Abstract: This study evaluated the effects of bio-slurry (BS) and chemical fertilizer (CF) application on soil properties and food safety of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum Mill.). A field experiment consisting of 100% BS (5 ton BS ha−1), 100% CF (90 kg N·ha−1 + 30 kg P·ha−1 + 13 kg S·ha−1), and control was conducted. Soil samples from all the treatments were collected for their physico-chemical characteristics. The level of ten heavy metals in experimental soil and tomato fruit samples was also determined. Compared to CF and control, the application of BS improved soil physico-chemical characteristics. The BC significantly reduced the mean concentrations of Cd and Mn in the tomato fruit samples. The mean concentration of Ni (18.24 ± 0.61, 23.9 ± 0.3, and 9.66 ± 1.2 mg kg−1) and Mn (15.4 ± 2.4, 38 ± 3.3 and 21.8 ± 0.99 mg kg−1) in tomato fruit samples of BS-treated, CF-treated, and control soil, respectively, was above the safety limit set by the Food and Agriculture Organization/World Health Organization for human consumption. Similarly, the mean concentration of Cd (7.98 ± 0.72 and 3.29 ± 0.37 mg kg−1) in tomato fruit samples of CF-treated and control soil was above the safety limit. From this perspective, the consumption of these tomato fruits could be unsafe for human health with respect to Ni, Mn, and Cd toxicities. The application of BS could remediate the Cd toxicities, yet other scenarios of phytoremediation would be praiseworthy to address Ni, Cd, and Ni toxicities. PubDate: Mon, 20 Mar 2023 06:35:00 +000
Abstract: Sweet potato is among the most important food security crops in Ethiopia. However, its productivity is constrained by poor soil fertility and a lack of improved varieties. A field experiment was conducted to evaluate the growth and yield response and profitability of three sweet potato varieties to rates of phosphorus (P) in Southern Ethiopia. Five rates of P (0, 10, 20, 30, and 40 kg ha−1) and three sweet potato varieties (Awassa-83, Kulfo, and Local) were considered as treatments that were laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. The vine length, internodes length, diameter, and the number of vines were significantly varied among varieties while P had a nonsignificant effect on these parameters. The tuber yield of sweet potato was influenced by the combined effect of variety and P rate. The highest marketable yield (30.22 t ha−1) was obtained at 30 kg P ha−1 from variety Awassa-83 and the lowest marketable yield (6.57 t ha−1) was obtained from Kulfo at 0 kg P ha−1. Thus, improvement of sweet potato productivity in the study area could be achieved through the use of Awassa-83 variety with P at a rate of 10 kg ha−1. PubDate: Sat, 18 Mar 2023 05:35:00 +000
Abstract: This study examines smallholder farmers’ conservation agriculture (CA) adoption decisions from a soil management perspective in two semiarid areas of southwestern Ethiopia. The analysis was based on a survey of 392 household heads in each of the mixed maize/sorghum/teff + Moringa stenopetala of Derashe district and maize/teff + banana fruit tree in Arba Minch Zuriya district farming systems. Two groups of smallholders that practice different land management, i.e., conservation agriculture and conventional tillage, were selected. A binary logistic regression model was used to answer the question of factors that determine smallholders’ initial decision to adopt CA. Nine explanatory variables including the age of the household head, level of formal education, family size, size of total landholding in hectares, size of livestock owned in the tropical livestock unit, farming experience, net income from annual + perennial crops, provided extension service by development agents, and lack of access to small-scale irrigation were included in the analysis. The study result revealed that nonpracticing groups have higher schooling, farmland holding, and livestock relative to CA-practicing households. Households with increasing age, schooling, total livestock holding, and higher net per annum income were less likely to practice CA. However, the CA practicing decision was high with an increase in extension service and lack of access to small-scale irrigation. Though CA with the Targa-na-Potayta mulching technique is an age-old practice in the Derashe area, the impact of extension service has indispensable benefits in extending the knowledge to younger smallholders. PubDate: Thu, 16 Mar 2023 04:35:01 +000
Abstract: The effects on soil properties were studied following sugarcane burning during harvesting based on the analysis of soil properties and the number of microorganisms. The soil bacterial community structure was observed using metagenomics. It was found that burned sugarcane harvesting reduced the soil moisture and total nitrogen contents and decreased the numbers of bacterial fungi and actinomycetes. Furthermore, there were decreased numbers of nitrogen-fixing and phosphate-solubilizing bacteria beneficial to plants. The Firmicutes phylum (46.79%) was found abundantly in the soil after burned sugarcane harvest. Paenibacillus (34.20%) and Bacillus (9.19%) were dominant at the genus level. On the other hand, in the soil after unburned sugarcane harvest, the diversity index was higher than that after burned sugarcane harvest. Actinobacteria (25.92%) dominated at the phylum level, and Candidatus koribacter, Gaiella, Pseudolabrys, and Sphingomonas dominated at the genus level in the unburned plots. Changing the bacterial community resulted in a change in correlation with soil properties. Therefore, the impacts from burned sugarcane harvesting should be realized, specifically that soil physiochemical and biological properties are degraded (except for some groups of bacteria) along with their functions in the soil. PubDate: Wed, 08 Mar 2023 08:05:01 +000
