Asian Soil Research Journal
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Enhancing Bitter Gourd Production in Coastal Saline Soil of Bangladesh by Mulching and Fertilizing with Potassium
No full textSalinity is a major constraint to higher crop production in the southern coastal soils of Bangladesh. To overcome this problem, a study was undertaken with the application of different mulch materials and potassium fertilizer doses during 2017-18 and 2018-19 at Barguna district of Bangladesh. The test crop was a bitter gourd. The experiments were laid out in a two-factor randomized complete block design with three replications. The first factor was different types of mulch material (M1: no mulch, M2: rice straw mulch, and M3: polythene mulch), and the second factor was different rates of potassium (K) fertilizer (K1: no K fertilizer, K2: 100% recommended K fertilizer, and K3: 150% recommended K fertilizer). The effect of mulch materials and potassium fertilizer doses recorded significantly higher yield, yield components, and nutrient uptake of bitter gourd in both the years over control treatment. In the case of mulching, the polythene mulch treatment had the best performance in all tested parameters, followed by rice straw mulch and no mulch treatment. The polythene mulch treatment resulted in a 136% and 198% higher yield over no mulch treatment in two years, respectively. Regarding the K effect, the 150% recommended K fertilizer gave the best performance, followed by the 100% recommended K fertilizer and control treatment. Application of 150% recommended K increased 39 and 68% higher yield over K control treatment in two years, respectively. The polythene mulch and/or 150% recommended K fertilizer gave the highest positive results among all the tested treatments. On the other hand, the use of polythene mulch and/or 150% recommended K fertilizer gave the lowest soil EC and exchangeable soil Na. Therefore, polythene mulch and/or 150% recommended K fertilizer could be a new package for increasing bitter gourd yield by reducing salinity in coastal saline soil of Bangladesh
Providing Assessable Soil Information: A Case of the Land Potential Knowledge System (LandPKS) in Benue State, Nigeria
No full textThe extension-farmer ratio gap is at an all-time high with extension workers rarely equipped to provide farmers the needed information and tools to better manage their farm fields. Soil health is critical to achieving food security sustainably. Soil management practices will enable small holder farmers increase productivity amidst a changing climate and an increasing population which puts pressure on natural resources. The Land potential knowledge system (LandPKS version 3.77 for Android and 3.71 for iOS) mobile application was used for on- the- spot- assessment of soil potential at Agan council ward of Makurdi Local Government area (LGA) in Benue State. This pilot study entailed purposeful selection of 10 farmers and their farm fields in Agan council ward Makurdi LGA. The Land PKS is a new innovative technology that provide information on soils using mobile phones and also gives spatial data on land use, land capability classification and management. Chemical properties of the soil were read insitu with a sensor machine using the principle of internet of things (IOT) and some soil properties were analyzed for in a Soil laboratory. Findings here reported are location specific. Soils at the surface were mostly sandy while the subsurface varied from sandy clay loam to clay with moderate acidic and low nutrients (Nitrogen and Organic carbon). The LCC class for the area indicates limitations that can impact on agricultural productivity and the environment. The Land PKS mobile application will serve as a soil management tool for extension workers while providing data needed for making critical decisions on government bulk fertilizer purchases
Effect of Organic Manure on Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) Yield, Runoff and Soil Loss at Tahitay-Adiabo District, Tigray, Ethiopia
