scholarly journals Response of Cocoyam (Xanthosoma mafafa) Growth, Yield Parameters and Soil Physical Properties of Ultisol at Umudike, Southeastern Nigeria

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Iroegbu, Chidinma S ◽  
Asawalam, Damian O ◽  
O. A. Dada ◽  
J. E. Orji
Keyword(s):  
Physical Properties ◽  
Bulk Density ◽  
Leaf Area ◽  
Plant Height ◽  
Poultry Manure ◽  
Total Porosity ◽  
Soil Bulk Density ◽  
Soil Physical Properties ◽  
Southeastern Nigeria ◽  
Number Of Leaves

Aim: To determine the effect of different rates of sawdust (SD) and poultry manure (PM) applied on some soil physical properties of acid sandy Ultisol, and some growth parameters and yield of cocoyam. Study Design: 2 x 5 factorial arrangement in a randomized complete block design replicated three times.  Place and Duration of Study: The experiment was conducted in Eastern farm of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike during 2014 and 2015 planting seasons. Methodology: The treatments comprised of two manure sources at five levels each: sawdust (0, 2, 10, 15 and 20t/ha) and poultry manure (0, 2, 4, 6 and 8t/ha). The treatments were assigned randomly to the plots and incorporated into the soil two weeks before planting. Data were collected on plant height, number of leaves, leaf area, corms, cormels and total yield. Soil samples were collected with core samplers for physical properties such as Soil Bulk density and Total Porosity. All the data collected were subjected to ANOVA for factorial experiment in RCBD at 5% probability level. Results: The result showed that the interactions of poultry manure and sawdust significantly (p<0.05) improved soil bulk density and total porosity with the lowest value obtained with 0t/ha SD + 8t/ha PM in both 2014 and 2015. The result showed that the interactions of poultry manure and sawdust significantly (p<0.05) increased the leaf area with the highest value obtained with 20t/ha SD + 8t/ha PM in both 2014 and 2015. Also, only the increasing rates of treatment applied significantly (p<0.05) increased the number of leaves, plant height, leaf area and cocoyam yield with the highest value obtained with 20t/ha SD + 8t/ha PM. Also, the various rates of treatment application significantly (p<0.05) increased the cocoyam yield (weight of corms and cormels) with the highest value obtained with 20t/ha SD + 8t/ha PM. Conclusion: Improvement in growth and yield of cocoyam resulted from the improved nutrient status of the soil as a result of the amendments applied.

scholarly journals Effects of Ground-Based Skidding on Soil Physical Properties in Skid Trail Switchbacks

2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (2) ◽  
pp. 341-350
Author(s):  
Ahmad Solgi ◽  
Ramin Naghdi ◽  
Eric K. Zenner ◽  
Petros A. Tsioras ◽  
Vahid Hemmati
Keyword(s):  
Physical Properties ◽  
Bulk Density ◽  
Soil Compaction ◽  
Deflection Angle ◽  
Total Porosity ◽  
Soil Bulk Density ◽  
Soil Physical Properties ◽  
Careful Consideration ◽  
Mountainous Terrain ◽  
Straight Segments

Effective skid-trail design requires a solid understanding of vehicle-soil interactions, yet virtually no data exist on the effects of harvest traffic on soils in the switchback curves common in mountainous terrain. We contrast for the first time the effect of skidding on dry bulk density, total porosity, macroporosity, and microporosity in the straight segments of the skid trail and in various positions within switchbacks of differing trail curvature (deflection angle) on different slope gradients. Treatment plots with three replications included combinations of two classes of curvature (narrow = high deflection angle, 60–70°; wide = low deflection angle, 110–130°) and two categories of slope gradient (gentle = ≤20%; steep = &gt;20%). The Cambisol soil was sampled in control and trafficked areas both before and after three passes with a rubber-tired skidder. After only three passes, significant effects were seen for dry soil bulk density (+), total porosity (–), macroporosity (–), and microporosity (+), with steady trends from undisturbed controls to straight segments to wide curves to narrow curves. Soil damage increased gradually and consistently toward the apex of the curve, particularly in narrow curves on gentle slopes. Our results establish that curvature and switchback position are important factors affecting soil compaction in ground skidding. The strong observed effects of even low harvest traffic volume on soil physical properties in curves indicate that the degree of soil compaction in skid trails may be underestimated in areas with numerous switchbacks, the placement of which within a skid trail system may require careful consideration on mountainous terrain.

