Asian Soil Research Journal
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Improving Okra Production by Poultry Manure Application in Highland Acid Oxisols of Dschang, Western Cameroon
No full textProblem Statement: Low yields of crops in Sub-saharan Africa are often associated with low soil fertility. However, due to high cost and negative environmental impact of chemical fertilizers, using cheap and readily available organic manures such as poultry manure (PM) has become indispensable.
Aim: To evaluate the effect of different rates of PM on soil fertility and the performance of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) in the Cameroon Western Highlands.
Methodology: The study was carried out in the field and in the laboratory. The experimental plot (191.25 m2) in the field was designed in a randomized complete block design with six treatments and three replications: 0 t ha-1 of PM (To), 3 t ha-1 of PM (T1), 6 t ha-1 of PM (T2), 9 t ha-1 of PM (T3), 12 t ha-1 of PM (T4), and 250 kg of NPK 12-14-19 (T5). Soil samples were analyzed in the laboratory by standard procedures before and after treatment.
Results: Treatment T0 had a clay loam texture, acidic pH (5.4), relatively high organic carbon content (1.92%), moderate total nitrogen (0.33%) and moderate available phosphorus (36.07 mg kg-1). The exchangeable complex revealed high K+ (1.02 cmol kg-1), low Ca2+ (2.60 cmol kg-1) and Mg2+ (1.04 cmol kg-1), average Na+ (0.33 cmol kg-1). After treatment, soil pHH2O, available phosphorus and exchangeable K, Ca, and Mg increased after harvest whereas Na decreased for all the treatments. The effect of the treatments on growth parameters was such that T3>T4>T1>T5>T2>T0. The global trend of yield parameters was such that T3>T4>T5>T1>T0>T2. Economically, treatments T3, T4, and T5 were profitable and recommendable for popularization, with a benefit-to-cost-ratio (BCR) >2. The most economically viable treatment was T3 with a profit rate (PR) of 601.66% and a BCR value of 7.02, while T2 was the least economically viable treatment with a negative PR of -32.14% and a BCR of -33.67.
Conclusion: Farmers in Western highlands can produce okra profitably and sustainably using PM at a rate of 9 tha-1f
Assessment and Mapping of Soil Fertility Status of Migna Kura Kebele, Wayu Tuka District, East Wollega, Oromia, Ethiopia
No full textSoil fertility decline is a significant obstacle to Ethiopia\u27s increased food production, but information on current soil fertility status among the study areas is inadequate. Accurate soil fertility data is crucial for implementing effective strategies and developing targeted interventions to improve agricultural productivity and food security in Ethiopia. This study was initiated in this context with the aim of mapping the spatial distribution of specific soil parameters and assessing the status of soil fertility in Migna Kura Kebele, Wayu Tuka District, East Wollega, Ethiopia, providing crucial information for agrarian development. A total of 32 samples of surface soil were drawn at Stratifying random for laboratory analysis in 2019 G.C. Maps of soil fertility status were created using ArcGIS 10.4.1 and the common Kriging interpolation technique. Clay loam and clay are the two types of soil in the research study area. The bulk density of the soil ranged from 1.13 to 1.46 g/cm3, while the total porosity ranged from 42.57 to 55.15%. The pH of the soil can range from 6.7, which is slightly acidic, to 4.91, which is strongly acidic. The range of soil exchangeable acidity levels was 0 to 2.46 cmol (+) kg-1, while the range of OC values was medium (1.79% to 3.51%). Soil total N and available P values were between very low and low (0.19 to 1.11%) and 6.71 to 13.44 mg kg-1, respectively. Exchangeable Ca, Mg, K, and Na levels in the soil ranged from 6.93 to 51.15, 2.85 to 23.63, 0.21 to 1.76, and 0.05 to 0.71 cmol (+) kg-1, respectively, while a medium to very high degree of CEC (22.19 to 77.42 cmol (+) kg-1) was observed. A moderate to very high rating was assigned to soil PBS, which ranged from 42.13 to 98.30%. Micro nutrients; Fe, Mn, Cu, and Zn extractable from soil by DTPA ranged in value from 12.07 to 33.51 mg kg-1, 16.02 to 48.26 mg kg-1, 0.18 to 0.62 mg kg-1, and 0.19 to 0.62 mg kg-1, respectively. The soil fertility map was created for the following parameters: pH, OC, total N, available (P, S), CEC, PBS, Ca, Mg, Fe, and Mn; Cu, Zn, and B. According to the study\u27s findings, the study area\u27s soils were found to be deficient in six nutrients that limit yields: N, P, K, S, B, and Zn. he soil in the study area is affected by soil acidity; for sustainable crop production in the study area, soils should be amended with lime, organic matter, and fertilizers of N, P, S, K, B, and Zn
Effects of Organic and Inorganic Fertilizers on the Growth and Yield of Rice (Oryza sativa L.)
