scholarly journals Influence of Organic and Inorganic Soil Amendments on Soil Moisture Content and Micronutrients

Author(s):  
E. K. Kago ◽  
Z. M. Kinyua ◽  
J. M. Maingi ◽  
P. O. Okemo

Aims: This study was carried out to evaluate the influence of organic and inorganic soil amendments on soil moisture content and micronutrients in semi and arid areas.   Methodology: The study was laid out as randomized complete block design (RCBD) in split plot arrangement for two seasons. The treatments were ChalimTM, Super-hydro-grow polymer and Metham sodium, Metham sodium, Metham sodium + Orange peel, Super-hydro-grow polymer, Control, Brassica tissue, ChalimTM + Super-hydro-grow polymer, Brassica tissue + Orange peel and Metham sodium + Super-hydro-grow polymer. Soils were sampled from each experimental site, dried and taken to laboratories for determination of Zinc, Iron, Manganese and copper both at initial and at the end of the experiment using a SpectrAA- 40 atomic absorption spectrometer, PSC-56 programmable sample changer. Moisture content was calculated by subtracting total dry soil plus Petri dish weight from total wet soil plus Petri dish weight. Calculated moisture content was recorded in all samples across the two seasons for analysis. Results: There was a significant difference (p≤0.05) in the treatment effect on soil moisture content in except for MS and CM+OP in both season one and season two in the green house. A combination of both organic and inorganic soil amendments like BT+OP, BT+ SHG had the highest moisture content. There was significant difference (p≤0.05) in the soil amendments effect on the amount of Micronutrients in the beginning and end of the experiement. Conclusion: Through this study, it was realized significant difference (p≤0.05) in the soil amendments effect on soil moisture content in all the treatment in both seasons. BT +SHG soil amendment was superior in maintaining soil moisture content in both season 1 and 2. It is therefore recommended that Metham sodium should not be applied in very dry soil to avoid reduction of the moisture content. There was micronutrient increment in all the treatments. BT+ SHG was superior soil amendment in increment of micronutrients.

2011 ◽  
Vol 48 (No. 3) ◽  
pp. 89-95
Author(s):  
R. Duffková

 Water regimes of extensively used grasslands (one cut per year, two cuts per year, no cut, mulching) were determined and compared by drainage lysimeters in 1998–2000. Although the botanical composition and yields of experimental swards were different, there was no statistically significant difference in their water regime (only the soil moisture content of no-cut variant was significantly higher than in other variants). A determinant factor for the water regime of grasslands (GR) is the sum of rainfall over the growing season while the GR water regime is influenced by land use immediately after the cut. Water runoff from the soil profile 0.0–0.60 m (water supply to the groundwater level) was found to be negligible in the growing season, a substantial groundwater recharge occurs in an off-season period and/or at the beginning of growing season. Mulching was not proved to reduce evaporation. The best type of management providing for the economical water regime appears to be a one-cut variant. Relationships between botanical composition and GR water regime are also described.


Agriculture ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (10) ◽  
pp. 148 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael O’Flynn ◽  
John Finnan ◽  
Edna Curley ◽  
Kevin McDonnell

Harvesting Miscanthus × giganteus (J.M. Greef & Deuter ex Hodkinson & Renvoize) after shoot emergence is known to reduce yields in subsequent seasons. This research was conducted in Miscanthus to assess the effects on crop response and soil compaction of annually repeated traffic, applied both before new growth in the rhizomes (early harvest) and after shoot emergence (late harvest), at two different soil moisture contents. While an annual early harvest, yields more than a late harvest, because damage to new shoots is avoided, soil compaction may be increased following repeated harvests. Five treatments were tested: (a) An untrafficked control, (b) early-traffic on soil with typical soil moisture content (SMC) (early-normal), (c) early-traffic on soil with elevated SMC (early-elevated), (d) late-traffic on soil with typical SMC (late-normal) and (e) late-traffic on soil with elevated SMC (late-wet). The experiment was conducted on a Gleysol in Co. Dublin, Ireland during 2010 and 2011. Crop response effects were assessed by measuring stem numbers, stem height, trafficked zone biomass yield (November) and overall stem yield (January). Compaction effects were assessed by measuring penetration resistance, bulk density and water infiltration rate. Trafficked zone biomass yield in the early-dry and early-wet treatments was, respectively, 18% and 23% lower than in the control, but was, respectively, 39% and 31% higher than in the late-dry treatment. Overall, stem yield was significantly lower in the late-normal and late-wet treatments (10.4 and 10.1 tdm ha−1 respectively) when compared with the control (12.4 tdm ha−1), but no significant difference was recorded in overall stem yield between both early-traffic treatments and the control. Penetration resistance values were significantly higher in all trafficked treatments when compared with the control at depths of 0.15 m (≥54–61%) and 0.30 m (≥27–57%) and were significantly higher in 2011 when compared with 2010 at depths of 0.15 and 0.30 m. Baler system traffic in Miscanthus significantly reduced yields and significantly increased compaction annually. Miscanthus harvested early, on a dry soil, yielded 1.1 tdm ha−1 more than when harvested late on a dry soil. The yield advantage increased to 1.3 tdm ha−1 when early harvesting on a soil with 40–43% moisture content was compared with late harvesting on a wetter soil (51–52% moisture content). In this study, the magnitude of yield losses from compaction or other causes in early harvests was substantially lower than the yield losses, which resulted from shoot damage in late harvests. It is likely in similar climates that the results of this study would also apply to other perennial crops growing in similar soil types.