scholarly journals Impact of Poultry Manure and NPK Fertilizer On Soil Physical Properties and Growth and Yield of Carrot

2017 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 81-88 ◽  
Author(s):  
Taiwo Michael Agbede ◽  
Aruna Olasekan Adekiya ◽  
Ehiokhilen Kevin Eifediyi
Keyword(s):  
Physical Properties ◽  
Plant Height ◽  
Control Plant ◽  
Poultry Manure ◽  
Soil Physical Properties ◽  
Growth And Yield ◽  
Root Yield ◽  
Number Of Leaves ◽  
Npk Fertilizer ◽  
Fresh Root

AbstractA field experiment was conducted in the forest-savanna transition zone of Nigeria from May to July 2014 and September to November 2015 to determine the impacts of poultry manure (PM) and NPK fertilizer on soil physical properties, and growth and yield of carrot (Daucus carota L.). The five treatments included no manure or fertilizer (control); 10, 20, and 30 megagrams (Mg)·ha-1of PM; and 300 kg·ha-1of 15 N-15 P-15 K fertilizer. All levels of PM reduced soil bulk density and temperature, and improved total porosity and moisture content compared to the NPK fertilizer and the control. Plant height, number of leaves, root diameter, root length, and fresh root yield in the PM and NPK fertilizer treatments were improved compared to the control. Growth and yield parameters of carrot plants treated with 20 and 30 Mg·ha-1PM were higher than the other treatments. The 10 Mg·ha-1PM and NPK fertilizer treatments produced similar growth and yield responses. There was an interaction for year (Y) × fertilizer (F) on plant height, number of leaves, and fresh root yield. Relative to the control 10, 20, or 30 Mg·ha-1PM and NPK fertilizer increased fresh root yield of carrot by 39.9%, 62.0%, 64.9%, and 37.3%, respectively. The 20 Mg·ha-1PM treatment best improved soil properties and carrot productivity as indicated by the benefit-to-cost ratio.

scholarly journals Variations in selected soil physical properties with landforms and slope within an inland valley ecosystem in Ashanti region of Ghana

2011 ◽  
Vol 6 (No. 2) ◽  
pp. 73-82 ◽  
Author(s):  
S.E. Obalum ◽  
J.C. Nwite ◽  
J. Oppong ◽  
C.A. Igwe ◽  
T. Wakatsuki
Keyword(s):  
Particle Size ◽  
Moisture Content ◽  
Particle Size Distribution ◽  
Physical Properties ◽  
Bulk Density ◽  
Site Selection ◽  
Total Porosity ◽  
Soil Physical Properties ◽  
Silt Fraction ◽  
Inland Valley

One peculiar feature of the inland valleys abundant in West Africa is their site-specific hydrology, underlain mainly by the prevailing landforms and topography. Development and management of these land resources under the increasingly popular sawah (a system of bunded, puddled and levelled rice field with facilities for irrigation and drainage) technology is a promising opportunity for enhancing rice (Oryza sativa L.) production in the region. Information on the variations in selected soil physical properties as influenced by the prevailing landforms may serve as a useful guide in site selection. This is of practical importance since majority of the inland valleys are potentially unsuitable for sawah development and most farmers in the region are of low technical level. Three landforms (river levee, elevated area and depressed area) were identified within a sawah field located in an inland valley at Ahafo Ano South District of Ghana. Each of these landforms was topsoil-sampled along on identified gradient (top, mid and bottom slope positions). Parameters determined included particle size distribution, bulk density, total porosity and field moisture content. The soil is predominantly clayey. There were no variations in the particle size distribution among the slope positions in the river levee. Overall, the river levee had lower silt content than the elevated and the depressed landforms. The bulk density, total porosity, and gravimetric moisture content indicated relative improvements only in the depressed area in the order, bottom &gt; mid &gt; top slope. Irrespective of slope position, the three landforms differed in these parameters in the order, depressed &gt; river levee &gt; elevated. The sand fraction impacted negatively on the silt fraction and bulk density of the soil, both of which controlled the soil moisture status. Despite the fairly low silt content of the soil, the silt fraction strongly influenced the gravimetric moisture content (R<sup>2</sup> = 0.80). So too did the soil bulk density on the gravimetric moisture content (R<sup>2</sup> = 0.90). It is concluded that: (1) since the landforms more prominently influenced the measured parameters than the slope positions, the former should take pre-eminence over the latter in soil suitability judgment; (2) with respect to moisture retention, variations in silt fraction and bulk density of this and other clayey inland-valley soils should be used as guide in site selection for sawah development.

