The effects of silt fields of Bortnytska aeration station on ecological state of land and water in the adjacent areas

The article highlights the results of research on assessing the ecological state of the land near the silt fields №1 and №3 of Bortnytska aeration station in the Zolochiv village community of Boryspil district in Kyiv region. The presence of previously recorded increased content of heavy metals in soils compared to the background content, both in terms of their gross content and the content of mobile forms was confirmed within the certain areas near the silt fields. For the elements-pollutants (Zn, Cu, Cr, Pb) at some points within the agricultural land, exceeding the values ​​of their gross content and the content of mobile forms (Zn, Cu) of the maximum permissible concentrations was recorded at 1.1-6.2 and 1.1 -2.6 times, respectively. The average values ​​of heavy metals content for floodplains (settlement) and agricultural land near silt fields indicate their prevailing values ​​for the latter in almost all elements, as well as exceeding the background values ​​and maximum permissible concentrations for the land where silt deposits were previously applied as fertilizers. Within the surveyed areas, soils are classified as unsalted, but the increased content of exchangeable magnesium may adversely affect soil fertility. Increased mineralization and content of ammonium and nitrates in groundwater are observed near silt fields, which is obviously related to the impact of silt water and can lead to deterioration of groundwater quality in the area of ​​their transit and discharge, in particular within the village Gnidyn. The area of ​​land with an extremely dangerous pollution rate in terms of total heavy metal is about 300 hectares, with a dangerous pollution rate is 260 hectares, and the estimated damage from crop failure may be 1.65 million UAH/year and 0.3 million UAH/year respectively. Within the areas adjacent to the silt fields, the condition of soils, water resources, cultivated products and the health of the population should be constantly monitored, especially when using the polluted land for agricultural use or housing.

Effect of Vermicompost Amendment on the Accumulation and Chemical Forms of Trace Metals in Leafy Vegetables Grown in Contaminated Soils

(1) Background: Trace metal (TM) contamination of farmland soil in Taiwan occurs because factories dump wastewater into irrigation ditches. Since vermicompost affects the bioavailability of TMs, the objective of this study was to evaluate its effects on the accumulation of growth of TMs in leafy vegetables. (2) Methods: Two TM-contaminated soils and different types of pak choi and lettuce were used and amended with vermicompost. Besides soil properties, the study assessed vermicompost’s influence on the growth, accumulation, and chemical forms of TMs and on the health risks posed by oral intake. (3) Results: Vermicompost could increase the content of soil organic matter, available phosphorus, exchangeable magnesium, and exchangeable potassium, thus promoting the growth of leafy vegetables. The accumulation of four TMs in crops under vermicompost was reduced compared to the control, especially for the concentration of cadmium, which decreased by 60–75%. The vermicompost’s influence on changing the chemical form of TMs depended on the TM concentrations, type of TM, and crop species; moreover, blanching effectively reduced the concentrations of TMs in high-mobility chemical forms. Although vermicompost mostly reduced the amount of cadmium consumed via oral intake, cadmium still posed the highest health risk compared to the other three TMs.

Soil Nutrients Status and Cotton Yield as Influenced by Split Application of Nitrogen and Potassium in Vertisol

The present investigation was conducted during 2018-19 with a view to study the effect of split application of nitrogen and potassium on yield of cotton and soil nutrient status at Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth, Akola. The experiment comprised of eight different treatments and their combination with foliar spray of 1 per cent MgSO4 at two different growth stages viz. flowering and boll development in randomized block design with three replications. The results of the present experiment revealed that, available nutrient status of soil was slightly increased with increase in the splits of N and K fertilizer. Available N, P, K, S and exchangeable Ca in soil were significantly increased with the split application of fertilizer. The fertilizer split did not show significant effect on the exchangeable magnesium status of soil. Foliar sprays of 1 per cent MgSO4 at two different growth stages viz. flowering and boll development irrespective of fertility levels showed slightly higher exchangeable magnesium status of soil. The lowest available N, P, K, S and exchangeable Ca and Mg was recorded in treatment of absolute control. The fertilizer splits show a consistent increase in the seed cotton yield and stalk yield of Bt cotton. Hence, it can be concluded that, application of 60:30:30 N, P2O5 and K2O kg ha-1 with splits of nitrogen at basal, 30, 60 and 90 DAS, 100 per cent P2O5 as basal and K2O in two equal splits at basal and 60 DAS recorded significantly higher seed cotton and cotton stalk yield. The seed cotton (R2 = 0.913**) and stalk yield (R2 = 0.935**) was significantly and positively correlated with the soil organic carbon status.

