Asian Soil Research Journal
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An Assessment of the Physico-Chemical Parameters of Mangrove Soils that Support Nypa fruticans and Other Mangrove Species Establishment in the Cameroon Estuary
No full textInvasion of Nypa palm into mangroves is a problem in the Cameroon Estuary. Soil variability is one of the dominant features that support Nypa palm establishment. The objective was to characterize the soil under the different mangrove stands; Purely Nypa palm stands (A), mixed stands i.e Nypa palm and other mangrove species (B) and other mangrove species i.e Nypa palm free (C), determine the principal soil characteristic critical for Nypa spread. 9 plots of 20 x 20 m were laid in each of the sites. 27 soil samples were collected in the North, West, South East and Center at a depth of 30 cm in these three sites using a soil auger. The results in the three sites indicated that; soils were acidic (3.87- 4.39), pH values did not significantly differ (alpha >0.05), organic matter was low in A (12.32%) and B (16.35%).Soil Organic Carbon ranged from (4.52 to 7.06%). High percentage of organic carbon content was recorded in C (7.06%). Low percentage of organic carbon was found in A (4.52%). Total nitrogen varied from 1.04 g/kg, 1.70g/kg, 1.80 g/kg in sites C, A and B. In all the mangrove stands, the values of Exchangeable Ca content were below 4.0 cmolkg-1. Soil texture in the three sites were; sandy, clay and silt. Power test showed no significant different in soil types between the three sites (p>0.05). According to the component matrix the factor is positively loaded by soil EC, moisture content, organic matter, organic carbon, N, C/N, CEC, Ca, Mg, K, Na, Clay, Silt, and negatively loaded by the percent sand. This study therefore, suggests that since soil plays key role in Nypa palm establishment, there should be constant monitoring of soil quality to forestall drastic changes that will jeopardize the survival of the mangroves. Nypa palm seedlings should also be physically removed from mangrove forest to prevent colonization. In addition, more mangrove seeds should be planted in deforested mangrove areas to close the window of opportunity for the palms
Determination of the Hydrodynamic Parameters of Two Types of Soil in the Senegal River Delta. Simulation of Hydro-saline Transfers: Application to the Wind Deflation Phenomenon
No full textIn the Senegal River delta, the presence of a shallow salt water table associated with a strong evaporative demand sometimes leads to an upwelling of salts that crystallize on the surface. This phenomenon can be observed in the vicinity of the Diawling Basin, where a powdery structure sensitive to wind deflation and a massive structure with a fractionation into platelets that cannot be transported by the wind are noted.
To understand the hydrodynamic characteristics of these soils, we used numerical simulation of water and solute transfers. The hydrodynamic parameters were determined in the laboratory using Wind\u27s method on undisturbed samples. The experimental retention h() and hydraulic conductivity K(h) curves were fitted using the Van Genuchten model. The simulations show that the soil with a powdery structure has hydrodynamic characteristics that favour the ascent of salts from the water table to the surface. For the soil with a massive structure, the hydrodynamic conditions impose a deposition of salts in the subsurface
Heavy Metals Content in Kaolin Mined Soil and Water Body at Ohiya, Umuahia South, Abia State, Nigeria
No full textHeavy metals (HM) have been a global concern for its toxic and detrimental effect on the environment especially when it exceeds the permissible limit through anthropogenic activities like kaolin mining. Kaolin mining has improved the economic wellbeing of the local people through employment and otherwise; and at the same time attached with environmental consequences that threatens the livelihood of the community members. This study was carried out to ascertain the concentrations of selected heavy metals in kaolin mined soils and water body and its pollution density using single pollution indices such as contamination factor (CF), geo-accumulation (Igeo) and ecological risk factor (Er ). Soil sample were collected from three different kaolin mined sites labelled (A,B and C) also surface water samples were collected from upper and down streams of Iyi-ugbohoroAmaudara, both samples were digested and elemental analysis was carried out using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS UNICAM 919 model). The concentration of the metals in three different kaolin mined soil samples ranges from Pb(40.00, 52.00 and 55.09 mg/kg) Cr(45.01, 70.00 and 