scholarly journals EVALUATION OF SOIL QUALITY PARAMETERS IN SILVOARABLE SYSTEMS

AGROFOR ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria KOKKORA ◽  
Michael VRAHNAKIS ◽  
Vassiliki KLEFTOYANNI
Keyword(s):  
Soil Quality ◽  
Organic Matter Content ◽  
C Sequestration ◽  
Agroforestry Systems ◽  
Quality Parameters ◽  
Matter Content ◽  
Tree Canopy ◽  
Soil Parameters ◽  
Available Phosphorus ◽  
Research Areas

Agroforestry is considered a sustainable cultivating methodology in comparison to intensified and one-dimension agriculture, resulting in higher yields, socioeconomic benefits and environmental protection as well. The silvoarable systems constitute classification of the agroforestry systems that involve crops and trees in the same spatiotemporal scales. One of the most important benefits related to the productivity of silvoarable systems is the maintenance or improvement of soil quality. In the present study, qualitative characteristics of soils in traditional silvoarable systems in the area of Mouzaki, central Greece, were studied through the determination of basic soil parameters, including the organic matter content, total nitrogen, exchangeable potassium and available phosphorus. All systems under investigation were characterised as boundary hedgerows (livefences). The trees in the hedgerows may include mulberry, wild pear, wild walnut, and other wild tree types typical of the Mouzaki landscape, whereas the understorey crops were both arable and horticultural. Within the research areas, the effect of the trees on the concentration of the selected soil parameters was investigated. Soil samples were collected in all systems at two depths (0-30 and 30-60 cm) and at three distances from the selected trees, corresponding to half, twice, triple or quadruple the tree canopy width. The results of the research provided evidence of C sequestration in all soils under investigation, thus indicating the positive effect of agroforestry systems on the environment.

scholarly journals Exploring Momardica Charantia Leaves as Biopesticide Against Mealy Bugs: A Comparative Study

2020 ◽  
pp. 94-98
Author(s):  
Vandana Gupta ◽  
Sonal Deshmukh
Keyword(s):  
Organic Matter ◽  
Azadirachta Indica ◽  
Organic Matter Content ◽  
Matter Content ◽  
Soil Parameters ◽  
Test Plant ◽  
Available Phosphorus ◽  
Neem Leaves ◽  
Chemical Pesticide ◽  
Plant Characteristics

A pesticide is a substance used for controlling pests that damage the crops. Azadirachta indica (Neem) is widely studied and commercially used as a biopesticide against various pests. The present study aims to explore Momardica charantia (Bitter gourd) leaves as a biopesticide and compare its effectiveness with the Azadirachta indica (Neem) leaves and chemical pesticide (Admire). The test plant used for study is Hibiscus rosa-sinensis infected with Red Hibiscus mealy bug. Soil parameters (pH, conductivity, organic matter content, available potassium and available phosphorus) and plant characteristics (height, leaves count, flowering and chlorophyll content) of all test plants under study were estimated and compared. The soil parameter like pH showed no changes in control and treated plants while organic matter, available potassium and available phosphorus comparatively showed slight increase in concentration in plants treated with all pesticides. The plant characteristics viz. height, leaf count and branching showed improvement in growth after treatment with pesticides.All the pesticides under study were capable to kill mealy bugs in one month. Even though the biopesticidal property of Momardicacharantia leaves was found to be less as compared to Azadirachta indica leaves and chemical pesticide (Admire), it can be used effectively to control mealy bugs infecting Hibiscus plant.

scholarly journals Application of soil quality indices to assess the status of agricultural soils irrigated with treated wastewaters

Solid Earth ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 119-127 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Morugán-Coronado ◽  
V. Arcenegui ◽  
F. García-Orenes ◽  
J. Mataix-Solera ◽  
J. Mataix-Beneyto
Keyword(s):  
Soil Properties ◽  
Soil Quality ◽  
Agricultural Soils ◽  
Organic Matter Content ◽  
Matter Content ◽  
Treated Wastewater ◽  
Soil Parameters ◽  
Quality Indices ◽  
Se Spain ◽  
Study Sites

Abstract. The supply of water is limited in some parts of the Mediterranean region, such as southeastern Spain. The use of treated wastewater for the irrigation of agricultural soils is an alternative to using better-quality water, especially in semi-arid regions. On the other hand, this practice can modify some soil properties, change their relationships and influence soil quality. In this work two soil quality indices were used to evaluate the effects of irrigation with treated wastewater in soils. The indices were developed studying different soil properties in undisturbed soils in SE Spain, and the relationships between soil parameters were established using multiple linear regressions. These indices represent the balance reached among properties in "steady state" soils. This study was carried out in four study sites from SE Spain irrigated with wastewater, including four study sites. The results showed slight changes in some soil properties as a consequence of irrigation with wastewater, the obtained levels not being dangerous for agricultural soils, and in some cases they could be considered as positive from an agronomical point of view. In one of the study sites, and as a consequence of the low quality wastewater used, a relevant increase in soil organic matter content was observed, as well as modifications in most of the soil properties. The application of soil quality indices indicated that all the soils of study sites are in a state of disequilibrium regarding the relationships between properties independent of the type of water used. However, there were no relevant differences in the soil quality indices between soils irrigated with wastewater with respect to their control sites for all except one of the sites, which corresponds to the site where low quality wastewater was used.

