Biochar impact on tensile strength of Dystric Cambisol aggregates – a model study

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katarzyna Szewczuk-Karpisz ◽  
Agnieszka Tomczyk ◽  
Zofia Sokołowska ◽  
Marcin Turski ◽  
Marta Cybulak ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Tensile Strength ◽  
Soil Structure ◽  
Mechanical Stability ◽  
Soil Aggregates ◽  
Soil Condition ◽  
Crop Productivity ◽  
Gas Diffusion ◽  
Water Infiltration ◽  
Satellite Monitoring ◽  
Root Penetration

<p>Aggregate tensile strength is a significant parameter of soil structure. Adequate mechanical stability of aggregates promotes long-term crop productivity due to, inter alia, maintaining gas diffusion, facilitating root penetration and improving water infiltration. Soil aggregates characterized by high tensile strength are also resistant to erosion. Nowadays, intensive agriculture and environmental pollution contribute to clear deterioration of soil condition. The soil structure is often destroyed. In order to limit the negative phenomena, various soil additives are used, e.g. biochar.</p><p>In this paper, the effect of wood waste biochar on tensile strength and porosity of Dystric Cambisol artificial aggregates was examined. The experiments were performed on dry-air and wet soil aggregates non-containing and containing 0.1% or 5% dose of biochar. Tensile strength of the probes was determined using strength testing device (Zwick/Roell), whereas porosity – by mercury intrusion porosimetry (Micrometrics). The obtained results indicated that the biochar addition decreases tensile strength of all examined aggregates. This effect was more significant for higher biochar dose – 5%. This phenomenon is probably connected with formation of macropores of larger sizes within aggregates after the biochar addition.</p><p>Research was conducted under the project "Water in soil - satellite monitoring and improving the retention using biochar" no. BIOSTRATEG3/345940/7/NCBR/2017 which was financed by Polish National Centre for Research and Development in the framework of "Environment, agriculture and forestry" - BIOSTRATEG strategic R&D programme.</p>

scholarly journals Tensile and erosive strength of soil macro-aggregates from soils under different management system

2014 ◽  
Vol 62 (4) ◽  
pp. 324-333 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emilia Urbanek ◽  
Rainer Horn ◽  
Alwin J.M. Smucker
Keyword(s):  
Tensile Strength ◽  
Organic Carbon ◽  
Soil Structure ◽  
Soil Aggregates ◽  
Soil Health ◽  
Soil Tillage ◽  
Structure Stability ◽  
Total Strength ◽  
Tillage Practices ◽  
Aggregate Strength

Abstract Reduced soil tillage practices are claimed to improve soil health, fertility and productivity through improved soil structure and higher soil organic matter contents. This study compares soil structure stability of soil aggregates under three different tillage practices: conventional, reduced and no tillage. The erosive strength of soil aggregates has been determined using the abrasion technique with the soil aggregate erosion chambers (SAE). During abrasion soil aggregates have been separated into the exterior, transitional and interior regions. The forces needed to remove the material from the aggregate were calculated as erosive strength and compared with the tensile strength of the aggregates derived from crushing tests. The relationship between aggregate strength and other soil properties such as organic carbon and hydrophobic groups’ content has also been identified. The results show that erosive and tensile strength of soil aggregates is very low in topsoil under conventional and reduced tillage comparing with the subsoil horizons. Negative correlation was found between the content of organic carbon, hydrophobic compounds and erosive aggregate strength which suggests that the stabilising effect of soils organic carbon may be lost with drying. The positive relationship between the tensile strength and erosive strength for aggregates of 8-5 mm size suggests that the total strength of these aggregates is controlled by the sum of strength of all concentric layers

Controlling Erosion

1999 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert F. Keefer
Keyword(s):  
Organic Matter ◽  
Organic Material ◽  
Soil Structure ◽  
Soil Microorganisms ◽  
Soil Aggregation ◽  
Water Infiltration ◽  
Root Penetration ◽  
Animal Remains ◽  
Decomposition Of Organic Matter ◽  
Structure Improvement