Author(s):  
E. K. Kago ◽  
Z. M. Kinyua ◽  
J. M. Maingi ◽  
P. O. Okemo

Aims: The aim of this study was to establish the effect of field treatment with selected soil amendments on bacterial wilt incidences in Tomatoes, Capsicum and Potatoes.  Study Design:  The study was laid out as randomized complete block design (RCBD) in split plot arrangement for two seasons in the field. Place and Duration of Study: The experiment was conducted at the experimental plots at KARLO- NARL, Kabete Nairobi County between July, 2017- September, 2017 and between November, 2017- January, 2018. Methodology: The three choice crops of interest (potatoes, tomatoes and capsicum) were inoculated with prepared pure bacterial isolates; 18 (2T-Kiambu-Low Land), 71(2A-Nyeri-Low Land), 67 (2A-Nyeri-High Land), 83 (2T-Kirinyaga-Highland) and MX (18/71/67/83). A plot measuring 66 m by 28.5 m was marked, cleared, ploughed, harrowed and demarcated into 150 plots each measuring 2.4 m x 3.75 m. Spacing of the host crops of interest: potato - (Tigoni variety), tomato (Caj variety) and capsicum (Califonia Wonder) was carried out at 75 cm between the rows and 30 cm within the rows. The treatments were ChalimTM, Super-hydro-grow polymer + Metham sodium, Metham sodium, Metham sodium & Orange peel, Super-hydro-grow polymer, Brassica tissues, ChalimTM + Super-hydro-grow polymer, Brassica tissue + Orange peel, Metham sodium + Super-hydro-grow polymer and Control (no amendments). Results: Significant differences (P≤0.05) were revealed in the bacterial wilt incidences in tomatoes, capsicum and potatoes between control and all the soil amendments used in season 1 and 2 in the five R. solanacearum isolate from Kenyan highlands and lowlands. The Brassica tissue + Super-hydro-grow polymer was superior in reducing bacterial wilt incidences in tomatoes, capsicum and potatoes in the field in all the R. solanacearum isolates from Kenyan highlands and lowlands both in season 1 and 2. Conclusion: The findings showed that organic and inorganic soil amendments could serve as a viable control of bacterial wilt in solanaceous crops caused by R. solanacearum in the field. We recommend the use of Brassica tissue + Super-hydro-grow polymer soil amendment in the control of bacterial wilt incidences in the field on solanaceous crops.


2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Haowen Luo ◽  
Meiyang Duan ◽  
Leilei Kong ◽  
Longxin He ◽  
Yulin Chen ◽  
...  

2-acetyl-1-pyrroline (2-AP) is the key compound of rice aroma. However, the responses of 2-AP biosynthesis in fragrant rice under different soil moisture and the corresponding mechanism are little known. The present study evaluated the effects of different soil moisture on 2-AP biosynthesis through a pot experiment. Four soil moisture contents, that is, 50% (SM50), 40% (SM40), 30% (SM30), and 20% (SM20), were adopted, and SM50 treatment was taken as control. The pots were weighed and watered to maintain the corresponding soil moisture content. The results showed no significant difference in growth parameters (plant height, stem diameter, and plant dry weight) among all treatments. Compared with SM50, SM40, SM30, and SM20 treatments significantly (p<0.05) increased 2-AP content by 32.81, 23.18, and 53.12%, respectively. Between 20 to 90% higher proline content was observed in SM40, SM30, and SM20 treatments than in SM50. Enzymes including proline dehydrogenase, ornithine transaminase, and 1-pyrroline-5-carboxylate synthetase exhibited lower activities with soil moisture declined. Higher diamine oxidase activity was observed in SM40, SM30, and SM20 treatments compared with SM50, and real-time PCR analyses showed that transcript level of DAO1 was greatly increased under low soil moisture treatments, especially in SM20 treatment. Transcript levels of PRODH, DAO2, DAO4, DAO5, OAT, P5CS1, and P5CS2 decreased or maintained in SM40, SM30, and SM20 treatments compared with SM50. We deduced that low soil moisture content enhanced 2-AP biosynthesis mainly by upregulating the expression of DAO1 to promote the conversion from putrescine to 2-AP.


