Asian Journal of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition
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Response of Soil Chemical Properties to Rhizobium and Rock Phosphate Fertilizer Application under Green - Grams in Tharaka Nithi County, Kenya
No full textSoil fertility decline is one of the major constraints in agricultural productivity. Biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) in legumes can offer a cost-effective and sustainable means towards soil fertility management. There is limited information on green-gram BNF enhancement through Rhizobium inoculation with rock phosphate fertilizer. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of Rhizobium and rock phosphate fertilizer application on soil chemical properties under green-gram varieties. The study was carried out at Chuka university horticultural research farm in two seasons (November 2019 - January 2020 and February - April 2020). A factorial experiment of 2 x 2 x 2 was laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD). There were three factors; varieties (N26 and KS20), rock phosphate (0 and 30 kg P ha-1) and Rhizobium inoculation (0 and 100 g ha-1) making a total of eight treatments which were replicated three times. Soil sampling and analyses were done for soil pH, fixed-N, total nitrogen (TN), exchangeable cations (EC), available Phosphorous (P), total organic carbon (TOC), and exchangeable potassium (K) before planting and after harvesting of green-grams for the two seasons. Data was analysed using GENSTAT 15th edition (P≤0.05). Results from both seasons indicated that combined application of rock phosphate at 30 kg P ha-1 and Rhizobium inoculation at 100 kg ha-1 showed significant (P≤0.05) higher increase in soil chemical properties over other treatments. However, treatment R1P1KS20 recorded significantly higher results in soil pH (7.54), TN (0.58%), TOC (3.45%), P (68.20 ppm) and EC (0.95 CmolKg-1), fixed-N (0.50%) and K (1.75 CmolKg-1). On the other hand treatment R0P0N26 recorded significant (P≤0.05) lower results in soil pH (5.23), TN (0.04%), TOC (1.86%), P (8.76 ppm), EC (0.21 CmolKg-1) and K (0.58 CmolKg-1). Therefore, Rhizobium inoculation in green-grams in combination with rock phosphate is an important legume nitrogen fixation enhancement method. This method is cost effective for farmers in sustainably supplementing nitrogen and phosphorous in their farms for improved soil fertility management. Based on the findings, combining Rhizobium 100g ha-1 and rock phosphate 30 kg P ha-1 with variety KS20 were recommended for a sustainable soil fertility management in Tharaka Nithi County
Effect of Potassium Humate and Micronic Sulfur on the Chemical Properties of Some Soils of Toshka, Egypt
No full textLow soil organic matter, low nutrient availability and the higher soil pH (more than 8) are the major problem of agricultural practices in region of Toshka. An incubation trial at October 2019 was conducted to investigate the effect of potassium humate (KH) and micronic sulfur (MS) on some chemical properties of different soils (sandy clay soils, loamy sand and sandy soils). The used amendments (KH and MS) were added to the studied soil at 4 levels of each amendment i.e. 0.0, 0.25, 0.50 and 1.0%. A two way randomized completely block design and provided with three replications. Studied parameters were included soil pH, EC, exchange Na and the content of available - P and K. Results showed that, the MS application at 1% level caused a significant decrease in soil pH values compared with the KH application and control treatment. These reductions were more pronounced in case of soil B (loamy sand). Also, KH application gave an increase on exchange Na and available-K. While MS application was cause an increased in soil EC and available-P in the three soils under study. Moreover, the increases in the percentage of available – K with added of KH were higher than added of MS for soils under study. While the percentages of available-P with added of KH were higher than with added of MS for studied soils. It may be recommended to add KH and MS at a rate of 1% to improve the soil chemical properties. But the effect of application from MS has greater than KH to increase dissolved sodium salts on the form of sodium sulfate, which facilitates disposal during soil drainage
Azolla as an Alternative of Mineral Nitrogen for Chamomile Plant (Matricaria chamomilla L.) Fertilization in Sandy Soil
No full textTwo pot experiments were carried out during the two successive seasons of 2010/2011 and 2011/ 2012 to apply mineral nitrogen and/or Azolla at different methods of addition with a reduction of mineral nitrogen fertilizer and its effect on vegetative growth, the yield of inflorescences, total phenolic concentration, antioxidant activity, nitrate and nitrite concentrations and the volatile oil concentrations and composition of chamomile inflorescences in sandy soil. Data indicated that dry Azolla (DA) treatments increased significantly plant height, number of branches/plant, shoot fresh and dry weights and number of inflorescences/plant against the rest treatments. It is clear that DA singly induced maximum growth parameters in both seasons and the reverse was true with fresh Azolla (FA) alone. It is obvious that DA achieved the highest total phenolic concentrations, antioxidant activity and volatile oil (VO) concentrations, and the opposite response was true for nitrate & nitrite concentrations. Addition of 50% ammonium nitrate to 50% FA or 50% Azolla extract as foliar (spray Azolla) SA have positive effect on chemical constituents except nitrate and nitrite concentrations. It is evident that the highest chamazulene and α ̶ bisabolol oxide ̶ B were achieved with DA and the reverse was true for α ̶ bisabolol oxide ̶ A. Dry Azolla treatment alone was the most efficient one in increasing the yield production with increment in active substances of chamomile plant in sandy soil
Effect of Cropping System under Tillage and Mulching on Soil Physical Properties and Water Use Efficiency by Maize (Zea mays L.) in Southern Benin
No full textIn agriculture, water has become a limiting factor because of the effects of climate change felt by farmers. This situation seriously compromises agricultural production through pockets of drought, delayed and early cessation of rains and then an increase in the length of the dry season.
