scholarly journals A Boundary Plane Approach to Map Hotspots for Achievable Soil Carbon Sequestration and Soil Fertility Improvement

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (15) ◽  
pp. 4038 ◽  
Author(s):  
Piikki ◽  
Söderström ◽  
Sommer ◽  
Da Silva ◽  
Munialo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Soil Fertility ◽  
Crop Production ◽  
Spatial Scales ◽  
Exchange Capacity ◽  
Boundary Plane ◽  
Smallholder Farming ◽  
Western Kenya ◽  
Mitigate Climate Change ◽  
Global Carbon ◽  
Soil Fertility Improvement

Soil organic carbon (SOC) sequestration is important in the global carbon cycle and an integral part of many initiatives and policies to mitigate climate change. For efficient targeting of measures leading to SOC sequestration, it is necessary to know the actual SOC content (%) and a realistic target SOC content (in contrast to the saturation content, which may not be easily achievable) under local biophysical and socioeconomic conditions. We developed a new method for the practical assessment of achievable SOC sequestration concerning soil texture based on a non-linear boundary plane approach, also applicable for mapping of SOC sequestration hotspots. The method was tested at two spatial scales (a 125 km2 catchment and a 4 km2 sub-area of that catchment) in a region in Western Kenya characterized by smallholder farming. Moreover, we assessed the associated benefits of increasing the SOC content from a crop production perspective and found significant correlations between SOC and other soil properties (pH, cation exchange capacity, and various plant-available macro- and micronutrients). This indicates a possible improvement in soil fertility when the SOC content is raised to the modeled target levels, which should be attainable without major changes in land use or agricultural systems.

Application of Gliricidia sepium Tree Leaves and Nitrogen Fertilizer to Improve Tomato Production and Soil Properties

2021 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. 77-87
Author(s):  
SS Keya ◽  
MG Miah ◽  
MA Rahman ◽  
MT Islam
Keyword(s):  
Soil Fertility ◽  
Block Design ◽  
Nutrient Release ◽  
Gliricidia Sepium ◽  
Exchange Capacity ◽  
N Fertilizer ◽  
Control Treatment ◽  
Tree Leaves ◽  
Tomato Production ◽  
Soil Fertility Improvement

Excess use of agrochemicals for intensive cultivation affects crop quality and destroys agro-ecosystems, and eventually creates health hazards. The study aims to investigate the effect of Gliricidia sepium (GS) tree leaf as suitable green manures for supplementing nutrient supply along with nitrogen (N) fertilizer to produce quality tomato and soil fertility improvement. A field experiment was conducted at the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University, Bangladesh, from November 2016 to March 2017. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design (two factors) with three replications. There were nine treatment combinations with three levels of GS tree leaves (5, 10 and 15 t ha−1) and three doses of N (0, 50 and 100% of the recommended dose of fertilizer). The highest tomato yield was recorded in GS15×N100 treatment combination, which was 41.68% higher compared to the control treatment. Decreasing C: N ratio in increasing dose of GS and N treated plot indicated the quality of tree leaves that ensures faster decomposition and high nutrient release pattern of this species. Increasing rate of soil pH and cation exchange capacity (CEC) in different treatments as compared to initial soil showed soil fertility improvement. Overall, the results indicated that quality tomato could be grown successfully by the application of G. sepium tree leaves along with an appropriate amount of N fertilizer. Ann. Bangladesh Agric. (2020) 24(1) : 77-87

Distribution of Pest Wireworm (Coleoptera: Elateridae) Species in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba (Canada)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Willem G van Herk ◽  
Robert S Vernon ◽  
Ted J Labun ◽  
Mika H Sevcik ◽  
Timothy D Schwinghamer
Keyword(s):  
Crop Production ◽  
Spatial Scales ◽  
Exchange Capacity ◽  
Crop Damage ◽  
Water Retention Capacity ◽  
Pest Species ◽  
Canadian Prairie ◽  
Retention Capacity ◽  
Species Specific ◽  
Path Analysis Approach

Abstract We present findings of a general survey of pest wireworms in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba conducted from 2004 to 2019; the first such survey of the Canadian Prairie provinces since that published by Glen et al. (1943). Samples were collected from 571 farmland locations where crop damage from wireworms was observed or suspected, and a total of 5,704 specimens (3,548 larvae, 2,156 beetles) were identified. Most specimens (96.9%) were identified as Hypnoidus bicolor (3,278), Selatosomus aeripennis destructor (1,280), Limonius californicus (842), and Aeolus mellillus (125). This suggests that H. bicolor has replaced S. a. destructor as the predominant species and that the relative importance of L. californicus as a pest species has increased since earlier reports. Despite the relatively small number of specimens collected per location (approx. 10), H. bicolor and S. a. destructor, and S. a. destructor and L. californicus were frequently collected at or near the same location (within 1 km). We provide species records and incidence of co-occurrence at different spatial scales, discuss potential reasons for and implications of shifts in species composition, implications of species co-occurrence for managing wireworm pests in crop production, and outline pertinent research needs. A path analysis approach used to correlate incidence of the main species with various soil characteristics indicated that organic matter, cation exchange capacity, and water retention capacity all had a significant species-specific influence on wireworm presence.

