scholarly journals Impacts of soil management practices on soil fertility in potato-based cropping systems in the Bolivian Andean highlands

2010 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Javier Aguilera Alcón
Keyword(s):  
Soil Fertility ◽  
Plant Tissue ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Solanum Tuberosum L ◽  
Chenopodium Quinoa ◽  
Soil Management ◽  
Organic Fertilizers ◽  
Organic C ◽  
Sheep Manure ◽  
Andean Highlands

Due to changes in climate and socioeconomic developments, current soil management practices in the Bolivian Andean Highlands may be increasing soil degradation thereby threatening food security. A study was established in four representative communities during the 2006-09 growing seasons to identify an integrated soil management strategy that may help to improve soil fertility and productivity by increasing soil organic matter. Soil samples collected from fields of different lengths of cropping (LC) and fallow (LF) showed that LC decreased and LF increased total (TOC) and active soil organic C (AOC), and total (TN), inorganic (TIN) and active soil N (AIN). Field trials established with combinations of soil inorganic fertilizers (SIF) and local and alternative soil organic fertilizers (i.e., cow and sheep manure, household compost and a biofertilizer) revealed that the cow and sheep manure combined with SIF significantly affected soil properties, such as pH, soil test P, TN, TIN and TOC, soil water content and bulk density and significantly increased the production of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) and a subsequent quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) crop. Results of testing a portable field method to assess N status of potato plant tissue suggest that use of the Cardy nitrate-N meter may have some promise for tissue testing for potato in the Andean highlands of Bolivia, where access to soil and plant tissue testing services is limited.

scholarly journals Effect of Soil Management on Erosion in Mountain Vineyards (N-W Italy)

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 1991
Author(s):  
Silvia Stanchi ◽  
Odoardo Zecca ◽  
Csilla Hudek ◽  
Emanuele Pintaldi ◽  
Davide Viglietti ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Soil Erosion ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Soil Management ◽  
Buffer Strips ◽  
Total N ◽  
Organic C ◽  
Erosion Rates ◽  
Soil Ecosystem Services ◽  
Erosion Mitigation ◽  
Management Approaches

We studied the effects of three soil management approaches (permanent grassing, chemical weeding, and buffer strips), and the additional impact of tractor passage on soil erosion in a sloping vineyard located in the inner part of Aosta Valley (N-W Italian Alps). The vineyard rows were equipped with a sediment collection system with channels and barrel tanks. A total of 12 events with sediment production were observed across 6 years, and the collected sediments were weighted and analyzed. Average erosion rates ranged from negligible (mainly in grassed rows) to 1.1 t ha−1 per event (after weeding). The most erosive event occurred in July 2015, with a total rainfall of 32.2 mm, of which 20.1 were recorded in 1 h. Despite the limited number of erosive events observed, and the low measured erosion rates, permanent grassing reduced soil erosion considerably with respect to weeding; buffering had a comparable effect to grassing. The tractor passage, independent of the soil management approaches adopted, visibly accelerated the erosion process. The collected sediments were highly enriched in organic C, total N, and fine size fractions, indicating a potential loss of fertility over time. Despite the measured erosion rates being low over the experiment’s duration, more severe events are well documented in the recent past, and the number of intense storms is likely to increase due to climate change. Thus, the potential effects of erosion in the medium and long term need to be limited to a minimum rate of soil loss. Our experiment helped to compare soil losses by erosion under different soil management practices, including permanent grassing, i.e., a nature-based erosion mitigation measure. The results of the research can provide useful indications for planners and practitioners in similar regions, for sustainable, cross-sectoral soil management, and the enhancement of soil ecosystem services.

scholarly journals Soil Fertility under Improved and Conventional Management Practices in Sanga, Kavrepalanchowk District, Nepal

2014 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
pp. 27-39 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ram K. Shrestha
Keyword(s):  
Soil Fertility ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Management Practice ◽  
Chemical Properties ◽  
Soil Management ◽  
Available Phosphorus ◽  
Physico Chemical ◽  
Soil Management Practice ◽  
Upland Soils ◽  
Conventional Practice

