Sains Tanah - Journal of Soil Science and Agroclimatology
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Soil physicochemical properties and microbial biomass in agriculture and abandoned lands of Shivapuri-Nagarjun National Park, Kathmandu, Nepal
Full text linkEvaluating soil physicochemical and biological properties helps to understand ecosystem functions and nutrient dynamics. This study assessed the physicochemical and microbial properties of soil in agricultural and abandoned lands within Shivpuri-Nagarjun National Park, Nepal. Soil samples were collected from both agriculture and abandoned lands at soil depths of 10 to30 cm during the pre-monsoon, monsoon, and post-monsoon seasons. Physicochemical parameters of the soil were analyzed by using standard protocols. The chloroform fumigation extraction method was applied for determination of microbial biomass carbon and nitrogen. Soil temperature decreased with increasing depth during both pre-monsoon and monsoon seasons, but it was increased on increasing the depth during post-monsoon. Agricultural land exhibited higher proportions of silt and clay, whereas abandoned land was characterized by a higher sand content. In agricultural soils, soil organic carbon was 2.63%, total nitrogen and available phosphorus were 0.21% and 72.16 kg ha-1, respectively, while available potassium was 636.55 kg ha-1. These nutrient levels peaked during the monsoon season and declined with increasing soil depth. Similarly, microbial biomass carbon (465.82 μg g-1) and nitrogen (48.58 μg g-1) were also higher in agricultural land, showing an increasing trend with depth. The microbial biomass carbon-to-nitrogen ratio ranged from 9.61 to 19.41. The first (PC1) and second (PC2) components of Principal Component Analysis (PCA) accounted for 35.5% and 12.4% of the total variance, respectively. Overall, agricultural land, upper soil layers, and the monsoon season were identified as the most influential factors contributing to improved soil characteristics
Methane (CH₄) emissions exceeding the threshold from chilli cultivation mulching practices in Sleman Regency, Indonesia
Full text linkMethane (CH₄) is a potent greenhouse gas contributing to global warming, although there is limited information on its emissions dynamics in dryland horticulture. Chilli cultivation practices comprising fertilization and mulching may influence CH₄ emissions through alterations in soil temperature and moisture. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of different mulching practices on CH₄ emissions and determine the threshold for sustainable chilli cultivation in tropical dryland conditions. A field experiment was conducted in Sleman, Indonesia, using a randomized block design with three mulch treatments. These included unmulched treatment (M0), organic mulch (M1), and plastic mulch (M2), each replicated three times. Gas sampling was performed biweekly for 112 days using the closed chamber method. Soil temperature and Volumetric Water Content (VWC) were recorded using in situ sensors. The results showed that mulch treatments significantly influenced CH₄ emissions (p < 0.001). M1 produced the highest average CH₄ flux (0.114 mg m⁻² h⁻¹), followed by M2 (0.043 mg m⁻² h⁻¹) and M0 (0.016 mg m⁻² h⁻¹). All treatments exceeded the calculated CH₄ threshold of 0.145 mg m⁻² h⁻¹ under certain conditions. These results showed the need for careful mulching selection to reduce environmental impact and support the development of CH₄ emissions threshold for sustainable dryland horticulture
Chemical properties analysis of liquid and semi-solid bioconversion products from organic waste and their effects on soil fertility and sweet corn yield
Full text linkFood security remains a critical global challenge, particularly as land degradation, driven by excessive use of synthetic fertilizers, continues to threaten soil fertility and crop productivity. This study aimed to evaluate the characteristics of liquid and semi-solid fermented organic waste and their effects on several soil chemical properties and sweet corn yield. The experiment was conducted in a corn field in Pagerwangi Village, West Java, Indonesia. The experiment used a Split-Plot Design with three replications. The main plot was the fermented waste product treatment, which consisted of three levels: no product (A0), liquid product (A1), and semi-solid product (A2). The subplot was the N-P-K dose level, which consisted of four levels: 0 N-P-K (a0), 1/2 N-P-K dose (a1), 3/4 N-P-K dose (a2), and standard N-P-K dose (a3). The research findings indicated that the macro and microelements present in semi-solid products were several times higher compared to liquid ones. Furthermore, the microbial population in semi-solid products exhibited higher density compared to liquid products. Field tests also demonstrated that both liquid product (A1) and semi-solid product (A2) significantly increased total nitrogen, organic-C, and soil pH compared to the control (A0). The highest sweet corn productivity was observed in treatment A2, with a yield increase of 47.62% compared to the control. The research results suggested that the use of fermented organic waste products could enhance soil fertility and sweet corn production
Impacts of oil palm cultivation on spatial variations in soil properties in an oil palm cultivated land in Kalutara, Sri Lanka
