scholarly journals Soil Fertility Assessment of Semiarid Soils from Nigeria Cropped to Sorghum

Author(s):  
Nasiru M. Danmowa ◽  
Peter Nkedi- Kizza ◽  
Kelly T. Morgan ◽  
Kamal Mahmoud

The aim of this study is to characterize the fertility status of the Dingyadi soils from semiarid Northern Nigeria, by using different methods of extraction to assess the potential for soil available macro and micronutrients to the sorghum crop. The study also compared concentrations of extractable nutrients between extractants for ascertaining the possibility of using one method to quantify a variety of plant-available nutrients in soils. Surface (0-15 cm) and sub-surface (15-30 cm) soil samples were collected along a topo-sequence at Dingyadi Sokoto-Nigeria, where sorghum had been grown, to characterize the soil chemical and physical properties that can influence soil fertility for sorghum production. The topo-sequence consisted of valley floor (TLL1), middle (TUP2), and crest (TUP3) positions of the slope. At each position 60 concentrations of each plant nutrient were used for the comparisons.Soil extraction for nutrients was carried out at the Environmental Soil Physics laboratory, Soil and Water Sciences Department, University of Florida, while analysis of aliquots for the elements was carried out at the Southwest Florida Research and Education Center, Immokalee, Florida. The study was carried out over a period of eight months, in 2016-2017. Soil samples were extracted using different extraction methods (Mehlich-3, Bray-1, Ammonium acetate, and DI-Water). A soil to solution ratio of 1:1 was used across all extraction methods to facilitate comparison between methods. However, a test was carried out to examine the effect of soil to solution ratio of (1:10) on extractable macro nutrients using Mehlich3 for randomly selected soil samples across the topo-sequence. Soil samples were also analyzed for texture, pH, organic matter, and cation exchange capacity (CEC). All soil soils were sandy, low in organic matter content, and CEC.With respect to sorghum production, the soils had adequate nutrients (Mg, Ca, K, and P) and soil pH. All soil samples contained no exchangeable K. Mehlich3 extracted higher available P than Bray1 in TLL1, but equal amounts in TUP2 and TUP3. Good correlations exist between extracting methods for macro nutrients (Mg, Ca, K, and P). Bray1 method used for available P is not suitable for soils that have pH greater than 7 determined in water. Mehlich3 is more suitable for the semiarid soils of Northern Nigeria that are acidic or alkaline. The Mehlich3 method should be calibrated with yield response of crops to substitute for Bray1 available phosphorus. Also, Mehlich3 method could be used for the multi-nutrient test with a good correlation with other methods like ammonium acetate for exchangeable bases.

2010 ◽  
Vol 59 (1) ◽  
pp. 99-108 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Takács ◽  
Gy. Füleky

The Hot Water Percolation (HWP) technique for preparing soil extracts has several advantages: it is easily carried out, fast, and several parameters can be measured from the same solution. The object of this study was to examine the possible use of HWP extracts for the characterization of soil organic matter. The HPLC-SEC chromatograms, UV-VIS and fluorescence properties of the HWP extracts were studied and the results were compared with those of the International Humic Substances Society (IHSS) Soil Humic Acid (HA), IHSS Soil Fulvic Acid (FA) and IHSS Suwannee Natural Organic Matter (NOM) standards as well as their HA counterparts isolated by traditional extraction methods from the original soil samples. The DOM of the HWP solution is probably a mixture of organic materials, which have some characteristics similar to the Soil FA fractions and NOM. The HWP extracted organic material can be studied and characterized using simple techniques, like UV-VIS and fluorescence spectroscopy.


