Effect of improved fallow systems on soil chemical properties and crop yield in the rain forest of southeastern Nigeria

Author(s):  
F. N. Ikpe ◽  
L. D. Gbaraneh
Author(s):  
C. V. Ogbenna ◽  
V. E. Osodeke

Aim: A pot experiment was carried out to determine the effect of sawdust ash and lime (Ca(OH)2) on soil characteristics and yield of sunflower in acidic soil of southeastern Nigeria. Study Design: The experiment was laid out in split-plot design, using sawdust ash (0, 1, 2, 3, 4 t ha-1) as the sub plot and lime (0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 t ha-1) as the main plot. Place and Duration of Study: Study was conducted outdoors at Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike, Nigeria, during the 2010 planting season. Materials and Methods: Treatment combinations were applied to the 60 buckets containing soil, mixed thoroughly and watered adequately. After 1 week of treatment application, two sunflower seeds were planted and later thinned to one seedling per bucket. Plant growth and yield data were collected. Pre planting and post-harvest soil samples were collected and analyzed for soil properties. Results: Results showed that with the exception of organic carbon there was significant effect of treatments on all soil chemical properties. Lime and sawdust ash (SDA) as single and combined treatments significantly increased total nitrogen (P=0.05), available phosphorus (P<0.010), and base saturation (P<0.012). The interaction between SDA and lime significantly (P=0.05) increased total exchangeable bases and effective cation exchange capacity, while soil pH was significantly increased (P=0.05) by single applications. The increases in soil chemical properties led to significant positive response of the sunflower. With the exception of number of leaves, other plant parameters (Plant height, stem diameter, head weight, 50 seed weight, head diameter) had significant increases for sawdust ash alone at P=0.05. Correlation studies showed positive significant relationship between soil pH and sunflower yield. Conclusion: The study showed that sunflower performed best at the combination of 3 tha-1 SDA and 1.5 t ha-1 lime producing a mean head weight of 45.4 g.


2018 ◽  
Vol 156 (10) ◽  
pp. 1186-1195
Author(s):  
X. P. Li ◽  
C. L. Liu ◽  
H. Zhao ◽  
F. Gao ◽  
G. N. Ji ◽  
...  

AbstractAlthough application of organic fertilizers has become a recommended way for developing sustainable agriculture, it is still unclear whether above-ground and below-ground crops have similar responses to chemical fertilizers (CF) and organic manure (OM) under the same farming conditions. The current study investigated soil quality and crop yield response to fertilization of a double-cropping system with rapeseed (above-ground) and sweet potato (below-ground) in an infertile red soil for 2 years (2014–16). Three fertilizer treatments were compared, including CF, OM and organic manure plus chemical fertilizer (MCF). Organic fertilizers (OM and MCF) increased the yield of both above- and below-ground crops and improved soil biochemical properties significantly. The current study also found that soil-chemical properties were the most important and direct factors in increasing crop yields. Also, crop yield was affected indirectly by soil-biological properties, because no significant effects of soil-biological activities on yield were detected after controlling the positive effects of soil-chemical properties. Since organic fertilizers could not only increase crop yield, but also improve soil nutrients and microbial activities efficiently and continuously, OM application is a reliable agricultural practice for both above- and below-ground crops in the red soils of China.


1990 ◽  
Vol 70 (4) ◽  
pp. 565-570 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. W. McANDREW ◽  
S. S. MALHI

Deep plowing (DP) has been investigated as a possible ameliorative procedure for Solonetzic soils, but the long-term effects of DP on soil properties are not known. Soil sampling to determine the long-lasting effects of DP on some soil chemical properties and crop yields was conducted at four sites with Solonetzic soils in east-central Alberta. The soils had been deep plowed 11–29 yr prior to sampling. Compared to adjacent unplowed (check) treatments, DP resulted in significant improvements in soil chemical properties at most of the sites. The sodium adsorption ratio (SAR) of the AB horizon (12- or 15- to 30-cm depth) was lower after DP at all four sites. Extractable and soluble Ca increased in the Ap horizon (0–12 cm) of DP soils, whereas extractable Na decreased in the Ap or AB horizons at three sites. The pH of the Ap horizon increased from acidic to neutral at three sites, while EC of the Ap horizon decreased at two sites. Crop yield increased due to DP at the three sites where yields were measured. The results indicate a long-term amelioration of Solonetzic soils by DP. Key words: Amelioration, deep plowing, deep tillage, sodic soil


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