Abstract: Blended Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Sulfur, and Boron fertilizer calibration foxr optimum common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) varieties yield was used to assess the effect of different rates of blended fertilizer on growth, yield and yield components, and nutrient use efficiency of common bean varieties and to identify economically feasible rates of blended fertilizer at Meskan District, Southern Ethiopia during 2020 crop season. The experiment had six treatment levels of blended fertilizer (0, 50, 100, 150, 200, and 250 kg·ha−1), and two common bean varieties were arranged in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Soil samples of the experimental plots were analyzed and used as blended fertilizer calibration to estimate soil nutrient supplies and recommend fertilizer. The results revealed that growth, yield, and yield components were highly significantly affected by the main effect of varieties and application of blended NPSB rates. The interaction of varieties and blended fertilizer shown a significant effect on all parameters. The partial budget analysis indicated that the highest net benefit of 67665 ETB ha−1 was obtained from the Nasir variety with the application of 100 kg·ha−1. Therefore, growing the Nasir variety with blended fertilizer rates of 100 kg·ha−1 is economically feasible for the studied soil type and different locations. PubDate: Thu, 23 Feb 2023 05:20:01 +000
Abstract: Yield and yield components of common bean varieties reacted differently in response to variable levels of potassium (K) fertilization under different growing areas. Hence, it is necessary to integrate varieties with optimum K rates in order to maximize bean yield. On the other hand, insufficient K supply has a negative influence on stomata’s functionality, delaying stomatal closure and leaving pores partially closed. Thus, it is essential to find high-yielding varieties with balanced K fertilization. To evaluate common bean varieties at various K rates, a field experiment was carried out during the 2019/20 cropping seasons at the Areka Agricultural Research Center Experimental Field in Southern Ethiopia. Treatments consisted of three common bean varieties (SER 119, SAB 736, and Awassa Dume) and five K rates (0, 10, 20, 30, and 40 kg/ha K2O) combined in factorial and laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. The phenological, growth, yield components, and yield of common bean varieties reacted differently to the varieties, K rates, and their interactions. Parameters such as branches per plant, leaf area, LAI, pods per plant, biomass, and grain yield were significantly affected by varieties, K rates, and their interactions. Conversely, plant height, seeds per pod, and HI were significantly affected only by the main effects of varieties and K fertilizer rates. This investigation indicated that variety SER 119 exhibited superior performance over others with the highest grain yield at K rate of 40 kg/ha. Hence, variety SER 119 at K rate of 40 kg/ha could be used for production in the study area and similar agroecologies. PubDate: Mon, 20 Feb 2023 08:05:01 +000
Abstract: Soil organic carbon (SOC) and total nitrogen (TN) stock are key indicators of soil quality in tropical regions; however, their status is often degraded, especially due to massive deforestation in natural forest areas associated with extensive agricultural land use. The aim of this study was to investigate the dynamics of SOC and TN stock in different land-use systems in the Abobo woreda, Western Ethiopia. To analyze their status, 80 disturbed (composite) and 45 undisturbed soil samples were collected from the top 20 cm of soil in five major land-use types: natural forestlands, grasslands, recently developed commercial farmlands, old commercial farmlands, and small-scale cultivated lands. The results showed that SOC stock varied significantly across the different land-use types, with mean stock ranging from 32.23 Mg·ha−1 in recently developed commercial farmlands to 54.54 Mg·ha−1 in natural forestlands. The mean TN stock ranged from 2.54 Mg·ha−1 in recently developed commercial farmlands to 4.63 Mg·ha−1 in natural forestlands. With natural forestlands as a baseline and the duration ranging in age from 15 to 45 years since land-use conversion, the mean annual absolute rates of change in SOC and TN stock loss were 0.49, 1.49, 0.39, and 0.45 Mg·ha−1·yr−1 and 0.05, 0.14, 0.03, and 0.04 Mg·ha−1·yr−1 for grasslands, recently developed commercial farmlands, old commercial farmlands, and small-scale cultivated lands, respectively. The results of this study revealed that soil disturbance during forestland conversion to tillage enhanced the decomposition rate of organic matter in recently developed commercial farmlands. Nevertheless, after agricultural abandonment and vegetation restoration, the SOC and TN stock capacities were enriched in the old commercial farmlands. It is, therefore, important to effectively restore vegetation and implement sustainable land-use management practices. PubDate: Sat, 18 Feb 2023 06:50:01 +000