No full textA field experiment was carried out in Tahitay Adiabo district, Tigray, Ethiopia to study the impact of organic manure on soil erosion, runoff, and sorghum yield during the cropping seasons of 2019 and 2020. The experiment utilized a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with tri replicates. The treatments included control, compost, animal manure, compost with mulch, animal manure with mulch, and recommended NP fertilizer. Each plot measured 6m x 4m and was situated on a 4% sloped terrain. The findings indicated significant differences (P<0.01) among the treatments in terms of their influence on runoff volume, soil erosion, and sorghum yield. The application of compost with mulch and animal manure with mulch was particularly effective in reducing soil erosion and runoff compared to treatments using inorganic fertilizer and manure without mulch. Moreover, the control, animal manure, and inorganic fertilizer (NP-fertilizer) treatments exhibited high levels of soil loss and runoff volume, highlighting the effectiveness of compost with mulch and animal manure with mulch in mitigating soil erosion and runoff under the prevailing slope and rainfall conditions of the study area
Herbicides Effects on Soil Functions: A Review
No full textThis review explores the impact of herbicides on soil functions, offering a detailed analysis of how these chemicals influence soil health. Herbicides, commonly used for controlling unwanted plants, often disturb the balance of soil ecosystems by altering microbial diversity, disrupting nutrient cycling, and affecting organic matter breakdown. The findings show that herbicides can either inhibit or stimulate soil microbial activities, depending on their type, concentration, and environmental conditions. While some herbicides have minimal short-term effects on soil respiration and microbial activity, others significantly reduce soil enzyme activities, slow down nitrogen mineralization, and disrupt beneficial microbial relationships, such as those involving mycorrhizal fungi. The persistence of herbicide residues in soil presents further challenges, with potential risks of contaminating soil and groundwater. It highlights the importance of using herbicides carefully, considering both their effectiveness in weed control and their long-term effects on soil health. However, the paper concludes with an evaluation of the ecological and evolutionary impacts of herbicides on soil microbial communities, calling for further research to fully understand these complex interactions
Assessment of Heavy Metals Presence in Selected Dumpsites within Igboora, Oyo State, Nigeria
No full textThis study was carried out to evaluate the level of Cd, Pb, and Cr in some selected dumpsites within Igboora, Ibarapa Central Local Government of Oyo State. Soil samples were collected from Abattoir, Oja Igboora, Oja Oba, New Abattoir and Towobowo dumpsites. The control samples were collected at 20m away from each of the dumpsites. The samples were collected at two different sampling depths- 0-20cm and 20-40cm. The samples were replicated three times. All the data collected were analyzed using Genstat Statistical Package and means separated using Least Significant Difference (LSD). The results obtained revealed that the highest amount of Pb, Cd, Cr (232.99 mg kg-1, 28.53 mg kg-1 and 53.67 mg kg-1), respectively were recorded at Abattoir dumpsite. The quantity of lead in the selected dumpsites increased with the sampling depth. However, Cd and Cr values reduced with the sampling depth. All the values observed were significant at 5% level of probability. The value of Pb and Cd, recorded in all the dumpsites including the control sites were above the maximum limit recommended by WHO. Attention should therefore be paid to the presence of heavy metals in this area as crops grown in soils around these dumpsites could accumulate the metals and eventually get to food chain when such crops are consumed. Similarly, the fact that they were detected both at the upper layer and sub-soil means they could contaminate the ground water around this area
Response of Starter Nitrogen and Phosphorus Fertilizer Rates to Nodulation, Nitrogen Fixation, and Net Nitrogen Balance on Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) in the Semi-arid Tigray Region of Ethiopia
