (6) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sri Minarsih ◽  
Eko - Hanudin ◽  
Makruf Nurudin

Abstract. Minarsih S, Hanudin E, Nurudin M. 2021. The earthworm’s diversity and their relationship to the soil physicochemical properties under the stands of perennial plant at the Mount Merapi forest, Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 22: 3237-3244. The study was to propose earthworm as bioindicator and its correlation to the soil physicochemical properties underneath some perennial plants. Soil samples and earthworm observation was taken out at a depth of 0-10 cm and 10-20 cm under the stands of Acacia decurrens, coffee, Albizia chinensis, bamboo, snake fruit, and Acacia mangium. Soil moisture, temperature and Physico-chemical properties were measured, such as texture, pH, organic C, mineralized C, total N, mineralized N, available P, and base cations (Ca, Mg, K, Na). The results revealed that the earthworms density underneath of the stands of coffee was 105.4 ind.m-2 > snake fruit 92.6 ind.m-2 > Albizia chinensis  66.7 ind.m-2 > A. decurrens ? bamboo 40.7 ind.m-2 > A. mangium 37.0 ind.m-2. The dominant species of the earthworms found at a depth of 0-10 cm consisted of four species, namely: Pheretima hamayana, Pheretima californica, Eudrillus eugeniae, and Eiseniella tetraeda. Meanwhile, the earthworms diversity underneath the stands of coffee was H’=1.26 > A. mangium H’=1.03 > Albizia chinensis  H'=0.69 > ?H'=0.69 > bamboo H'=0.59. The soil physicochemical properties was positively correlated to the earthworms density was C-mineralized (r = 0.823) ? soil moisture (r = 0.585) ? available K (r = 0.529) ? available Ca (r = 0.505) ? available Mg (0.494). The results could be concluded that labile organic carbon, water, and alkaline cations were the important factors in improving soil biological fertility in the active volcano area.


2012 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 801-806 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Karmakar ◽  
K. Brahmachari ◽  
A. Gangopadhyay ◽  
S. R. Choudhury

Generation of organic wastes has been increased in an unprecedented rate in India with rapid population expansion, leading to disposal problems. These organic wastes can be converted into valuable wealth by applying vermicomposting technology. Vermicompost which provides macro and micro nutrients to the plants, also reduces pollution by providing a valuable substitute for chemical fertilizers. Present paper deals with vermicomposting of organic wastes from seven different sources and evaluation of nutrient in those vermicomposts following chemical analyses. These seven sources include coconut coir, water hyacinth, mixed materials, cabbage, banana pseudostem, cow dung, and rice husk. Three composting species of earthworms e.g.Eisenia. fetida, Eudrilus. eugeniae, andPerionyx excavatuswere chosen for the experiment. Chemical analysis of vermicomposts under study clearly showed that the vermicompost from water hyacinth contained maximum amount of organic C, total N, and total K though the phosphorous content was maximum in vermicompost from mixed materials. Lowest nutrient content was observed in vermicompost of coconut coir. Vermicomposts from mixed materials, cabbage, banana pseudostem were at per in their chemical properties. It can be concluded that among the seven sources, vermicompost from water hyacinth is best for its nutrient value.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pauline Sophie Rummel ◽  
Reinhard Well ◽  
Birgit Pfeiffer ◽  
Klaus Dittert ◽  
Sebastian Floßmann ◽  
...  