Abstract: Foumban, located in the Noun valley in western Cameroon, is a prime location for food production. However, this locality is experiencing a significant decline in productivity due to the acidity of its soil. This acidity is linked to the behaviour of certain soil properties essential for plant growth. The present work aims to study the behaviour of pH as a function of certain chemical parameters such as CEC, organic matter, exchangeable bases, and exchangeable aluminum and to map the spatial structure of the pH parameter by kriging. To achieve this objective, ninety soil samples were taken in the locality of Foumban and sent to the soil laboratory where physicochemical analyses were carried out. The results obtained were processed by statistical and geostatistical software. This made it possible to establish relationships between pH and other soil properties. The obtained R2 results show that pH-exchangeable aluminum and pH sum of bases are strongly correlated while pH-CEC and pH-organic matter are weakly correlated. For the spatial distribution of pH, the Gaussian model was applied to fit the experimental semivariogram. The low values of the semivariogram of the pH-water contents obtained overall reflect a strong correlation of the values. The spatial structure obtained after kriging defines two groups of soils in the study area according to their acidity: acidic soils which cover about 82.4% of the study area and moderately acidic soils which occupy about 17.6% of the study area. Finally, it appears that acidity remains a real problem for the soils of Foumban. The risks of aluminum toxicity should not be overlooked. The rate of use of ammonia fertiliser in the study area should be reduced, especially in soils with a pH below 5.4. The use of strong base inputs such as calcium carbonate (CaCO3) or calcium hydroxide (Ca (OH)2) at normal doses is strongly recommended in acid soils. PubDate: Mon, 13 Feb 2023 06:20:01 +000
Abstract: Engineered nanoparticles (ENPs) are in demand for numerous industrial, commercial, and domestic applications. Concern has arisen, however, regarding potential adverse environmental impacts from the inadvertent release of ENPs into water bodies. Certain plants have been identified with the capability to absorb metallic ENPs via roots, thus indicating possible application for phytoremediation. The reported study evaluates the potential for two aquatic plant species, viz. cattail (Typha latifolia) and sedge (Carex rostrata) for uptake of Ag, ZnO, TiO2, Pd/BiVO4/BiOBr, and Pd/Cu2O ENPs, each of which were added weekly for 15 weeks. The research was conducted by comparing media doped with metals as nanoparticles and in ionic form. Sedge accumulated greater quantities of Ag, TiO2, and ZnO ENPs in shoots compared with roots. In contrast, cattail roots accumulated proportionally greater concentrations of all ENPs (in particular ZnO, BiVO4, and Cu2O) and ionic metals compared to shoots. Such differences may be attributed, in part, to the root architectures of the two plant species. The translocation factor of ENPs in some treatments (Cu2O, sedge; TiO2, cattail) was >1.0, indicating a potential for phytoextraction. However, the bioconcentration factor for all ENPs was PubDate: Wed, 08 Feb 2023 07:35:03 +000
Abstract: Graphene, a 2D sp2 hybridized carbon sheet consisting of a honeycomb network, is the building block of graphite. Since its discovery in 2004, graphene’s exceptional electronic and mechanical properties have peaked interest in various applications. However, the inability to mass produce high-quality graphene affordably currently limits the practical application of the material. Researchers are continuously working on advancing graphene synthesis methods to alleviate these limitations. Therefore, this review looks at the overview of established graphene synthesis methods and characterization techniques, and then highlights an in-depth review of graphene production through flash joule heating. The environmental concerns related to graphene synthesis are also presented in this review paper. PubDate: Thu, 02 Feb 2023 08:05:01 +000
Abstract: Land use and land cover (LULC) changes in many parts of river basins have caused water shortages, flood risks, land degradation, soil loss, biodiversity loss, and ecosystem deterioration. LULC change and topography are the main factors that cause land degradation and soil erosion in the Ethiopian highlands. The aim was to evaluate the rate of the LULC change and its effects on runoff and sediment yield in the semihumid subtropical Awash watershed using the SWAT + model. The land use maps of 2000, 2010, and 2020, along with constant climate data from 1992 to 2020, were used to investigate the effects of LULC dynamics on runoff and sediment yields. Agriculture and urbanization both increased at 7.1% and 7.95%, respectively. In contrast, the forest area decreased by 8.8% and shrubland by 3.25% from 2000 to 2020. Bare soil and urban areas covered the majority of the landscape units that were labeled as potential runoff generators. The majority of the soil erosion-prone areas that were classified as severe in the second and third scenarios covered a sizable area of urban, agricultural, and shrubland. These soil erosion hotspots covered an area of 3,777.3 ha (3.18%) and 13,413.1 ha (11.3%), with a total annual sediment yield of 361.93 m/ton and 1239.24 m/ton, respectively. In general, the change in LULC results in the annual sediment yield, with mean annual amounts of 241.8 tons/ha, 408.7 tons/ha, and 732.4 tons/ha for each scenario in the sequence. The model performance was tested using R2 = 0.88, NSE = 0.9, and PBIAS = −2.36, which indicate good agreement between simulated and observed flow, and R2 = 0.82, NSE = 0.86, and PBIAS = 4.38 for the simulated against recorded sediment yield. The increases in sediment yields have serious implications for reservoir siltation downstream of the watershed and warn land use managers to take action. PubDate: Tue, 31 Jan 2023 01:35:02 +000
