Sains Tanah - Journal of Soil Science and Agroclimatology
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Oxidized alkaline biochar and phosphate solubilizing bacteria mixture enhances direct seeded maize yield in an acid soil
Full text linkMaize is an important cereal in many developed and developing countries of the world. One of the primary challenges for maize cultivation is soil acidity. Acidic soil is a major constrain in achieving food security requiring sustainable solutions. Biochar, a pyrogenic carbon-rich material, carries reactive surfaces (i.e., high surface area and variable surface charges). Therefore, it facilitates nutrient retention in soil and gradual release to plants, thereby supporting crop growth. However, the combine effects of functionalized biochar with microbes on phosphorus (P) bioavailability and plant performance remain unclear. This study investigates the application of different oxidized biochars (i.e.,fresh rice husk biochar (RHB), pH adjusted oxidized RHB and control) and phosphate solubilizing bacteria (i.e., Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and control) on soil properties including phosphorus dynamics and the performance of maize grown in an acid soil. Biochar was oxidized using 10% hydrogen peroxide while the pH was adjusted to 8.5. Maize was grown in pots having 20 kg of soil or soil-biochar mixture. Overall, biochar and microbes treatments increased soil phosphorus bioavailability and maize yield with a greater effects in the oxidized biochar giving a significant biochar × microbes interactions. Specifically, oxidized biochar when applied with Pseudomonas aeruginosa increased P availability by 380 % which then contributed to yield increment (291%). We also observed a significant reduction in available aluminum (Al) concentration (40% ) compare to the control. These improvement in yield might have occurred due to an increase soil pH, P bioavailability (r2= 0.74), and a reduction in Al toxicity (r2= 0.36).Findings of this study could have significant implications for crop production in acidic soil
Re-evaluating the evidence of aflatoxin B1 intercalation into smectite interlayer: a review based on basal spacing data
Full text linkThe bonding mechanism of aflatoxin B1 (AfB1) onto smectite in the batch adsorption test remains a subject of ongoing debate. One key aspect under contention is whether the interlayer of smectite is accessible to the AfB1 molecule. Some researchers contested the possibility of AfB1 intercalation into the smectite interlayer by highlighting the lack of discernible differences in basal spacing value before and after the adsorption experiment. Conversely, others have advanced the opposite argument based on observations indicating an increase in basal spacing value after adsorption. This study aims to resolve the discrepancy through a comparative examination of data from several previous studies that reported basal spacing values derived from X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, both before and after adsorption tests. By also considering the characteristic swelling behavior of smectite, this comparative examination explains the differing perspectives. The lack of discernible differences in basal spacing value pre- and post-adsorption tests, which was interpreted as the absence of AfB1 intercalation, was attributed to the fact that the initial samples were inherently in hydrated condition, as indicated by basal spacing values of 1.41 to 1.59 nm, whereas in the dry state, these values would typically be ~0.98 to ~1.0 nm, thereby precluding further expansion. Consistent with a previous study that suggested AfB1 bonding to smectite in hydrated conditions occurred through hydrogen bonding within the interlayer, we propose that the hydration state of smectite will significantly influence AfB1 uptake. Thus, further research of adsorption test to investigate the relationship between AfB1 uptake as a function of the hydration state on smectite minerals is strongly suggested
Mesolandform classification and its relationship with smallholder coffee production in the Malang Regency, Indonesia
Full text linkMesolandform analysis is necessary for smallholder coffee land management because it can clearly distinguish landform boundaries. Automatic mesolandform classification utilizes geographic information system (GIS) and remote sensing technology using the topographic position index (TPI), slope, curvature, lithology, land use, and normalized difference vegetative index (NDVI). This study aims to classify the mesolandform of smallholder coffee plantations and determine its relationship attributes with coffee production. The data included the Digital Elevation Model, lithology map, Sentinel 2 A harmonized image, and actual coffee production. The spatial analysis was performed using ArcGIS 10.8 and QGIS 3.1.6, and the statistical data analysis was performed using RStudio. Mesolandform affects coffee production (p < 0.0001) and was significantly related to it. The highest production was found on the open slope mesolandform, with coffee production ranging from 7.13 to 9.95 tons/ha. Mesolandform attributes have a significant effect on coffee production increase (R2 = 0.69) on land characteristics with high coffee vegetation density (NDVI > 0.6), topographic position in open slope to flat (TPI 0–2), dominant slope is flat to undulating (<8%), and land curvatures are level or convergent foot slope (<2). The research results can support the sustainable management of smallholder coffee plantations based on mesolandform attributes
Soil physico-chemical properties and microbial diversity on chilli anthracnose disease severity in Northern Karnataka, India