A study was carried out to compare the fertility of soils under improved soil  management practice with that of prevailing conventional practice and to assess the farmers’ perception on the improved practice in the upland   farming system. The study was carried out in Nasikasthan Sanga of Kavrepalanchok district of Nepal. Soil samples were collected from fields under improved conventional practice. Samples were taken at 0-15 and 15-30 cm depths and were analyzed for various physico-chemical properties to  compare the fertility status of the soils under both the practices. Altogether 68 farmers were interviewed to have information on farming practices and information pertinent to improved soil management practice being adopted by them. Results from soil physico-chemical analysis showed higher fertility of soils under improved practice in terms of more favorable pH level,  contents of exchangeable bases, available phosphorus and soil organic matter compared to prevailing conventional soil management practice. Moreover, majority of the farmers believed that soil fertility and physical condition of their upland soils had improved and that the productivity of major upland  crops had also increased after the adoption of improved soil management practice. Improved practice could play an important role in the sustainable management of upland soils in the mid hills of Nepal. It is however, desirable to conduct long-term research to further ascertain the effect of the practice on soil fertility of different soil types and land uses.Nepal Agric. Res. J. Vol. 9, 2009, pp. 27-39DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/narj.v9i0.11639 

scholarly journals Biophysical and socio-economic tools for assessing soil fertility: A case of western hills, Nepal

2013 ◽  
Vol 1 ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
BP Tripathi ◽  
JE Jones
Keyword(s):  
Soil Fertility ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Soil Management ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Integrated System ◽  
Residue Management ◽  
Soil Fertility Management ◽  
Fertility Management ◽  
Early Results

The middle mountain region of Nepal, which occupies some 30% of the total land, is the homeland of 45% of the total population, with agriculture being the main source of their livelihoods. Hill farming is primarily based on organic manure with livestock, forest and crops being major components of an integrated system. The aim of this study is to develop and promote improved methods for research and development organizations to identify cost-effective and appropriate soil fertility management strategies through; providing an improved understanding of the biophysical and socio-economic factors affecting the adaptability of sustainable soil management strategies in hillside systems, developing methodologies for evaluating soil fertility technologies and management systems for differently resource farmers in different farming systems, and strengthening the capability of local professionals in collaborating institutions to provide useful information to farmers. The work is placing emphasis on promoting cost-effective methods of soil fertility management, building on farmers' own knowledge and systems. Participatory techniques have been used for gaining a better understanding of fertility indicators, trends and existing soil management practices during 2000/01 in the western hills of Nepal. Farmers are now concerned that increasing amounts of chemical fertilizer at increasingly higher cost have to be applied, soils are becoming “harder” and production is declining. As a result farmers in four agro-ecological zones opted to either test methods for “improving” the quality of farm yard manure (FYM), or “improve” crop residue management. Early results show that through covering the FYM with black plastic sheets, yield increases of over 30% can be achieved. The use of participatory farm management techniques is providing a basis for local NGOs and farmers to evaluate their own experiments and develop soil fertility technologies and systems for their environments.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajn.v1i0.7536 Agronomy Journal of Nepal (Agron JN) Vol. 1: 2010 pp.1-9

scholarly journals Cropping system effects on soil quality in the Great Plains: Synthesis from a regional project

2006 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
pp. 49-59 ◽  
Author(s):  
B.J. Wienhold ◽  
J.L. Pikul ◽  
M.A. Liebig ◽  
M.M. Mikha ◽  
G.E. Varvel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Organic Matter ◽  
Soil Properties ◽  
Great Plains ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Assessment Tool ◽  
Soil Management ◽  
Assessment Tools ◽  
Soil Functions ◽  
Organic C ◽  
Environmental Function