Aims: This study aims to evaluate the effect of tillage and vegetative mulch on soil physical properties and maize water use efficiency in ferralitic soil of southern Benin.
Study Design: The Factorial Complete Randomized Block Design with 4 repetitions was implemented.
Place and Duration of Study: The experimental site is located at Allada, in southern Benin, and conducted between May 2017 and July 2017.
Methodology: Tillage (No-tillage, flat tillage) and straw mulch rate (0%, 50%, 75% soil cover) and their interaction was been tested during this study. The physical properties of soil and maize water use efficiency were determined.
Results: Tillage significantly reduced soil temperature by 2.65% and improved soil permeability by 60%. Tillage also significantly improved water use efficiency for maize grain from 3.88 to 7.88 kg.mm-1.ha-1 and for maize biomass from 12.67to 23.31 kg.mm-1.ha-1. Mulching significantly improved soil moisture from 11.54% to 13.13%, water use efficiency for maize grain from 4.26 to 7.58kg.mm-1.ha-1 and for maize biomass from 14.50 to 22.05 kg.mm-1.ha-1. Mulching also significantly reduced soil temperature by 11%. The combination of tillage and mulching significantly improved water use efficiency for maize grain and biomass production. The highest water use efficiency (8.87 kg.mm-1.ha-1 for maize grain and 25.17 kg.mm-1.ha-1 for maize biomass) was achieved with tillage combined with mulching at 75% soil cover. The interaction between these two factors significantly reduced soil temperature by 11.30% (tillage combined with mulch at 75% soil cover) compared to control (no-tillage and no-mulch).
Conclusion: This study showed that tillage and mulching at 50% or 75% soil cover improves soil physical properties and water use efficiency for maize production in the context of climate change
Effects of Nutrient Enriched Municipal Solid Waste Compost on Yield and Nutrient Content of Cabbage in Alluvial Soil
No full textComposting of municipal solid waste (MSW) is a good option for solid waste recycling, but its use by the farmers is limited because of its very low nutrient status.
Aims: The study aimed at nutrient enrichment of marketed MSW compost by using some organic materials and evaluating the influence of nutrient enriched MSW compost on yield and nutrient content of cabbage (Brassica oleracea L.).
Place and Duration of Study: MSW compost amendment, field experiment and nutrient analysis were carried out at Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU), Mymensingh during October 2017 to June 2018.
Methodology: We prepared three types of amended compost by mixing 20% mustard oil cake (MOC), and 30% poultry manure (PM) or cow dung (CD) or sugarcane press mud (SPM) with 50% MSW compost. A liquid culture of Trichoderma viride was inoculated to every type of compost. The field experiment was conducted to evaluate the performance of the amended MSW composts on yield and nutrient content of cabbage (cv. Atlas-70), and on soil fertility. The experimental soil was silt loam having 6.7 pH and 2.79% organic matter; according to Soil Taxonomy it belongs to Aeric Haplaquept under the order Inceptisols.
Results: Based on the yield and nutrient concentration (N, P, K & S) of cabbage, the treatment containing 50% fertilizers + 50% compost mixture (MSW compost + MOC + SPM in a ratio of 5:2:3) demonstrated the best result followed by poultry manure amended compost. Use of the amended composts had residual effects on soil showing an increased N, P, K & S content.