No full textTo evaluate the effect of different levels of organic and inorganic fertilizers on the growth and yield of SinThuKha rice variety, the experiment was conducted with randomized complete block (RCB) design by three replications. The experiments were carried out in Water Utilization Research section, Department of Agricultural Research (DAR) at Yezin, Naypyitaw, Myanmar during dry and wet seasons, 2023.The organic sources used were poultry manure and cow dung manure. The treatments were T1 (Control ), T2 (100% RFF) (Recommended Rate of Fertilizer), T3 (6 t ha-1 Cow dung manure) (CM), T4 (6 t ha-1 Poultry Manure) (PM), T5 ( 25% RRF + 4.5 t ha-1 CM), T6 (25% RRF + 4.5 t ha-1 PM ), T7 (50% RRF+ 3 t ha-1 CM), T8 (50% RRF + 3 t ha-1 PM), T9 (75% RRF+1.5 t ha-1 CM), T10 (75% RRF+1.5 t ha-1 PM). It was observed that the grain yields as well as the yield attributing parameters like number of tillers hill-1, panicle length, number of panicles hill-1, number of spikelets panicle-1, filled grain percent were significantly different among different treatments except 1000 grain weight. The maximum grain yield was resulted (796.10 g m2) in dry season and (666.35 g m2) in wet season at T8 treatment (50% RRF + 3 t ha-1 PM). Among the treatments the higher yield of T8 and T10 were observed in both seasons followed by T2, T7 and T9
Evaluation of the Effects of Rhizobia on Nodulation, Yield and Yield Components of Faba Bean
No full textLeguminous plants are able to establish nitrogen-fixing symbiosis with certain Gram-negative bacteria, collectively known as rhizobia. Rhizobia are indeed highly efficient bacterial symbionts in legumes, playing a crucial role in biological nitrogen fixation (BNF). However, in the Tahtay Maychew area in the Tigray region of Ethiopia, no research has been done on the inoculation of grain legumes with rhizobium bacteria and the addition of phosphorus fertilizer. Therefore, during the 2015 rainy season, a study was carried out to investigate the effects of phosphorus fertilizer and rhizobium strains on the phenological parameters, nodulation, growth, yield, and yield-components of faba beans. A randomized complete block design with three replications was used to set up seven treatments: uninoculated, Strain1035, Strain1018, Strain EAL110, Strain1035 + 50 kg DAP ha-1, Strain1018 + 50 kg DAP ha-1, and Strain EAL110 + 50 kg DAP ha-1.The data analysis showed that, almost in comparison to the other treatments, the combined effects of EAL110 and 50 kg ha-1 DAP fertilizer produced a considerably larger difference in effective nodule number per plant, plant height, pod number per plant, and grain yield. The combination of 50 kg ha-1 DAP fertilizer with faba bean EAL110 strain increased grain yield by 52.17% compared to the control treatment. Hence, EAL110 and 50 kg ha-1 DAP fertilizer are recommended for use in the study area and other similar locations
Application of Multivariate Principal Component Analysis for Characterization of Leaf Litters in Northern Nigeria
No full textThis study was to objectively describe the interrelationship between mass loss and leaf chemical parameters of litter species: Khaya senegalensis, Mangifera indica, Gmelina arborea, and Eucalyptus camaldulensis using principal component analysis. Leaf litters were analyzed for chemical compositions. Mass loss and ten litter chemical parameters such as organic carbon, total nitrogen, total phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, calcium, sodium, total soluble polyphenol, total sulphur and carbon to nitrogen ratio were investigated. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was used to identify the variation of litter chemical properties. The results showed significant relationships between mass loss and litter chemical parameters in PC1 and PC2 axes. Khaya senegalensis has the highest loadings 84% followed by Gmelina arborea 77%, Eucalyptus camaldulensis 75.3% and Mangifera indica 64.5%. In conclusion, Khaya senegalensis showed a propensity to have a faster response in driving biogeochemical cycling during decomposition
Short Term Effect of Vermicompost on Soil Chemical Properties under Maize (Zea mays L.) Field in Northern Ethiopia
No full textAim: The application of vermicompost (VC) to improve soil chemical properties in area that have low soil fertility status is crucial. Thus, the present study was initiated to determine impact of vermicompost on selected soil physicochemical properties.