Characterization of Biochar Produced from Different Feed Stocks

Imprudently disposed and burning of organic wastes have been causing environmental pollution and greenhouse gas emission. The objective of this study was to characterize the biochar produced from different agricultural wastes to explore its potential use as organic soil amendments. The feedstock derived from each of Eucalyptus globules (EG), Acacia decarance (AD), farm yard manure (FYM) and rice straw (RS) were collected and biochar was produced by slow pyrolysis at 300oC in the furnace. The determination of pH, carbon, phosphorus, cation exchange capacity, electrical conductivity and exchangeable basic cations of individual biochar was performed and statistical analyses carried out to compare the means values obtained. Higher carbon content was observed in biochar produced from AD (65.00%) compared with that of biochar produced from other feedstock types included in this study. pH value of Bbiochar produced from EG and RS were moderately acidic (pH 5.94) and neutral (pH 6.6), respectively, whereas biochar produced from AD (pH 8.07 and FYM (pH 8.17) revealed moderately alkaline pH level. High and low EC values were recorded in biochar produced from FYM (4.70 DS m-1) and the low value from EG (0.68 DS m-1), respectively. The maximum concentration of exchangeable magnesium (20.95%), potassium (16.40%) and sodium (1.77%), EC and phosphorous (2288.75 ppm) were testimony in biochar produced from FYM is potential to prove phosphorus fertilizer requirement of a crop but calcium (39.50%) was from biochar produced from AD. Higher CEC (129.75 cmolc kg-1) was detected in biochar produced from EG followed by biochar produced from RS (127.5 cmolc kg-1), AD (117 cmolc kg-1) and FYM (87.25 cmolc kg-1). Generally, the current finding revealed that biochar from different feedstock’s had different chemical properties, so this difference could contribute for soil fertility improvement as the result agricultural wastes is managed without pollution. But, the current work was limited to the characterization of biochar. So, more detailed investigation on the rate and reclaiming the power of the biochar and other issues should be investigated.

Viabilidade técnica do uso de gesso reciclado da construção civil como insumo agrícola