2016 ◽  
Vol 41 (4) ◽  
pp. 735-757 ◽  
Author(s):  
NC Shil ◽  
MA Saleque ◽  
MR Islam ◽  
M Jahiruddin

Laboratory studies on soil fertility evaluation was carried out across major agroecological zones (AEZs) of Bangladesh to know the nutrient status of soils and to relate those with soil properties like pH, organic matter, CEC, and clay content. Thirty five composite soil samples were collected from intensive crop growing sites, which covered 17 AEZs of Bangladesh. After proper processing, the samples were analyzed for texture, pH, organic carbon, CEC, exchangeable cations (K, Ca, Mg and Na), total N, available P and S following standard methods. The textural class of the soils collected from AEZ 12 and 13 appeared to be mostly clay. Clay loam soil was found in AEZ 4, 8, 9, 11, 25 and 28. Loamy soil was seen in AEZ 1 while AEZ 22, 23 and 29 were mostly sandy textured. The results revealed that 65.7% of the tested soil was acidic while 25.7% was alkaline in nature. All the tested soils showed lower pHKCl compared to pHH2O thus possessed negative charge. About 68.6% of the collected soils contained low (1.10-1.70%) level of organic matter, 25.7% soils retained it at medium level (1.71-2.40) and 5.7% soils at very low level (<1.0%). All the tested soils appeared to be deficient (< 0.12%) in nitrogen content. 68.6% soil samples had the low level of available P while only 8.6% retained it an optimum amount. About 80% of the tested soils contained low level of available S (7.9- 14.7 mg kg -1) although coastal regions soils hold higher amount of available S. High CEC (20-38 cmol kg-1) was found in clay rich soils of AEZ 10, 11, 12, and 13. Study revealed that 40% of the collected soils were very low, 31.4% were low, 8.6% each of medium and optimum, and 11.4% contained high level of exchangeable K. The calcareous soils (AEZ 10, 11, 12 and 13) contained very high level of Ca. Non calcareous soils also showed fairly good level of Ca content except AEZ 1, 3, 23 and 29. Sandy textured soils of greater Dinajpur, Rangpur, Moulvibazar showed lower level of exchangeable Mg. About 86% of the tested soils had the lower (< 2%) potassium saturation percentage (KSP), which needs K application for sustainable crop production. Estimate showed that 44% variability for CEC may be attributed by clay content and the relationship was significant (p = 0.05). Again, 50.4 and 65.6% variability in exchangeable K and Mg, respectively may be governed by clay content of the soils, while such relationship for Ca was non-significant. CEC may contribute 62.2, 92.3 and 83.9% variability for exchangeable K, Ca and Mg content in soils, respectively. The fertility status of most of the studied soils (except AEZ 10, 12, 13 and to some extent 11) appeared to be low to very low, which demand judicious management in order to achieve food security and to conserve the soil fertility.Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 41(4): 735-757, December 2016


2018 ◽  
Vol 3 (02) ◽  
pp. 108-115
Author(s):  
S. P. Vista ◽  
T. B. Ghimire ◽  
T. S. Rai ◽  
B. S. Kutu ◽  
B. K. Karna

Potato is a staple food crop in high hills and mountains and a major vegetable throughout the country and one of the most important cash generating crops in Nepal. With the efforts undertaken by research and extension sectors, its productivity has significantly increased in last twenty years. However, this is not sufficient for increasing population of the country. Considering its potentiality for income, employment, industrial products, export and processing, appropriate technologies are urgent.Soil fertility evaluation is the most basic decision making tool for the sustainable soil nutrient management. Soil fertility studies and mapping is an effective way to diagnose soil status and recommend as per the need of the nutrient to particular crop in the area. This research aims to assess and prepare soil nutrient map of potato super zone, Kavrepalanchowk in Nepal. The specific objectives of the research were to assess soil texture, pH and organic matter status and simultaneously prepare soil fertility map of the potato super zone. A total of 202 soil samples were collected and nutrients were analyzed using standard procedure in the soil laboratory. Composite soil samples were collected from 6 to 10 different spots of the area at 0-20 cm depth by using soil auger. The GPS location of each soil sampling point was noted. The soil sampling point of each zone was determined by studying various aspects (area, slope, colour, texture, etc.) of the study area. Based on the nutrient status, nutrient maps were prepared and presented. Soil fertility maps were prepared by observing the critical nutrients required for the specific crops and by giving those nutrients certain ranking based on the nutrients role for the crop. The soil of Potato super zone was mostly found to be silty loam, moderately acidic (pH 5.9), medium in organic matter content (2.67%) and total nitrogen (0.13%), high in available phosphorus content (56 kg/ha) and available potassium (356kg/ha). There is also sandy loam, loam and silty clay loam types of soil in the area. Soil fertility maps were prepared by setting criteria based on nutrient status that were tested in the laboratory and on the basis of nutrients that are critical for each crops of the super zones. Vegetable super zone soil was found having medium (50%) and high (30%) fertility status. Based on the soil analysis report, it could be concluded that the soils of potato super zone is fair enough for cultivating potato crop at the moment.