Erosion can be controlled by four main means, that is, improving soil structure, covering soil with plants, covering soil with mulch, and using special structures. Soil structure is related to the soil tilth, or physical condition of a soil, with respect to ease of tillage or workability as shown by the fitness of a soil as a seedbed and the ease of root penetration. Other terms relating to soil structure improvement are soil aggregation and the formation of aggregates. Aggregates form when a cementing substance is present in a soil. The most important cementing substances in soil are soil polysaccharides and soil polyuronides produced as by-products from microorganisms during decomposition of organic matter. Other less important cementing substances in soil include clays, Ca, and Fe. Formation of aggregates results in improved water infiltration with reduction in erosion. Decomposition of organic matter in soils can be shown as an equation: . . . Plant and animal remains + O2 + soil microorganisms → CO2 + H2O + elements + humus + synthates + energy . . . The decomposition process has the following features: . . . 1. Oxygen is required; thus soil aeration is important. Anytime a soil is stirred or mixed by cultivation, spading, plowing, some organic matter decomposition occurs. 2. Readily available decomposable organic material is required for the microbes to work on. Green organic material, such as grass clippings, is an excellent substrate. 3. Many different types of soil microorganisms are involved in this process. Decomposition is more rapid in soils at pH 7 (neutral). 4. A product of organic decomposition is humus. Humus has many desirable features that improve a soil for plant growth. 5. Plant or animal remains are not effective in soil aggregation until they begin to decompose. 6. The more rapid the decomposition, the greater effect of soil aggregation. . . . Microbial synthates consist of polymers called “polysaccharides” and “polyuronides.” A polymer is a long-chain compound made up of single monomer units hooked together acting as a unit. The term “poly” means “many” and “saccharide” means “sugar.”

Micro Palm and Kenaf Fibers Reinforced PLA Composite: Effect of Volume Fraction on Tensile Strength

2011 ◽  
Vol 145 ◽  
pp. 1-5 ◽  
Author(s):  
K.W. Neoh ◽  
Kim Yeow Tshai ◽  
P.S. Khiew ◽  
Chin Hua Chia
Keyword(s):  
Tensile Strength ◽  
Mechanical Stability ◽  
Volume Fraction ◽  
Environmental Concern ◽  
Raw Materials ◽  
Kenaf Fiber ◽  
Composite Effect ◽  
Fiber Loading ◽  
Biodegradable Composite ◽  
Kenaf Fibers

Extensive environmental concern associated with the disposal of solid plastic wastes has stirred tremendous interest in the production and use of sustainable biodegradable polymers. Among the vast variety of available materials, Polylactic Acid (PLA) standout as the most commercially viable mass produced resin to date. However, its low thermal and mechanical stability, excessive brittleness, and relatively higher cost have led to numerous research efforts in producing biodegradable polymer composite filled with natural organic fibers. This paper describes the preparation and the mechanical characteristics of a compression molded biodegradable composite made entirely of renewable raw materials. The composites were reinforced with pulverized palm, kenaf and alkali (1M NaOH:fiber in ratio 2:1) treated kenaf fibers, at a fiber mass proportion of 20 to 60% blended PLA and processed in a custom-built compression mold. SEM microscan revealed that the kenaf fiber has a mean diameter of 40μm, length 1236.6μm, and aspect ratio of 31 while the measured values for palm fiber was 58.7μm, 1041.2μm, and 17.7, respectively. All resulting composites showed significant enhancement in tensile strength. At 20, 40 and 60% fiber loading, the palm/PLA composite recorded tensile strength increment of 46.9, 47.8 and 36.6%, respectively. For the kenaf/PLA composite, greatest improvement was achieved at 40% fiber loading with alkali treated kenaf, with approximately 54% higher than the neat PLA while only 12.6% was recorded for the non-treated kenaf/PLA composite, signifying that the surface modification greatly improved fiber-matrix adhesion. SEM observations on the fracture surface showed similar findings. Compared to commercially available palm/Polypropylene (palm/PP) composite at 50% fiber loading, our measured tensile strength for the PLA composite loaded with 40% alkali treated kenaf fiber was still about 20% lower. Further enhancement in the mechanical characteristic of the kenaf/PLA composite is required to push for its wider utilization in the polymer industry.

scholarly journals Optimising Cropping Techniques for Nutrient and Environmental Management in Organic Agriculture

2015 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
pp. 15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ulrich Kopke ◽  
Miriam Athmann ◽  
Eusun Han ◽  
Timo Kautz
Keyword(s):  
Nutrient Uptake ◽  
Organic Agriculture ◽  
Agricultural Production ◽  
Soil Structure ◽  
Nutrient Management ◽  
Solid Phase ◽  
Crop Productivity ◽  
Ecological Focus Areas ◽  
Perennial Legumes ◽  
Soil Pores