scholarly journals Short and long-term effects of tillage systems and nutrient sources on soil physical properties of a Southern Brazilian Hapludox

2008 ◽  
Vol 32 (4) ◽  
pp. 1437-1446 ◽  
Author(s):  
Milton da Veiga ◽  
Dalvan José Reinert ◽  
José Miguel Reichert ◽  
Douglas Rodrigo Kaiser
Keyword(s):  
Physical Properties ◽  
Bulk Density ◽  
Crop Residues ◽  
Total Porosity ◽  
Soil Physical Properties ◽  
Soil Tillage ◽  
Tillage Systems ◽  
Nutrient Sources ◽  
Over Time

Soil tillage promotes changes in soil structure. The magnitude of the changes varies with the nature of the soil, tillage system and soil water content and decreases over time after tillage. The objective of this study was to evaluate short-term (one year period) and long-term (nine year period) effects of soil tillage and nutrient sources on some physical properties of a very clayey Hapludox. Five tillage systems were evaluated: no-till (NT), chisel plow + one secondary disking (CP), primary + two (secondary) diskings (CT), CT with burning of crop residues (CTb), and CT with removal of crop residues from the field (CTr), in combination with five nutrient sources: control without nutrient application (C); mineral fertilizers, according to technical recommendations for each crop (MF); 5 Mg ha-1 yr-1 of poultry litter (wetmatter) (PL); 60 m³ ha-1 yr-1 of cattle slurry (CS) and; 40 m³ ha-1 yr-1 of swine slurry (SS). Bulk density (BD), total porosity (TP), and parameters related to the water retention curve (macroporosity, mesoporosity and microporosity) were determined after nine years and at five sampling dates during the tenth year of the experiment. Soil physical properties were tillage and time-dependent. Tilled treatments increased total porosity and macroporosity, and reduced bulk density in the surface layer (0.00-0.05 m), but this effect decreased over time after tillage operations due to natural soil reconsolidation, since no external stress was applied in this period. Changes in pore size distribution were more pronounced in larger and medium pore diameter classes. The bulk density was greatest in intermediate layers in all tillage treatments (0.05-0.10 and 0.12-0.17 m) and decreased down to the deepest layer (0.27-0.32 m), indicating a more compacted layer around 0.05-0.20 m. Nutrient sources did not significantly affect soil physical and hydraulic properties studied.

scholarly journals Effect of Farming Systems on the Spatial Variability of Soil Physical Properties and Soybean Yield

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (15) ◽  
pp. 87
Author(s):  
Ligia Maria Lucas Videira ◽  
Paulo Ricardo Teodoro Silva ◽  
Diego dos Santos Pereira ◽  
Rafael Montanari ◽  
Alan Rodrigo Panosso ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Spatial Distribution ◽  
Spatial Variability ◽  
Physical Properties ◽  
Soil Conservation ◽  
Yield Components ◽  
Farming Systems ◽  
Total Porosity ◽  
Soil Bulk Density ◽  
Soil Physical Properties ◽  
High Soil Moisture

In no-tillage (NT) and minimum tillage (MT) areas, spatial variability of soil physical properties may affect crop yield. The aim of this study was to assess the spatial distribution of soil physical properties, as well as the yield components and grain yield of soybean (GY), based on the mapping of areas under soil conservation farming systems. We assessed yield components, GY and the physical properties of an Oxisol, under NT and MT using the t-student test, and geostatistics to assess spatial variability. The largest population of NT plants showed no spatial dependence and did not influence GY, but the components related to plant height and soil properties differed between systems. From a spatial standpoint, the kriging maps demonstrated that mass of one thousand grains (MOG), total porosity (TP) and soil bulk density (BD) influenced GY under NT, whereas TP1 exerted the most influence under high soil moisture conditions and MT. The maps make it possible to assess the spatial distribution of soil physical properties and the influence on GY, making them an important tool for more accurate production planning in soil conservation systems.

scholarly journals Bulk density and porosity of soils influenced by skidding operations in the Nkrankwanta Off-Forest Reserve of Ghana

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 1409-1415
Author(s):  
Ammal Abukari ◽  
Donkor Christian ◽  
Kwame Ochire-Boadu
Keyword(s):  
Physical Properties ◽  
Bulk Density ◽  
Block Design ◽  
Soil Surface ◽  
Soil Bulk Density ◽  
Soil Physical Properties ◽  
Soil Porosity ◽  
Forest Reserve ◽  
Randomized Block Design ◽  
Increasing Trends