Conclusion: Organic amendment of MSW compost inoculated with Trichoderma is a noble means to increase the nutrient status of marketed MSW compost and improve the soil fertility and crop productivity. The results have significant value in fertilizer management strategies for vegetables cultivation in sub-tropical countries
Effects of Integrated Nutrient Management on the Performance of Mango on Hills in Three Districts, Bangladesh
No full textThis experiment was conducted in a mango garden at Bandarban, Khagrachari and Rangamati district in hilly area of Bangladesh from 15 October 2015 to 30 May 2017 to study the effects of integrated nutrient management on the performance of mango in hills. The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design with three replications. There were four treatments Mango (5-10 yrs. old). The treatments are: 4 (four) Fertilizer packages * T1= Control, T2= N230P53K100 S 36Zn3 B4 + CD/Compost 20000 g/plant, T3= 125% of T2 and T4= 150% of T2. In Khagrachari site, Mango yield varied from 7.72-22.30 kg/plant. The highest mango yield 22.30 kg/plant wasin T4 treatment (150% of T2). In Bandarban site, Mango yield ranged between24.13-48.25 kg/plant. The highest mango yield 48.25 kg/plant found in T3 treatment (125% of T2). In Rangamati site, Mango yield varied from 9.62-23.10 kg/plant. The highest mango yield 23.10 kg/plant found in T4 treatment (150% of T2). In most cases the significant difference in yields were found in T4 treatments in three districts
Effectiveness of Organics with Nitrogen Levels and Bio-fertilizers on Soil Chemico-biological Properties of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Crop [Cv.PBW-343] in Inseptisol
No full textAims: To enhance soil quality, production, productivity and profit maximization with higher economic returns through integrated farming practices. In addition, to fulfill the needs of farmers economical point of view, academic, society and social reforms.
Study Design: Effectiveness of organics with nitrogen levels and bio-fertilizers on soil chemico-biological properties of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) crop [Cv.PBW-343] in Inseptisol.
Place and Duration of Study: The cumulative study period of 2018-19 and 2019-20, at research farm, department of soil science and agricultural chemistry, naini agricultural institute, sam higginbottom university of agriculture, technology and sciences, which is located at 25°58’ North latitude and 81°52\u27 East longitude with an altitude of 98 meter above mean sea level and is situated 5km away on the right, bank of Yamuna river.
Methodology: Randomized block design fallowed here with 12 treatment combinations replicated 3 times. Recommended dose of fertilizers i.e. nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, was applied @ 120:60:40 kg ha-1 as urea (46% N), single super phosphate (16% P2O5), muriate of potash (60% K2O) and zinc sulphate (21% Zn). The Azotobactor spp. and Azospirilium spp. (seed inoculants), applied at 3 kg ha-1 with farm yard manure @ 5 tha-1, at 5 cm depth in furrows, before seed sowing was done on 13th and 14th of November (2018-2019) with spacing of 22.5 X 5 cm. Wheat cultivar used here is PBW-343 as a test crop.
Results: The cumulative mean of low soil pH (6.82), electrical conductivity (0.37 dS m-1) and free lime content (13.55%), the higher cation exchange capacity (16.37 cmol (p+) kg-1), higher available nitrogen, available phosphorus, available potassium and available sulphur of 262.12: 21.75:220.51:32.57 kg ha-1, respectively, high available iron and zinc (i.e. 3.90 and 1.79 mg kg-1), low available manganese and copper (3.77 and 0.31 mg kg-1), further the cumulative mean of dehydrogenase enzyme activity (1.49 µg triphenyl-formazan g-1 day-1), alkaline phosphatase activity (186.35 µg para-nitrophenol g-1 hr-1) and microbial biomass carbon (37.59 g kg-1) was labelled in treatment (T9) consisting of 75% N + farm yard manure @ 5 t ha-1 + Azotobacter spp + Azospirillum spp (3 kg ha-1) + zinc in comparison to in-organic application over control.