71.00 mg/kg) Ni( 32.10, 50.50 and 51.00 mg/kg) Cd( 2.16, 6.25 and 6.15 mg/kg) Co( 19.68, 57.06 and 56.00 mg/kg) Se(1.06, 0.50, and 1.00 mg/kg) Mn(0.001, 0.01 and 0.01 mg/kg) Hg( 2.01, 2.00 and 2.50 mg/kg) As( 1.07, 1.10 and 1.05 mg/kg) and Cu(33.01, 60.00 and 57.5 mg/kg). Results from single pollution indices used for the selected heavy metals from kaolin mined soil, samples (A,B and C) showed that Mn, As, Cr, Ni and Cu indicated low to moderate contamination factor while Cd, Se, Co and Hg indicated high to very high contamination factor in all the samples. The distribution trend of heavy metals concentrations in the upper and down streams of the river body during wet season, showed that there were significant difference between upper and down streams while dry season showed variations in significant differences between the upper and down streams of some of the heavy metals. The study therefore concludes that kaolin soils are contaminated with heavy metals as a result of kaolin deposit and its mining activities. The single pollution indices used for the study pointed out that Cd, Se, Co and Hg are very high in the kaolin soils. The surface waters of Iyi-ugbohoroAmaudara River at the study area are polluted with heavy metals as a result of kaolin mining activities in the area; more especially during wet season of the study. Consequently, these outcomes would pose a toxic effect to both fauna and flora and possibly threatens the aquatic lives and the local populace
Effect of [N-(Phosphonomethl)-glycine] (Glyphosate) Herbicide on Soil Microbial Population
No full textAims: To determine the effect of [N-(phosphonomethl)-glycine] (glyphosate) herbicide on soil bacterial and fungal population.
Study Design:The effect glyphosate herbicide on soil microorganisms population on 2 different farm land was determined by Isolation of bacteria and fungi from untreated and Glyphosate herbicide treated soils using Nutrient agar and Potatoes dextrose agar (PDA) for the bacteria and fungi respectively. The number of bacteria and fungi present in both treated and untreated soil was then enumerated and the isolates determined.
Place and Duration of Study: The study is a cross sectional research and was conducted on two Farm lands located at Yola capital city of Adamawa state Nigeria wheresoil samples were collected and Microbiology laboratory of Modibbo Adama University Yola were the sample was processed and analyzed. The study was conducted from February to May of 2021.
Methodology: Bacteria and fungi were isolated from soil samples before and after treatment of the soils with N-(phosphonomethl)-glycine(Glyphosate) herbicide at different concentration, the bacteria and fungi populations isolated both before and after the treatment were compared.
Results: The study showed that Glyphosate herbicide caused reduction in the bacterial and fungal count from 3 days of treatment up to 15 days. The bacterial count reduced from 6.1x108cfu/g in the untreated soil to 1.6x108cfu/g on the treatment. Also the fungal count reduced from 1.0x108cfu/g in the untreated soil to 5.0x107cfu/g after 15days of soil treatment. Both the bacterial and fungal count continues to show a gradual decrease up to 15 days in the treated soil. However, several bacteria and fungi were isolated with Bacillus spp. and Micrococcus spp. having the bacteria with highest occurrence with 42(19.91%) and Aspergillusspp. as the fungi with the highest occurrence with 12(42.85%). Statistical analysis of the data obtained indicated that At 95% confidence level, there is a significant difference in the population of bacteria and fungi before and after the soil treatment P-value(T˃t)=.001
Conclusion: The study revealed that Glyphosate herbicide has a negative effect on soil bacteria and fungi population
Assessment of the Effects of Seasonal Flooding on the Properties of Floodplain Soils of Wukari, Taraba State, Nigeria
No full textThe aim of this study was to examine the effects of seasonal flooding on the properties of floodplain soils of Wukari Area of Taraba state. The treatments consisted of five different locations of Gidan-Idi, Gindin-Dorowa, Tsokundi, Rafin-Kada and Nwuko and three different soil sample depths of 0-20 cm, 20-40 cm, and 40-60 cm laid out in a completely randomized design (CRD) and replicated three times. Soil samples were collected from each plot in 2016 and 2017. All soil samples were analyzed for physical and chemical properties. The results obtained were subjected to analysis of variance and means separated using F-LSD test at p≤.05. The results of the soil properties analysis showed that some of the determined parameters were significantly different at the different sample locations at p≤.05. The soils of Wukari Floodplains are mostly clay loam in texture having very slightly acid to neutral soil reaction, moderate organic matter, low total N, moderate available P, low exchangeable bases and CEC. The flood plain soils were moderate in soil fertility, a confirmation of the general characteristic of Savanna soils. The soils were not deficient in micronutrients. Seasonal flooding had significant (positive) influence on some physical and chemical properties of the flood plains most particularly at Rafin-Kada