 Heavy forest machinery used in skidding has the capacity to influence the physical properties of soils. These may possibly lead to an upsurge in soil disruption and compaction of the soil surface decreases forest soil fertilities. This study assesses the effects of skidding on some soil physical properties such as the soil bulk density and porosity in the Nkrankwanta off-forest reserve in Ghana. The treatments comprised of four traffic intensity levels (1, 5, 10, and 15 passes) of the Mercedes Benz skidder (MB) Trac 1800 and a slope of two levels (less than 20 % and greater than 20 %) in a completely randomized block design. In addition, porosity and soil bulk density were assessed at varied distances from the MB Trac 1800. Soil bulk density results showed increasing trends with traffic frequency. Soil bulk density measured in the undisturbed area was 0.64 g cm-3 and 0.56 g cm-3 at slopes of less than 20% and greater than 20%, respectively. On the skid trail, soil bulk density significantly increased with traffic frequency (p<0.05). However soil porosity declined. Soil porosity estimated in uninterrupted area was 59.10 % and 57.40 % at < 20% and > 20% slope, respectively. Soil porosity was significantly influenced via different skidder passes (p<0.05). The soil physical properties were not influenced by the steepness of the slope however acted together in the number of passes to influence soil porosity. The impacts of the skidder on soil physical properties were significantly apparent at distances of 2 m to each sideway of the skidding trail. In conclusion, distinct responsiveness ought to be considered throughout the operations of skidding to curtail unfriendly influences on soil physical properties in ground-base skidding.

scholarly journals Effects of Moringa Leaf Extract and Poultry Manure on the Growth Parameters of Sweet Maize

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 10-18
Author(s):  
Alubiagba D.O ◽  
Ovharhe O.J ◽  
Akparobi S.O
Keyword(s):  
Leaf Area ◽  
Plant Height ◽  
Leaf Extract ◽  
Growth Parameters ◽  
Block Design ◽  
Poultry Manure ◽  
Randomized Complete Block Design ◽  
Number Of Leaves ◽  
Plant Stem ◽  
Moringa Leaf Extract

This study examined the effects of moringa leaf extract (MLE) and poultry manure (PM) on the growth parameters of sweet maize. The experiment was a Randomized Complete Block Design involving nine treatments: control (no extract), 3% MLE, 6% MLE, 9% MLE, 3% MLE + 15 t/ha–1 PM, 6% MLE + 15 t/ha–1 PM, 9% MLE + 15 t/ha–1 PM, 15 t/ha–1 PM, and 30 t/ha–1 PM. Data on growth parameters including plant height, number of leaves per plant, stem girth, and leaf area were collected and analyzed. The results of the study show that there were significant differences (P = 0.05) among the treatments because plots that received 30 t/ha–1 PM performed best on plant height (193.6 and 152.8 cm) number of leaves (13.1 and 10.2), stem girth (3.75 and 3.22 cm), and leaf area (584.9 and 402.9 cm2) in both early and late season. This was followed by plots that received 9% MLE and 15 t/ha–1 PM, with values of 189.0 and 152.2 cm; 12.5 and 10.0; 3.58 3.15 cm; and 546.2 and 392.2 cm2, respectively. The study concluded that 30 t/ha–1 PM can be used to yield effective growth parameters in sweet maize and is hereby recommended to extension workers for dissemination to farmers

scholarly journals Post-Harvest Evaluation of Soil Physical Properties and Natural Regeneration Growth in Steep-Slope Terrains

Forests ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (11) ◽  
pp. 1034 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hadi Sohrabi ◽  
Meghdad Jourgholami ◽  
Farzam Tavankar ◽  
Rachele Venanzi ◽  
Rodolfo Picchio
Keyword(s):  
Physical Properties ◽  
Bulk Density ◽  
Natural Regeneration ◽  
Recovery Period ◽  
Total Porosity ◽  
Penetration Resistance ◽  
Soil Physical Properties ◽  
Control Area ◽  
Traffic Intensity ◽  
Significant Difference