1994 ◽  
Vol 74 (4) ◽  
pp. 421-429 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wietse L. Meyer ◽  
Paul A. Arp

Concentrations of Ca, Mg, K, Na, Al, Fe, Mn, and Si extractable with 1 N ammonium chloride (NH4Cl, pH 4.5) and 1 N ammonium acetate (NH4OAc, pH 4.5) were determined for forest soil samples as follows: (1) before drying, and (2) at several time intervals after air-drying (1, 5, 11 and 14 wk). Values for CEC were obtained for the same samples by determining (1) the sum of cations (Al3+, Ca2+, Mg2+, K+, Na+, Fe3+, and Mn2+) in the extracts [denoted [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]], and (2) the amount of ammonium retained by the soil samples against water washing [denoted CEC(NH4OAc) and CEC (NH4Cl)]. The soils used in this investigation were taken from four New Brunswick upland forest sites (two sugar maple sites, one mixed wood site, and one spruce site). It was round that (1) extractable Mg, K, Na, and Mn levels were generally not affected by drying, storing, and type of extradant; (2) extractable Al and Fe levels increased immediately after drying; (3) NH4OAc-extracted Al, Fe, and Si exceeded NH4Cl-extracted Al, Fe, and Si; (4) extracted Al and Fe levels tended to drop after 11 wk of storage; (5) small drying effects were also noticed for NH4Cl-extracted Ca; (6) CEC(NH4OAc) and CEC(NH4Cl) values decreased with increasing time of storage; this effect was noticed most for soil samples with high levels of organic matter (Ah, Ahe, Bm, Bf, and Bfh), and was noticed least for sod samples taken from leached horizons (Ae) and subsoil horizons (BC and C); (7) in some cases, storage time increased CEC(NH4OAc) in subsoils; (8) values for [Formula: see text] remained fairly independent or increased slightly with storage time and were closely related with CEC(NH4Cl) values obtained with non-dried samples; (9) values for [Formula: see text] did not relate well with CEC(NH4OAc) and CEC(NH4Cl). Differences for extractable Al were likely due to Al complexation by acetate ions. Drying effects on extractable Al and Fe (and possibly Ca) were likely due to drying-induced fragmentation of soil organic matter. Drying and storage effects on CEC(NH4OAc) and CEC(NH4Cl) were likely due to (1) water-washing and related loss of organic matter, and (2) sensitivity of subsoil minerals to air exposure. Apparent drying and storage effects on CEC were most noted with [Formula: see text] and were least noted with [Formula: see text]. Key words: Cation exchange capacity, ion exchange, drying, storage, ammonium acetate, ammonium chloride extractions


2016 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 43-57 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dinesh Khadka ◽  
Sushil Lamichhane ◽  
Shahabuddin Khan ◽  
Sushila Joshi ◽  
Buddhi Bahadur Pant