Study Design: The experiment had 7 treatments arranged in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with five replications.
Place and Duration of the Study: Hence, a field experiment was carried out in 2018 main cropping season at farmer\u27s field at Adiha village in Kolla Tembien district, Tigray, Ethiopia.
Methodology: The treatments were 5 levels of VC (0, 2.5, 5, 7.5 and 10 t ha-1), the recommended rate of N and P (46 N and 46 P2O5 kg ha-1), compost at rate of 10 t ha-1 and control. Surface soil samples were collected before planting and after maize harvesting at a depth of 0-30 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). Likewise, vermicompost and compost nutrient contents were also analyzed to know their nutrient composition.
Results: Soil analysis results before sowing revealed that most of the soil chemical properties were rated as low. However, vermicompost application significantly (P≤0.05) improved the soil chemical properties. The studied soil chemical properties such as OC (1.33%), TN (0.13%), CEC (17.2 Cmol (+) kg-1), and available P (6 .38 mg kg-1) showed an improvement at VC 10 t ha-1rate as compared to the control which was respectively 0.65%, 0.04%, 7.4 Cmol(+)kg-1 and 2.45 mg kg-1.
Conclusion: A significant (P≤0.05) increase in OC, TN and available P was observed with increased vermicompost rate under cultivated land
The Impact of an Earthworm Digestion on the Chemical Compositions of Various Clay Minerals from Soils
No full textAims: The impact of living organisms activities in soils may generate various chemical and mineralogical changes. The objective of this study is to estimate the impact of earthworms on the chemistry of soil minerals such as the clay minerals.
Study Design: An experiment was carried out integrating earthworms and clay minerals. The modifications due to this interaction between minerals and organic matter induced by earthworms’ digestion are discussed.
Place and Duration of Study: Institut des Sciences de la Terre et de l’Environnement (UdS/CNRS), Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France. Eight weeks of experiment for each type of clay.
Methodology: The earthworm Lumbricus terrestris was used for digestion of illite and various smectite-type minerals, with or without peat moss, during a laboratory experiment at a constant temperature of 20°C during 8 weeks and under artificial 12 hour-light and 12 hour-dark cycles, for each digestion cycle.
Results: The chemical elements extracted from smectites by the earthworm digestion appear to be mineral dependent. The behavior of K and radiogenic 40Ar is more dictated by the type of digested mineral than by the digestion process itself. The 87Sr/86Sr ratio of the acid leachates of the nontronite and peat mixture, before and after digestion, suggests that half of the digested matter corresponds to the digestive action of the earthworms, with the second half resulting from food. Digested clay material represents up to 30% and the peat moss the remainder of the mixtures.