Protection of forest soils during harvesting operations is necessary to reduce damage and accelerate recovery time. The current study aims to evaluate soil physical properties, natural regeneration, and its recovery process in treatments including slope gradient, traffic intensity and skid trail after long periods of time, after ceasing the timber harvesting operations. The most recent skidding operations within each 5 years recovery period were studied for a chronosequence of 20 years. Soil samples were taken in abandoned skid trails and data were recorded on naturally regenerated species and density. The results revealed that most soil disturbances occurred on the slopes >20%, as well as the highest levels of traffic intensity. Bulk density and penetration resistance were still higher than the control area, with a significant difference between them, while total porosity was partially recovered. Twenty years after the skidding operation, soil bulk density and penetration resistance were 13.2% and 23.7% higher than the control area, while total porosity was 9.78% lower the than value of the control area. Seedlings of 50–150 cm and >150 cm in height on skid trails had significantly lower density than those in the control. The number of seedlings per m2 was less than the control area in all skid trails and for all height classes. The proportion of seedlings present in low traffic intensity was higher than in medium and high traffic intensities. The findings confirmed that full recovery rates are lengthy, and more time than 20 years is required to fully recover, especially with regards to penetration resistance.

Soil compaction and recovery cycle on a Southland dairy farm: implications for soil monitoring

Soil Research ◽  
2004 ◽  
Vol 42 (7) ◽  
pp. 851 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. J. Drewry ◽  
R. J. Paton ◽  
R. M. Monaghan
Keyword(s):  
Physical Properties ◽  
Bulk Density ◽  
Physical Condition ◽  
Soil Compaction ◽  
Dairy Farm ◽  
Soil Bulk Density ◽  
Soil Physical Properties ◽  
Recovery Cycle ◽  
Natural Recovery ◽  
Routine Monitoring

This paper quantifies soil compaction and natural recovery of soil physical properties during a 3-year trial on a dairy farm in Southland, New Zealand. The study investigated the magnitude of soil compaction over spring, and natural recovery of soil physical properties over summer and autumn. Changes in soil physical condition were measured while pastures were intermittently grazed by lactating dairy cows, and also over winter when cows were removed from pasture. Soil bulk density at 0–5 cm increased (P < 0.001) during spring by up to 0.20 Mg/m3. During spring 2000, macroporosity (volumetric % of pores >30 μm) at 0–5 cm decreased (P < 0.001) from 13.5 to 7.5%, with similar trends in spring 2002. Many of the soil physical properties showed significant recovery over summer and autumn. Bulk density decreased (P < 0.001) by 0.09 Mg/m3, from December 2001 to May 2002. Soil macroporosity also recovered markedly during summer and autumn. Macroporosity increased (P < 0.001) from 12.5% in December 2001 to 18% in May 2002. Significant changes in soil compaction and recovery were also measured at 5–10 cm depth. For many soil physical properties, recovery over winter was much less than over summer and autumn. Implications of the compaction and recovery cycle are discussed in terms of measurement protocols appropriate to routine monitoring of soil physical condition.

scholarly journals The Spatial Variability of Soil Physical Properties of Different Sized-gap in a Subtropical Forest, China

2020 ◽  
pp. 41-55
Author(s):  
Supaporn Buajan ◽  
Jinfu Liu ◽  
Zhongsheng He
Keyword(s):  
Plant Growth ◽  
Spatial Variability ◽  
Physical Properties ◽  
Total Porosity ◽  
Soil Bulk Density ◽  
Soil Physical Properties ◽  
Gap Size ◽  
Natural Reserve ◽  
Spatial Environment ◽  
Reserve Forest

Gap areas create heterogeneity in the spatial environment, which is important to plant regeneration and diversity. Soil physical properties (SPP) are factors that affect plant growth. This study aims to assess the spatial variability of SPP in different gap sizes and to determine the effect of gap size on SPP. We used geostatistical analysis to illustrate the spatial patterns of SPP variability within 9 gaps, classified into three sizes (small, medium, and large) and under the canopy at the Castanopsis kawakamii natural reserve forest, the soil samples were collected entire gap area at 20 cm depth with the grid system (resolution: 3 m × 3 m). The following SPPs were determined using soil cores: soil bulk density (SBD), soil water mass content (SWMC), soil volumetric moisture content (SVMC), maximum moisture capacity (MMC), capillary water capacity (CWC), minimum water-holding capacity (MWHC), soil capillary porosity (SCP), and soil total porosity (STP). We found that every SPP, except SCP and STP, significantly differed with gap size. Gap sizes generally improved the SPPs, especially in the small and large gaps, indicating that the soil there was more suitable for plant growth than the soil under the canopy. The highest spatial variability of SPPs was observed in the large gaps. Gap size affected SPP and its spatial variability. The results from this study will be useful for work on forest gap regeneration and conservation, especially around the study site.

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