Soil Quality Index

Soil aggregate stability and dispersibility are among the key indicators of soil health and productivity hence the aggregate stability and dispersibility of soil was evaluated in relation to land use management practices in Awka and Ifite Ogwari areas of Anambra State, Nigeria. The study made use of three land use practices namely arable land for cassava farming, rice farm and grassland. Auger and core soil samples were collected from each of the land use types in three replicates at 0-20 cm depth. Collected soil samples were subjected to laboratory analysis after which the results obtained were subjected to statistical analysis. From the results obtained, the soils at Awka site had a sandy loam textural class while that of Ifite Ogwari had a clay textural class. Aggregate stability index (ASI) was generally low and ranged from 0.003-0.008 Jkg-1. Organic carbon ranged from 0.36-1.12% while dispersion ratio (DR) ranged from 56.67-83.14% of which cassava farm recorded the highest DR value at Ifite Ogwari site. The higher the DR the more the ability of soil to disperse and the more soil loss. Soil dispersibility increased as time intervals increased of which significant differences were obtained at 4hrs, 12hrs, 16hrs and 20hrs intervals except at 8hrs. Continuous land use without replenishing the organic carbon content of soils was observed to have led to the structural imbalance hence to improve the stability of the soils and ensure aggregate formation practices like residue management and organic matter incorporation must be adopted.

Soil quality is a key concept essential to sustainable land use, agricultural productivity, and environmental protection. It refers to the soil's ability to perform its functions within the limits of a natural ecosystem, encompassing its physical, chemical, and biological properties to sustain productivity, preserve environmental integrity, and support human and animal health. However, soil degradation driven by land use change, deforestation, unsustainable agricultural practices, and climate change has increasingly compromised soil quality worldwide. This emphasizes the urgent need for systematic assessment tools. Soil quality indicators, encompassing physical, chemical, and biological properties, have been developed to capture changes in soil function. These indicators are often integrated into soil quality indices (SQIs), such as the additive soil quality index, to simplify and quantify the soil’s overall health. Comparative and dynamic assessments using reference  conditions  and  time-series  data  are  crucial  for  evaluating  the  effectiveness  of  land management  strategies.  Effective  soil  resource  management  must  balance  productivity  with environmental protection, particularly in regions with limited resources and vulnerable ecosystems. In Southeast Asia, where forest-to-agriculture conversion is widespread, the soil quality implications of fruit tree plantations remain largely unexamined. This review proposes an integrated conceptual framework  for  assessing  soil  quality  in  fruit  tree  plantations  by  consolidating  indicators  across physical, chemical, and biological domains; contextualizes their use in orchard-based systems; and synthesizes current assessment approaches to support sustainable land management. Such efforts can  inform  sustainable  management  practices  and  policy  development.  This  review  underscores the  significance  of  soil  quality  assessment  and  the  role  of  SQIs  in  achieving  long-term  ecological sustainability, food security, and soil resource conservation.

Knowledge of the soil quality in acai (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) plantations is very important to the northern region of Brazil because it is a native species with high economic value. The aim of this study was to evaluate the physical and chemical quality of a Yellow Latosol in an irrigated acai plantation by determining the soil quality index (SQI). The soil was classified as dystrophic Yellow Latosol with medium texture. The water retention curve and soil penetration resistance were determined using 45 undisturbed samples obtained at 0.1 and 0.3 m depth and distributed across two transects. For SQI determination, 15 soil quality indicators at a depth of 0.1 m were evaluated: soil bulk density (Bd); total porosity (TP); macroporosity (Map); penetration resistance (PR); pH in water; P, K + , Ca 2+ , Mg 2+ , H+Al, and Al 3+ levels; organic matter (OM); sum of bases (SB): cation exchange capacity (CEC); and base saturation (V%). The RSS function, to receive, store, and supply water in the soil, was the indicator that most influenced the quality index formation. Soil function was limited for PGR to promote the roots growth, because it represented 22 % of the SQI, but it should be responsible for 25 %. The NS function to provide nutrient supply, was the least limiting to the SQI. The global SQI value of 0.641 suggests that irrigated acai plantation production in Yellow Latosol needs to be improved to PGR, which was limited in the surface layer.

