Tag Archives: soil fertility

xxx Y. Tsytsiura
Development of an integrated soil quality index under prolonged green manure application of oilseed radish in crop rotation
Abstract |

Development of an integrated soil quality index under prolonged green manure application of oilseed radish in crop rotation

Y. Tsytsiura*

Vinnytsia National Agrarian University, Faculty of Agronomy, Horticulture and Plant Protection, Soniachna Street, 3, UA21008 Vinnytsia, Ukraine

Abstract:

Over a 12-year study period, the effectiveness of using intermediate green manuring with oilseed radish (Raphanus sativus L. var. oleiformis Pers.) – applied once every two years – was evaluated under conditions of repeated application in the same field within a crop rotation system (including green manuring of crops such as grain sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.), pea (Pisum sativum L.), soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merrill), sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.), chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) and maize (Zea mays L.), with three assessment checkpoints in 2014, 2019, and 2025.

The results showed that the green-manured treatment, averaged across the entire evaluation period, produced positive changes in the physical and chemical soil fertility parameters within the 0–30 cm soil layer compared with the unfertilized control. Increases were observed in humus content (by 24.65%), water absorption capacity (by 30.04%), easily hydrolyzable nitrogen (by 33.67%), available phosphorus (by 25.72%), exchangeable potassium (by 23.10%), and total porosity (by 25.04%). Decreases were recorded in bulk density (by 19.05%), particle density (by 9.95%), soil hardness (by 33.95%), and pH (by 5.60%).

Green manuring also contributed to optimizing the proportion of humic acids in the humus structure by a factor of 1.2 and to achieving a total organic carbon to total nitrogen ratio of 10.36:1, representing an 11.92% increase compared with the control. As a result, the application of green manuring was reflected in an improved integrated Soil Fertility Index, with a value of 0.692 compared with 0.499 in the non-manured control.

Key words:

, , , ,



xxx M. Rebai, K. Guimeur, N. Boulelouah, H. Bedjaoui and D. Haddad
Effect of different date palm (Phoenix dactylifera) compost modalities on soil parameters in the Algerian Semi-Arid Zone
Abstract |
Full text PDF (2 MB)

Effect of different date palm (Phoenix dactylifera) compost modalities on soil parameters in the Algerian Semi-Arid Zone

M. Rebai¹²*, K. Guimeur¹², N. Boulelouah³², H. Bedjaoui¹² and D. Haddad⁴

¹University of Biskra, Faculty of Exact Sciences, Natural and Life Sciences, Department of Agronomic Sciences, S BP 145 RP, 07000, Algeria
²Laboratory for Ecosystem Diversity and Agricultural Production Systems Dynamics in Arid Zones (DEDSPAZA), University of Biskra, Algeria
³University of Batna 1, Department of Agricultural Sciences, Allées 19 mai, Route de Biskra, Batna 05000, Algeria
⁴University Batna2, department of Health and Safety, Faculty of Engineering Sciences, Fesdis, 05078 Batna, Algeria
*Correspondence: messaouda.rebai@univ-Biskra.dz

Abstract:

In the vast regions of eastern Algeria, the calcareous soils are characterised by low fertility. Moreover, these soils frequently lack organic matter and essential nutrients, limiting sustainable yield potential. This study aimed to assess the impact of using locally sourced date palm compost with mineral fertilisers on the improvement of soil fertility in a cereal-based system. A field experiment was arranged in a randomised complete block design (RCBD) with 11 treatments: date palm compost applied at three rates (C1: 30 t ha⁻¹, C2: 50 t ha⁻¹, C3: 70 t ha⁻¹), either alone or combined with monoammonium phosphate (C1M, C2M, C3M: 100 kg ha⁻¹ MAP) or urea (C1U, C2U, C3U: 50 kg ha⁻¹ urea), one treatment with sheep manure at 45 t ha⁻¹, and an untreated control.. The study evaluated the effects of varying rates of date palm compost and mineral fertilisers on soil chemical characteristics at two depths (0–20 cm and 20–40 cm). Results indicated that elevated compost rates, whether applied alone or combined with mineral fertilisers, significantly improved organic matter content, nutrient availability, and soil chemical balance at both depths. Combined treatments C3U (70 t ha⁻¹ compost + 50 kg ha⁻¹ urea) and C3M (70 t ha⁻¹ compost + 100 kg ha⁻¹ MAP) showed the greatest improvements, with C3M identified as the optimal treatment. Integrated date palm compost fertilisation is well-suited to the region’s calcareous soils, enhancing nutrient availability, improving soil fertility, and efficiently utilising a locally available resource. These findings suggest that integrating date palm compost with mineral fertilisers is a sustainable approche to improving soil fertility in semi-arid mediterranean systems.