A disposição de resíduos de gesso sem os cuidados necessários promove a contaminação do ar, do solo e do lençol freático. Entretanto, há possibilidade de reciclagem e utilização desses materiais como insumo agrícola, os quais podem promover resultados semelhantes ao gesso agrícola no cultivo de culturas de ciclo curto. Essa pesquisa avaliou a viabilidade técnica e o custo da utilização de gesso reciclado derivado da construção civil como substitutivo ao gesso agrícola, por meio de um experimento onde se observou o seu desempenho a campo na neutralização do alumínio trocável e disponibilização de cálcio mais magnésio no solo. Também se comparou o desenvolvimento e a produtividade da cultura do milho na área experimental, que foi composta por nove tipos de tratamento com quatro repetições distribuídos de forma casualizada em 36 parcelas, totalizando uma área de 241,5m². Após o desenvolvimento completo do milho coletou-se amostras de solo de todos os tratamentos e de indivíduos em todas as parcelas, os quais foram separados e pesados. Os resultados demonstraram que o gesso reciclado, se comportou de forma semelhante ao gesso agrícola ou foi mais eficiente na neutralização do alumínio trocável e na melhoria nos índices de Capacidade de Troca Catiônica. Quanto à produção vegetal, verificamos estatisticamente que não houve diferença significativa entre as parcelas. Conclui-se que o gesso reciclado é um substituto eficiente para o gesso agrícola, mas ainda necessita de uma cadeia de reciclagem e beneficiamento que possibilite sua oferta aos agricultores a um custo menor que a do gesso agrícola. Technical feasibility of using recycled gypsum of civil construction as an agricultural inputA B S T R A C TThe disposal of gypsum waste without observing the necessary precautions can promote the contamination of the air, soil and groundwater. However, there is possibility of recycling of this material as an agricultural input promoting a similar result to the agricultural gypsum in the cultivation of crops of short cycle. The present research evaluated the technical feasibility and the cost of the use of recycled gypsum derived from the civil construction as substitutive to the agricultural gypsum derived from mineral tillage, in an experimental area where was observed the field performance of this material as an input for the exchangeable aluminum neutralization and the availability of calcium plus exchangeable magnesium in the soil. The development and productivity of maize in the experimental area were also compared with nine types of treatments and four replications distributed randomly in 36 plots, which resulted in a total area of 241.5m². After the complete development of the maize cycle, soil samples were collected from all treatments as well as from individuals in all plots that were separated and weighed. The results showed that the gypsum recycled had a similar way to the agricultural gypsum, was more efficient with regard to the neutralization of the exchangeable aluminum and the improvement in the Capacity of Cations Exchange. Regarding plant production, it was verified from statistical treatments that there was no significant difference between plots, but still needs a chain of recycling and processing that enables its offer to farmers at a lower cost than the gypsumKey words: recycled plaster, reuse of inputs and peri-urban agriculture, soil remineralizer.

Effects of magnesite fertilization on soil properties and nutrition state of weakened Norway Spruce stands in the Śnieżnik Massif of Polish Eastern Sudety Mountains

The aim of this study was to assess the effects of fertilization with magnesite, 6 years after its application. The magnesite fertilizer was applied in amount of 2,000 kg·ha-1 in 2006. Fertilization covers the surface of 43 ha. Soil exploration in fertilized and unfertilized areas was carried out in August 2012. Needles and soil samples were collected for basic laboratory analysis. The effect of magnesite fertilization in soil was detected down to the B horizon. The principal excess of exchangeable magnesium (88%) was found in the surface organic horizon, while a substantial excess of total magnesium (57%) was detected in the top mineral horizon. The fertilization with magnesite caused the decreasing: acidity, ratio of calcium to magnesium in the absorption complex, supply of calcium in soil. Additionally, an increased magnesium supply in soil and its effect in the needles of the investigated spruce stands were noted. Research study confirm the usefulness of ground magnesite in elimination the deficit of magnesium in soils and needles of spruce stands in the Śnieżnik Massif for an extended period of time. Fertilization with magnesite at low doses may bring beneficial and quick effects to the health condition and productivity of spruce stands growing on soils well supplied with nitrogen. Keywords: spruce stands decline; soil properties; fertilization with magnesite, spruce nutrition status.

Micromorphological features of soils of semidesertic solonetzic complexes under different herbaceous communities with the participation of fodder plant Kochia prostrata (Caspian lowland)

The aim of the study was to research the relationship of chemical and micromorphological properties of soils with the growth of Kochia prostrata. The objects of study were the soils on natural pastures of the North-Western part of the Caspian lowland. It was laid 4 soil pits (soils – light solonetz, solonetzic chestnut) with the maximum penetration depth of the main mass of roots of the studied plants. K. prostratais a very plastic forage species that can grow on soils with a wide range of morphological properties, different salt content and their chemical composition. It is revealed that on the background of almost the same content of humus and high content of exchangeable magnesium micromorphological features represent the different degree of manifestation of primary pedogenic processes – humus accumulation, leaching of soluble salts, gypsum accumulation, carbonate enrichment, solonetzization. Despite the different content of exchangeable sodium, in all soils there are fresh clay or humus-clay illuvial coatings, indicating the manifestation of the modern eluvial-illuvial redistribution of fine matter (lessivage or illimerization).