Fadama soils are low lying flood plain soils found along river bank areas of Anambra state prone to flooding. The present study investigated the distribution of soil quality indicators in Fadama soils in Anambra State. Soil sample for the study were collected from 7 different locations across the state which were Ubahuekwem, Ogbakuba, Igbakwu, Ezi-Anam, Ogboji, Ugbenu and Ufuma. Sixty (60) samples were randomly collected from rice farms in each of the location to form a composite. These samples were analyzed for physical, chemical, heavy metal content and structural stability etc. Result findings showed the soils are acidic (pH 3.75-5.88). Organic matter content of the soils varied 1.59-4.29%. There was high concentration of P in aggregate sizes of the soils relative to OC and N concentration. Positive significant (P<0.05 and P<0.01) relationship existed between structural stability and most chemical soil indicators such as N, OC, OM, P and Na. Calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg) and effective cation exchange capacity (ECEC) showed a highly negative relationship with sand respectively. Soil quality for the different location suggest that Igbakwu and Ezi-Anam were most suitable when considering chemical indicators and Ezi-Anam and Ogbakuba for structural stability of the soils. From the result findings the Fadama soils in Anambra state will require nutrient management to optimize crop production in the areas studied.

Modern technologies of remote sensing of the Earth from space allow creating new information systems for observing and studying various processes occurring in biogeocenoses and agrocenoses. This is especially important in the case when it comes to the study of grape agrocenoses, since their most important elements are perennial plants and soils that provide a harvest. In this case, it is necessary to create special information technology for monitoring such objects. This will allow forming a series of observations that are uniform in time and space and provide the ability to conduct an analysis with a high degree of reliability in the future. The aim of this work is to develop methodological foundations for the formation of a system for remote diagnostics of soil fertility of grape agrocenoses in connection with the technology of cultivation and bioecological features of cultivated crops in solving problems of improving land use efficiency, as well as the creation of a mock-up of in...

Campus Garden Waste (CGW) is a major contributor of municipal solid waste (MSW) which can be converted a significant plant fertilizer through biological degradation (e.g., composting). The present study has aimed to examine the physical and chemical characteristics of CGW as the quality of compost depends on the quality of ingredients used for that. CGW contains here mainly flower plants of different variety, grass clippings, green fresh leaves, shoots of small plants, browny dry leaves, and other woody debris etc. The CG waste samples of three sessions (January, May and October in each year from 2020, 2021 and 2022)have collected from two campuses of the Barrackpore Rastraguru Surendranath College. Each CG waste sample has prepared in 80:15:5 ratios with Green Material, Dry Material and Water-Cow Dung solution respectively. A total of 36 sample mixes for (Four different well mixed samples) for three sessions for three consecutive years are used for characterization of compost ingredients separately. Different quality parameters have been investigated like, moisture content, pH, C/N ratio, some nutrients and metals (OC, P, K, S, Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn, S, B). All parameters have been determined nine times to assess the variability and took the average. pH and C/N ratio, OC, EC are generally in the range of common knowledge and few of nutrients are available at high level, above the average. The Nutrient Index (NI) values have found 2.25 to3.00 for available Nitrogen to Phosphorous and Potassium explains that Compost materials are "Medium-High" (MH). This study of physical and chemical parameters would help to choose appropriate ratio of ingredients to achieve optimal quality of final compost by while exploiting the inherent nutrient in the compost ingredients.

Imbalanced use of chemical fertilizers can deteriorate soil quality; however, it can be reversed by organic matter management. Substituting fertilizer N by farmyard manure (FYM) without correcting for extra phosphorus being added could pose an environmental problem. A long-term experiment on rice-lentil cropping system was examined were N was substituted through FYM without correcting for the P being added. Three fertilizer treatments (100% inorganic, 50% organic and 100% organic fertilization) were superimposed over two tillage treatments (conventional and minimum tillage) in a split plot design in a Typic Haplustepts. P uptake did not correlate to phosphorus application, and partial phosphorus balance (PPB) was positive. Zero A c c e p t e d M a n u s c r i p t PPB was obtained at P application of 11.7 kg ha -1 signifying that all treatments were overfertilized with respect to phosphorus. Total and available phosphorus increased in response to increase in PPB. Changes in soil phosphorus fractions with depth were compared to control plot and considerable increase in all the P fractions was noticed. P application rate in excess of zero PPB (11.7 kg P ha -1 ) would increase various soil P fractions, especially soluble P, and could be a reason for concern of P loss to the environment through overland flow or leaching losses to groundwater.

