Asian Soil Research Journal
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Spatial Assessment of Soil Erosion and Aridity in Somalia Using the CORINE Model
No full textThis study analyzed precipitation patterns, drought conditions, erosivity indices, and arid periods in Somalia using the CORINE model. Utilizing rainfall and temperature data from 50 meteorological stations collected between 2011 and 2019, the study calculated key indices: The Fournier Precipitation Index (35.70%), the Bagnouls-Gaussen Drought Index (61.36), and the erosivity index. The results revealed notable spatial variability in erosivity and aridity across Somalia. Northwestern regions, encompassing 204,978.65 km² (32.14% of the total area), exhibit low erosivity due to reduced rainfall intensity, while southern regions, spanning 252,341.11 km² (39.56%), face high erosivity driven by frequent and intense rainfall events. The study also identified significant arid conditions, with 61.36% of Somalia’s land classified as "dry" and 38.64% as "very dry," highlighting widespread water scarcity and vulnerability. These findings underscore Somalia\u27s environmental challenges, including severe soil degradation, reduced agricultural productivity, and the exacerbation of droughts due to climate change. The integration of the Modified Fournier Index and the Bagnouls-Gaussen Index within the CORINE model provides a comprehensive assessment of the country\u27s susceptibility to erosion and aridity. This research offers critical insights for prioritizing areas that require urgent soil conservation and improved land-use management. It also serves as a vital tool for policymakers and international organizations aiming to mitigate the adverse impacts of climate change, enhance agricultural sustainability, and promote ecological resilience in Somalia’s diverse landscapes
Exploring Halotolerant Phosphate-Solubilizing Bacteria Isolated from Mangrove Soil for Agricultural and Ecological Benefits
No full textPhosphorus is a vital element for all life forms. Phosphate-solubilizing bacteria transform phosphate into a bioavailable form through solubilization and mineralization processes. The aim of this study is evaluating the role of halotolerant, phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (PSB). having different PGPR traits as biofertilizers. Thirteen bacterial strains were isolated from soil samples of Ras Muhammad mangrove forest and screened for production of different PGPR traits. The most potent microbial candidates were identified by rRNA gene sequencing analysis and uploaded in GenBank as Bacillus safensis [OR341132] and Cytobacillus firmus [OR431197] these showed ability to tolerate salt concentration up to 10%, can fix nitrogen by growing on nitrogen free media with excellent growth and characterized qualitatively and quantitative solubilize phosphorous more than 100µg/ml of insoluble phosphate, hydrolyse phytate and produced IAA showing the highest value in the range of 94.54, 220,38 μg/mL respectively. In pot trials performed in a greenhouse the isolated strains Bacillus safensis [OR341132] and Cytobacillus firmus [OR431197] were able to significantly improve levels of assimilated phosphate, compared to non-inoculated plants. Moreover, mixed treatment (Bacillus safensis +Cytobacillus firmus ) increased soil fertility and consequently improve the growth of parley plant . The study has overall concluded that bacteria isolated from mangrove soil, Bacillus safensis [OR341132] and Cytobacillus firmus [OR431197] could be used as the halotolerant plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria [HT-PGPR] and phosphate-solubilizing bacteria [PSB] and have a good influence on the health of barley [genotype Giza123] plants under salinity conditions during thirty days
Comparison of Saturated Hydraulic Conductivity under the Reclaimed Conditions of Salt Affected Soil
No full textSolving the soil problems that affect negatively on growth of plants and reduce the soil permeability is necessary for the study site, Thein Gone Village in Yamethin Township, Myanmar. The objectives of this study were; to identify the soil whether it is salt-affected or not and to investigate the proper reclamation method with different rates of amendments by comparing the saturated conductivity (Ks). Both composite (disturbed) and core (undisturbed) soil samplings were collected at three profiles (0 - 60 cm soil depth) during March, 2023. Some soil properties such as texture, bulk density (g cm-3), moisture content (%), ECe (electrical conductivity, saturated extract; mS cm-1), pH (1:5 water), SAR (sodium absorption ratio) and pH and EC of leaching water were also measured. Firstly, the study site was problematic with high pH due to Na+ distribution of underground water although there was some application of gypsum for a decade. Also, low permeability (Ks < 1x10-8 cm s-1) was another problem there. To leach the salt (EC < 1 mS cm-1 in leachate), 1500 cm3 of water was necessary for one core (98.21 cm3 soil volume). It was relatively high amount for using the quality-water. For reclamation methods, gypsum 5 t ha-1, sulphur 1 t ha-1, and cow-dung manure 20 t ha-1 gave the minimum (- log Ks) value among different rates of each amendment. The less the - log Ks, the more permeable the soil becomes. Among different amendments, gypsum 5 t ha-1 showed the fastest saturated hydraulic conductivity. Moreover, it is necessary to drain out the leachate to prevent the formation of saline -sodic soil.  