<p>Growing plants affect soil moisture, mineral N and organic C (C<sub>org</sub>) availability in soil and may thus play an important role in regulating denitrification. The availability of the main substrates for denitrification (C<sub>org</sub> and NO<sub>3</sub><sup>-</sup>) is controlled by root activity and higher denitrification activity in rhizosphere soils has been reported. We hypothesized that (I) plant N uptake governs NO<sub>3</sub><sup>-</sup> availability for denitrification leading to increased N<sub>2</sub>O and N<sub>2</sub> emissions, when plant N uptake is low due to smaller root system or root senescence. (II) Denitrification is stimulated by higher C<sub>org</sub> availability from root exudation or decaying roots increasing total gaseous N emissions while decreasing their N<sub>2</sub>O/(N<sub>2</sub>O+N<sub>2</sub>) ratios.</p><p>We tested these assumptions in a double labeling pot experiment with maize (Zea mays L.) grown under three N fertilization levels S / M / L (no / moderate / high N fertilization) and with cup plant (Silphium perfoliatum L., moderate N fertilization). After 6 weeks, all plants were labeled with 0.1 g N kg<sup>-1</sup> (Ca(<sup>15</sup>NO<sub>3</sub>)<sub>2</sub>, 60 at%), and the <sup>15</sup>N tracer method was applied to estimate plant N uptake, N<sub>2</sub>O and N<sub>2</sub> emissions. To link denitrification with available C in the rhizosphere, <sup>13</sup>CO<sub>2</sub> pulse labeling (5 g Na<sub>2</sub><sup>13</sup>CO<sub>3</sub>, 99 at%) was used to trace C translocation from shoots to roots and its release by roots into the soil. CO<sub>2</sub> evolving from soil was trapped in NaOH for δ<sup>13</sup>C analyses, and gas samples were taken for analysis of N<sub>2</sub>O and N<sub>2</sub> from the headspace above the soil surface every 12 h.</p><p>Although pots were irrigated, changing soil moisture through differences in plant water uptake was the main factor controlling daily N<sub>2</sub>O+N<sub>2</sub> fluxes, cumulative N emissions, and N<sub>2</sub>O production pathways. In addition, total N<sub>2</sub>O+N<sub>2</sub> emissions were negatively correlated with plant N uptake and positively with soil N concentrations. Recently assimilated C released by roots (<sup>13</sup>C) was positively correlated with root dry matter, but we could not detect any relationship with cumulative N emissions. We anticipate that higher C<sub>org</sub> availability in pots with large root systems did not lead to higher denitrification rates as NO<sub>3</sub><sup>-</sup> was limited due to plant uptake. In conclusion, plant growth controlled water and NO<sub>3</sub><sup>-</sup> uptake and, subsequently, formation of anaerobic hotspots for denitrification.</p>


2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 53-59
Author(s):  
Priyono Prawito ◽  
Impetus Hasada Windu Sitorus ◽  
Zainal Muktamar ◽  
Bandi Hermawan ◽  
Welly Herman

Understanding the relation of agroecosystem types, ages, and soil properties are vital in maintaining good quality soil. This study aims to explore the variation of selected soil properties with agroecosystem types and ages. The research has been conducted in North Bengkulu, Indonesia. Soil properties on agroecosystems of 5-yr, 10-yr, 15-yr oil palm plantation, 5-yr, 10-yr, 15-yr rubber plantation, food cropland, and scrubland were evaluated. The study found that soil in oil palm and rubber plantations of any age have a similar texture, bulk density (BD), and actual soil moisture (ASM). All plantation agroecosystems and scrubland have higher clay and lower silt content than that in food cropland. In addition, the scrubland has the highest ASM content among the agroecosystems. On the other hand, both agroecosystems enhances soil chemical properties than food cropland and scrubland as indicated by the improvement of organic-C, total-N, available P, exchangeable K and CEC of Ultisols. Older plantation also provides higher soil chemical improvement than younger one. This finding is significant for management of sub optimal soil mainly Ultisols for oil palm and rubber plantation.


2015 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. 91
Author(s):  
Nur Afni Afrianti ◽  
Tamaluddin Syam

Vegetation has a strong influence on soil characteristics. Vegetation can contribute organic matter sand nutrients to the soil. This study aimed to assess soil fertility through various approaches physical and chemical soil on various types of cover crop in the  arboretum area at University of Lampung, and determined the type of cover crop that had the best effect on soil fertility. The research was be conducted by a survey method, which made observations on the soil characteristics of six species of cover crops following were rosewood (Dalbergia latifolia), teak (Tectona grandis), albizia (Paraserianthes Albiziaria), acacia (Acasia mangium), fern tree (Filicium desipiens), and mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla King). Soil characteristics observed data were the physical and chemical properties, obtained by field observations, through boring profiles and soil sampling. The results showed that soil fertility on rosewood, albizia, acacia and mahogany on campus area of Lampung University had contents of soil organic C, organic matter, and soil total N higher than teak and Fern tree. Litter from Rosewood, Albizia, and acacia had the best effect on soil fertility, so they could be the best covered vegetation to improve soil characteristics related to optimal and sustainable of land management.Keyword : Acacia, albizia, arboretum, cover crop, fern tree, litter, macronutrient, mahogany, rosewood, teak, and vegetation. [How to Cite: Nur AA and T Syam. 2014. Evaluation of Primary Macro Nutrients on Arboretum Area in Lampung University Campus, Gedong Meneng. J Trop Soils 19(2): 101-107. Doi: 10.5400/jts.2014.19.2.101]   


2018 ◽  
Vol 55 (5) ◽  
pp. 738-751
Author(s):  
AYA B. N'DRI ◽  
ARMAND W. KONE ◽  
SEBASTIEN K. K. LOUKOU ◽  
SEBASTIEN BAROT ◽  
JACQUES GIGNOUX

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.


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