1938 ◽  
Vol 16c (5) ◽  
pp. 203-213 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. B. Sanford

The effects of soil temperatures between 16° and 25 °C., and of soil moisture content between 19 and 40% of the moisture-holding capacity, on the virulence and type of attack of Rhizodonia Solani on young potato sprouts, were studied under controlled conditions and the results from 13 separate tests are discussed. The comparative growth rates of the pathogen on nutrient agar and in soil are outlined.At 25 °C. the disease diminished very abruptly. Between 23° and 16 °C., the pathogen appeared equally virulent throughout the range of soil moisture mentioned. The fluctuations which occurred in separate tests were not definite or consistent enough to warrant a conclusion that the virulence is greater at 16° than at 23°, or that a dry soil is more or less favorable to it than a wet one.In a fertile, steam sterilized loam, at medium moisture content, it required about ten days for the pathogen to grow as far as it did on the surface of a nutrient medium in four days. The growth rate at either 23° or 16 °C. was slightly higher in a wet soil than in one of medium moisture content, but in a dry soil the rate was somewhat less at 23° than at 16° in a medium or wet soil. Even in a fairly dry soil (19% moisture-holding capacity) at 16° the growth of the pathogen covered a distance of 5 cm. in ten days, which would appear adequate for infection of young sprouts from a set bearing viable sclerotia.The effort of the host to recover, by means of secondary and tertiary sprouts from the attacked primary sprout, was better in a wet soil than in a dry one at both 16° and 23 °C. The best effort was in a wet soil at 23°. A distinction is made between the effects of soil moisture and temperature in stimulating growth of the host, and their effect on parasitism itself.The remarkable tendency of the secondary sprouts to escape infection, regardless of soil temperature and soil moisture, is indicated. There was evidence that certain factors other than soil temperature and moisture may play an important role in the parasitism of R. Solani.


2012 ◽  
Vol 610-613 ◽  
pp. 385-389
Author(s):  
Ying Ying Zheng ◽  
Xin Shan Song ◽  
Xiao Xiang Zhao

More frequently drying-rewetting is likely to be expected for soils this century, with strong effect on nitrogen transformation. Experiments were conducted in semi-disturbed soils which were incubated under 4 different moisture regimes (dry wet\constant wet\constant dry\constant flooded) for 71 d. The results show that the dry soil has a rapid NO3--N increase after rewetting. Drying-rewetting increases soil nitrification which shows a "pulse" increasing. The drying and rewetting soil has the highest nitrification intensity when the soil moisture content (g/g) ranging at 15.82% ~ 17.06%. Drying-rewetting contributes to the accumulation of NO3--N.


2003 ◽  
Vol 83 (1) ◽  
pp. 109-119 ◽  
Author(s):  
T. L. Chow ◽  
H. W. Rees ◽  
S. H. Fahmy ◽  
J. O. Monteith

Pulp fibre, a primary type of sludge of pulp and paper mills containing approximately 40% organic C, is usually disposed of in landfills causing a potential environmental problem. This material may be used as a soil amendment to restore the productivity of organic-matter-depleted potato-producing soils in Atlantic Canada. The effect of incorporating this material at rates equivalent to 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, and 4.0% organic matter in the plow layer of a gravelly loam soil on selected soil physical properties and soil erosion was evaluated. The objectives were to determine the effect of pulp fibre additions on selected soil properties, which are pertinent to water retention and movement and to evaluate its effectiveness in reducing runoff and soil loss, major contributing processes to soil degradation . Chemical analysis of pulp fibre revealed that all heavy metal concentrations were well below allowable concentrations for Category A compost. One year after incorporation, bulk density of the Ap horizon had decreased with increasing rates of organic matter addition. On the other hand, the saturated hydraulic conductivity and specific moisture content increased with increasing rates of treatments. Results on water-stable aggregates revealed that the organic matter in the pulp fibre combined smaller aggregates to form larger aggregates, resulting in a larger proportion of macropores as compared to micropores. In the 4% organic matter treatment, a 27% increase was found in the 1.0 to 5.0 mm-diameter aggregates whereas a 23% reduction was found in aggregates smaller than 1.0 mm diameter. In spite of the higher specific moisture content of the organic-matter-treated soils, soil moisture content measured immediately prior to the erosion test indicated that field soil moisture contents were lower than those of the control. Time of runoff initiation, rates of runoff and soil loss were greatly improved with the amendments. The beneficial effects of the 4% organic matter treatment include 2.1 times delay in runoff initiation, and 23 and 71% reduction in runoff and soil loss, respectively. Although the beneficial effects in soil and water conservation are apparent, a minor drawback appears to be lower field soil moisture content. Large-scale implementation of the addition of this material in potato fields should proceed only with caution. Key words: Saturated hydraulic conductivity, moisture retention, water stable aggregate, mean weight diameter, sediment yield, soil amendment