Assessment of Soil Salinity and Irrigation Water Quality at Tahtay-Adyabo District, Northwestern Tigray, Ethiopia
No full textA study was conducted in Tahtay Adyabo northern Ethiopia to assess the salinity and irrigation water quality at farmer-level irrigation sites in the year of 2012. irrigation sites was identified and sampling units was assigned. 38 soil samples were collected from 19 plots (Dugub, Endaserawat, Mytewldish, Egum dima, and scattered wells in Mentebteb district ) at depths of 0-30cm and 30-50cm, along with, 21 water samples from 14 wells and 7 rivers. These samples were then analyzed at the Shire Soil Laboratory for salinity and fertility parameters. The results showed that the salinity status of surface soil at 0-30cm depth for dugub, scattered wells, and Myteweldish was 75% non-saline and 25% slightly saline. For Endaserawat, 50% was slightly saline, 25% moderately saline, and 25% strongly saline. Egum Dima showed 67% slightly saline and 33% moderately saline. In subsurface soil at 30-50cm depth, dugub, scattered wells, and Myteweldish were 75% non-saline and 25% slightly saline, while Endaserawat was 25% slightly saline and 75% moderately saline, and Egum Dima was 67% slightly saline, 16.5% moderately saline, and 16.5% strongly saline. Water analysis for the wells showed that out of 14 samples, 21% were non-saline, 21% were slightly to moderately saline, and 57% were severely saline. For the rivers, out of 7 samples, 43% were slightly to moderately saline and 57% were severely saline. Overall, out of 21 water samples from wells and rivers, 14% were non-saline, 29% were slightly to moderately saline, and 57% were severely saline. In general, the salinity status in Dugub, Endaserawat, Mytewldish, and Egum Dima varies from non-saline to strongly saline, but the severity is more pronounced in Endaserawat and Egum Dima. This salinity is attributed to the parent material and the water table. Crop selection, integration of organic matter, applying extra irrigation water and regular salinity monitoring is recommended, to optimize the productivity of the soils in the irrigation site
Assessment of Soil Chemical Properties under Different Land use Systems in Department of Agricultural Research
No full textAssessment of soil chemical properties is valuable for agricultural production. A study of soil chemical properties under different land use systems was carried out to assess the chemical properties of soil under study experimental conditions in Department of Agricultural Research (DAR) for better soil management decisions and the improvement of yield production. The study area was located at Zayar Thiri Township, Nay Pyi Taw in Myanmar. A total of 235 soil samples were collected by using Global Positioning System (GPS) at the grid point of 50 m × 50 m with a depth of 0-20 cm. The area of the research field size was about 52 ha. The land use systems selected for study area of Hybrid Rice Research Section (Rice), Other Cereal Crops Research Section (Maize and rice), Food Legume Research Section (Pulses and rice) and Plant Pathology Research Section (Rice) were about 10.4 ha, 24.3 ha, 12.1 ha and 4.7 ha respectively. Soil pH varied from 5.37 to 6.15, electrical conductivity varied from 0.05 to 0.07 dS m-1 and CEC varied from 4.81 to 5.88 cmolc kg-1. Soil organic matter (SOM) content ranged from 1.44 to 1.86%. Soil total nitrogen content varied from 0.10 to 0.16%, available soil phosphorus from 9.52 to 16.79 mg kg-1 and available soil potassium from 65.06 to 85.16 mg kg-1. From this investigation it is concluded that soil total nitrogen, SOM, CEC and soil available potassium were low conditions in different land use systems in DAR soils. Because of lowering the soil chemical properties, adopting incorporated soil fertility management, and applying organic fertilizer may preserve the existing conditions and enhance soil properties
Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) Response to Nitrogen Fertilizer and Earthing Up Practices in the Tigray Region of Ethiopia
No full textTo increase groundnut yields, integrated agronomic techniques must be implemented. The current study focuses on using starter nitrogen fertilizer in conjunction with earthing up for groundnut cultivation. Three replications and a factorial combination were used in the complete randomized block design of the experiment. Two types of earthing up (no earthing up and earthing up) and four levels of nitrogen fertilizer (0, 15, 30, and 45 kg ha-1) were used in the treatment combinations. For each of the Hamedo 1 and Hamedo 2 experimental sites, two undisturbed and two disturbed composite soil samples were collected at a depth of 20 cm before sowing. The data analysis showed that neither the combination application of N fertilizer and earthing up nor the individual independent applications of N fertilizer and earthing up had a significant effect on groundnut flowering and maturity. Groundnut plant height, number of branches per plant, number of pods per plant, number of seeds per plant, seed weight per plant, and haulm yields were not significantly affected by earthing up alone or by the co-application of nitrogen fertilizer and earthing up. On the other hand, the exclusive use of nitrogen fertilizer significantly affected groundnut plant height, the number of branches per plant, the number of pods per plant, the number of seeds per plant, seed weight per plant, and haulm yield. Applying 45 kg ha-1 of nitrogen fertilizer to the Hamedo 1 and Hamedo 2 trial sites enhanced the haulm yield by 70.53% and 78.76%, respectively, compared to the unfertilized plots. Individual applications of nitrogen fertilizer, earthing up, or a combination of both had a significant effect on groundnut pod and kernel yields. In comparison to plots that received a combined application of 45 kg ha-1 of nitrogen fertilizer and earthing up, the Hamedo 1 and Hamedo 2 trial sites exhibited increases in pod yields of 57.73% and 55.97%, respectively, when earthing up was combined with 15 kg ha-1 of nitrogen fertilizer. In the same way, applying 15 kg ha-1 of nitrogen fertilizer to the earthing-up soil in the Hamedo 1 and Hamedo 2 experimental sites boosted the kernel yields by 70.05% and 75.43%, respectively, in comparison to soil earthing-up plots that received 45 kg ha-1 nitrogen. The findings of the economic and agronomic analyses showed that applying nitrogen fertilizer and earthing up together greatly increases groundnut yields and revenues. Therefore, to increase groundnut yields and receive more financial advantages, farmers can consider the combined application of 15 kg ha-1 of nitrogen fertilizer and earthing-up