<p>Depth and architecture of root systems play a prominent role in crop productivity under conditions of low water and nutrient availability. The subsoil contains high amounts of nutrients that may potentially serve for nutrient uptake by crops including finite resources such as phosphorus that have to be used in moderation to delay their exhaustion. Biopores are tubular shaped continuous soil pores formed by plant roots and earthworms. Taproot systems especially those of perennial legumes can make soil nutrients plant available from the solid phase and increase the density of vertical biopores in the subsoil thus making subsoil layers more accessible for succeeding crops. Density of larger sized biopores is further enhanced by increased abundance and activity of anecic earthworms resulting from soil rest and amount of provided feed. Nutrient rich drilospheres can provide a favorable environment for roots and nutrient uptake of subsequent crops. Future efficient nutrient management and crop rotation design in organic agriculture should entail these strategies of soil fertility building and biopore services in subsoil layers site specifically. Elements of these concepts are suggested to be used also in mainstream agriculture headlands, e.g. as ‘Ecological Focus Areas’, in order to improve soil structure as well as to establish a web of biodiversity while avoiding constraints for agricultural production.</p>

scholarly journals INFLUÊNCIA DA COMPACTAÇÃO E DO CULTIVO DE SOJA NOS ATRIBUTOS FÍSICOS E NA CONDUTIVIDADE HIDRÁULICA EM LATOSSOLO VERMELHO

Irriga ◽  
2003 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 242-249 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amauri Nelson Beutler ◽  
José Frederico Centurion ◽  
Cassiano Garcia Roque ◽  
Zigomar Menezes de Souza
Keyword(s):  
Hydraulic Conductivity ◽  
Bulk Density ◽  
Soil Compaction ◽  
Soil Surface ◽  
Total Porosity ◽  
Soil Condition ◽  
Agricultural Science ◽  
Water Infiltration ◽  
Loose Soil ◽  
Physical Attributes

INFLUÊNCIA DA COMPACTAÇÃO E DO CULTIVO DE SOJA NOS ATRIBUTOS FÍSICOS E NA CONDUTIVIDADE HIDRÁULICA EM LATOSSOLO VERMELHO   Amauri Nelson BeutlerJosé Frederico CenturionCassiano Garcia RoqueZigomar Menezes de SouzaDepartamento de Solos e Adubos, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Jaboticabal, SP. CEP 14870-000. E-mail: [email protected], [email protected]  1 RESUMO              Este estudo teve como objetivo determinar a influência da compactação e do cultivo de soja nos atributos físicos e na condutividade hidráulica de um Latossolo Vermelho de textura média. O experimento foi conduzido na Universidade Estadual Paulista – Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, Jaboticabal (SP). Os tratamentos foram: 0, 1, 2, 4 e 6 passadas de um trator, uma ao lado da outra perfazendo toda a superfície do solo, com quatro repetições. O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente casualizado para a condutividade hidráulica e, em esquema fatorial 5 x 2 para os atributos físicos. Foram coletadas amostras de solo nas faixas de profundidades de 0,02-0,05; 0,07-0,10 e 0,15-0,18 m, por ocasião da semeadura e após a colheita para determinação da densidade do solo, porosidade total, macro e microporosidade do solo. A condutividade hidráulica do solo foi determinada após a colheita. O tempo entre a semeadura e a colheita de soja foi suficiente para aumentar a compactação do solo apenas na condição de solo solto. A compactação do solo reduziu a condutividade hidráulica em relação a condição natural (mata) e a condição de solo solto, sendo que esta não foi reduzida, após a primeira passagem, com o aumento no número de passagens.  UNITERMOS: Densidade do solo, porosidade do solo, infiltração de água, soja.  BEUTLER, A. N.; CENTURION, J. F.; ROQUE, C. G.; SOUZA, Z. M. COMPACTION AND SOYBEAN GROW INFLUENCE ON PHYSICAL ATTRIBUTES AND  HYDRAULIC CONDUCTIVITY IN RED LATOSSOL SOIL   2 ABSTRACT  The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of compaction and soybean grow on physical attributes and hydraulic conductivity of a Red Latossol, medium texture soil. The experiment was carried out in the experimental farm at the Paulista State University  – Agricultural Science College, Jaboticabal – São Paulo state. The treatments were 0, 1, 2, 4 and 6 side-by-side tractor strides on the soil surface with four replications. The experimental design was completely randomized for hydraulic conductivity and a 5 x 2 factorial design for soil physical attributes. Soil samples have been collected at 0.02-0.05, 0.07-0.10 and 0.15-0.18 m depth at sowing season and after harvest in order to determine soil bulk density, total porosity, macro and micro porosity. Soil hydraulic conductivity was determined after harvest. The time period between the soybean sowing and harvesting was enough to increase soil compaction only in loose soil condition. Soil compaction reduced hydraulic conductivity compared to the natural (forest) and loose soil condition  KEYWORDS: Bulk density, soil porosity, water infiltration, soybean.