The soils of Himachal Pradesh face a multitude of pressing issues that threaten their health and agricultural productivity. The diverse geographical features, temperature regimes and biological zones of Himachal Pradesh have resulted into a vast range of soil types in the state. Alpine, forest, alluvial and sub-mountain soils are the four major soil categories into which the state's soils can be
generally divided. Only a particular species and adapted plants can thrive in the extreme weather circumstances of alpine soils, which are located at higher elevations and possess soils having thin, stony and acidic in reaction. The mid-hill areas are dominated by forest soils which are
distinguished by their high levels of organic matter and nutrients. These soils support luxuriant vegetation and make effective agricultural methods possible. Alluvial soils, which are mostly found in river valleys and are deposited by ravine systems are extremely rich and perfect in fertility and
suitable for growing a range of crops including vegetables, rice and maize. Located in the foothills, sub-mountain soil exhibits a blend of traits from alluvial and forest soils, thus providing a range of uses for horticulture and agriculture. In addition to supporting a diverse array of plant and animal
life, Himachal Pradesh's varied soil types are vital to the region's agricultural economy. One of the biggest problems is soil erosion, which is made worse by the steep terrain and abundant rainfall in
the area. This results in the loss of topsoil and decreased fertility. Deforestation, overgrazing, and unsustainable farming methods all contribute to land degradation, which further reduce biodiversity and soil quality. Furthermore, crop development is impacted by soil acidity in high-
altitude regions, which restricts nutrient availability. However, these issues need efficient conservation measures and soil management techniques. In order to maintain Himachal Pradesh's rich biodiversity and agricultural potential for future generations, sustainable agricultural
development and environmental protection in this ecologically sensitive area depend on an understanding of the complex soil dynamics. Addressing these interconnected issues requires a comprehensive approach, emphasizing sustainable land management practices, community engagement, and restoration efforts to preserve the vital soil resources of this ecologically sensitive region.

Potassium (K) is key element for crop productivity and soil fertility. High demand of crop, K fertilization is ignored as appropriate amount in agriculture. Hence, an experiments was conducted in the research field of Horticulture Research Centre, BARI, Gazipur during Rabi season of 2017-18 and 2018-19 to find out the effective dose of potassium to improve growth, yield and quality of garden pea (Pisum sativum L.). Treatments were T1 = Control, T2 = K 30 kg ha-1 , T3= K 40 kg ha-1 , T4= K 50 kg ha-1 and T5= K 60 kg ha-1 following Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications. Application of 50 kg ha-1 K produced highest green pod (5352 kg ha-1) and seed yield (1568 kg ha-1), and increased 22.3 and 47.6% higher over K control. The highest amount of vitamin C (42.0 mg/100g) and protein (22.4%) were also noted under application of 50 kg ha-1 but. total K uptake (42.4 kg ha-1) was highest with 60 kg ha-1 K. The highest agronomic efficiency (10.1 kg kg-1), physiological efficiency of K (27.0 kg kg-1), and apparent K recovery efficiency (26.2%) were recorded of 50 kg ha-1 K. The maximum benefit cost ratio 5.67 for green pod and 2.91 for seed yields were registered with 50 kg ha-1 K and also superior based on growth, yield traits, nodulation, nutrient content in garden pea and soil fertility enhancement. Results suggest that application of K 50 kg ha-1 could support to achieve the maximum yield and quality of garden pea in experimental K deficient terrace soil.