No full textFor small-scale farmers in developing countries, biological nitrogen fixation through legumes is an affordable method of reducing reliance on nitrogen fertilizer. The study aimed to look at how groundnut nodulation, biological nitrogen fixation, atmospheric nitrogen, and the net nitrogen balance were affected by starter nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizer dosages. The three times replicated treatments of three nitrogen levels (0, 15 and 30 kg N ha-1) and four phosphorus levels (0, 23, 46 and 69 kg P2O5 ha-1) were arranged in a factorial combination using a randomized complete block design (RCBD). The results of the analysis demonstrated that, in comparison to plots without nitrogen fertilizer, the number of nodules per plant was significantly increased by the single application of nitrogen alone at a dose of 15 kg ha-1. Compared to 69 kg P2O5 ha-1, biological nitrogen fixation rose by 88.41% at 46 kg P2O5 ha-1; nonetheless, it was significantly similar to zero and 23 kg P2O5 ha-1. The nitrogen derived from the atmosphere (50.9%) was significantly higher in the control treatments. The interactive application of 15 kg of nitrogen ha-1 and zero phosphorus resulted in a significantly greater net nitrogen balance (-4 kg ha-1), whereas the co-application of 30 kg ha-1 of nitrogen and zero phosphorus resulted in the lowest measurement of net nitrogen balance. Therefore, large nitrogen fertilizer application rates are not necessary to promote BNF in groundnuts
Fertilizer Micro-dosing: Evaluating the Yield Response of Sorghum to Different Levels of Fertilizers Applied on the Planting Pit at Mereb-Lekhe District
No full textNext to drought, poor soil fertility is the single major cause of crops nutrient starvation in Tigray specifically at Mereb-lekhe district. Farmers of the study area use different organic and inorganic fertilizers separately and in combination to overcome soil fertility problems for sorghum production. However, the pace of sorghum production stays constant and occasionally decreases with time. Fertilizer efficiency; the type, rate and method of fertilizer application they use were thought to be the reasons for the steady or declining sorghum production. Hence, this study was initiated to determine the yield response of sorghum to microdose fertilizer application. The experiment was set in a randomized complete block design with three replications. The treatments were; farmers’ practice or blanket recommended nitrogen (N) and phosphorous (P) (50kg ha-1 Urea & 100 kg ha-1 DAP), recommended compost at a rate of 7ton ha-1, 75% of recommended NP, 50% of recommended NP, 25% of recommended NP, 75% recommended NP+25% recommended compost, 50% recommended NP+50% recommended compost and 25% recommended NP+75% recommended compost. All treatments were applied with microdosing method except the recommended N and P is broadcasting method. The highest sorghum grain yield (4201 kg ha-1) and straw yield (19107 kg ha-1) were obtained from treatment recommended compost at a rate of 7 ton/ha and 50% recommended NP+50% recommended compost, respectively. This study showed that combined application of organic and inorganic fertilizer gave a better economic advantage for sorghum crop. Hence, it could be concluded that use of compost at a rate of 7 ton ha-1 and the 75% recommended N and P could increase production and productivity of sorghum by the application of micro dosing than broadcasting method
Determining the Best Rate of Blended NPKSZnB Fertilizer for Optimum Onion Yield and Yield Components in Northwestern Tigray, Ethiopia
No full textAim: The nutrient content of current fertilizer recommendations is unbalanced and is based on a very general and blanket recommendation for all soil and crop types, and their economic benefit is low. Therefore, this study was initiated to validate the recommendations regarding blended fertilizers applied to the soil and to identify the best fertilizer dose that ensures optimal yield and maximum economic return.
Study Hypotheses: significance effect of blended NPKSZnB fertilizer on onion yield and yield components.
Study Design: The experiment was designed using a randomized complete block design with three replications and seven treatments.
Place and Duration of the study: The field experiment was conducted in the off-season of 2018 and 2019 in Tahtay Koraro (two farmers), and Laelay adyabo (two farmers) districts of in northern Ethiopia.
Methodology: Seven treatments with NPKSZnB fertilizer rates (25, 50, 100, 150, 200, 250 and 300 kg·ha-1) were tested under irrigation conditions. Thus, for each plot nitrogen from Urea was applied at a rate of 150 kg ha-1. Surface soil samples were collected before planting onion harvesting at a depth of 0-20 cm to analyze selected soil chemical properties such as pH, extractable electric conductivity (ECe), cation exchange capacity (CEC), total nitrogen (TN), available P and exchangeable bases (K, Mg, Ca, and Na).