Abstract: Despite the ecosystem functioning they provide, termite pedoturbation along toposequence is overlooked in the genesis of semiarid soils. Therefore, we aimed to describe morphological and physicochemical properties that lead to the classification of termite-mediated soils. In this study, representative pedons, one on each slope class, were described and classified for five different topographical positions, and the soil properties of genetic horizons were compared to those obtained from respective mounds. The result showed that the soils were heavily manipulated by termites except for the pedon at the toe slope. Cambisols were formed on the summit and back slope and resulted from slow pedogenic processes. Luvisols on the toe slope showed redoximorphic features, and gleization and clay synthesis formed the soil, while the upward movement of coarse particles enhanced textural differentiation. Luvisols at the foot of the slope are formed by the partial destruction of iron-bearing minerals accompanied by eluviation-illuviation processes. Accumulation of calcium carbonate following calcification formed Calcisols on the bottom slope. Comparing the mounds and reference pedons, much of the mound’s soil is mined from the subsoil, usually from B horizons. However, their influence on soil properties depended mainly on the topography. Moreover, the morphological and physicochemical properties of the studied pedons exhibited various degrees of variation along topography and clearly showed topographic effects. In conclusion, termites can be a potent mediator of soil genesis across toposequences, and their activities should be considered in the classification and management of semiarid soils. A further retrospective examination of micromorphological evidence is recommended to support this finding. PubDate: Fri, 27 Jan 2023 08:05:01 +000
Abstract: Soil spectral libraries (SSLs) are important big-data archives (spectra associated with soil properties) that are analyzed via machine-learning algorithms to estimate soil attributes. Since different spectral measurement protocols are applied when constructing SSLs, it is necessary to examine harmonization techniques to merge the data. In recent years, several techniques for harmonization have been proposed, among which the internal soil standard (ISS) protocol is the most largely applied and has demonstrated its capacity to rectify systematic effects during spectral measurements. Here, we postulate that a spectral transfer function (TF) can be extracted between existing (old) SSLs if a subset of samples from two (or more) different SSLs are remeasured using the ISS protocol. A machine-learning TF strategy was developed, assembling random forest (RF) spectral-based models to predict the ISS spectral condition using soil samples from two existing SSLs. These SSLs had already been measured using different protocols without any ISS treatment the Brazilian (BSSL, generated in 2019) and the European (LUCAS, generated in 2009–2012) SSLs. To verify the TF’s ability to improve the spectral assessment of soil attributes after harmonizing the different SSLs’ protocols, RF spectral-based models for estimating organic carbon (OC) in soil were developed. The results showed high spectral similarities between the ISS and the ISS–TF spectral observations, indicating that post-ISS rectification is possible. Furthermore, after merging the SSLs with the TFs, the spectral-based assessment of OC was considerably improved, from R2 = 0.61, RMSE (g/kg) = 12.46 to R2 = 0.69, RMSE (g/kg) = 11.13. Given our results, this paper enhances the importance of soil spectroscopy by contributing to analyses in remote sensing, soil surveys, and digital soil mapping. PubDate: Fri, 20 Jan 2023 07:50:01 +000
Abstract: The significant effect of land quality on maize production has not been fully considered in the existing land suitability criteria. Therefore, this study aims to determine land suitability criteria for hybrid maize in Boalemo Regency based on the optimum yield and land quality. It was carried out in Boalemo Regency, Indonesia, where the land unit of 67 units was surveyed to obtain land characteristics data. A partial least square of structural equation model (PLS-SEM) with SmartPLS 8.0 was used to select a robust land quality controlling hybrid maize yield, while the boundary line method was used to determine optimum yield and differentiating of land suitability criteria. The result showed that land qualities that define the optimum yield of hybrid maize were root conditions, nutrient availability, nutrient retentions, land preparation, and erosion hazard. The soil characteristics were effective depth, coarse material, organic C, total N, K exchangeable, slopes, soil erosion, rock outcrops, and surface rocks. Furthermore, the highest optimum yield of 8.54 ton/ha was achieved by the total N and slopes for a very suitable class (S1), while the lowest of 5.58 ton/ha was obtained by exchangeable K for class S1. This showed that the combination of PLS-SEM and boundary line analysis was a better approach to developing new land suitability criteria for hybrid maize. PubDate: Wed, 18 Jan 2023 03:50:01 +000
Abstract: Groundwater is a vital resource and a development lever for many countries, including Morocco. To develop these resources, mineralogical and hydrogeochemical studies as well as a bacteriological study were carried out on the groundwater of the Angads aquifer, which is located in the northeast of Morocco to highlight the processes at the origin of mineralization, their quality for human consumption and irrigation, as well as the hydrogeochemical facies of these waters. To do this, a multivariate statistical analysis using principal component analysis, varimax rotation of factors, and hierarchical ascending classification were conducted for all the groundwater samples of the Angads aquifer in Oujda. The main results revealed that these waters present faecal contamination by faecal and total coliforms and faecal streptococci. And another one by nitrates due to the high values of NO3−, as well as the mineralization of these waters is controlled by the nature of the geological formations crossed and the residence time in the aquifer, which is confirmed by the presence of ions such as Cond, HCO3−, Ca2+, Mg2+, and SO42−. Concerning the quality of the groundwater, according to Moroccan standards and the World Health Organization, the results show that they are generally unsuitable for human consumption and irrigation. Two diagrams were used to study the facies: Piper and Schoeller–Berkaloff. The results show that these waters are highly mineralized, with the chloride and sulphate calcic and magnesian facies dominating with 89.47%. To protect this vital resource, sustainable management actions must be implemented, in particular, to reduce the use of pesticides, control the use of fertilizers, and clean up and purify the groundwater. PubDate: Tue, 17 Jan 2023 06:50:02 +000