scholarly journals Application of soil quality indices to assess the status of agricultural soils irrigated with treated wastewaters

2012 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 1485-1509
Author(s):  
A. Morugán-Coronado ◽  
V. Arcenegui ◽  
F. García-Orenes ◽  
J. Mataix-Solera ◽  
J. Mataix-Beneyto
Keyword(s):  
Soil Properties ◽  
Soil Quality ◽  
Agricultural Soils ◽  
Organic Matter Content ◽  
Matter Content ◽  
Treated Wastewater ◽  
Soil Parameters ◽  
Quality Indices ◽  
Se Spain ◽  
Study Sites

Abstract. The supply of water is limited in some parts of the Mediterranean region, such as southeastern Spain. The use of treated wastewater for the irrigation of agricultural soils is an alternative to using better-quality water, especially in semi-arid regions. On the other hand, this practice can modify some soil properties, change their relationships, the equilibrium reached and influence soil quality. In this work two soil quality indices were used to evaluate the effects of irrigation with treated wastewater in soils. The indices were developed studying different soil properties in undisturbed soils in SE Spain, and the relationships between soil parameters were established using multiple linear regressions. This study was carried out in three areas of Alicante Province (SE Spain) irrigated with wastewater, including four study sites. The results showed slight changes in some soil properties as a consequence of irrigation with wastewater, the obtained levels not being dangerous for agricultural soils, and in some cases they could be considered as positive from an agronomical point of view. In one of the study sites, and as a consequence of the low quality wastewater used, a relevant increase in soil organic matter content was observed, as well as modifications in most of the soil properties. The application of soil quality indices indicated that all the soils of study sites are in a state of disequilibrium regarding the relationships between properties independent of the type of water used. However, there were no relevant differences in the soil quality indices between soils irrigated with wastewater with respect to their control sites for all except one of the sites, which corresponds to the site where low quality wastewater was used.

Physico-Chemical Properties of Soil Collected from Chandrabhaga River in Kalmeshwar, Nagpur, Maharashtra

2020 ◽  
Vol 07 (02) ◽  
pp. 1-3
Author(s):  
Amita M Watkar ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Organic Matter ◽  
Soil Quality ◽  
Agricultural Land ◽  
Organic Matter Content ◽  
Chemical Properties ◽  
Matter Content ◽  
Soil Attributes ◽  
Essential Components ◽  
Agricultural Land Management ◽  
Physical And Chemical

Soil, itself means Soul of Infinite Life. Soil is the naturally occurring unconsolidated or loose covering on the earth’s surface. Physical properties depend upon the amount, size, shape, arrangement, and mineral composition of soil particles. It also depends on the organic matter content and pore spaces. Chemical properties depend on the Inorganic and organic matter present in the soil. Soils are the essential components of the environment and foundation resources for nearly all types of land use, besides being the most important component of sustainable agriculture. Therefore, assessment of soil quality and its direction of change with time is an ideal and primary indicator of sustainable agricultural land management. Soil quality indicators refer to measurable soil attributes that influence the capacity of a soil to function, within the limits imposed by the ecosystem, to preserve biological productivity and environmental quality and promote plant, animal and human health. The present study is to assess these soil attributes such as physical and chemical properties season-wise.

scholarly journals Exploring the Functional Strategies Adopted by Coastal Plants Along an Ecological Gradient Using Morpho-functional Traits

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniela Ciccarelli ◽  
Cleusa Bona
Keyword(s):  
C4 Photosynthesis ◽  
Abiotic Factors ◽  
Species Abundance ◽  
Organic Matter Content ◽  
Matter Content ◽  
Strong Interactions ◽  
Soil Parameters ◽  
Dry Matter Content ◽  
Ecological Gradient ◽  
Ecological Conditions