Key words:

, , , , ,



1266-1277 A. Pavlichenko, O. Dmytrenko, O. Litvinova, S. Kovalova, D. Litvinov and O. Havryliuk
Changes in gray forest soil organic matter pools under anthropogenic load in agrocenoses
Abstract |
Full text PDF (759 KB)

Changes in gray forest soil organic matter pools under anthropogenic load in agrocenoses

A. Pavlichenko¹, O. Dmytrenko², O. Litvinova³, S. Kovalova⁴, D. Litvinov³ and O. Havryliuk³*

¹NSC ‘Institute of Agriculture NAAS’, Mashynobudivnykiv 2-B, Str., Chabany village, UA08162 Kyiv region, Ukraine
²State Institution ‘Soils Protection Institute of Ukraine’, Babushkina Per., 3, UA03190 Kyiv, Ukraine
³National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine, Heroiv Oborony Str., 13, UA03041 Kyiv, Ukraine
⁴Polissya Institute of Agriculture NAAS of Ukraine, 131 Kyivske Highway, UA10007 Zhytomyr, Ukraine
*Correspondence: o.havryliuk@nubip.edu.ua

Abstract:

The relevance of research is determined by a complex of factors that shape the change in the humus system of gray forest soil dynamics (content, total reserves, values variability of labile and stable humus pools, humification processes direction) under the influence of mineral fertilizers and chemical reclamation in the long-term ecotope conditions. The purpose of the research was to assess the impact of systematic anthropogenic loading on changes in soil organic matter pools. Research methods included long-term stationary studies, laboratory determination of organic matter content and humus group composition, and statistical data analysis. It has been proven that liming practically did not contribute to the increase of the total humus content, however, due to the coagulating effect, certain changes in labile and more stable forms of humus substances occurred in its qualitative composition. It has been established that the cultivation of crops сultivation in crop rotation with a purely mineral fertilizer system did not lead to a significant organic matter accumulation in the soil, despite the increase in crop yield levels under appropriate conditions and the accumulation of a larger vegetative mass of root and post-harvest residues entering the soil, but its losses were significantly reduced. The use of organic components (green manure, by-products) in combination with moderate rates of mineral fertilizers on a liming background (humus content 1.63%), provided a clear tendency to expand humus reproduction by 0.16%, compared to the initial level, and by 15% and 12% more than in the version with no fertilizers and just mineral system. Under such a fertilizing system, there is a tendency to increase more stable humic acids. The increase in humification of organic matter was achieved through the application of fertilizers in limed backgrounds. In this case, the humus formation type exhibited characteristics of humate-fulvate, with a value of 0.9, which is characteristic of soils of forest origin in the northern Forest-Steppe region with the presence of soil-forming factors specific to that territory. The article materials are of practical value for agricultural producers in the development of an innovative strategy for preserving the environment safety, and soil fertility under the influence of elements of energy-saving technologies for crops.

Key words:

, , , , ,



603-616 G. Kaci, W. Ouaret and B. Rahmoune
Wheat-Faba bean intercrops improve plant nutrition, yield, and availability of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) in soil
Abstract |
Full text PDF (1 MB)

Wheat-Faba bean intercrops improve plant nutrition, yield, and availability of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) in soil

G. Kaci¹*, W. Ouaret² and B. Rahmoune³

¹M’hamed Bougara University, Faculty of Sciences, Department of agronomy,
DZ35000 Boumerdès, Algeria
²Miami University, Geospatioal Analysis Center, US-OH 45056 Ohio, USA
³High National School of Agronomy, Genetics Ressources and Biotechnology Laboratory, DZ16000 El Harrach, Algeria
*Correspondance: kaci.ghiles@gmail.com

Abstract:

In order to promote agroecological practices, this study compares two cropping systems, i.e., intercropping versus sole cropping of a cereal – durum wheat (Triticum durum Desf. ) and a nitrogen-fixing legume – faba bean (Vicia faba L.) on plant growth, Efficiency in the use of rhizobial symbiosis (EURS), grain yield and phosphorus (P) and nitrogen (N) accumulation in soil and plant. This study conducted during two cropping seasons in a field trial in the region of Tizi Ouzou, Algeria, shows that shoot dry weight (SDW), nitrogen nutrition index (NNI), phosphorus use efficiency (PUE), land use efficiency (LER), and grain yield were significantly higher for intercropped than for the sole cropped wheat. Furthermore, there was a considerable increase in soil P and N content across the two years of intercropping and sole cropping compared to the unseeded weeded fallow. Intercropping, it is claimed, improves wheat N nutrition by increasing the availability of soil-N for wheat. This increase might be due to reduced interspecific competition between legumes and wheat plants than intraspecific competition between wheat plants due to the legume’s ability to compensate by atmospheric nitrogen fixation.

