Sains Tanah - Journal of Soil Science and Agroclimatology
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Pedotransfer functions for soil organic carbon stock and soil porosity interpretation in diverse palm oil plantation soils
Full text linkThe accurate estimation of soil organic carbon stocks (SOCs) is crucial in sustainable oil palm plantation management. Pedotransfer functions (PTFs) serve as an essential predictive tool for enhancing the interpretation and estimation of soil organic carbon stocks (SOCs) and soil porosity. This study aims to improve the precision of SOCs and soil porosity predictions across diverse soil types within oil palm plantations through the application of PTFs. The study was conducted using a survey approach and descriptive exploration in an oil palm plantation in Seruyan District, Central Kalimantan. The study area encompassed four distinct soil types (Alfisols, Inceptisols, Ultisols, and Entisols), with six replicates for each soil type. Soil samples were collected from a depth of 0–60 cm. Statistical analyses included ANOVA, Tukey’s pairwise comparisons, correlation, and stepwise regression. The results indicated that soil types within oil palm plantations did not significantly affect SOCs but significantly impacted soil porosity. SOCs and porosity estimated using PTFs were lower than those estimated without PTFs. Specifically, SOCs analysis with PTFs ranged from 3.4 to 7.1 kg m-²; without PTFs, the range was higher, between 8.1 and 10.9 kg m-². Among the soil types, Entisols exhibited higher porosity with PTFs (51.3%), while Ultisols had the lowest porosity (37.9%). The PTFs provide better predictions for SOCs and porosity, and predictor variables that contribute the most are sand, silt, bulk density (BD), and cation exchange capacity (CEC). PTFs provide an advanced, data-driven approach to assessing SOCs and soil porosity in oil palm plantations, supporting the development of smarter, sustainable, and highly efficient management strategies
Effects of different application ratios of biochar-organic compound fertilizers and chemical fertilizers on soil nutrition content and yield of maize
Full text linkOveruse of traditional chemical fertilizers may result in environmental pollution and a decrease in the quality of farm produce. By contrast, applying biochar-organic compound fertilizers can enhance soil structure, increase soil fertility, and mitigate pollution levels. This study explores the intricate mechanisms of the combined application of biochar-organic compound fertilizers and chemical fertilizers on soil chemical properties and corn growth. The aim is to elucidate the theoretical foundations supporting the widespread adoption of biochar-organic compound fertilizers. A total of 6 treatments were set up, among which the CK treatment did not apply fertilizer, the CF treatment used bovine excrement organic fertilizer combined with chemical fertilizer, the T1 to T4 treatments used biochar-organic compound fertilizers and replaced 40%, 60%, 80%, and 100% bovine excrement organic fertilizer combined with chemical fertilizer. The results showed that applying biochar-organic compound fertilizers enhanced the slow-release properties of soil available nutrients, increased corn yield, and improved grain quality. Notably, when biochar-organic compound fertilizers were employed instead of 100% bovine excrement organic fertilizer, the yield surpassed that of other treatments, exhibiting a remarkable 9.30% increase compared to the CF treatment. Through comprehensive analysis, it was determined that using biochar-organic compound fertilizer to replace 60% of bovine excrement organic fertilizer is a scheme that can balance both fertilizer efficacy and cost and is recommended to farmers. This research can contribute to promoting the green transformation of agriculture and help achieve the goal of "carbon neutrality"
Assessment of the ecological state and health of oil-contaminated Luvic Phaeozems Albic, Gleyic Albeluvisols, and Greyic Phaeozems after remediation by biochar
Full text linkOil pollution in soil endangers the health of the natural ecosystem on a larger scale. However, the application of biochar as an oil-contaminated soil rehabilitative amendment material is an ecologically friendly practice that supports soil ecological function. Thus, the research was carried out to evaluate ecological and environmental changes and the health condition of biochar-treated oil-polluted Luvic Phaeozems, Albic, Gleyic Albeluvisols, and Greyic Phaeozems Albic soils. A controlled laboratory experiment was set up for 30 days, during which the soils were artificially oil-contaminated at 5% of the soil weight and treated with biochar derived from birch at 10% of the soil weight. At the end of the experiment period, a range of physical, chemical, and biological properties indices were determined. The findings showed that the application of biochar raised the integral biological condition indicator by 77% in Gleyic Albeluvisols, 47% in Luvic Phaeozems Albic, and 18% in Greyic Phaeozems Albic relative to oil-contaminated untreated controls. Moreover, adding biochar resulted in petroleum hydrocarbon content reduction by 48%, 41%, and 33% in Gleyic Albeluvisols, Luvic Phaeozems Albic, and Greyic Phaeozems Albic soils, respectively. These results confirm the efficiency of biochar as an effective agent for the improvement of the oil-contaminated soil health
Development of portable color detector: its application for determination of Munsell Soil Color