AbstractCoastal dunes are characterised by strong interactions between biotic and abiotic factors along a short gradient from the shoreline to the inland region. We carried out an ecological analysis of the vegetation in a protected area of the Italian coast to evaluate the relationships among species abundance, the occurrence of morphoanatomical traits related to leaves, stems, and roots, and soil variables. Three transects were established perpendicular to the shoreline, with 27 plots distributed in the frontal dunes, backdunes, and temporarily wet dune slacks. An analysis based on community-weighted mean values showed that the pioneer communities of the frontal dunes were dominated by ruderals that are well adapted to the harsh ecological conditions of these environments, showing succulent leaves, high limb thickness values, and low values for leaf dry matter content (LDMC). The backdune vegetation was a mosaic of annual herbaceous and perennial shrub communities showing both ruderal and stress-tolerant strategies (clonality, sclerified leaves, high LDMC values, root phenolics) consistent with less extreme ecological conditions. The dune slack areas were dominated by plants showing adaptations to both arid and flooded environments, such as C4 photosynthesis, amphistomatic leaves, and abundant aerenchyma in the roots. The invasive status, C4 photosynthesis, leaf trichomes, and aerenchyma in the roots were significantly correlated with soil humidity, organic matter content, and pH. These results demonstrate the usefulness of anatomical traits (including root system traits) in understanding the functional strategies adopted by plants. Invasive species tended to occupy plots with high levels of soil moisture, suggesting an avoidance strategy for the harsh environmental conditions of coastal sand dunes. Finally, we suggest including information regarding root systems into coastal monitoring programs because they are directly linked to soil parameters useful in coastal dune management and protection.

scholarly journals Assessment of Potato Farmland Soil Nutrient Based on MDS-SQI Model in the Loess Plateau

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (7) ◽  
pp. 3957
Author(s):  
Yingying Xing ◽  
Ning Wang ◽  
Xiaoli Niu ◽  
Wenting Jiang ◽  
Xiukang Wang
Keyword(s):  
Organic Matter ◽  
Soil Organic Matter ◽  
Soil Fertility ◽  
Soil Quality ◽  
Soil Nutrients ◽  
Organic Matter Content ◽  
Soil Nutrient ◽  
Matter Content ◽  
Soil Organic Matter Content ◽  
Farmland Soil

Soil nutrients are essential nutrients provided by soil for plant growth. Most researchers focus on the coupling effect of nutrients with potato yield and quality. There are few studies on the evaluation of soil nutrients in potato fields. The purpose of this study is to investigate the soil nutrients of potato farmland and the soil vertical nutrient distributions, and then to provide a theoretical and experimental basis for the fertilizer management practices for potatoes in Loess Plateau. Eight physical and chemical soil indexes were selected in the study area, and 810 farmland soil samples from the potato agriculture product areas were analyzed in Northern Shaanxi. The paper established the minimum data set (MDS) for the quality diagnosis of the cultivated layer for farmland by principal component analysis (PCA), respectively, and furthermore, analyzed the soil nutrient characteristics of the cultivated layer adopted soil quality index (SQI). The results showed that the MDS on soil quality diagnosis of the cultivated layer for farmland soil included such indicators as the soil organic matter content, soil available potassium content, and soil available phosphorus content. The comprehensive index value of the soil quality was between 0.064 and 0.302. The SPSS average clustering process used to classify SQI was divided into three grades: class I (36.2%) was defined as suitable soil fertility (SQI < 0.122), class II (55.6%) was defined as moderate soil fertility (0.122 < SQI < 0.18), and class III (8.2%) was defined as poor soil fertility (SQI > 0.186). The comprehensive quality of the potato farmland soils was generally low. The proportion of soil nutrients in the SQI composition ranged from large to small as the soil available potassium content = soil available phosphorus content > soil organic matter content, which became the limiting factor of the soil organic matter content in this area. This study revolves around the 0 to 60 cm soil layer; the soil fertility decreased gradually with the soil depth, and had significant differences between the respective soil layers. In order to improve the soil nutrient accumulation and potato yield in potato farmland in northern Shaanxi, it is suggested to increase the fertilization depth (20 to 40 cm) and further study the ratio of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium fertilizer.

scholarly journals Distribution of Taraxacum microspecies along soil property gradients in salt and brackish meadows on the Polish Baltic coast

2019 ◽  
Vol 78 (1) ◽  
pp. 35-45 ◽  
Author(s):  
Beata Bosiacka ◽  
Helena Więcław ◽  
Paweł Marciniuk ◽  
Marek Podlasiński
Keyword(s):  
Organic Matter ◽  
Soil Fertility ◽  
Soil Property ◽  
C:N Ratio ◽  
Organic Matter Content ◽  
Matter Content ◽  
Soil Parameters ◽  
Vegetation Patterns ◽  
Baltic Coast ◽  
Coastal Meadows