Effect of Slope Length on the Soil and Nutrients Loss from the Upland (Hill) of Bangladesh on Jhum Crops
No full textThe experiments were conducted in the hill district of Bangladesh (CHTs) i.e Bandarban, under the AEZ 29 (Northern and Eastern Hills Tract) during March 2016 to November 2017 to study effect of slope length on the soil and nutrients loss from the upland (hill) of Bangladesh. The experiments were laid out in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The treatments for the experiment were: T1 30m slope length, T2 20m slope length, T310m slope length and T45m slope length. The highest soil loss of 50.0 t/ha/yr was recorded in treatment L1 having the slope length of 30 m and the plot size 150 m2 (30 m × 5 m). The lowest soil erosion was noted (4.75 t/ha/yr) for L4 treatment with the 5m slope length having area coverage area of 25 m2. The amount of soil loss in L2 (20 m length) and L3 treatments (10 m length) were 42.7 and 21.9 t/ha/yr, respectively. Nutrient depletion increased with the increasing lengths of the hilly land along the slope. The highest depletion of OM and plant nutrients were recorded under the maximum slope length of 30 m (L1) being followed by the losses observed in L2 (20 m), L3 (10 m) and L4 (5 m) plots respectively. The maximum losses of OM, total N, P, K, Ca, Mg and S were 2542, 93.1, 0.295, 2.73, 35.2, 20.6, and 1.34 kg/ha/yr, respectively for L1 (30 m) plot. Slope length created a very positive impact on yield of Jhum rice. The maximum yield of Jhum rice was produced under 30m slope length (2.25 t/ha). Slope length had considerable influence on the performance of Jhum crops like sweet gourd, marpha, maize, white gourd and cowpea
Pedogenic and Contemporary Issues of Fluvisol Characterization and Utilisation in the Wetlands of Bamenda Municipality, Cameroon
No full textFluvisols in urban wetlands in Bamenda Municipality Cameroon play a vital role in vegetable production but they are under immense pressure. Seven representative soil profiles and 21 surface soil samples were morphologically and/or physico-chemically characterized to classify the soils, evaluate their agro-utilization constraints, and to provide adequate data for planning sustainable land management. The soil samples were analyzed using standard procedures. Critical levels established for tropical crops and vegetables were used to declare deficiency of soil nutrients. The coefficient of variation were used as an index of soil variability, while sources of soil variation and subsequent grouping into management units were identified using principal component analysis. The soils, classified as Humi-umbric fluvisols are developed from young alluvio-colluvial material of granitic origin. Like other physico-chemical properties, organic matter varied irregularly down the profile. Except of pH which was slightly (CV<15%) variable, most soil properties were moderately (CV=15-35%) to highly (CV>35%) variable. Some correlation coefficients between the soil parameters were highly significant (p<0.01) ranging - 0.95 to 0.99, but most of them have correlation values less than 0.5. Six principal components (PCs) grouping soils in management units explained 96.2% of the variations observed in the soil properties. The PCs were: base status, organic matter, weathering and moisture retention, acidity, dispersal and N-mineralization, and mineral neo-synthesis factors. We recommend that a detailed mapping of soil properties be carried out for the establishment of a soil fertility map; and individual soil management practices defined for identified units instead of a common management for all units in the municipality
Evaluation of Sesame Yield and Yield Component under Different NPS Fertilizer Rates in Western Tigray, Ethiopia