Abstract: Biochar is a promising option for improving soil fertility and agricultural productivity. The potential of biochar for specific purposes depends on its physical and chemical characteristics. The avocado seed is widely available as a leftover after the fleshy part is used for food and as a byproduct of avocado-oil producing agro-industries in Ethiopia. Its potential as a biochar for an agronomic purpose has not been studied. The objective of this study was to compare the agronomic potential of avocado-seed biochar (ASB) type in comparison to other biochar types produced from locally available feedstocks at two selected pyrolysis temperatures (450 and 550°C). It was identified that on a mass-base, the produced biochar yields were in a range of 29.68 to 47.45%, higher for ASB pyrolyzed at 450°C. The scanned images of the biochar types showed a remarkable surface morphology for bamboo biochar (BB) and ASB. The bulk density of the biochars were in the range of 0.21 to 0.49 g/mL. The highest volatile matter was measured for BB-450°C, fixed carbon for BB-550°C, and ash content for BB-450°C. The mean pH values were in the range of 9.1 to 11.3. The ASB-450 and 550°C exhibited higher nutrient content. The highest cation exchange capacity (CEC) was recorded for ASB-450°C; organic carbon (OC) for corncob biochar (CCB) was followed by ASB-450 and 550°C. The calcium carbonate (CaCO3) content of ASB-550°C was the second-highest value next to coffee husk biochar (CHB). In this study, ASB and BB were found to have important qualities for improving degraded agricultural soils in terms of soil acidity, nutrient content, and soil fertility. Therefore, ASB-450°C and BB-450°C can be suggested to be promising candidates for reclaiming acid-soils and for improving nutrient-depleted infertile soils into agriculturally productive soils. PubDate: Tue, 03 Jan 2023 02:35:01 +000
Abstract: Parthenium (Parthenium hysterophorus L.) is a major anxious weed found in pastures, wastelands, and agricultural lands. It usually competes very well and reduces crop yield. Up-rooting and herbicides have long been used as management options for weeds. However, these methods are neither economically nor environmentally sound. Another approach is to make compost of it, transforming a problem into an opportunity. Four treatments viz. Parthenium (100%) and Parthenium to cow dung ratio (75 : 25, 50 : 50, 25 : 75 w/w) were partially stabilized for 60 days under aerated conditions. The physical and chemical characteristics of partially stabilized organic materials were analyzed and the effects of the partially stabilized organic materials on the germination and growth performance of maize (Zea mays L.) were assessed. The results revealed that pH, EC, OC, OM, TN, availability, and C/N were not significantly different; this showed an insignificant difference ( > 0.05) among the treatments. However, particle densities, availability, EC, OC, and TN were found to be higher in 75 : 25 Parthenium cow dung ratios than in 25 : 75 ratios. Root length, shoot length, and germination index were significantly different among the treatments ( ≤ 0.05). The seed germination index of maize was the highest (113%) in 75 : 25 ratios of Parthenium and cow dung followed by 50 : 50 ratios (95%) and 25 : 75 ratios (86%); relatively, low germination indices (84.86%) were recorded from partially stabilized organic materials prepared from Parthenium alone. The findings revealed that partially stabilized Parthenium mixed with cow dung could be promising for organic farming and an option for weed management. PubDate: Sat, 31 Dec 2022 13:20:01 +000
Abstract: The authors have investigated the effects of different doses of mineral fertilizers combined with co-inoculation of Bacillus subtilis and Trichoderma asperellum to promote plant growth and use efficient nutrients in a plant Urochloa (Syn. Brachiaria) brizantha cv. Marandu. Individual experiments with doses of the nutrients nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) were carried out. The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design, factorial 3 × 5. With the treatments: control noninoculation, inoculation with Bacillus subtilisUFRA-92, and coinoculation (MIX) with T. asperellum (UFRA-06, UFRA-09, UFRA-12, and UFRA-52) + B. subtilis x nutrient omissions (0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%). Each treatment had five replications. Biometric parameters, nutrient content, and nutrient use efficiency were evaluated. The results showed that the inoculants promoted growth in Marandu grass. The use of inoculants promoted growth and increased N, P, and K uptake by Marandu grass. Co-inoculation changed leaf area, shoot length, elongation rate, and leaf appearance for N and K and root dry mass for P. In addition, the co-inoculation combined with doses of 75% of N, 50% of P, and 50% of K increased the nutritional content of the leaves by 256% of N, 280% of P, and 29% of K and provided greater agronomic efficiency, with increments of 462% of N, 544% of P, and 177% of K, compared to the control treatment. We present the potential of co-inoculation of B. subtilis and T. asperellum to promote the growth of Urochloa under reduced fertilizer application. There was an improvement in plant growth and nutrient use efficiency. PubDate: Sat, 17 Dec 2022 07:35:00 +000