Soil test-based fertility management is important for sustainable soil management. This study was carried out to determine the soil fertility status of the Agriculture Research Station, Belachapi, Dhanusha, Nepal. Using soil sampling auger 25 soil samples were collected randomly from a depth of 0-20 cm. Soil sampling points were identified using GPS device. Following standard methods adopted by Soil Science Division laboratory, Khumaltar, the collected soil samples were analyzed to find out their texture, pH, N, P2O5, K2O, Ca, Mg, S, B, Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn and organic matter status. The soil fertility status maps were made using Arc-GIS 10.1 software. The observed data revealed that soil was grayish brown in colour and sub-angular blocky in structure. The sand, silt and clay content were 36.03±3.66%, 50.32±2.52% and 25.42±2.25%, respectively and categorized as eight different classes of texture. The soil was acidic in pH (5.61±0.14). The available sulphur (0.73±0.09 ppm) status was very low, whereas organic matter (1.34±0.07%), available boron (0.56±0.10 ppm), available zinc (0.54±0.22 ppm) and available copper (0.30±0.01 ppm) were low in status. The extractable potassium (95.52±13.37 ppm) and extractable calcium (1264.8±92.80ppm) exhibited medium in status. In addition, available phosphorus (33.25±6.97 ppm), available magnesium (223.20±23.65 ppm) and available manganese (20.50±2.43 ppm) were high in status. Furthermore, available iron (55.80±8.89 ppm) status was very high. To improve the potentiality of crops (maize, rice, wheat etc.) for studied area, future research strategy should be made based on its soil fertility status.


2018 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
pp. 434-440
Author(s):  
Fitra Syawal Harahap ◽  
Abdul Rauf ◽  
Benny Hidayat ◽  
Hilwa Walida ◽  
Jamidi ◽  
...  

Organic materials in situ remaining paddy crops in paddy fields are much abandoned by farmers. Most of the remaining harvested are burned, stacked in the cultivated, or used for animal feed or as a fungus. Straw compost is source of Potassium (K) and Silica (Si). About 80% of K absorbed by plants is in the straw. The return of straw to the soil may slow the impoverishment of Potassium (K) in the soil. This study aims to find out how the availability of phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) nutrients by giving organic matter as soil fertility status in paddy fields in Beringin Subdistrict, Deli Serdang Regency and to review management alternatives that are in accordance with the soil fertility status in the Central Land Rice fields in Beringin Subdistrict, Deli Serdang Regency. This research was carried out in the Central Rice Field in Beringin Subdistrict, Deli Serdang Regency ± 11 meters above sea level. The taking of soil samples was taken in the upper layer at the top soil depth of 0-20 cm, 20-40 cm and the coordinates were recorded using GPS (Global Positioning System). While information on land management is obtained by direct observation in the field and in-depth interviews with farmers in snow ball which aims to obtain complete information from farmers. Soil samples that have been taken in the field are then analyzed in the laboratory. Soil chemical properties analyzed in laboratory soil chemical properties analyzed at P2O5 Bray II (ppm) laboratory K2O Hcl 25% (mg / 100g). To determine the chemical properties of soil with certain criteria that have been determined. Based on Technical Guidelines for Evaluation of Soil Fertility The direction of management of soil fertility needs to be added to organic matter and phosphorus fertilization regularly so that soil fertility can be sustainable. Further research is needed in order to find out the addition of phosphorus fertilizer and organic matter in each unit of land.


2015 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. 91
Author(s):  
Nur Afni Afrianti ◽  
Tamaluddin Syam

Vegetation has a strong influence on soil characteristics. Vegetation can contribute organic matter sand nutrients to the soil. This study aimed to assess soil fertility through various approaches physical and chemical soil on various types of cover crop in the  arboretum area at University of Lampung, and determined the type of cover crop that had the best effect on soil fertility. The research was be conducted by a survey method, which made observations on the soil characteristics of six species of cover crops following were rosewood (Dalbergia latifolia), teak (Tectona grandis), albizia (Paraserianthes Albiziaria), acacia (Acasia mangium), fern tree (Filicium desipiens), and mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla King). Soil characteristics observed data were the physical and chemical properties, obtained by field observations, through boring profiles and soil sampling. The results showed that soil fertility on rosewood, albizia, acacia and mahogany on campus area of Lampung University had contents of soil organic C, organic matter, and soil total N higher than teak and Fern tree. Litter from Rosewood, Albizia, and acacia had the best effect on soil fertility, so they could be the best covered vegetation to improve soil characteristics related to optimal and sustainable of land management.Keyword : Acacia, albizia, arboretum, cover crop, fern tree, litter, macronutrient, mahogany, rosewood, teak, and vegetation. [How to Cite: Nur AA and T Syam. 2014. Evaluation of Primary Macro Nutrients on Arboretum Area in Lampung University Campus, Gedong Meneng. J Trop Soils 19(2): 101-107. Doi: 10.5400/jts.2014.19.2.101]   