Full text linkChilli anthracnose disease causes a huge commercial loss in the globe. Studying soil physico-chemical properties is crucial to understand chilli anthracnose because these properties significantly affect the efficacy of biocontrol agents and herbicides used to manage the disease. This study aimed to evaluate the relative percentage of disease incidence (% DI) of chilli anthracnose in dominant chilli growing areas of Northern Karnataka in India and its relationship to soil properties. The soil physico-chemical (texture, moisture, density, pH, EC, OC, N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S, Zn, Cu, Fe, and B) properties, microbial (fungi and bacteria) diversity of 17 soil samples were analysed by standard protocols and evaluated their correlation with % DI, using Pearson correlation and cluster analysis method. Highest % DI was found in Shira with more value of pH (8.45), and Mg (14.63 meq 100 g-1), whereas in Nela with more value of EC (0.38%), moisture (46%), and Ca (33.83 meq 100 g-1), and also in the regions where the beneficial microbes were less in number (Tegg, Shira, Agad and Nela). The results obtained from Pearson correlation indicated that % DI was positively correlated to moisture (r=0.851**, P=0.01), EC (r=0.488*, P=0.05) and negatively correlated to Pseudomonas sp. (r=-0.322*, P=0.05). The present study provides comprehensive information about the role of physical, chemical and biological properties of soil characteristics responsible for the development of anthracnose disease prevalence and reducing soil quality as well as chilli production under natural conditions
Peat hydraulic properties along the gradient of oil palm ages in the tropical monsoon region
Full text linkThe conversion of vast peatland areas to oil palm plantations in Indonesia may alter hydrological functions under long-term agricultural use. This study aimed to analyze the hydraulic properties of peat soil under oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) plantations of varying ages (2–5, 6–9, and >10 years) in Ketapang, West Kalimantan, Indonesia, a region with a tropical monsoon climate. There are 27 samples gathered from 3 plantation ages in the 3 peat depths (0-20 cm, 20-40 cm, and 40-60 cm). Hydraulic properties: water holding capacity (WHC), bulk density, particle density, and porosity were analyzed using standard gravimetric, pycnometer, and oven-drying methods. Weather and environmental data from 2013–2022 were used to calculate reference evapotranspiration (ETo), crop evapotranspiration (ETc), and water balance. The results showed that hydraulic properties improved with soil depth and plantation age. WHC ranged from 400% to 850%, increasing significantly in mature plantations. Bulk density declined with depth and age, while porosity significantly increased and reached its maximum at 56.87% in older plantations. Although mature oil palms have high crop water demands (ETc), water availability remains sufficient to meet their needs. However, excess water must be properly managed to avoid reducing oil palm productivity and to preserve peat quality. These findings suggest that as oil palm matures, root development and organic residue accumulation enhance peat’s hydrological properties. This study may contribute to understanding peatland behavior under oil palm cultivation and provide crucial insight for improving irrigation and land management practices in tropical peat ecosystems
The influence of plastic mulch degradation on microplastic contamination in agricultural soils under different climatic conditions
Full text linkPlastic mulch is widely used in agriculture to improve crop productivity by regulating soil temperature, retaining moisture, and suppressing weed growth. However, its degradation produces microplastics that can accumulate in the soil, disrupt microbial communities, and potentially enter the food chain. This study examines microplastic contamination in agricultural soils under different climatic conditions: Bogor (humid) and Lombok (hot and dry). Various analytical techniques were employed to characterize material degradation, including FTIR spectroscopy, SEM, UV-Vis, and thermal conductivity measurements. The results show that differences in climate and environmental factors such as high temperature, UV exposure, and microbial activity can accelerate mulch degradation, resulting in higher microplastic concentrations in Lombok (455 ± 57.74 particles kg-1) compared to Bogor (265 ± 43.59 particles kg-1). FTIR analysis confirmed the presence of oxidation-derived functional groups (C=O, O-H), thermal analysis indicated a decrease in the material's thermal conductivity, UV-Vis revealed increased polymer chain scission, and SEM showed significant surface degradation. These findings highlight the environmental risks of plastic mulch use and underscore the importance of adopting more sustainable alternatives to reduce microplastic pollution in agricultural soils
Rubber plantations in tropical landscapes: agronomic systems, environmental impacts, and evidence-based management recommendations
Full text linkWhile Natural Rubber (NR) supports global supply chains, rapid expansion in South and Southeast Asia has noticeable effects on biodiversity, hydrology, and the carbon balance. This review synthesises the economic importance, environmental challenges, commercial applications, and ecological impacts of rubber production and plantation expansion. Furthermore, the study combines high-resolution deforestation attribution (Sentinel-2/Landsat), Eddy-Covariance (EC) comparisons of plantations and nearby tropical forests, and models that include a rubber-specific Plant Functional Type (PFT). In addition, conversion from forest to rubber consistently simplifies habitats, decreases species richness and functional diversity, reduces ecosystem carbon storage, raises peak flows and sediment export, and lowers baseflow. Conversely, replacing annual cropland can increase above-ground biomass and provide partial carbon gains. As such, results depend systematically on prior land use, monsoon intensity and rainfall patterns, elevation, and management practices (monoculture versus diversified agroforestry). The study recommends directing new planting onto already cleared land through spatial planning and reliable traceability; adopting diversified rubber agroforestry and soil- and water-conserving methods. This includes explicitly integrating rubber within zero-deforestation policies and results-based carbon payments. In line with this, rubber-specific modelling and open flux datasets should support climate-risk assessments and monitoring. Overall, focused governance and agroforestry strategies can balance ecological trade-offs while maintaining production, aligning natural-rubber supply with verifiable climate and biodiversity safeguards