Abstract: Applications of nutrients are determined by the plant’s nutritional requirements and the soil’s available nutrients; however, the precise nutrient application is difficult. At Assosa, a field experiment was conducted to determine how soil chemical characteristics and accumulation of phosphorus and potassium in potato tissue responded to phosphorus and potassium fertilizers application. The treatments included four potassium levels (0, 100, 200, and 300 kg·K2O ha−1) and six phosphorus levels (0, 46, 92, 138, 184, and 230 kg·P2O5 ha−1). The experiment was set up as a factorial randomized complete block design (RCBD) and was repeated three times. According to the preplanting soil analysis, the cropping area’s soil has a medium CEC, low accessible phosphorus, and very low exchangeable potassium. The application of phosphorus had a highly significant influence on accessible phosphorus, exchangeable potassium, and CEC, the concentration of phosphorus in the leaf and tuber tissue of the potato plant. While potassium had a significant effect on exchangeable potassium, CEC, phosphorus concentration in potato plant tuber tissue, and potassium level in both the leaf and the tuber, the interaction effect of phosphorus and potassium on all of the above-mentioned soil chemical properties, as well as the amount of P and K in potato plant tissues, was observed. The critical potassium level in the leaf blade for optimum crop yield tissue content was determined to be 100 kg·K2O ha−1, while the critical level of phosphorus was determined to be 184 kg·P2O5 ha−1. PubDate: Thu, 15 Dec 2022 05:05:00 +000
Abstract: In Ethiopia, the common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is an important grain legume with a high food and commercial value. Yet, its productivity is very low, which could be attributed to low levels of soil organic matter, nitrogen (N), phosphorous (P), sulfur (S), and boron (B), and insufficient fertilizer application. Therefore, a field experiment was conducted during the 2019 cropping season in Alle, Southern Ethiopia, to evaluate the agronomic and economic responses of blended NPSB (18.7N-37.4P2O5-6.9S-0.25B) and farmyard manure (FYM) for common bean production. Four NPSB-blended fertilizer rates (0, 50, 100, and 150 kg·ha−1) and three FYM rates (0, 2.5, and 5 tons·ha−1) were used in the experiment. The experiment was laid out using a randomized complete block design in a factorial arrangement with four replications. The result showed that NPSB and FYM significantly affected crop phenology, growth, yield, and yield components. Application of 100 kg·ha−1 NPSB along with 5 t·ha−1 FYM significantly increased the number of nodules, hundred seed weight, and grain production. The results also showed that using 100 kg·ha−1 NPSB fertilizer in combination with 5 t·ha−1 FYM produced the highest grain, which is about 173% higher grain yield than the control. Partial budget analysis indicated that application of 100 kg·ha−1 NPSB fertilizer with 5 t·ha−1 FYM resulted in the highest marginal rate of return (1308%) and the best net profit. Therefore, an integrated application of 100 kg·ha−1 NPSB fertilizer and 5 t·ha−1 FYM is suggested. PubDate: Tue, 13 Dec 2022 01:50:01 +000
Abstract: This study aimed to (i) evaluate purple nonsulfur bacteria (PNSB) strains possessing the highest phosphorus (P) solubilizing capacity in field and (ii) determine the efficacy of PNSB biofertilizers in improving soil quality, P uptake, growth, and yield of pineapple cultivated in acid sulfate soil (ASS). A field experiment was conducted in a completely randomized block design with two factors, including the first factor as P fertilizer levels (0, 50, 75, and 100% P) based on recommended fertilizer formula (RFF) and the second factor as supplementation of biofertilizers containing P solubilizing PNSB (no inoculated PNSB, Rhodobacter sphaeroides W48, R. sphaeroides W42, and a mixture of R. sphaeroides W48 and W42). The results indicated that the supplementation of PNSB biofertilizers led to an increase of 25.3–33.9% in soluble P concentration in soil compared to control treatment. Among the selected PNSB strains, R. sphaeroides W42 and a mixture of the PNSB in biofertilizers solubilized all insoluble P fractions (Fe-P, Al-P, and Ca-P) and strain W48 in biofertilizers for Fe-P and Al-P. Furthermore, the supplementation of biofertilizers from R. sphaeroides W48 and W42 individually and their mixture raised plant height by 3.56–4.10% and available P concentration by 25.3–33.9%. Total P uptake in pineapple treatments with biofertilizers from mixed PNSB was 42.9% higher than that in the control treatment (). Application of mixed PNSB strains can reduce 25% P of chemical fertilizer, but the pineapple yield rose over 12.1%. Both R. sphaeroides W48 and W42 are potent for use as crop yield enhancers to obtain the sustainable pineapple cultivation under acidic stress. PubDate: Sat, 26 Nov 2022 05:05:01 +000
Abstract: This investigation suggests the applicability of Delftia tsuruhatensis biomass for the removal of Zn(II) from the aqueous environment. Twenty-three zinc-resistant bacterial strains were isolated from contaminated rhizosphere soils. Selectively, the bacterium strain SA-101 was selected as the most zinc-resistant and identified by 16S rRNA sequencing as Delftia tsuruhatensis SA-101. D. tsuruhatensis SA-101 has been assigned the accession number MW629784 in the GenBank database. The optimal pH and reaction contact time for Zn(II) removal by D. tsuruhatensis SA-101 were 6.0 and 30 min, respectively. Moreover, the equilibrium and kinetic models have been applied to the Zn(II) biosorption process. The Zn(II) concentration was estimated using atomic absorption spectroscopy. The qmax for bioadsorptive Zn(II) removal was calculated to be 90.91 ± 0.36 mg/g. The biosorption equilibrium was well fitted with the Freundlich model and the pseudo-second-order kinetic model. So, using the biomass of D. tsuruhatensis SA-101 as a biosorbent of Zn(II) from industrial wastewater represents a promising and viable alternative to chemical treatment from an environmental and economic view. PubDate: Thu, 24 Nov 2022 07:35:01 +000