A study was conducted to determine the soil quality and changes in the fertility status of soils after 2018 flood in Agro-ecological unit (AEU) 9 in Pathanamthitta district of Kerala and GIS maps were generated. A survey was conducted in the study area and seventy five geo referenced soil samples were collected from flood affected panchayaths. The samples were analysed for pH, organic carbon, N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S and micronutrients and GIS based thematic maps were prepared. The results of the study revealed that pH of soil falls into very strongly acidic, strongly acidic and moderately acidic categories after flood. Organic carbon and available K were increased and available P slightly decreased after the floods and widespread deficiency of available nitrogen were observed. Calcium and magnesium status also low in post flood soils. Among the micronutrients boron was highly deficient. The results outline the need for regular liming to control soil acidity and to alleviate Ca deficiency. The soils should be supplemented with Mg and B in addition to recommended dose of N, P and K fertilizers. Soil quality index of the postflood soils of AEU 9 was calculated from eight parameters of minimum data set viz., organic carbon, bulk density, available K, available B, available S, sand percent and manganese. Majority of the soils had high soil quality index of more than 70.

Soil microorganisms play a key role in nutrient transformation, nutrient cycling, organic matter decomposition, water movement and various other processes essential for maintaining soil quality. In view of scanty information, a pot experiment was carried out at the Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, BHU, Varanasi, UP during kharif, 2018-19 to evaluate the effect of zinc solubilizers in combination with zinc oxide (ZnO) on microbial population dynamics and dehydrogenase activity of soil at 30 DAT, 60 DAT and after harvesting of rice. In this experiment, three different doses of ZnO (Z0=0, Z1=1.85, and Z2=3.7 mg kg-1) and three types of microbial inoculation, viz. No inoculation (M0), Enterobacter clocae strain ZnPSBJ-6 (M1) and zinc solubilizing fungi (M2) were employed in various combinations. It has found that at 60 DAT, inoculation of M1 resulted in 4.1% and 12.8% increase in soil bacterial count while treated with Z1 and Z2,...

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A study was conducted to investigate the effect of chemical fertilizer, organic manure and two cropping systems viz., pearlmillet clusterbean castor rotation and upland rice lentil sequence on microbial quotient (MQ), metabolic quotient, specific enzyme activity (dehydrogenase, arylsulfatase and urease) and microbial biomass carbon (MBC) in long-term (1821 years) field experiments in Entisols of semi-arid region of Gujarat and Inceptisols of sub-humid region of Varanasi. Higher MQ values were recorded in Entisols than Inceptisols. MQ ranged from 4.00–5.08 and 1.00–1.85 % across soil layers in Entisols and Inceptisols, respectively. Metabolic quotient values ranged from 0.11–0.23 and 0.04–0.07 across soil layers in Entisols and Inceptisols respectively. The specific enzyme activity of dehydrogenase was maximum in Entisols, whereas, arylsulfatase and urease activity was recorded more in Inceptisols. Higher specific enzyme activity reflects greater microbial activity and microbial biom...

Nayagarh district with an area of 3890 Sq Km is bounded between latitudes 19 0 53' 52" N and 20 0 34' 46" N and longitudes 84 0 29' 26" E and 85 0 27' 22" E. The district is situated on the hilly ranges in the West and its North Eastern parts have formed small well cultivated fertile valleys intersected by small streams. It is bounded by Boudh district in the west, Cuttack and Angul district in the north, Khurda district in the east and Khurda and Ganjam district in the south. There are eight community development blocks in the district with its headquarter at Nayagarh town. The Nayagarh district has population of 962,789 of which male and female are 502,636 and 460,153 respectively(census of 2011).Efficient management of soil and water resources is a major challenge for the scientists, planners,

The present investigation was carried out to study the characterization and Taxonomy classification of soils under a Toposequence located at NorthEastern Ghat Agro-Climatic zone of Odisha, India. Three representative pedons of the Nayagarh district located in different topographic positions of upland (pedon 1), medium land (pedon 2) and low land (pedon 3) respectively were studied for their morphology, physico-chemical characteristics and taxonomic classification. Results show that the bulk density and particle density found with higher values in the lower horizon and lower values in the upper horizon. Total porosity values found to be higher in upper horizons and lower in the lower most horizons. The soil pH found to gradually increase with increasing depth in all three pedons. The OC content decreasing along with depth in all the pedons. In pedon 2 and 3, fully developed genetic horizons with distinct sub-horizons within the B horizon. However, in pedon 1, no such horizons are developed. The clay content increases in pedon 2 and 3 from upper sub-horizon to the lower sub horizon of B horizon with increasing depth which could be due to the process of illuviation of clay and development of argillic horizon (Bt). Pedon 1, are classified under order Entisols; while Original Research Article