Spatial-based analysis for risk erosion hazard in Jordan
No full textSoil erosion is a critical environmental issue in Jordan, particularly due to the country’s fragile ecosystems, steep slopes, and varying climatic conditions. It poses significant threats to agricultural productivity, natural resource conservation, and land sustainability. This study aims to provide a detailed spatial assessment of soil erosion risk across Jordan and identify erosion-prone zones to support informed decision-making in land management. The Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) model, integrated with Geographic Information System (GIS) tools, was employed to estimate soil loss and map erosion severity. The model incorporated essential factors including rainfall erosivity, soil erodibility, slope length and steepness, vegetation cover, and conservation practices. Erosion rates were categorized into three classes: low (0–10 tons ha-1 year-1), moderate (10–50 tons ha-1 year-1), and high (>50 tons ha-1 year-1). Results revealed that 94% of Jordan’s land is subject to low erosion risk, 5% to moderate risk, and approximately 1% to high risk. The areas most vulnerable to erosion are located in the northern and central highlands and parts of the Jordan Valley, primarily due to their steep topography and higher precipitation levels. This study demonstrates the effectiveness of integrating RUSLE with GIS to identify critical erosion hotspots and inform targeted soil conservation strategies, contributing to more sustainable land use planning in arid and semi-arid regions like Jordan
Studying the effect of tillage depth combined with organic amendments and different nitrogen fertilization on improving calcareous soil properties and wheat productivity
Full text linkCalcareous soil suffers from deprived organic materials, structural properties, increased water holding capacity, deep percolation, crusts and cracks formation, which hinders the roots dispersion and decreases permeation speed. This inhibits the soil physical, hydraulic properties, and its nutritional status. The research objective is to enhance the calcareous soil status and its productivity using eco-friendly conditioners. A Split-split plot field experimental study has been laid at El-Nubaria Agri. Res. Stat., in 2018 and 2019 winter seasons with three replications. The main factor was two depths of tillage: (T1) surface tillage (0 – 15 cm) and (T2) deep tillage (0 – 60 cm). The sub-main factor was three types of mineral nitrogen (N) fertilization, control (C1) without N application, ammonium nitrate (F1) and urea formaldehyde (F2), while the sub-sub main factor was the types of soil amendments: no amendment (cont.), sugar beet waste (W), K-Humate (KH), Sulphur (S) and compost (Comp). Results have indicated that greater values of organic matter OM and aggregate measured were gained by the surface tillage treatment and using both sugar beet wastes (W) and compost applications. The combination between the deep tillage (T2) and ammonium nitrate (F1) and sugar beet waste (W) has increased the wheat grains and straw yield (ton ha-1) and 1000-grains weight (g). Sugar beet waste can be recommended as an economic conditioner enhances the calcareous soil to make it more productive
Estimation of water use efficiency (WUE) for efficient irrigation level of oil palm during the main nursery phase
Full text linkThe water requirement of oil palm depends on the growth phase (e.g., higher demand during vegetative expansion), environmental conditions (e.g., increased under high vapour pressure deficit), and agricultural practices (e.g., reduced demand through effective water management). Therefore, the water used for oil palm nurseries should be used efficiently to preserve environmental sustainability. The main objective of this research was to determine the water use efficiency (WUE) of oil palm during the main nursery phase. The study evaluated several irrigation strategies inside and outside the greenhouse, including fixed daily watering (two liters per seedling), irrigation based on actual evapotranspiration (ETa), rainfall-dependent watering, and no irrigation. In the outdoor treatments, one group of seedlings was irrigated according to ETa, but watering was withheld when daily rainfall exceeded five mm, while another group received two liters per day only when rainfall was below five mm. These two treatments showed the highest daily evapotranspiration rates, greater vegetative growth, and higher biomass accumulation compared to the other treatments. Notably, the ETa-based treatment was recorded as having the highest water use efficiency (WUE). This study concludes that water loss during evapotranspiration is the main determining factor for irrigation volume. Therefore, irrigation in oil palm nurseries should be based on ETa to improve efficiency and lower costs. These findings offer practical guidance for farmers or plantation management to support more sustainable and cost-effective irrigation practices