AbstractSoils perform a number of essential functions affecting management goals. Soil functions were assessed by measuring physical, chemical, and biological properties in a regional assessment of conventional (CON) and alternative (ALT) management practices at eight sites within the Great Plains. The results, reported in accompanying papers, provide excellent data for assessing how management practices collectively affect agronomic and environmental soil functions that benefit both farmers and society. Our objective was to use the regional data as an input for two new assessment tools to evaluate their potential and sensitivity for detecting differences (aggradation or degradation) in management systems. The soil management assessment framework (SMAF) and the agro-ecosystem performance assessment tool (AEPAT) were used to score individual soil properties at each location relative to expected conditions based on inherent soil-forming factors and to compute index values that provide an overall assessment of the agronomic and environmental impact of the CON and ALT practices. SMAF index values were positively correlated with grain yield (an agronomic function) and total organic matter (an agronomic and environmental function). They were negatively correlated with soil nitrate concentration at harvest (an indicator of environmental function). There was general agreement between the two assessment tools when used to compare management practices. Users can measure a small number of soil properties and use one of these tools to easily assess the effectiveness of soil management practices. A higher score in either tool identifies more environmentally and agronomically sustainable management. Temporal variability in measured indicators makes dynamic assessments of management practices essential. Water-filled pore space, aggregate stability, particulate organic matter, and microbial biomass were sensitive to management and should be included in studies aimed at improving soil management. Reductions in both tillage and fallow combined with crop rotation has resulted in improved soil function (e.g., nutrient cycling, organic C content, and productivity) throughout the Great Plains.

scholarly journals Evaluation De La Performance Des Pratiques De Gestion De La Fertilite Des Sols Dans Le Bassin De La Riviere Okpara Au Benin

2016 ◽  
Vol 12 (33) ◽  
pp. 370
Author(s):  
M.A. Akpo ◽  
A. Saidou ◽  
I. Balogoun ◽  
I. Yabi ◽  
L.B. Bio Bigou
Keyword(s):  
Soil Fertility ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Agricultural Land ◽  
Crop Yields ◽  
Maize Yield ◽  
Organic Fertilizers ◽  
Cultural Groups ◽  
Soil Fertility Management ◽  
Fertility Management ◽  
Yield Level

A good management of agricultural land based on scientific knowledge and farmer indigenuous knowledge is necessary to ensure sustainable agricultural production. Our research aims to evaluate the performance of farmers' strategies and improved soil fertility management practices in improving level of crop yields in the basin of the Okpara River in Benin. Surveys using semi-structured questionnaire were conducted from October 11 to November 30, 2015 on a sample of 1048 farmers belonging to socio-cultural groups Tchabè, Mahi, Ditamari, Lokpa, Bariba and Fulani. Informations collected concerned farmers' soil fertility management practices and soil fertility improvement strategies introduced by the extension services. Crop rotation, long term natural fallow, fallow with perennial crops especially cashew trees, cassava "fallow" and cereal and leguminuous intercropping (respectively 91.11; 41.66; 48.53; 54.61 and 86.25% of respondents) are endogenous soil fertility management practices. However, mineral and organic fertilizers (respectively 25.45 and 20.38% of respondents) are improved soil fertility management practices introduced. Generally 42% of respondent mentioned that indigenuous soil fertility management practices could improve only by 25% crop (especially maize) yield level against 98.5% of respondents who mentioned that improved soil fertility management practices could improve by 50% of the crop yield level. Considering the efficiency of these soil fertility management practices our study suggests some issues to be taken into account for better land management in the study area.

Effects of mineral and organic fertilizers on soil organic carbon fractions in agricultural chestnut soil

2018 ◽  
Vol 22 (03) ◽  
pp. 103-108
Author(s):  
Enkhtuya D ◽  
Tuul D ◽  
Munkhtsetseg T
Keyword(s):  
Land Use ◽  
Organic Matter ◽  
Organic Carbon ◽  
Soil Organic Carbon ◽  
Soil Fertility ◽  
Active Form ◽  
Chestnut Soil ◽  
Organic Fertilizers ◽  
Stable Form ◽  
Organic C

Soil organic matter can be analyzed on the basis of the different fractions. Changes in the levels of organic matter, caused by land use, can be better understood by alterations in the different fractions. Therefore in order to discover tendency of soil fertility sustainability it is significant to research on stable and labile form fractions of soil organic carbon by advanced methodology and modern technique. Our research work aimedto evaluate the effect of mineral and organic fertilizers on the labile and stable organic carbon of the chestnut soil in Mongolia. The soils samples used in this study we collected from variants of mineral (N60P40K40), organic (biohumus 1t / hec.) Fertilizer and their combination of the Long-term fertilizers experiments of Plant and Agriculture Institute Changes in soil organic C by land use for agricultural purposes occurred mainly in the fraction of particulate organic matter (> 20 μm). The clay and silt fractions were quatified with a Mastersizer S after distruction organic substances and carbonates using H2O2 and HCI and the sand fraction was determined by wet sieving. According to our research, the stable form of organic carbon in chestnut soil is 39, 0-40,1% of the total fine particle size and 59, 9-61,0% of the active form fraction. On the other hand, variants with fertilizer tend to have increased stabile composition of soil organic carbon. It indicates that soil fertility protection and increased stability are possible in the country’s agricultural technology if use mineral and organic fertilizers.