Results: The application of different doses of NPKSZnB under irrigation conditions had a statistically significant (P < 0.05) impact on onion phenology, yield and yield components. The highest average onion yield (10,329 and 19,196 kg ha-1) was obtained after applying compound fertilizer doses of 200 and 250 kg ha-1 in Teahtay Koraro and Laelay Adyabo districts, respectively. However, the use of NPKSZnB fertilizer at a dose of 100 and 50 kg ha-1 for onion cultivation under irrigated conditions in T/koraro and L/adyabo districts was found to be economically viable. Thus, growers in both districts should use NPKSZnB compound fertilizer at these rates for onion production and productivity.
Conclusion: Therefore, farmers in both districts should use NPKSZnB compound fertilizer at these rates for optimum onion production
Effects of Nitrogen Fertilizer Rates on Yield and Yield Components of Maize (Zea mays L.)
No full textMaize is one of the most important cereal crops in the world. To investigate the effects of nitrogen fertilizer rates on growth and yield of maize and to determine the suitable nitrogen fertilizer rate, an experiment was conducted by using Randomized complete block design (RCBD) with four replications at Shwe Baho village, Zayarthiri Township, Nay Pyi Taw in post monsoon season and monsoon season. The treatments were T1 (no nitrogen application), T2 (90 kg N ha-1), T3 (120 kg N ha-1), T4 (150 kg N ha-1) and T5 (180 kg N ha-1) treatments. The tested maize variety was pacific-789 hybrid. According to the results, application of nitrogen gave the significant effect on grain yield and yield components of maize in both seasons. The superior maize yield was observed in all nitrogen treatments compared to control. The use of the highest nitrogen fertilizer rate (180 kg N ha-¹) in T5 gave the significant highest grain yield (7696.6 kg ha-¹) in post monsoon season and (8764.5 kg ha-¹) in monsoon season, respectively. In both seasons, the grain yield in T5 treatment was significantly increased about 62% over T1 treatment. Therefore, the application of nitrogen with the rate of T5 (180 kg ha-1) might be the appropriate rate to maximize the maize production. Considering the increased grain yield of the hybrid maize, nitrogen rate of T5 (180 kg ha-1) could be achieved in this study area
Assessment of Green Manure Crops and their Impacts on Mineralizable Nitrogen and Changes of Nutrient Contents in the Soil
No full textTo evaluate the green manure crops those can promote soil properties and the ability of nitrogen (N) mineralization in paddy soil, a pot experiment was conducted at the Department of Agronomy, Yezin Agricultural University, Naypyidaw, Myanmar from April to August 2022. The experimental design was a randomized complete block design with three replications. Ten green manure crops were sown as treatments: soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr), green gram (Vigna radiata L. Wildzek.), black gram (Vigna mungo L. Hepper.), cowpea (Vigna catjang), cowpea white (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.), lab lab bean (Lablab purpureus (L.) Sweet.), mayflower bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), rice bean (Vigna umbellata), sunn hemp (Crotalaria juncea L.), and dhaincha (Sesbania bispinosa (Jacq.)). At the flowering stage, various green manures were incorporated into the soil, and their growth characters were measured along with the mineralizable N, total N, phosphorus (P2O5), and potassium (K2O) contents of the soil. The results indicated that rice bean, sunn hemp, and dhaincha had higher shoot and root length, shoot and root fresh weight, and dry weight compared to other varieties. In addition, they contain a higher percentage of total N content and total P2O5, and consequently, its C:N ratio was lower. After incorporating green manures into the soil, the mineralizable N increased gradually from 0 weeks to 10 weeks and then, the nutrient values decreased. Among green manures, sunn hemp, dhaincha, and rice bean were found to have higher mineralizable N (%) and applicable mineralized N than others. In conclusion, the incorporation of green manures into the soil improves the N, P2O5, and K2O contents of the soil, along with the mineralizable N content. Among green manure crops, dhaincha, rice bean, and sunn hemp were superior to other varieties due to higher biomass yield, mineralizable N (%), and chemical compositions, especially total N content