The present investigation was carried out to study the characterization and Taxonomy classification of soils under a Toposequence located at North-Eastern Ghat Agro-Climatic zone of Odisha, India. Three representative pedons of the Nayagarh district located in different topographic positions of upland (pedon 1), medium land (pedon 2) and low land (pedon 3) respectively were studied for their morphology, physico-chemical characteristics and taxonomic classification. Results show that the bulk density and particle density found with higher values in the lower horizon and lower values in the upper horizon. Total porosity values found to be higher in upper horizons and lower in the lower most horizons. The soil pH found to gradually increase with increasing depth in all three pedons. The OC content decreasing along with depth in all the pedons. In pedon 2 and 3, fully developed genetic horizons with distinct sub-horizons within the B horizon. However, in pedon 1, no such horizons are de...

Use efficiency of direct application of phosphorus (P) hardly exceeds 15-20% because of fixation to soils. The fixed-P could be utilized subsequently if it is brought to plant usable form. An experiment was conducted at Division of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi during 2017-18 to investigate the residual effects of different P sources like di-ammonium phosphate (DAP), rock phosphate (RP), RP+ phosphorus solubilizing bacteria (PSB) and DAP+RP+PSB on rice yield, P uptake, P dynamics and enzyme activities in an Inceptisol. Results indicated that application of DAP30+RP60+PSB had 20.7, 24.3,19.6, 21.0, 28.1, 33, 15.2, 14.4 and 29.4% higher rice grain and straw yields, grain and straw P uptakes, available and saloid P, dehydrogenase, acid phosphatase and alkaline phosphatase activities respectively, as compared to DAP treatment. Thus, it can be inferred that application of DAP+RP+PSB can reduce fertilizer P consumption by 5...

Soil fauna has a crucial importance for the functioning of ecosystems and their conservation. Soil biota has a role in soil formation and distribution of organic matter, and groups like microarthropods can be used as indicators to assess soil quality and are often employed in monitoring programs. In the present study, the QBS-ar index, an index based on the presence/absence of microarthropod groups, was used to assess the level of soil quality in nine different sampling sites in the “Parco Naturale delle Alpi Marittime” and in the “Parco Naturale del Marguareis” (Cuneo, Piedmont). Forest soils, with different degree of management, and open environments (e.g., grasslands and peatlands) were analyzed comparatively, to investigate whether microarthropod fauna might be influenced by management and habitat type.The results show QBS-ar values are significantly higher in woodland soils compared to grasslands and peatlands (p &lt; 0.05). The latter shows no significant difference between ea...

A field experiment was carried out at ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi during kharif 2015 and 2016 to determine the effects of rice establishment method, silicon application levels and silicon solubilizing bacteria on silicon concentrations and uptake by rice (Oryza sativa) and soil microbial parameters in rice-wheat cropping system. The experiment was laid out in split-split plot design and replicated thrice. The experiment was conducted with 24 treatment combinations including rice establishment methods in main plot, silicon level in sub plot and silicon solubilizing microbes in sub-sub plot. Silicon concentration in grain and straw was highest in crop establishment of aerobic rice and lowest in TPR methods during both the years. Tested aerobic rice establishment methods significantly influenced the microbial biomass carbon (278.2 and 289.3 μg/g soil), soil dehydrogenase activity (202.3 and 198.3 µg TPF/g soil/day) and total count of silicon solubilizing bacteria (222.5 and 255.9 × 10 2 cfu/g soil) compared to SRI and TPR and the highest silicon concentration and uptake, microbial biomass carbon (285.9 μg/g soil), dehydrogenase activity (189.7 µg TPF/g soil/day) and total count of silicon solubilizing bacteria (239.6 10 2 cfu/g soil) was recorded with silicon application 120 kg/ha which at par with 80 kg/ha but statistically superior over to control and 40 kg/ha in terms of nutrient uptake in grain and straw and soil quality parameters during both years of study.