Soil fertility and crop growth under poultry/crop integration

2012 ◽  
Vol 28 (2) ◽  
pp. 173-182 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kathleen Hilimire ◽  
Stephen R. Gliessman ◽  
Joji Muramoto
Keyword(s):  
Soil Fertility ◽  
Crop Production ◽  
Exchange Capacity ◽  
Environmental Concerns ◽  
Total N ◽  
Olsen P ◽  
Organic Farm ◽  
History Of ◽  
Free Ranging ◽  
Farm Soils

AbstractInnovative sources of soil fertility are of utmost importance to growers in light of rising fertilizer costs and environmental concerns. Integrating livestock and crop production is one channel by which agricultural practitioners can enhance soil fertility. For this research, soil fertility was analyzed in pastured poultry/crop agroecosystems to determine whether free-ranging birds and pasture could be used to replace or supplement non-manure-based fertilizers. Soils from adjacent cropped areas were compared to plots with a recent history of pastured poultry use on two farms, and crop plants were grown in each type of soil in a replicated greenhouse experiment. Spatial variation in soil fertility was also assessed relative to location of poultry coops. Pastured poultry plots had elevated soil total C, total N, NH4+–N, NO3−–N, Olsen P, exchangeable K, organic matter, cation exchange capacity and electrical conductivity relative to the control of typically managed organic farm soils without pastured animal inputs. These soil fertility changes conferred greater biomass and height to sunflowers and beans grown in these soils relative to control soils for most treatments. Results suggest that pastured poultry can effectively fertilize soil for certain crops but that a need exists for more research into (1) phosphorus management and (2) ensuring a spatially uniform distribution of manure.

scholarly journals Farmer Perception and Adaptation Strategies on Climate Change in Lower Eastern Kenya: A Case of Finger Millet (Eleusine coracana (L.) Gaertn) Production

2016 ◽  
Vol 8 (12) ◽  
pp. 33
Author(s):  
Madegwa Yvonne ◽  
Onwonga Richard ◽  
Shibairo Solomon ◽  
Karuku George
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Soil Fertility ◽  
Crop Production ◽  
Finger Millet ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Random Number Generator ◽  
Farming Systems ◽  
Sampling Procedure ◽  
Smallholder Farming

Eastern Kenya, a semi-arid region, is characterized by low and erratic rainfall, high temperatures, and low soil fertility. Climate change has further worsened the situation leading to frequent droughts and hence increased food insecurity. Traditional crops like finger millet are possible solutions to combating changing climate due to their drought resistance nature, ability to produce high yields with little inputs and high nutritional content. It is against this backdrop that a survey was carried out in Mwala and Katangi divisions of Machakos and Kitui counties, respectively, to assess farmer’s perception on climate change, coping and adaptation mechanisms in finger millet production systems in smallholder farming systems of lower eastern Kenya. Data was collected, using semi-structured questionnaire, from 120 farmers i.e. 60 in each division. A stratified random sampling procedure, with location as a stratum was used to select respondent’s households. A computer random number generator was used to select number of households in each stratum. Maize and beans were the most popular crops grown by over 98% of the farmers in both sub-counties. Farmers also grew drought tolerant legumes; cow peas, green grams pigeon peas and cereals; sorghum and finger millet. Temperature rise was ranked highest with 88% and 98%, followed by prolonged drought with 70% and 72%, irregular rainfall at 69% and 81% and increased wind intensity at 22% and 28% at Machakos and Kitui, respectively, as aspects of climate change perceived by farmers. Farmers had taken up early planting at 88.6% and 93.7%, use of organic inputs at 89% and 92%, introduced new tillage practices, by applying ridges and furrows and tied ridges at 45% and 54%, and by adopting irrigation at 13%, and 9%, as coping strategies to climate change in Machakos and Kitui, respectively.It can be concluded that farmers in Machakos and Kitui are aware of climate change and its negative effects on crop production. In a bid to minimize crop loss and food insecurity, they have taken up various soil moisture conservation and soil fertility enhancement technologies.

scholarly journals Upscaling Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Symbiosis and Related Agroecosystems Services in Smallholder Farming Systems

2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marjorie Bonareri Oruru ◽  
Ezekiel Mugendi Njeru
Keyword(s):  
Soil Fertility ◽  
Mycorrhizal Fungi ◽  
Crop Production ◽  
Smallholder Farmers ◽  
Farming Systems ◽  
Arbuscular Mycorrhizal ◽  
Resource Scarcity ◽  
Mycorrhizal Symbiosis ◽  
Smallholder Farming ◽  
Smallholder Farming Systems