scholarly journals Uses of different techniques for the production of sustainable soil and food

2020 ◽  
Vol 2 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sahrish Khan ◽  
Abdul Waris
Keyword(s):  
Adverse Effect ◽  
Disease Management ◽  
Soil Fertility ◽  
Crop Production ◽  
Soil Structure ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
New Technology ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Soil Condition ◽  
Plant Disease Management

Due to increase in the population which is estimated that the human papulation will increased 9.7 billion in 2050. There is also increase the demands of the food productions. That’s why there is need to solve the problems regarding to the production of the food. Major problem of the food production is the shortage of the land due to the low and bad soil structure and quality of the soil. Soil erosion is one of the main issue which is caused  due to the used of different chemicals, pesticides and fertilizers which are mainly used for the  plant growth and protection but they are the main reasons of the production of the pollution in the soil. There is need of the different new technology for the improvement of the soil structure, quality, its fertility and decontamination of pollution from the soil which are eco-friendly to the environment and have no adverse effect. In this study the role of the different techniques in which genetic engineering, Nano technologies, soil and crop management strategies, integrated pest control management strategies, sustainable remediation techniques, microbial management strategies and the different management stairgates. All these techniques aim to the production of the plants and microbes which are effective against plant disease management. The aim of the use nano agrochemicals and nano sensors for sensing environmental and pathogen conditions against disease management. The aim of the paper to provide the production of the disease resistance plant and the provide balanced nutrients supplements to the soil for the improvement of the soil condition and its fertility. These techniques have economic importance due to the use of the nano agrochemicals which are low cost and have effective and reduce the use of the chemicals substances which have negative effect on the  soil fertility.. There are sustainable remediations techniques also discussed which are used for the decontamination of the soil pollution. In this study the main focus on the improve and increase soil fertility which enhance the growth of the plants as well the production of the crop production. The production of the stress and degradation resistance microbes which is important factor for the protection of the soil from degradation or contamination. All the techniques which are used in this paper have no adverse effect they are helpful in the tolerance of the stress conditions.

Initial aggregate formation: Disentangling the effects of soil texture, OM properties and microbial community using artificial model soils

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Franziska B. Bucka ◽  
Vincent J.M.N.L. Felde ◽  
Stephan Peth ◽  
Ingrid Kögel-Knabner
Keyword(s):  
Microbial Community ◽  
Specific Surface ◽  
Structure Formation ◽  
Surface Area ◽  
Specific Surface Area ◽  
Soil Structure ◽  
Mechanical Stability ◽  
Aggregate Formation ◽  
Water Stable Aggregates ◽  
Mineral Particles

&lt;p&gt;The interaction between mineral particles and organic matter (OM) is an important and complex process in the course of soil structure formation. For a better understanding it is necessary to disentangle the texture-dependent interplay of individual OM types and mineral particles. We developed an experimental set-up to study early aggregate formation within a controlled lab environment. Artificial soil microcosms with a mineral mixture resembling arable soils of three different textures (clay loam, loam and sandy loam) were used in a short-term, 30-day incubation experiment under constant water-tension. OM was added individually either as plant litter (POM) of two different sizes (0.63-2 mm and &lt; 63 &amp;#181;m, respectively) or bacterial necromass (Bacillus subtilis). The mechanisms of soil structure formation were investigated by isolating water-stable aggregates after the incubation, analyzing their mechanical stability and organic carbon allocation, and measuring the specific surface area and OM covers of the mineral surface, microbial activity, and community structure.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The dry mixing process and incubation of the mineral mixtures led to particle-particle interactions and fine particle coatings of the sand grains as shown by a reduction of the specific surface area. The OM input of all types caused between 3 to 17% of the mineral surfaces to be covered by OM, with larger covered areas in the clay-rich mixtures. The added OM was quickly accessed and degraded by microbes, as shown by the peak in CO&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt;-release within the first 10 days of the incubation. The POM of both sizes induced the predominant formation of water-stable macroaggregates (0.63-30 mm) with a mass contribution of 72 to 91% (irrespective of texture) and fostered the development of a microbial community with a high relative abundance of fungi. The bacterial necromass induced the formation of macroaggregates, but also microaggregates (63-200 &amp;#181;m), while the microbial community was dominated by bacteria. The mechanical stability analysis showed that very small forces &lt; 4 N were sufficient for aggregate failure and breakdown to 80% of the original aggregate size.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;We propose that the microbial degradation of all OM types leads to small, distinct OM clusters consisting of OM substrate, microbes, and extracellular polymeric substances. These interact with mineral particles, resulting in the cross-linking of particles and formation of water-stable aggregates in all textures. The OM can thereby act both as microbial substrate and as structural building block. The initially formed aggregates are a loosely connected scaffold with a very low mechanical stability. Differences in the developed microbial community may lead to additional stabilization mechanisms, like fungal hyphae enmeshing and stabilizing larger aggregates also in sandy texture.&lt;/p&gt;

scholarly journals Factors Determining Soil Water Repellency in Two Coniferous Plantations on a Hillslope