No full textField experiments were conducted in three sites of Western Tigray, Ethiopia. The experiments aimed at identifying optimum the rate of the newly introduced NPS fertilizer impact with different levels on growth, yield attributes, yield and economics of sesame in vertisols of Western Tigray at the Humera station, Banat and Kebabo Kafta Humera and Tsegede Wereda’s. The treatments consisted of six levels of NPS 0, 50, 100, 150, 200 and 250 kg ha-1 and one blanket recommendation N and P was applied. The experiment was laid out in an RCBD with three replications. Yield of Sesame and yield related components showed significant difference (p < 0.001) compared to control. Results showed that number of branches plant-1, length of pod bearing zone (cm), plant height (cm), number of capsules plant-1, seeds capsule-1 and seed yield was significant differences at (P< 0.001) Grain yield increases from 444.8 kg ha-1 to 671.9 kg ha-1 as NPS and 444.8 kg ha-1 to 628 kg ha-1 as NP increases from 0 (control) to 100 kg ha-1 NPS and 41 kg N and 46 kg P205 ha-1 respectively. But NPS was not significant with blanket recommendation of N and P (41 kg N and 46 kg P205 ha-1), therefore no need to replace the NP by NPS fertilizer in the study area
Effect of Agronomic Biofortification of Sulphur and Boron on the Growth and Yield of Mustard (Brassica campestris L.) Crop
No full textBackground and Objective: Sulphur and boron are found as most critical nutrient elements for the better growth and yield of mustard crop however no such concrete information for their uses in field production of this crop is yet to be reported. Therefore, an experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of agronomic biofortification of sulphur and boron nutrients on the growth and yield of mustard crop.
Study Design: The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replicates.
Place of Study: The experiment was carried out in the Crop Botany Field Laboratory, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh.
Methodology: Three doses of sulphur (S) viz. 0, 20 and 40 kg ha-1 and three doses of boron (B) viz. 0, 0.5 and 1.0 kg ha-1 and their possible combinations were used as basal doses. Field data were collected from periodic destructive samplings on the plant height, number of leaves and branches per plant, total dry matter accumulation and finally yield components and yield.
Results: Sulphur and boron fertilizations significantly influence the plant height, production of branches and leaves per plant, dry matter accumulation and yield attributes and yield of mustard crop. The mustard crop fertilized with 40 kg S ha-1 in combination with 1 B kg ha-1 produced taller plant, higher number of branches and leaves in each plant and higher amount of dry matter per plant while these plant traits were found as minimum when the growing the mustard crops in control plots i.e. the plants received neither sulphur nor boron. Application of sulphur @ 40 kg ha-1 along with boron @ 1 kg ha-1 produced the highest seed yield (2.73 t ha-1) whereas the lowest seed yield (1.08 t ha-1) was found where no sulphur and boron were applied.
Conclusion: The result conclude that combine application of sulphur and boron @ 40 and 1 kg per hectare, respectively was found to be most effective dose in enhancing growth and yield of mustard crop
Effect of Inorganic Fertilizer on Soil Properties, Growth and Yield of Maize in Makurdi, Southern Guinea Savanna Zone of Nigeria
No full textField experiment was conducted with the objective to determine the effect of inorganic fertilizer on soil properties, growth and yield of maize at the Teaching and Research Farm, Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Southern Guinea Savanna Zone of Nigeria, during 2017 and 2018 cropping seasons. The experimental treatments consisted of 0, 75, 150 and 300 kg ha-1 of NPK fertilizer laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) and replicated thrice. Soil samples were collected from a plough layer of 0-15 cm before and after the experiment for each cropping season according to the treatments and were analyzed for particle size distribution (PSD), soil pH, organic carbon (OC), total nitrogen (TN), available phosphorus, exchangeable cations and cation exchange capacity (CEC). Maize plant (growth and yield) data collected were subjected to analysis of variance after which significant means were separated using least significant difference (LSD) at P < 0.05. From the results, the effects of fertilizer treatments on soil properties investigated were significant. Application of fertilizer increased soil organic matter (SOM), TN and CEC in both cropping seasons. However, the SOM was low in all plots with no application of fertilizer. Exchangeable bases, base saturation and CEC reduced in 2017 in no fertilizer treatments but remarkably increased in 2018 due to application of 75, 150 and 300 kg ha-1. The 300 kgha-1 NPK fertilizer applications produced higher growth and yields of maize plant than remaining treatments. Similarly, soil properties (soil pH, SOM, TN and CEC) were also improved with application higher levels of mineral fertilizers for agricultural production