Smallholder farming systems form unique ecosystems that can protect beneficial soil biota and form an important source of useful genetic resources. They are characterized by high level of agricultural diversity mainly focused on meeting farmers’ needs. Unfortunately, these systems often experience poor crop production mainly associated with poor planning and resource scarcity. Soil fertility is among the primary challenges faced by smallholder farmers, which necessitate the need to come up with affordable and innovative ways of replenishing soils. One such way is the use of microbial symbionts such as arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), a beneficial group of soil microbiota that form symbiotic associations with majority of cultivated crops and play a vital role in biological soil fertility, plant nutrition, and protection. AMF can be incorporated in smallholder farming systems to help better exploit chemical fertilizers inputs which are often unaffordable to many smallholder farmers. The present review highlights smallholder farming practices that could be innovatively redesigned to increase AMF symbiosis and related agroecosystem services. Indeed, the future of global food security depends on the success of smallholder farming systems, whose crop productivity depends on the services provided by well-functioning ecosystems, including soil fertility.

scholarly journals Soil fertility and yield of ‘Paluma’ guava fertilized with phosphorus, cattle manure, and boron

2021 ◽  
Vol 25 (4) ◽  
pp. 228-234
Author(s):  
Gaudêncio P. dos Santos ◽  
Walter E. Pereira ◽  
Rosiane de L. S. de Lima ◽  
José F. de Brito Neto ◽  
Bruno de O. Dias ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Soil Fertility ◽  
Cation Exchange ◽  
Cation Exchange Capacity ◽  
Crop Production ◽  
Saline Water ◽  
Irrigation Management ◽  
Exchange Capacity ◽  
Additional Treatment ◽  
Cattle Manure ◽  
Chemical Attributes

ABSTRACT The low soil fertility associated with the lack of adequate irrigation management are factors that most limit crop production. Therefore, the study aimed to evaluate the chemical attributes of an Oxisol and the yield of ‘Paluma’ guava under irrigation with saline water and fertilized with phosphorus, cattle manure, and boron. The treatments were distributed in randomized blocks, with four repetitions and two plants per plot, including borders on the sides of the useful experimental area, arranged in a factorial scheme (5 × 2) + 1, referring to five phosphorus doses (0, 0.08, 0.16, 0.24 and 0.32 kg of P2O5 plant-1), two doses of cattle manure, 0 and 30 kg per plant and an additional treatment consisting of 0.16 kg of P2O5 plus 30 kg of cattle manure and 1.0 g of boron, using as source the borax. In the soil, pH, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and the cation exchange capacity were evaluated in the 0-20 cm and 20-40 cm layers. In plants, the average yield per hectare in two harvests was estimated. The pH decreased with phosphorus doses without cattle manure and in the treatment with boron in the 20-40 cm layer. The cation exchange capacity increased with the application of phosphorus doses associated with manure and decreased in both soil layers with boron. The macronutrients evaluated were not influenced by boron. Phosphorus doses associated with cattle manure increased yield, exceeding the average of 50 t ha-1 year-1 determined for ‘Paluma’ guava. In contrast, boron did not increased the yield.

Strategies for Soil Fertility Improvement of Arable Land in China

2018 ◽  
Vol 20 (5) ◽  
pp. 84
Author(s):  
Yingjie Hu ◽  
Xiangbin Kong ◽  
Yuzhen Zhang
Keyword(s):  
Soil Fertility ◽  
Arable Land ◽  
Soil Fertility Improvement

Application of Remote Sensing in Agriculture

2014 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jan Piekarczyk
Keyword(s):  
Remote Sensing ◽  
Precision Agriculture ◽  
Crop Production ◽  
Satellite Images ◽  
Crop Yields ◽  
Spatial Scales ◽  
Strong Relationship ◽  
Physical Parameters ◽  
Agricultural Crop ◽  
Remote Sensing Methods

AbstractWith increasing intensity of agricultural crop production increases the need to obtain information about environmental conditions in which this production takes place. Remote sensing methods, including satellite images, airborne photographs and ground-based spectral measurements can greatly simplify the monitoring of crop development and decision-making to optimize inputs on agricultural production and reduce its harmful effects on the environment. One of the earliest uses of remote sensing in agriculture is crop identification and their acreage estimation. Satellite data acquired for this purpose are necessary to ensure food security and the proper functioning of agricultural markets at national and global scales. Due to strong relationship between plant bio-physical parameters and the amount of electromagnetic radiation reflected (in certain ranges of the spectrum) from plants and then registered by sensors it is possible to predict crop yields. Other applications of remote sensing are intensively developed in the framework of so-called precision agriculture, in small spatial scales including individual fields. Data from ground-based measurements as well as from airborne or satellite images are used to develop yield and soil maps which can be used to determine the doses of irrigation and fertilization and to take decisions on the use of pesticides.

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