Assessment of Soil Degradation and Large Scale Soil Mapping Using GIS: A Case Study of Village Ramagarh from Purna Valley, Maharashtra

The importance of soil-physiographic relationship in soil survey and mapping provide a fair understanding of variability across the landscape needed for sustainable agricultural planning. Keeping this in view the swell- shrink soils of the Ramagarh village of Purna valley in Amravati district, Maharashtra in semi-arid region of central India were studied for their morphological, physical and chemical characteristics and soils were mapped at 1: 8000 scale in geographical information system (GIS) platform. The soils of Ramagarh village are very deep, dark grayish brown to very dark grayish brown in colour, clayey in texture and exhibits medium, moderate, sub angular blocky structure in the surface layers and the subsoil horizons have medium, weak to strong angular blocky structure. Soils are alkaline in reaction, calcareous in nature and low to medium organic carbon content. The pH, CaCO3 and exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP) increase with depth in all the soils. Because of high smectitic clay content and ESP down the profile, these soils have impeded drainage and show ponding of water in the rainy season. The soils of the uplands are classified as Sodic Haplusterts and low land soils belong to Typic Haplusterts category at sub group level. The study indicates that the soils are sodic chemically degraded in 18.2% area of the TGA of the village. The higher ESP was related to corresponding decrease in exchangeable calcium and increase in exchangeable magnesium.

Macro nutrient status of Sundarbans forest soils in Southern region of Bangladesh

An attempt has been made to evaluate the condition of soil of the Sundarban mangrove forest of Bangladesh by applying standard method. Soil pH was varied from 6.63 to 7.87. Organic carbon of soil was found 4.06, 4.79, 5.59, 9.38 and 9.80 (gKg-1) at Kotka, Kochikhali, Hironpoint, Harbaria, and Dublarchar, respectively. The electrical conductivity of soil was varied from 14.39, to 42.89 (dSm-1) in the study areas.The cation exchange capacity in the soils was varied from 22.32 to 27.2 Cmolckg-1 in the study area. The average percentages of total nitrogen content in the soil were varied from 0.04 to 0.08%. The soils of Oligohaline zone of Sundarban mangrove forest are rich in water soluble and exchangeable magnesium followed by calcium and the potassium. The percentages of silt and clay were higher than sand in all study areas. Dissolved chloride in the soil was found 7010, 4186,11750 and 16389 (μg g-1) at Hironpoint, Harbaria, Dublarchar and Kotka respectively. Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res.54(1), 67-72, 2019

Study on the effect of different levels of organic and inorganic fertilizers on microbial enzymes and soil mesofauna in soybean ecosystem

Soybean (Glycine max (L) Merril). is also called Golden bean belongs to family Fabaceae is native to China having high nutritive value and oil content. Due to usage of inorganic fertilizers the fertility of soil and yield soybean has declined. Organic manures known to increase the soil fertility, structure and also influence the microbial enzymes activity and soil mesofauna. In this context the present investigation was undertaken to study, the different doses of farm yard manure and chemical fertilizers on the soil mesofauna and microbial enzymes at GKVK, Bangalore during the year 2013-2014. The investigation revealed that higher abundance of soil mesofauna (18.53) was recorded in 20 tons of FYMha-1 compared to the treatments with recommended package of practices (12.35) and inorganic fertilizer (10.30) alone. Soil mesofauna exhibited a significant positive relation with the microbial enzymes like dehydrogenase, acid and alkaline phosphtases and urease. The results of the multiple linear regression analysis showed that the influence of exchangeable calcium, available potassium and available phosphorous, exchangeable magnesium, dehydrogenase, alkaline phosphatase and urease on the abundance of soil mesofauna was up to 79 per cent. Higher rhizobium nodule number (64.93/plant) and yield (16.01 q/ha) of soybean found to increase with increase in farmyard manure application.