scholarly journals Organic Soils Control Beetle Survival While Competitors Limit Aphid Population Growth

2019 ◽  
Vol 48 (6) ◽  
pp. 1323-1330 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karol L Krey ◽  
Carmen K Blubaugh ◽  
James T Van Leuven ◽  
William E Snyder
Keyword(s):  
Management Practices ◽  
Solanum Tuberosum L ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Soil Management ◽  
Farming Systems ◽  
Colony Growth ◽  
Organic Soils ◽  
Potato Plants ◽  
Mediated Effects ◽  
Herbivore Species

Abstract Soil chemistry and microbial diversity can impact the vigor and nutritive qualities of plants, as well as plants’ ability to deploy anti-herbivore defenses. Soil qualities often vary dramatically on organic versus conventional farms, reflecting the many differences in soil management practices between these farming systems. We examined soil-mediated effects on herbivore performance by growing potato plants (Solanum tuberosum L.) in soils collected from organic or conventional commercial farm fields, and then exposing these plants to herbivory by green peach aphids (Myzus persicae Sulzer, Hemiptera: Aphididae) and/or Colorado potato beetles (Leptinotarsa decemlineata Say, Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae). Responses of the two potato pests varied dramatically. Survivorship of Colorado potato beetles was almost 3× higher on plants grown in organic than in conventional soils, but was unaffected by the presence of aphids. In contrast, aphid colony growth was twice as rapid when aphids were reared alone rather than with Colorado potato beetles, but was unaffected by soil type. We saw no obvious differences in soil nutrients when comparing organic and conventional soils. However, we saw a higher diversity of bacteria in organic soils, and potato plants grown in this soil had a lower carbon concentration in foliar tissue. In summary, the herbivore species differed in their susceptibility to soil- versus competitor-mediated effects, and these differences may be driven by microbe-mediated changes in host plant quality. Our results suggest that soil-mediated effects on pest growth can depend on herbivore species and community composition, and that soil management strategies that promote plant health may also increase host quality for pests.

scholarly journals Conventional Soil Management May Promote Nutrients That Lure an Insect Pest to a Toxic Crop

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rebecca A Schmidt-Jeffris ◽  
Erica A Moretti ◽  
Kyle Wickings ◽  
Michael S Wolfin ◽  
Tobin D Northfield ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
European Corn Borer ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Insect Pest ◽  
Nutrient Balance ◽  
Soil Management ◽  
Organic Fertilizers ◽  
Bt Corn ◽  
Alkaline Soil ◽  
Corn Borer ◽  
Landscape Characteristics

Abstract Slow and consistent nutrient release by organic fertilizers can improve plant nutrient balance and defenses, leading to herbivore avoidance of organically managed crops in favor of conventional crops with weaker defenses. We propose that this relative attraction to conventional plants, coupled with the use of genetically modified, insecticidal crops (Bt), has created an unintentional attract-and-kill system. We sought to determine whether Bt and non-Bt corn Zea mays L. plants grown in soil collected from five paired organic and conventional fields differed in attractiveness to European corn borer [Ostrinia nubilalis (Hübner)] moths, by conducting ovipositional choice and flight tunnel assays. We then examined the mechanisms driving the observed differences in attraction by comparing soil nutrient profiles, soil microbial activity, plant nutrition, and plant volatile profiles. Finally, we assessed whether European corn borer abundance near corn fields differed based on soil management. European corn borer preferred plants grown in conventional soil but did not discriminate between Bt and non-Bt corn. Organic management and more alkaline soil were associated with an increased soil magnesium:potassium ratio, which increased plant magnesium, and were linked to reduced European corn borer oviposition. There was an inconsistent trend for higher European corn borer moth activity near conventional fields. Our results extend the mineral balance hypothesis describing conventional plant preference by showing that it can also improve attraction to plants with genetically inserted toxins. Unintentional attract (to conventional) and (Bt) kill is a plausible scenario for pest declines in response to Bt corn adoption, but this effect may be obscured by variation in other management practices and landscape characteristics.