2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 40-44
Author(s):  
Basuki Wasis ◽  
Bambang Hero Saharjo ◽  
Robi Deslia Waldi

Forest fires cause the death of flora, soil damage and smoke disasters. The research was corected at the productivity forest and soil samples were taken through purposive sampling. The result of research show that forest fires cause the death of flora by 100% and erosion occurring at the dept of 5-10 cm. Forest fires cause a significant increase in pH, Ca and Mg mineral soils, and reduce organic C, total microorganisms, total fungi and soil respiration significantly. Forest fires increase soil pH and soil fertility due to ash remaining combustion. The residual combustion ash comes from organic material (natural forest biomass and organic matter) which is burned was which of nutrient needed fan the growth of the vegetation in the forest.Keywords: forest fires, mineral soils, soil fertility, soil properties


2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-16 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fanuel Laekemariam ◽  
Kibebew Kibret

Soil is spatially heterogeneous and needs site-specific management. However, soil nutrient information at larger scale in most cases is lacking. Consequently, fertilizer advisory services become dependent upon blanket recommendation approach. Subsequently, it affects yield and profitability. This study is aimed at explaining soil fertility heterogeneity in Wolaita zone, Southern Ethiopia. About 789 soil samples were collected to evaluate soil physical (color, particle size, and bulk density) and chemical properties (pH, OC, N, P, K, Ca, Mg, B, Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn, PBS, and CEC). The laser diffraction method for soil particles and mid-infrared diffused reflectance (MIR) spectral analysis for OC, TN, and CEC determination were employed. Mehlich-III extraction and inductively coupled plasma (ICP) spectrometer measurement were used for the remaining elements. The result based on principal component analysis showed that 52% of the total variations were explained by exchangeable bases, CEC, pH, available P, Cu, B, and particle sizes. Clay texture and acidic soil reaction are dominant. Soil parameters with the following ranges were found at low status: soil OC (0.2–6.9%), total N (0.01–0.7%), available P (0.1–238 mg/kg), S (4–30 mg/kg), B (0.01–6.9 mg/kg), and Cu (0.01–5.0 mg/kg). Besides, low levels of exchangeable Ca, Mg, and K (Mg-induced K deficiency) on 22, 34, and 54% soil samples, respectively, were recorded. The soil contained sufficient Fe, Zn, and Mn. In conclusion, the study aids in developing practical decision for optimum soil management interventions and overcomes lower productivity occurring due to fertilizer use that is not tailored to the local conditions. Overall, continuous cropping, low return of crop residues, and low and/or no fertilizer application might have caused the low status of N, P, K, S, B, and Cu. Therefore, application of inorganic fertilizers specific to the site, lime in acidic soils, and organic fertilizers are recommended to restore the soil fertility and improve crop productivity.


2015 ◽  
Vol 30 (2) ◽  
pp. 91
Author(s):  
Bagus Sri Mulyanto ◽  
Supriyadi Supriyadi ◽  
Djoko Purnomo

<p><em>The application of fertilization and giving organic matter of different causes differences in soil fertility status, with the availability of macro nutrients on a farm, then to know the action proper fertilization. The purpose of this study is to determine the dose fertilization fertility status of the local potential. The research was conducted using a survey method, ie by observing and sampling the soil directly in the field, followed by laboratory analysis to determine the chemical content of the soil. The results showed the level of soil fertility in Wonogiri low fertilizer needs are different in each district in Wonogiri. Areas with low nutrient availability will provide a high dose of fertilizer, and conversely a low fertilization results indicate the availability of nutrient elements in the soil are sufficient for plant growth, although it should still be nurtured to backup next season.</em></p>


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