Abstract: Background. The characteristics of acid soil, often low pH and high toxicity, affect the growth and yield of plants. Aims. This study evaluates the effects of supplemented lime and microbial organic fertilizer on glutinous corn (Zea mays) and watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) yield, yield components, and economic efficiency on acid-sulfate soils. Materials and Methods. Two experiments were carried out in Phung Hiep District, Hau Giang Province, as a typical acid-sulfate soil area. The randomized complete block with four treatments and three replicates was designed for the experiment, in which supplemented fertilizers were 800 kg of lime/ha; 2,000 kg of microbial organic fertilizer/ha; and 800 kg of lime in combination with 2,000 kg of microbial organic fertilizer/ha, and treatment as farmer dose (FFT), without lime and microbial organic fertilizer. Results. As a result, using lime combined with microbial organic fertilizer increased the yield compared to using only lime or microbial organic fertilizer. Besides, the incomes increased to 12.0% and 13.8%, respectively, compared to farmer recommendations. Conclusion. To improve the yield of glutinous corn or watermelon and income on acid-sulfate soils, lime should be applied at 800 kg combined with 2,000 kg of microbial organic fertilizer/ha. PubDate: Thu, 24 Nov 2022 07:35:01 +000
Abstract: In the humid regions of Ethiopia, soil productivity and fertility are significantly affected by soil acidity, which is connected to infertility and mineral toxicity. The study aimed to assess the status of soil acidity under different land use types and soil depths in Hojje watershed of Gomibora district, Hadiya Zone, Southern Ethiopia, in November 1, 2020. Soil samples (24 nos.) were collected using X-design format from four different land use typeshome garden, cultivated land, grazing land, and Eucalyptus plantation at two soil depths (0–20 cm and 20–40 cm). The soil samples were prepared, their physiochemical characteristics were examined, and statistical analysis was performed. The results indicated that the soil under cultivated land and Eucalyptus plantation were strongly acidic (pH 5.15 and 5.32) with mean values of exchangeable acidity (4.6, 4.59 cmol(+) kg−1) and acid saturation percentage (47.85, 46.96%), respectively. The grazing land was moderately acidic (pH 5.63) and home garden soil was slightly acidic (pH 6.67). The home garden soils had statistically significant () lower exchangeable acidity (0.64 cmol(+) kg−1) and acid saturation percentage (2.61%). Although, soil pH (H2O and KCl), exchangeable acidity, acid saturation percentage, exchangeable base, CEC, and base saturation are significantly () affected by both the main effect and interaction effects of the two factors. As a result, it is advised to apply lime to the cultivated land to reduce the acidity of the soil for profitable crop production as the amount of acidity is above the tolerance limit for the area’s locally produced crops. PubDate: Sat, 12 Nov 2022 05:20:01 +000
Abstract: Soil erosion is the main cause of topsoil loss in farming land, which results in reduction in cropland productivity. Soil loss estimation is crucial for developing soil and water conservation strategies for Ethiopia. The investigation aimed to estimate the soil loss in various intensifications of land use patterns, including slope categories, using the soil estimation model associated with the ArcGIS process. It is analyzed in Ethiopian conditions based on erosivity, soil erodibility, vegetative cover (C) remote sensing data, slop-length factor (LS), and management practices (P). The mean soil loss was relatively high (20.01 t ha−1yr−1) in the cultivated land, whereas it was lowest (0.17 t ha−1yr−1) under forest land. Soil loss in the watershed shows a significant variation under slope classification. Moreover, the land having a greater slope angle, or the upper slope of the watershed, contains maximum soil erosion, while the lower slope position has a minimum soil erosion rate. The validation shows that there is an insignificant variation between the predicted model and the experimental data. Therefore, this confirms that the model can be applied in the study watershed or elsewhere with similar agroecology to the study area. This research is also used to prepare an erosion management strategy for the conservation of soil and water in the watersheds. PubDate: Wed, 09 Nov 2022 02:20:01 +000
Abstract: Puddling is an important operation to minimize soil nutrient leaching and thereby increasing the availability of plant nutrients and achieving reduced soil condition. Good puddle field conditions are needed to create a favorable environment for normal growth of rice plants. However, long-term effects of puddling could lead to forms of large clods in fine textured soils, resulting in negative effect on the soil characteristics, preventing seed-soil contacts, and leading to decline in rice yield. This study was conducted in 2 years with treatment including puddling the land twice with moldboard plow and pregerminated seeds were hill-seeded with direct seeding machine (PD), puddling the land twice with rotary tiller and pregerminated seeds were hill-seeded with direct seeding machine (RD), puddling the land twice with moldboard plow and 15-day-old seedlings were hill-transplanted with transplant machine (PT), and puddling the land twice with rotary tiller and 15-day-old seedlings were hill-transplanted with transplant machine (RT) to assess the effects of puddling and rice establishment method on soil characteristics and rice yield. Results revealed significant improvement in the bulk density and increase in SOC, N, P, and K in PD. The maximum microbial population was found in PD. Rice grain yield showed a higher productivity increase of 7.65 t·ha−2 (31.25%) and 3.93 t·ha−2 (13.91%) for 1H and 2H (1H: 1st harvest and 2H: 2nd harvest), respectively, in PD compared with the lowest of 5.76 t·ha−1 and 3.45 t·ha−1 in 1H and 2H, respectively, under RT. Overall, PD was found to be the most suitable puddling type and rice establishment method for soil improvement and increasing rice yield. PubDate: Sat, 29 Oct 2022 02:50:01 +000