Conclusion: This study highlights the role of organic compounds generated by earthworms activities in transfer of elements to surface waters and soil fluids
Potential Impacts of Green Manure Incorporation on Soil Fertility Enhancement and Rice Yield
No full textSoil green manure amendment is a potential agricultural practice for soil fertility management and conservation of ecosystem. Common green manure plants such as sunn hemp, dhaincha and pulses have different nature and ability to contribute essential nutrients for plant growth and carbon sequestration. Those plants are ultimately serving as a supplement or replacement for chemical fertilizers. Producing of nutrients from green manure amendment by decomposition and mineralization processes is influenced by quantity & quality of green manure and soil properties. Therefore, management of green manure to be efficient and synchronize crop demands is essential. Management on days to harvest, incorporation days into soil and amount of green manure is based on its C/N ratio and biomass obtained which are changing with the age. Rice is major crop and ultimately producing in topical Asia and the it is increasing to meet the demands of increasing population. The study focused on green manure amendment and its impact on rice yield. Incorporation of green manure enhances nitrogen and carbon balance in the soil while decreasing the need for chemical fertilizer applications, ensuring to improve rice yields. Rice yield by the application of only green manure 20 ton/ha application was 90% higher than that without nutrient application. Then, combine application of sunn hemp and chemical nitrogen fertilizer increases rice yield 8-17% than the only chemical nitrogen fertilizer. By combination of green manure 20 ton/ha and chemical N fertilizer 60 kg/ha produced higher yield than only double chemical N fertilizer rate of 120 kg/ha. Similarly, the synergistic effect of organic compost and green manure significantly increased the benefits of green manure alone. In terms of soil fertility, green manure amendment provides plant essential nutrients and improve physical and biological properties as well. Therefore, the practice of green manuring shows promising potential for positively influencing soil health, thereby contributing to the sustainability of crop yields
Enhancing Soil Texture and Bulk Density Mapping Using Soil Grids and Machine Learning: A Comparative Analysis with Observed Data
No full textDigital soil mapping plays a crucial role in understanding soil variability and informing sustainable land management practices. This study focuses on the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI), evaluating the accuracy of SoilGrids, a global-scale soil mapping initiative, and exploring the efficacy of machine learning algorithms in refining soil properties estimations. The aim of this research was to assess and represent the physical parameters of soils effectively by comparing ground truth soil sampling data with data obtained from SoilGrids regarding clay, silt, and sand fractions and bulk density. Comparative analyses were conducted between ground truth soil sampling data and SoilGrids predictions, revealing significant differences across soil mineral fractions including clay, silt, sand fractions, and bulk density. The results showed that the mean clay fraction in the ground truth dataset differed notably from SoilGrids estimation, with a Mean Absolute Deviation (MAD) of 124.0 g kg-1 and Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) of 152.5. However, the integration of machine learning algorithms, particularly the Extreme Gradient Boosting (XG Boost) algorithm, showed promising results in improving accuracy. The XG Boost algorithm exhibited a relatively low MAD of 97.9 g kg-1 for clay fractions, indicating a better approximation of observed values compared to SoilGrids. Significant percent improvements in RMSE and Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE) values were observed across soil fractions and bulk density measurements, ranging from approximately 15% for clay to 35% for sand fractions and 20% for bulk density. These findings highlight the importance of integrating advanced mapping techniques and machine learning algorithms to enhance soil mapping methodologies. Moving forward, efforts to expand ground truth datasets through targeted soil sampling campaigns and develop international collaboration initiatives will be crucial for improving the accuracy and reliability of soil mapping products in the KRI. By incorporating advanced mapping approaches, we can better support sustainable land management practices and environmental conservation efforts in the region
Analysis of Topsoil Quality Changes Across Soil Groups in Vietnam
No full textThis study systematically investigates the changes in topsoil quality across various soil groups in Vietnam over a 13-year period, spanning from 2004 to 2017. The primary objective is to evaluate key soil quality indicators, including pH, organic matter (OM), nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P2O5), potassium (K2O), and cation exchange capacity (CEC), to assess the health, fertility, and sustainability of these soils in response to agricultural practices and environmental factors.
The findings reveal significant alterations in soil parameters across the diverse soil groups studied, which include alluvial, red-yellow, acid sulfate, grey and degraded, and yellow-red humus soils. Notably, the average pH levels exhibited a decline in most soil groups, indicating a trend toward increased acidity. This decline in soil pH was accompanied by a marked reduction in nitrogen and potassium concentrations, which are critical for crop growth and productivity. For instance, alluvial and degraded soils demonstrated particularly pronounced nutrient depletion, with nitrogen levels decreasing from 0.23% to 0.19% and potassium levels from 1.23% to 1.03%.
In contrast, while phosphorus levels exhibited a slight increase in some soil groups, the overall variability in nutrient content suggests that certain areas may be experiencing more severe deficiencies. Interestingly, the Yellow-Red Humus soils displayed enhanced organic matter retention, with mean OM levels increasing from 4.95% to 5.10%, highlighting their potential for improved nutrient availability and soil health. Cation exchange capacity also showed variability, with a notable decline in the grey and degraded soil group