Evaluation on the Effects of Organic Amendment on Soil Productivity of Selected Watersheds in Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka Campus, Nigeria
No full textThis study was done to investigate soil physicochemical properties on the prevalence of biodiversity at Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka and Amansea and to compare the performance of the different study areas (abandoned farmland and heavily grazed land) with respect to their productivity using different soil amendments. A soil amendment experiment was carried out using CRBD with four treatment levels of poultry manure for abandoned farmland and heavily grazed land. The study results revealed that soil physicochemical properties vary significantly across the study area. The difference between nitrogen and potassium levels were found to be significant at (P < 0.05), indicating favourable conditions for plant growth in specific locations. Conversely, other parameters, such as moisture content, phosphorus, organic matter, and pH, were not significant at (P > 0.05), suggesting suboptimal conditions for certain plant species. Roadside ecosystems exhibited the highest soil chemical properties, particularly potassium, making them conducive for plant growth. The perennial watershed ecosystem also offered favourable conditions, fostering a variety of plant species. In contrast, annual watershed areas exhibit the least soil nutrient support due to potential leaching effects. There was a notable positive correlation was observed between soil moisture and soil pH, percentage nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium content (p<0.05). Specifically, significant positive correlations were identified between soil pH and phosphorus, as well as between soil pH and potassium (p < 0.05).More so, analysis of variance showed a significant difference between sites in all the physiochemical parameters examined (p<00.05)
Diagnosing Health of Agricultural Soil Treated with Urea Fertilizer: A Low Frequency Dielectric Analysis
No full textIn agricultural soils, understanding how urea contamination influences electrical properties is crucial. This study explores the influence of urea contamination on the low-frequency (100 Hz - 1 MHz) dielectric properties of agricultural soil originating from Kasare Village in the western Dhule district, India. Soil samples were treated with varying urea concentrations (0 mg, 50 mg, and 150 mg) and subjected to analysis using an LCR meter. The dielectric constant, impedance, dielectric loss, and admittance of the soil were measured. We observed an increase in the dielectric constant with rising urea content, suggesting an intensification of polarization within the soil matrix. Conversely, impedance and admittance are found to exhibit opposing trends, with impedance decreasing and admittance increasing as urea concentration elevates. Dielectric loss also demonstrate a positive correlation with the amount of urea present. This investigation aims to elucidate the interplay between soil composition and dielectric properties under varying urea concentrations, providing valuable knowledge applicable to agricultural and environmental disciplines. 
Comparison between DS, DSS and Triaxial Resistance Tests in Compacted Tropical Soils in the State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
No full textDirect shear (DS), Direct simple shear (DSS) and Triaxial tests with controlled shear rates were performed in two soils from the Baixada Fluminense region, in the city of São João do Meriti – Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The soils in question are deposited on non-compacted soft soil with the addition of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW). Both samples of compacted soil were excavated at a depth of 10.0 m, and undisturbed samples were collected. In both tests, the shear rate of 0.043 mm/min was adopted. The soil at Point 1 was characterized as a clay soil collected in a slope region and the soil at Point 2 is a sand and collected in a central region. The tests presented coherent results with probabilistic accuracy greater than 95% reliability in all three resistance tests
Effect of Zinc Nanoparticles on Plant Growth and Some Soil Properties
No full textA field experiment with three replications was conducted on sprinkler irrigated sandy soil during two successive summer and winter seasons (summer 2021 and winter 2021/2022), which cultivated with corn (Zea mays) and faba bean (Vicia faba L.) at Agricultural Research Station farm in Ismailia Governorate, Egypt. Faba bean (Vicia faba L.) was cultivated as an indicator crop to evaluate the residual effect of different rates of zinc nutrient in nanoparticles form versus mineral zinc sulphate fertilizer and studying their effects on growth and crop yield and some soil chemical properties. The zinc nutrient forms were applied by fertigation through sprinkler irrigation system. The obtained results revealed that the corn and bean parts dry matter, yield and some soil chemical properties including available soil nutrients content, EC, pH and SOM were greatly improved in general with additions of these nutrients forms. During zinc nanoparticles treatments, the most effective treatment was with the rate of half dose from minerals at recommended dose (ZnNPs at 50% MNRD). Mineral forms in normal recommended dose (MNRD) gave nearly equal effect with ZnNPs at 50 % MNRD