Abstract The vegetation of protected salt meadows along the Baltic coast is fairly well known; however, dandelions have been so far treated as a collective species. The aim of our study was to examine the microspecies diversity of the genus Taraxacum in Polish salt and brackish coastal meadows and to analyse soil property preferences of the dandelion microspecies identified. In addition, we analysed the relations between soil properties and vegetation patterns in dandelion-supporting coastal meadows (by canonical correspondence analysis). The salt and brackish meadows along the Polish Baltic coast we visited were found to support a total of 27 dandelion microspecies representing 5 sections. Analysis of vegetation patterns showed all the soil parameters (C:N ratio, organic matter content, pH, concentration of Mg, P, K, electrolytic conductivity of the saturated soil extract ECe) to explain 32.07% of the total variance in the species data. The maximum abundance of most dandelion microspecies was associated with the highest soil fertility, moderate pH values and organic matter content, and with the lowest magnesium content and soil salinity. The exceptions were T. latissimum, T. stenoglossum, T. pulchrifolium and T. lucidum the occur-rence of which was related to the lowest soil fertility and the highest salinity. In addition, several microspecies (T. leptodon, T. gentile, T. haematicum, T. fusciflorum and T. balticum) were observed at moderate C:N ratios and ECe. Four other microspecies (T. infestum, T. cordatum, T. hamatum, T. sertatum) occurred at the lowest pH and organic matter content. The information obtained increases the still insufficient body of knowledge on ecological spectra of individual dandelion microspecies, hence their potential indicator properties.

scholarly journals Effects on nutrient availability in agricultural soils following the application of slurry amended with additives

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vito Abbruzzese
Keyword(s):  
Nutrient Availability ◽  
Agricultural Soils ◽  
Sandy Loam ◽  
Organic Matter Content ◽  
Farming Systems ◽  
Matter Content ◽  
Soil Parameters ◽  
Mineral N ◽  
Total N ◽  
Inorganic Fertiliser

In many farm systems, both inorganic and organic fertilisers, including manure and slurry, are applied to the soil to replenish nutrient offtake in agricultural products and additional nutrient losses to soil as well as surface water and groundwater. With respect to sole reliance on inorganic fertilisers, the use of manure/slurry as a nutrient resource offers important benefits, including the reuse and recycling of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) within farming systems as well as a reduction in the reliance on agricultural production on finite inorganic fertiliser reserves. There is increasing interest in the extent to which additives can enhance the nutrient value of slurry/manure. However, little is known about the impacts of these amended slurries/manures on the quantity and composition of N and P within agricultural and pasture soils. We report data from incubation experiments in which soils received a range of treatments, including the application of livestock slurry that had received a mixture of commercial additives. Our experiments were designed to understand how slurry that has received additives ultimately affects nutrient availability in organic, clay-loam and sandy-loam grassland soils. The addition of the additives to slurry resulted in a slight increase or no difference in total solids, pH, total N, ammonium-N, total P, total potassium, total magnesium and total sodium compared to the untreated counterpart. We considered the effects of our treatments on a range of agronomically important soil parameters, including Olsen-P, mineral-N, available-K, pH and organic matter content. This experiment aimed to understand the extent to which soil fertility could be enhanced through the application of slurries/manures that have received additives. The application of both amended and unamended slurry treatments on soil led to higher values of NH4-N, available-K, available Mg and pH than the addition of inorganic fertiliser. In addition, no substantial differences were observed between the treatment of the three soils with unamended and amended slurry.

scholarly journals Municipal Sewage Sludge application on cotton cultivations. Effect on yields soil chemical properties and heavy metal concentrations

2019 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Sewage Sludge ◽  
Soil Properties ◽  
Agricultural Soils ◽  
Organic Matter Content ◽  
Chemical Properties ◽  
Matter Content ◽  
Municipal Sewage ◽  
Municipal Sewage Sludge ◽  
Available Phosphorus ◽  
Cotton Yield

<p>Application of municipal sewage sludge (MSS) to agricultural soils is a current practice in EU. European legislation permits its use in agriculture when concentrations of metals in soil do not exceed the maximum permissible limits. In order to study the influence of MSS on cotton yield and soil properties, a filed experiment was conducted in a soil classified as Typic Xerochrepts located in Lamia area, central Greece, for two consecutive years. The experimental design was complete randomized blocks with four treatments: Control (C ), inorganic fertilization (IF), application of 6000 dry kg ha-1 MSS, and 10000 dry SS kg ha-1, each replicated 4 times. The results showed that MSS application in both rates, increased significantly cotton yield compared to control equally to inorganic fertilization. Soil properties, at the end of the second year of MSS application, were significantly affected by MSS application in a positive way i.e. pH decreased slightly, but organic matter content, available phosphorus, total nitrogen concentrations exchangeable potassium and available zinc and copper increased significantly. The potentially toxic elements lead, chromium, and nickel were not significantly affected by MSS application in both application rates compared to control.</p>

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