Full text linkIn Sri Lanka, the impacts of oil palm (Elaeis guineensis) cultivation on soil properties remain insufficiently examined, especially regarding spatial variations within a single plantation. This study examined the spatial variations of physical and chemical soil properties under oil palm cultivation at Culloden Estate in Kalutara, Sri Lanka, from June to December 2024. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the impact of oil palm cultivation on soil properties and to assess the spatial variability between cultivated sites and a reference site. The plantation was divided into three sites, each with three representative sampling points. The reference site was selected from an adjacent grassland. Selected soil properties were analyzed using standard laboratory methods. Significant spatial differences in all assessed soil properties were observed relative to the reference site (p<0.05, Generalized Linear Model). The reference site showed higher pH, electrical conductivity, porosity, organic matter, and nitrogen levels, whereas cultivated sites reported higher bulk and particle densities, cation exchange capacity, and phosphorus content. While physicochemical parameters varied significantly within the plantation, no directional pattern was identified. The cluster analysis reported three sub-clusters. Sites 2 and 3 formed one cluster, while Sites 1 and the reference site formed separate groups, indicating variations in land-use practices. Higher soil bulk density indicated soil compaction under oil palm. Although soil properties differed from the reference site, they remained within acceptable global ranges for oil palm cultivation, indicating no major soil degradation. This study highlights the need for broader, multi-site research to support sustainable soil management
Sustainable wheat subspecies mixtures production by evaluating morphological traits and stability analysis of different varieties in different environments in Jordan
Full text linkClimate change and water scarcity present significant challenges to food security in arid and semi-arid regions, such as Jordan. Grains—particularly wheat—are essential for nutrition and national food security. This study addresses sustainable wheat production strategies under semi-arid conditions, focusing on the utilization of morphological characteristics through targeted breeding programs. Assessing genetic diversity is a critical prerequisite for evaluating population adaptation to novel environmental conditions. This study aimed to evaluate the morphological traits and yield stability of seven certified wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) varieties—ACSAD65, Ammoun, Cham1, Dair Alla6, Hourani, Mixture, and Um Qais—across three contrasting environments at Maru, Mushager, and Rabbah. These sites represent diverse agro-ecological zones within the semi-arid landscape of Jordan. The experiment was conducted using a randomized complete block design (RCBD) in a 3×7 factorial split-plot arrangement, where the three locations served as main plots and the wheat varieties as subplots. Results indicated that both location and growing season significantly affected yield and its components. The variety Um Qais exhibited the highest grain yield, while the mixture showed poor performance. Among the locations, Maru demonstrated superior performance in terms of biological yield, grain yield, straw yield, and harvest index, followed by Mushager and Rabbah. According to GGE biplot analysis, Um Qais emerged as the ideal genotype for grain yield, achieving the highest mean performance across all locations. These findings offer valuable insights for policymakers, agricultural researchers, and farmers by identifying high-yielding and stable wheat varieties that are adapted to local semi-arid environments
Enhancing beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) growth using zeolite-based growing media
Full text linkElectrical conductivity (EC) spikes due to fertilization are harmful to plant. This shows the need for appropriate composition of growing media, such as Zeoponic, consisting of zeolite, cocopeat, and compost, to support plant development. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the effect of zeolite-based growing media and the addition of fertilizer on growth of bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) cultivated in polybags. The experiment was conducted on beans in three different media with a completely randomized design (CRD) in factorial arrangement, with three levels type treatment (zeoponic, media A, and B), and three levels of fertilizer dosage (0 g kg-1, 1 g kg-1, 1.5 g kg-1). The parameters observed were plant height, number of leaves, beans weight, length, and disease intensity. The results showed that growth and production of beans in zeoponic tended to be higher than in A and B. However, the addition of fertilizer at 1.5 g kg-1 did not significantly affect growth and production of beans. The presence of zeolite caused EC of the growing media to remain low, and nutrients were released slowly to ensure continuous availability to plant. Additionally, the use of zeoponic for cultivating beans in polybags has been shown to reduce the incidence of disease
Evaluating soil phosphorus tests and nutrient limitations in Mediterranean pastures