Full text linkSoil color is a crucial indicator in soil science and agriculture; it provides information about soil properties and conditions. Typically, surveyors determine soil color by visually comparing the soil samples to the Munsell Soil Color Chart (MSCC). However, the accuracy of this method can be influenced by lighting conditions and the observer's subjectivity, leading to potential inconsistencies. This study introduces a portable color sensor device designed to improve the accuracy and consistency in determining the soil color and its MSCC notation compared to traditional visual methods. The device integrates a TCS3200 color sensor with a microcontroller to automate the color determination process. The device was validated by operating it to determine the color of 12 test paper sheets and four test soil types. The device can determine the color of the tested paper and soil well (100% accuracy); the result is displayed on the Liquid Crystal Display. It consistently achieved 100% accuracy for all measurements with varying ambient light intensity. The device is designed to be portable and easy to use, thus supporting field use for surveyors. Therefore, this device offers significant advantages in soil classification, fertility assessment, and environmental monitoring
Effects of vermicompost and phosphatic fertilizers on soybean yield, phosphorus content, uptake, and post-harvest soil properties
Full text linkTo boost phosphorus (P) availability in soils, adding organic matter like compost, manure, or vermicompost (VC) is a sustainable solution. A field experiment investigated how VC and phosphatic fertilizers affect P bioavailability, plant uptake, and yield response of BARI Soybean-5. Eight treatments i.e., T1 = control (no P), T2 = 100% recommended dose of P (RDP) from triple superphosphate (TSP), T3 = 100% RDP from diammonium phosphate (DAP), T4 = 100% RDP from VC, T5 = 75% RDP from TSP + 25% from VC, T6 = 75% RDP from DAP + 25% from VC, T7 = 50% RDP from TSP + 50% from VC, and T8 = 50% RDP from DAP + 50% from VC were replicated thrice on randomized complete block design (RCBD). T2 treatment generated a maximum seed yield of soybean (1.66 t ha-1), exceeding T3, T5, T6, T7, and T8 treatments with 1.63, 1.54, 1.52, 1.50, and 1.50 t ha-1, respectively. Also, T2 performed the highest P contents in seed, root, and straw (1.27, 0.19, and 0.41%, respectively) and total uptake of P (28.15 kg ha-1) among the treatments. T4 exhibited significantly higher levels of organic C, total N, available P, exchangeable K, and available S. Overall findings revealed that growing BARI Soybean-5 with 100% RDP from TSP (T2) proved a good practice for yield response, but 100% RDP from VC (T4) would be preferable for long-term soil health. This study would be helpful for choosing organic or inorganic sources of P fertilizers for soybean production
Enhancing soil carbon stocks and soybean yields in coastal areas through the application of biofertilizers
Full text linkClimate change driven by increased concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere has a significant impact on agricultural systems, particularly in coastal areas that are prone to rising salinity and decreased soil quality. The application of biofertilizers as a strategy for enhancing soil carbon stocks is crucial, given their role in promoting microbial activity and nutrient availability, leading to soil fertility. This study aimed to evaluate the role of biofertilizers in increasing soil carbon stocks and soybean yields in coastal areas. The research was conducted from April to December 2024 in Bengkulu City. The field experiment was designed in a split-plot design, with the main plot was soybean varieties at two levels (i.e., Anjasmoro and Dering I), and the subplot was fertilizer inputs at four levels (i.e., recommended inorganic fertilizer, AMF + Bradyrhizobium + potassium solvent, Bradyrhizobium + phosphate solvent + potassium solvent, and Bioenzyme). The application of biofertilizers and bioenzymes effectively increased soil carbon stock. The potassium-solubilizing microbial population had a greater influence on carbon stocks than the phosphate-solubilizing population and AMF. The use of biofertilizers and bioenzymes also improved soil biological properties and nutrient absorption, thereby contributing to increase soybean yields. This study provides evidence to support government policies promoting biofertilizer use in agriculture, including training and extension programs for farmers, particularly in coastal areas, to improve soil quality, enhance yields, and reduce dependence on chemical fertilizers which are often expensive and can degrade soil quality in the long term
Soil quality and microbial diversity in relation to the severity of coffee leaf rust disease in Karnataka, India
Full text linkSoil physico-chemical properties significantly influence the quality, growth, productivity, and flavor of coffee. The current study estimates the soil nutritional properties and microbial diversity with the severity of coffee leaf rust disease. A total of twenty-nine localities were surveyed in the major coffee-growing district of Karnataka, mainly Chikkamagaluru, Kodagu, and Hassan, covering the canopies of arabica and robusta coffee plantations. The study on soil quality evaluation determines the sustainability and practices of land management in this region. The physico-chemical properties and microbial diversity of the soil were analysed. Twenty-nine soil parameters were analyzed using principal component analysis, which accounts for five principal components with eigenvalues>1 explaining 9 % of the total variance. The nine principal components together explain 82.24 % of the total variance. According to K-means clustering, soil analysis can be classified into four clusters. Soil microbial communities primarily control the complex ecosystems of soil, including root- and rhizosphere-associated beneficial microbes, and play a vital role as key components in crop production and sustainable agriculture. The present study revealed that the fertility level of the soil and the diverse taxa of rhizospheric microflora from various soil samples, characterized by an abundant diversity of beneficial microbes, such as Trichoderma sp., Bacillus sp., Penicillium sp., and Pseudomonas sp. Furthermore, this work gives insights into the sustainable soil quality and disease management practices that can help farmers to adopt better soil management practices for improving the quality and quantity of coffee production in Karnataka, India