Conclusion: The combined application of farm yard manure, Azotobacter spp and Azospirilium spp along with in-organics, has led to improvement in soil health potential, nutrient availability and yield sustenance under wheat crop cultivation
The Effect of Solid (Granular) and Liquid (Foliar) Fertilizers Application on the Growth and Yield of Maize (Zea mays L) in Soils of Obubra, Cross River State, Nigeria
No full textThe research was carried out in the month of April, 2018 to determine the effect of solid (granular) and liquid (foliar) fertilizers application on the growth and yield of maize in soils of Obubra. Five (5) composite soil samples were collected at the depth of 0-20 cm for the analysis of physical and chemical properties before application of the fertilizers. The experimental layout was randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three treatments and five replications in a plot area of 25 m x 20 m (500 m2) which corresponds to 0.05 ha-1. The plot was designed and blocked into subplots, each measuring 6 m x 4 m (24 m2). Each block was separated from the other with a distance of one meter (1 m) apart and between subplots 0.5 m apart. Three treatments made up of treatment one (T1) zero application at 0 kg ha-1, treatment two (T2) liquid (foliar) N.P.K 20:20:20 at the rate of 100 mil of N, 50 mil of P2O5, 33.3 mil of Mp ha-1 and treatment three (T3) solid (granular) N.P.K 20:20:20 at the rate of 44.4 kg of N, 40 kg of P2O5 and 33.3 kg of Mp ha-1 were replicated five times making a total of fifteen (15) subplots. Parameters of plant heights and number of leaves were observed at 6 and 8 weeks after planting. Plant heights, number of leaves, number of cobs, weight of 1000 seeds in each subplot and weight of grain after shelling were analyzed respectively. Results on soil analyses showed that the soil texture was sandy loam with deficiencies in primary nutrients and other nutrients. On the plant heights, the result was significant (P≤0.05) and on the number of leaves, the result for 6 weeks was not significant (P≥0.05) while that of 8 weeks was significant (P≤0.05). On the number of cobs, 1000 seeds and weight of grain after shelling were also significant (P≤0.05). The solid (granular) fertilizer showed to be more effective than liquid (foliar) fertilizer and should therefore be recommended for the growth and yield of maize in the area
Long Term Effects of Integrated Plant Nutrition System on Rice Yield, Nitrogen Dynamics and Biochemical Properties in Soil of Rice-rice Cropping System
No full textLong term fertilization from manure and fertilizer influences crop yield as well as soil nutrient cycling. Therefore, a field experiment was conducted from 2010 to 2014 in order to observe the long term effects of integrated application of manure and fertilizers on rice yield, soil nitrogen dynamics and soil biochemical properties. The field experiment was carried out in a rice-fallow-rice cropping pattern under wetland condition with four fertilizer management practices: NPKS fertilizer as soil test based (STB), Cow dung (CD) @ 3 t ha-1 + NPKS as integrated plant nutrition system (IPNS) [CD+IPNS], Poultry manure (PM) @ 2 t ha-1 + NPKS as IPNS [PM+IPNS] and N control. The rice grain yield, soil N dynamics and the biochemical properties assessed in our study significantly varied with the organic sources used in IPNS system. The annual grain yield of double cropped rice with PM+IPNS was similar to the STB treatment over the five cropping years while CD+IPNS responded from the third year. After five years of rice cropping PM+IPNS showed better impact on soil nitrogen dynamics and biochemical properties compared to STB fertilizer management. Considering the soil health, our study suggests that PM+IPNS could be a good practice for sustainable rice production in long run reducing the use of chemical fertilizer
Diagnosis and Recommendation Integrated System (DRIS) in Determining Mineral Status of Cotton in the Cotton Zones of Benin
No full textThis study aimed at developing parameters of the Diagnosis and Recommendation Integrated System (DRIS) model for the assessment nutrient status for cotton grown in Benin.. Soil physical and chemical characteristics, leaves nutrient content (N, P, K, Ca, Mg) and seed-cotton yield were assessed on samples gathered from 150 farmers’ fields in 2018. Nutrient indices were computed using standard DRIS procedures. Results showed that phosphorus was in excess in the petiole and the whole leaves but in deficit in the limb. Potassium content was adequate according in the petiole and leaves but deficient in the limb. Ca content was limiting in the limb or the whole leaves and adequate in the petiole. Based on the diagnosis made in the petioles, Mg was deficient while adequate in the limbs and leaves. In the limb, the order of the macronutrients is as follows: K> P> N. On the other side, in the petiole and the whole leaves, the order of the macronutrients becomes: P> K> N. In the whole leaves and limb, the order of the secondary elements is as follows: Mg> Ca, whereas in the petiole the order of the secondary elements becomes: Ca> Mg