Full text linkReliable phosphorus (P) fertilization guidelines for Mediterranean pastures remain uncertain due to inconsistent soil testing methods, the complexity of mixed-species systems, and the neglect of other limiting nutrients. This study primarily aimed to identify reliable soil P tests and secondarily to explore potential nutrient limitations by assessing seven acidic Portuguese soils under Mediterranean conditions using subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum) and ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum) as model species. Five P extraction methods (Egner-Riehm, Olsen, Bray II, Mehlich I, and anion exchange resin) were compared alongside a pot experiment with clover, ryegrass, and their mixture. Biomass production, plant nutritional status, and soil–plant relationships were used to assess nutrient availability and plant response. The Egner-Riehm method proved the most reliable, showing linear correlation with the resin method (R² = 0.89), widely regarded as the best indicator of soil P bioavailability. P availability was therefore not a limiting factor for biomass production. The lowest soil P content (54 mg kg⁻¹ P₂O₅, Egner-Riehm) was close to the medium threshold (50–100 mg kg⁻¹), yet plant growth indicated adequacy. In contrast, nitrogen (N) emerged as the main growth constraint, and boron (B) deficiency further restricted clover performance, confirming additional nutritional imbalances. A linear relationship between soil and tissue B supported its association with DMY, and tissue B levels were below sufficiency thresholds. Overall, in acidic Portuguese soils under Mediterranean conditions, soil P was adequate, whereas N and B acted as key constraints to productivity. These findings support more accurate and efficient fertilization strategies for Mediterranean pastures
GIS-based approach in land suitability evaluation for maize (Zea mays) and cassava (Manihot esculenta) production in Nsukka local government area of Enugu State
Full text linkAgriculture remains a cornerstone of economic development, food security, and the livelihoods of rural communities in sub-Saharan Africa. This study employed a parametric evaluation approach to assess the suitability of soils in the Nsukka Local Government Area (LGA) of Enugu State, Southeastern Nigeria, for cultivating maize (Zea mays) and Cassava (Manihot esculenta) using the Geographical Information System (GIS). The study applied the FAO land evaluation framework using systematic soil sampling, laboratory analyses, and GIS mapping. A total of thirty geo-referenced soil samples from the surface (0-20 cm) were gathered in triplicate across Nsukka LGA. Climatic and topographic data were integrated with soil parameters to assess suitability. Thematic maps were developed and overlaid to generate suitability classes for maize and cassava using the ArcGIS software. The climate characteristics were highly suitable for crop production. Topography (slope) and soil characteristics (texture, organic carbon, and base saturation) were the most limiting factors for both crops. The maps showed that 6.18% of the study region was highly suitable, while 93.82% was moderately suitable for maize production. The study region was entirely suitable for cassava cultivation. These results support the recommendation for crop-specific land-use planning and targeted soil management practices to improve maize productivity and leverage cassava's resilience in marginal soils
Metal absorption by pigweed and napier grass in biochar-treated soils
Full text linkHeavy metal absorption by plants is suggested to be affected by soil treatment with different types of biochar. Due to various types of available biochar materials in the environment, effects of three representative biochar types were evaluated in a greenhouse experiment using polluted soils planted with pigweed (Amaranthus spinosus L.) and napier grass (Pennisetum purpureum Schumach). Soil treatments were conducted with biochar of rice (Oryza sativa)-husk, corn (Zea mays)-cob and cassava (Manihot utilissima)-stem at 10 Mg ha-1. Soils and plants were analysed for Cu and Zn after a 4 weeks plant growth. The results showed that Cu and Zn accumulation by pigweed and napier grass were higher in soils polluted with more Cu and Zn. Pigweed in general acted as phytoextractor, accumulated more Cu and Zn in shoots, while napier grass as phyto-stabilizer, accumulated more Cu and Zn in roots. Pigweed accumulated Cu more effective than napier grass while napier grass more effective in Zn accumulation. Unlike rice-husk or corn-cob, cassava-stem biochar increased the soil Cu and Zn concentrations. Rice-husk and corn-cob enhanced but cassava-stem biochar decreased Cu and Zn accumulation by pigweed and napier grass. Rice-husk and corn-cob biochar showed better potential than cassava biochar for soil Cu and Zn phytoremediation by pigweed and napier grass in heavy-metal polluted tropical soils
Effect of bentonite application on the morphological, physiological, and biochemical behaviour of Triticum durum Desf and Triticum aestivum L. cultivated in saline soils
Full text linkSoil salinity represents a major constraint to agricultural productivity in arid and semi-arid regions, severely affecting cereal growth and yield. This study evaluated the effect of mineral soil amendments using two types of bentonite, sodium bentonite from Mostaganem (B-Na) and calcium bentonite from Maghnia (B-Ca), on the morphological, physiological, and biochemical responses of durum wheat Triticum durum Desf. And bread wheat Triticum aestivum L. cultivated in saline soil 19 dS.m⁻¹ from the Relizane region (western Algeria). Greenhouse experiments were conducted using bentonite doses of 5% and 10% (w/w) to assess plant growth parameters, relative water content (RWC), chlorophyll pigments, and soluble sugar levels. Both bentonites enhanced wheat performance under saline conditions, with the 5% dose producing the most favourable effects. Notably, 5% B-Na significantly increased RWC, chlorophyll concentration, and soluble sugar content in T. aestivum compared with the saline control. Excessive amendment (10%) did not yield further benefits. These findings suggest that moderate application of bentonite can effectively alleviate salinity stress and improve physiological performance in wheat. The study emphasizes the importance of optimizing bentonite type and dose based on soil characteristics and crop sensitivity to salinity