Biochar-assisted nitrogen reduction improves resource efficiency at the expense of rice yield
Full text linkNitrogen (N) is the most essential nutrient element for improving crop yield. However, urea, its most common form, is highly prone to losses, especially in flooded rice fields, which reduces N use efficiency (NUE) and contributes to environmental degradation. Here, a field experiment was conducted to examine the yield and growth performance of Aman rice, as well as to estimate NUE using different organic amendments and inorganic N sources. The treatments consisted of two factors: a) organic amendments- waste biochar, sawdust biochar, cow dung, and control, and b) N application rate- control (0), 50%, and 100% of the recommended rate. Overall, waste biochar performed better than sawdust and cow dung. Waste biochar with 100% of the recommended rate of urea application provided the highest grain (4.65 t ha-1) and straw yield (6.72 t ha-1). However, waste biochar with 50% recommended urea application provided the best NUE, i.e., agronomic N use efficiency (46 kg rice grain kg-1 N applied), physiological N use efficiency (28 kg rice grain kg-1 N uptake), and apparent N recovery (61%). The relatively higher NUE in treatments with organic amendments and half the recommended N rate; suggests a trade-off between improved NUE and rice grain yield. The enhanced NUE was possibly manifested by retaining more N in the reactive sites of soil organic matter and its uptake in the plant. Altogether, our results provide insights into NUE in rice cultivation systems after application of diverse organic matters.
Remediation of amoxicillin-contaminated water using zeolite from coal bottom ash
Full text linkThe contamination of antibiotics in water bodies has increased significantly in recent years. Various treatments, including adsorption, have been sought, but most include expensive sorbent material with low efficiency. This research reported an alternative sorbent material; synthetic zeolite derived from coal-burning waste. Coal bottom ash was converted to zeolite via a hydrothermal technique using various concentrations of NaOH and relatively low-temperature conditions. X-ray diffractogram confirms the formation of ZSM-23 when a 1:2 coal-to-zeolite ratio was used at 95°C. The FTIR spectra also highlighted the characteristics of zeolite functional groups, such as the Si−O vibration at 999.56 cm-1 and the Al−O vibration at 799.48 cm-1. The needle-like morphology of ZSM-23 was observed during SEM-EDS analysis. When calculated using BET analysis, the synthetic zeolite also exhibited a high surface area of 433.517 m2 g-1. Upon application in a batch experiment, the maximum adsorption capacity of the zeolite for amoxicillin (AMX) adsorption in aqueous solution was found to be 673.5 mg g-1. The adsorption data fitted the Langmuir isotherm better than the Freundlich one, with a correlation factor of 0.9328. This suggested the monolayer interaction, possibly between the negatively charged zeolite surface and the NH3+ group from AMX. However, the physical adsorption mechanism with the zeolite surface may also occur due to the high surface area. Considering the low production cost, this zeolite offers high economic value as an alternative sorbent for removing antibiotics in water effluent
Nano-Biochar: A promising tool for sustainable agriculture under climate change era
Full text linkNano-biochar, a highly porous and innovative material derived from biomass, presents significant opportunities for sustainable agriculture and environmental remediation. Its unique sponge-like structure enables exceptional carbon capture and sequestration, contributing to long-term improvements in soil fertility and acting as a vital tool in climate change mitigation. This review explores the properties and production methods of nano-biochar, highlighting its enhanced nutrient retention, controlled release capabilities, and superior water-holding capacity compared to traditional biochar. These characteristics not only enhance plant growth and agricultural productivity but also promote a healthier soil ecosystem by stimulating microbial activity. Furthermore, nano-biochar's ability to adsorb heavy metals and organic pollutants offers promising applications in soil and water remediation, thus preventing environmental contamination. Despite its numerous advantages, the review identifies critical knowledge gaps regarding the long-term ecological impacts of nano-biochar and the best practices for its production and application. The paper calls for further research to address these challenges and optimize the use of nano-biochar, ensuring its responsible development within agricultural systems. By integrating insights from current literature, this review contributes to a comprehensive understanding of nano-biochar's potential and outlines future research directions to enhance its effectiveness in promoting sustainable agricultural practices