1985 ◽  
Vol 65 (1) ◽  
pp. 193-199 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. E. CHEVRIER ◽  
K. A. STEWART

Lettuce seeds (Lactuca sativa L. ’Boston Dark Green’) were sown by fluid drill and as dry seed into soils at 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% field capacity (FC). Fluid drilling reduced the time to initial emergence and 50% emergence at soil moisture levels between 50% and 100% FC. At 25% FC, neither seeding method performed well with fluid drilled seed being entrapped inside the carrier gel after it had dehydrated. After 2 wk, no significant difference in final percent emergence was noted between seeding treatments at any soil moisture level. In a second experiment, fluid drilled lettuce seeds emerged earlier and reached 50% emergence sooner than dry seed, germinated seed sown without gel and dry-seed in gel at 40%, 50% and 75% FC. Gel-seeded treatments were not significantly affected by soil moisture whereas the emergence of seeding treatments without gel application was markedly improved as soil moisture content increased. After 2 wk, the percent emergence of dry seeded lettuce at 40% FC was significantly lower than the other seeding treatments. No differences were noted among treatments at 50% FC whereas at 75% FC, the emergence of dry seed in gel was significantly reduced.Key words: Lettuce, fluid drilling


2007 ◽  
Vol 34 (8) ◽  
pp. 603 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Mitchell ◽  
W. Dorney ◽  
R. Mayer ◽  
J. McIlroy

This two-year study examined the impacts of feral pig diggings on five ecological indicators: seedling survival, surface litter, subsurface plant biomass, earthworm biomass and soil moisture content. Twelve recovery exclosures were established in two habitats (characterised by wet and dry soil moisture) by fencing off areas of previous pig diggings. A total of 0.59 ha was excluded from further pig diggings and compared with 1.18 ha of unfenced control areas. Overall, seedling numbers increased 7% within the protected exclosures and decreased 37% within the unprotected controls over the two-year study period. A significant temporal interaction was found in the dry habitat, with seedling survival increasing with increasing time of protection from diggings. Feral pig diggings had no significant effect on surface litter biomass, subsurface plant biomass, earthworm biomass or soil moisture content.


Author(s):  
Yasir A. Alsayyah ◽  
Hussein A. Jebur

A field experiment was conducted in the experiment fields of the college of agriculture - University of Baghdad – Abu Ghraib , 2016 in a silt clay loam soil , to Evaluate the effect of some primary tillage equipment and two of levels of soil moisture content in some of performance efficiency indicator for different forward speed , ArmaTrac 845e and ITM 285 New tractor with moldboard and chisel and sweep plow as a machinery unit have been used in this study . Two levels of soil Moisture content include (18 – 20 % ) and (14 – 16%) represented main plot , three types of plow ( moldboard , chisel and sweep) represent sub plot , five machinery speeds included ( 1.5 , 2.53 , 3.75 , 5.3 and 6.71 km.hr-1 ) represent sub plot , Slippage percentage (%) , fuel consumption (L.hr-1) , drawbar pull (KN) , Field capacity (he.hr-1) are have beenbeen measured in this study  . And the results have been analyzed by using the order of the spilt - spilt - plot with randomize complete block design with three replicates and tested by the way averages less significant difference and the level of probability of 0.05 . The results show that : the soil  moisture content ( 14 – 16 % ) has got a less value of slippage percentage % , fuel consumption L.hr-1 , drawbar pull Kn and higher field capacity ha.hr-1 , and sweep plow has got a less value of slippage percentage , fuel consumption and drawbar pull , and the chisel plow has got a higher field capacity , and when the tractor speed is increased it leads to aincrease in the slippage and fuel consumption and drawbar pull and field capacity will be anincrease .


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