scholarly journals Penyuluhan Kesuburan Tanah, Pupuk Organik serta Hama dan Penyakit Tanaman bagi Kelompok Tani Baranuri

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 168
Author(s):  
Charly Mutiara ◽  
Yustina M.S.W Puu ◽  
Donatus Rendo ◽  
Josina I.B Hutubessy
Keyword(s):  
Soil Fertility ◽  
Soil Ph ◽  
Soil Analysis ◽  
Organic Fertilizer ◽  
Soil Survey ◽  
Plant Diseases ◽  
Organic Fertilizers ◽  
Organic C ◽  
Pests And Diseases ◽  
Service Activity

<p><em><strong>Counseling of Soil Fertility, Organic Fertilizers, Pests and Plant Diseases for Baranuri Farmers Group</strong>. </em>The Baranuri Farmers Group (KT. Baranuri) is one of the providers of vegetables for the people of Ende City. The results of interviews with farmers obtained several problems, namely, there is no data on soil fertility and lack of understanding of soil fertility, organic fertilizers, pests and plant diseases. The solution given is to analyze soil pH and organic-C to be used as a reference for soil fertility conditions as well as counseling about soil fertility, organic fertilizers, pests and plant diseases. This service activity aims to provide information on soil fertility, increase farmers' knowledge regarding soil fertility, organic fertilizers and plant pests and diseases. The counseling method used is a group approach. Purposive soil sampling, samples were taken diagonally. The organic-C content was analyzed in the laboratory by Walkley and Black method, while soil pH was measured directly on the field using 4 in 1 Soil Survey Instrument and then matching with the criteria of assessment of soil analysis results by the Indonesian Soil Research Institute. The results obtained were the soil pH was 4-5 (very acidic-acidic) and soil organic C was 2.03-2.37% (moderate). The extension activities were succeeded in increasing public knowledge from 46.7% to 86.7% (an increase of 85.7%). The recommendation from this activity is to create a demonstration field to apply an organic fertilizer that can be observed directly by farmer groups.</p>

scholarly journals Mulching with pruned fronds promotes the internal soil N cycling and soil fertility in a large-scale oil palm plantation

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Greta Formaglio ◽  
Edzo Veldkamp ◽  
Muhammad Damris ◽  
Aiyen Tjoa ◽  
Marife D. Corre
Keyword(s):  
Microbial Biomass ◽  
Soil Fertility ◽  
Oil Palm ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
N Cycling ◽  
Organic N ◽  
Soil N ◽  
Total N ◽  
Organic C

AbstractIntensive management practices in large-scale oil palm plantations can slow down nutrient cycling and alter other soil functions. Thus, there is a need to reduce management intensity without sacrificing productivity. The aim of our study was to investigate the effect of management practices on gross rates of soil N cycling and soil fertility. In Jambi province, Indonesia, we established a management experiment in a large-scale oil palm plantation to compare conventional practices (i.e. high fertilization rates and herbicide weeding) with reduced management intensity (i.e. reduced fertilization rates and mechanical weeding). Also, we compared the typical management zones characterizing large-scale plantations: palm circle, inter-row and frond-stacked area. After 1.5 years of this experiment, reduced and conventional management showed comparable gross soil N cycling rates; however, there were stark differences among management zones. The frond-stacked area had higher soil N cycling rates and soil fertility (high microbial biomass, extractable C, soil organic C, extractable organic N, total N and low bulk density) than inter-row and palm circle (all p ≤ 0.05). Microbial biomass was the main driver of the soil N cycle, attested by its high correlation with gross N-cycling rates (r = 0.93–0.95, p < 0.01). The correlations of microbial N with extractable C, extractable organic N, soil organic C and total N (r = 0.76–0.89, p < 0.01) suggest that microbial biomass was mainly regulated by the availability of organic matter. Mulching with senesced fronds enhanced soil microbial biomass, which promoted nutrient recycling and thereby can decrease dependency on chemical fertilizers.

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