Key words:

, , , ,



444–455 Р. Kopytko, V. Karpenko, R. Yakovenko and I. Mostoviak
Soil fertility and productivity of apple orchard under a long-term use of different fertilizer systems
Abstract |
Full text PDF (419 KB)

Soil fertility and productivity of apple orchard under a long-term use of different fertilizer systems

Р. Kopytko, V. Karpenko*, R. Yakovenko and I. Mostoviak

Uman National University of Horticulture, 1 Instytutska str., UK20305 Uman city, Ukraine *Correspondence: v-biology@mail.ru

Abstract:

An apple should be planted on suitable soils which can be used for growing two or more generations of gardens for decades. This can be reached by creating and supporting an optimum level of mineral nutrients for fruit trees. The aim of this study was to compare the long-term effect of mineral or organic fertilization on apple tree growth and yield and soil fertility. The research has been conducted since 1931, when an apple orchard of Winter-Calville on seedlings was established on dark-grey heavy loam soil of Uman National University of Horticulture. The non-irrigated trees were subjected to the following treatments: 1. Unfertilized (control); 2. Application of cattle manure 40 t ha-1 (organic); 3. N120 P120 K120 (mineral); 4. 20 t ha-1 of humus N60 P60 K60 (organic-mineral). In 1982 the first orchard was removed and 2 year later another one was re-planted on the same soil. The second orchard, that included, beside the same variety also Idared grafted on seedling and on M4, was subjected to the same treatments.
Soil fertility and apple tree productivity increased under the use of organic fertilizer system. Organic-mineral fertilizer system provided almost the same response, while mineral fertilizer system provided the lowest one.
During the study a decreased uptake of nutrients applied with fertilizers was often related to insufficient soil moisture supply. Soluble nitrogen was washed out of root layer into ground water, while phosphorus and potassium were transformed into compounds and forms inaccessible for plant nutrition. Thus it is necessary to apply those rates of fertilizers that are insufficient in the soil to reach the optimal levels of content of corresponding nutrients which should be determined by agrochemical analysis.
It is possible to maintain an optimal fertility of soil in orchards by applying only organic fertilizers. Alkalization of inter-row spacing with regular grass mowing (turf and humus soil management system) provided the same humus content in soil as application of 40 t of humus per ha in a year after the use of fallow system.

Key words:

, , , , ,



517-521 L. Talgre, E. Lauringson, H. Roostalu, A. Astover and A. Makke
Phytomass formation and carbon amount returned to soil depending on green manure crop
Abstract |
Full text PDF (187 KB)

Phytomass formation and carbon amount returned to soil depending on green manure crop

L. Talgre¹, E. Lauringson¹, H. Roostalu², A. Astover² and A. Makke¹

¹ Department of Field Crops and Grasslands, Institute of Agricultural and EnvironmentalSciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Tartu, Estonia; e-mail: liina.talgre@emu.ee
² Department of Soil Science and Agrochemistry, Institute of Agricultural and EnvironmentalSciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Tartu, Estonia

Abstract:

The trials were carried out during the 2004–2006 growing seasons at the Department of Field Crop and Grassland Husbandry of the Estonian University of Life Sciences. Various green manures and ensuing cereals were studied in respect of phytomass formation and quantity of C returned to soil. The highest amount of organic matter was applied by red clover (8.91 Mg ha–1) and lucerne (8.41 Mg ha–1), and the lowest by unfertilized barley. The total phytomass of pure sowings of barley ranged, depending on the nitrogen fertilizer norm, from 6.55 to 11.54 Mg of dry matter per hectare, of which the grain yield constituted 37.3–43.2%. Sowings of lucerne and red clover added 3.44–3.82 Mg C ha–1 to soil, while sowing of bird’s-foot trefoil supplemented 1.99 Mg C ha–1. Preceding crop determined the phytomass of ensuing crops and the amount of C returned to soil. The amount of C of the oats grown after clover was 5.32 Mg C ha–1, whereas 3.28 Mg C ha–1 was returned to soil. Lucerne pure sowing resulted in 3.17 Mg C ha–1 returned to soil. When oats were preceded by barley (without manure), 2.53 Mg C ha–1 was returned to soil.

Key words:

, , , ,