Abstract: Purpose. This study evaluated the P sorption characteristics of soils under smallholding land use in Wolaita Zone, Southern Ethiopia. Methods. Soil samples (0–20 cm) were collected from each of the home garden, grazing land, cropland, and woodlot in three replications at two sites and analyzed for P sorption isotherm data and selected soil properties. Results. The P sorption data were generated by equilibration with P solutions and the data were fitted with the Freundlich model (r2 = 0.88–0.98, SE = 0.16–0.24) and Langmuir model (r2 = 0.81–0.98, SE = 0.45–1.71). The Langmuir P sorption maximum (Qmax) and Freundlich sorption coefficient (Kf) were the highest in the cropland soils while these parameters were the lowest in the home garden. Maximum buffering capacity (MBC) was in the order cropland > woodlot > home garden > grazing land, but Freundlich P buffering capacity (PBC) followed the order cropland > grazing land > home garden > woodlot. Langmuir bonding energy (bL) and Freundlich phosphate sorption affinity (1/n) were in the order of home garden > woodlot > grazing land > cropland. The Qmax was positively correlated (p PubDate: Wed, 26 Oct 2022 08:50:02 +000
Abstract: In many parts of the world, the earth has been heavily compacted as a result of large farm equipment. For soil compaction, the main constituent factors were soil physiochemical properties such as soil texture, moisture content, electrical conductivity, cation exchange capacity, total organic carbon, organic matter, total nitrogen, and soil pH directly and indirectly. This article addressed the causes and effects of soil compaction, operating parameters, and soil physicochemical properties in the Bishoftu long year tilled farmland of Ethiopia. For the experimental test, 5 different depths (5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 cm) and fifteen sample points were selected in 0.6 ha of 60 m by 100 m farmland for taking soil compaction data. Soil samples are taken from three depth ranges (0–10, 10–20, and 20–30 cm) from farmlands for investigation of soil physicochemical properties. The maximum and minimum values of the cone index of this study were 1918.133 kPa and 864.733 kPa, respectively, by taking the average of all sample points. The soil laboratory result shows that Bishoftu farmland soil is a mixture of loam, clay loam, and sandy clay loam with 47.33% of sand, 25.67% of clay, and 27% of silt. The maximum and minimum percentages of soil moisture values were 27.02 and 21.46 at 0–10 cm and 20–30 cm depth, respectively. Total organic carbon, organic matter, and total nitrogen exhibit positive relationships with depth and soil compaction. The correlation analysis indicates soil pH, electric conductivity, percentage of sand, cation exchange capacity, organic matter, and total nitrogen were among soil physiochemical parameters that are positively correlated with soil compaction. Furthermore, the percentage of clay, percentage of silt, and total organic carbon () are negatively correlated with soil compaction in soil samples. PubDate: Mon, 17 Oct 2022 07:50:00 +000
Abstract: The field study was carried out on a sandy clay loam forest ochrosol at Hodzo, near Ho in Ghana, from July 2017 to May 2018. The objective was to determine how tillage and weed control techniques affect the physical properties of the soil. The split-plot design was used in the study, with tillage serving as the main factor and weed control serving as the subplot factor. The tillage treatments were no tillage (NT), minimum tillage (MT), and ploughing followed by harrowing and ridging (PHR) and deep tillage followed by Ploughing, harrowing, and ridging (DPHR). On the other hand, the weed control treatments comprised hoe weeding, machete weeding, and no weeding. It was realised during the study that, in the upper layer (0–15 cm), the PHR treatment produced lower soil penetration resistance (38.57 kPa), high dry bulk density (1.019 Mgm−3), and slightly lower soil moisture content (5.0%) in comparison with the other tillage treatments at three months after planting (3 MAP). The results on initial and basic infiltration rates portrayed a trend where the more intensive the tillage regime (hence, soil disturbance), the lower the initial and basic infiltration rates, and vice versa. Moreover, tillage had a higher impact on the physical characteristics of the soil than weed control methods. Nonetheless, tillage with machete weeding resulted in lower soil dry bulk density and higher moisture content, while tillage with hoe weeding reduced penetration resistance and increased infiltration rates. Given similar weather and soil conditions, the study recommends that farms and farmers in the Ho Municipality and the Volta Region adopt conservative tillage methods such as heaping with machete or hoe weeding and use the savings to expand their farm sizes. Therefore, the adoption of conservation tillage practices is more crucial than ever in order to ensure sustainable food production with minimal impact on the soil and environment. PubDate: Sat, 15 Oct 2022 08:35:01 +000
Open Access journal
[339 journals]