Forests ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (9) ◽  
pp. 730 ◽  
Author(s):  
Moein Farahnak ◽  
Keiji Mitsuyasu ◽  
Kyoichi Otsuki ◽  
Kuniyoshi Shimizu ◽  
Atsushi Kume
Keyword(s):  
Soil Water ◽  
Overland Flow ◽  
Soil Aggregates ◽  
Aggregate Size ◽  
Water Repellency ◽  
Soil Aggregate ◽  
Water Infiltration ◽  
Soil Water Repellency ◽  
Tree Cutting ◽  
Coniferous Plantations

Soil water repellency (SWR) is a cause of low water infiltration, overland flow and soil erosion in mountainous coniferous plantations in Japan. The factors determining SWR intensity were investigated in two coniferous plantations of Chamaecyparis obtusa (Siebold et Zucc.) Endl. and Cryptomeria japonica (L.f.) D. Don, using intact tree plots and cut tree plots on the same hillslope. The SWR of Ch. obtusa plots was stronger than that of Cr. japonica plots. SWR intensity decreased after tree cutting. There were no significant differences in SWR upslope and downslope of individual trees/stumps for both tree species, though areas downslope of individual Ch. obtusa trees had higher SWR intensity than those upslope. SWR intensity and soil aggregate stability were positively correlated in the Ch. obtusa intact tree plot (r = 0.88, p < 0.01), whereas in the cut tree plot, this correlation was weak with no significance (r = 0.29, p = 0.41). Soil aggregate size had a non-significant influence on SWR intensity. These findings suggest that SWR intensity was not related to the soil aggregate size, but SWR intensity seemed have a role in soil aggregation in the Ch. obtusa intact tree plot. Destruction of soil aggregates could occur after tree cutting because of physical disturbances or increased input of different types of organic matter from other vegetation into soil. The presence of Ch. obtusa introduces a source of SWR, although uncertainty remains about how water repellency is distributed around soil aggregates. The distribution pattern of soil water content and soil hydraulic conductivity around Cr. japonica was related to other factors such as the litter layer and non-water-repellant soil.

scholarly journals Effect of Biochar Application Depth on Crop Productivity Under Tropical Rainfed Conditions

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (13) ◽  
pp. 2602 ◽  
Author(s):  
Juana P. Moiwo ◽  
Alusine Wahab ◽  
Emmanuel Kangoma ◽  
Mohamed M. Blango ◽  
Mohamed P. Ngegba ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Upland Rice ◽  
Tropical Soils ◽  
Rice Cultivar ◽  
Crop Productivity ◽  
Mineral Fertilizers ◽  
Root Penetration ◽  
Food Ration ◽  
Sustainable Food ◽  
Rainfed Conditions ◽  
Application Depth

Although inherently fertile, tropical soils rapidly degrade soon after cultivation. The period of time for which crops, mulch, compost, and manure provide nutrients and maintain mineral fertilizers in the soil is relatively short. Biochar, on the other hand, has the potential to maintain soil fertility and sequester carbon for hundreds or even thousands of years. This study determined the effect of biochar application depth on the productivity of NERICA-4 upland rice cultivar under tropical rainfed conditions. A fixed biochar–soil ratio of 1:20 (5% biochar) was applied in three depths—10 cm (TA), 20 cm (TB), and 30 cm (TC) with a non-biochar treatment (CK) as the control. The study showed that while crop productivity increased, root penetration depth decreased with increasing biochar application depth. Soil moisture was highest under TA (probably due to water logging in sunken-bed plots that formed after treatment) and lowest under TC (due to runoff over the raised-bed plots that formed too). Grain yield for the biochar treatments was 391.01–570.45 kg/ha (average of 480.21 kg/ha), with the potential to reach 576.47–780.57 kg/ha (average of 695.73 kg/ha) if contingent field conditions including pest damage and runoff can be prevented. By quantifying the effect of externalities on the field experiment, the study showed that biochar can enhance crop productivity. This was good for sustainable food production and for taking hungry Africa off the donor-driven food ration the nation barely survives on.

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