This study analyzes land use changes in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, specifically farmland loss, which has occurred as a result of rapid urbanization by employing remote sensing, GIS, and land use modeling techniques. Landsat images from 1992 and 2004 and ASTER Terralook images from 2009 were classified using a supervised classification to generate land use maps. Land use change was detected using a post-classification method. During 1992-2009, high-density built-up areas increased by a factor of 3.7, and 80.47 km 2 of farmland was lost due to land conversion to built-up areas during the same period. Based on these findings, land uses for the year 2029 were spatially simulated using Dyna-CLUE model for three scenarios: business as usual, farmland protection, and minimum required farmland. The results reveal that the ongoing trend of land use conversion combined with the lack of implementation of proper spatial policies will lead to a large loss of farmland and that it is desirable to protect prime farmland from urban sprawl.

This paper presents the results of integrated environmental analysis of the Ribeirão do Pinhal drainage basin, undertaken with geographic information systems and spatial analysis techniques. The empirical analysis of environmental fragility methodology was used to identify areas that require more attention for improving environmental conditions. Because more than 60% of the study area has weak or very weak potential fragility grades, the natural characteristics of the basin may be considered appropriate. Regarding the environmental fragility, i.e. taking into account human actions, the basin has more than 50% of its area with weak or very weak grades. However, more than 40% of the study area has environmental fragility above their potential fragility grades. This situation indicates the presence of intensive land uses beyond natural landscape restoration processes. These sectors require that stricter territory management policies be implemented.

Weed dynamics and yield and yield parameters of wheat was studied in long-term soil fertility experiment underrice-rice-wheat system during winter season of 2018-19. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design with nine treatments replicated three times. Treatments were applied as: T1-no nutrients added, T2-N added; T3-N and P added; T4-N and K added; T5-N2:P2O5:K2O added at recommended rate for all crops. Similarly, T6-only N added in rice and N2:P2O5:K2O in wheat at recommended rate; T7-half N; T8-half NP of recommended rate for both crops; and T9-farmyard manure @10 t ha-1 for all crops in rotation. The results revealed that the use of Farm Yard Manure @ 10 t ha-1 gave significantly higher yield of 2393 kg ha-1 followed by recommended chemical fertilizer dose of 100:40:30 N:P2O5:K20 kg ha-1 of 2383 kg ha-1. Considerably, lower grain yield was obtained from treatments that did not receive phosphorus. Similarly, application of FYM @10 t ha-1 followed by recommended fertilizer dose recorded higher weed density and dry weed weight with compared to any of N,P2O5 and K2O or all nutrient omitted treatments.

A comprehensive assessment was carried out for the soil quality of Abo-Hammad County, El-Sharkia Governorate, Egypt. In this regard, an integrated approach involving geostatistical, correlation matrix, is used to evaluate selected soil physio-chemical properties. This study is established to identify appropriate indicators for assessing soil quality rapidly and economically. Analytical data were gathered from representative 53 soil profiles covering most neighborhoods of the county. The results show that ordinary cokriging has the best fit for the geostatistical methods. Soils of the high soil quality occupy 35.4 % of the county; those of the intermediate quality occupy 38.0%, whereas; those of the low soil quality occupy 26.6%. In the case of soil physiochemical properties, the largest part of the soils has medium to large values of these parameters. The largest part of the analyzed soil samples are characterized by low values in term of soil biological properties. This study indicated a relatively high variability in soil properties showed important in considering some parameters for calculation of soil quality index. The spatial variability patterns of soil properties were identified and mapped. The results demonstrated that management of soil practices should be carefully associated with soil texture. Based on the comparison of soil quality of soil data 2015 and soil data 1995, was found a deterioration of soil quality. Soil productiveness may affected by intensive agriculture practices and mismanagement. This study may enhance knowledge regarding soil agricultural practices in the study area and introduce a better technique to analyse soil quality index by multivariate geostatistical methods.

The soil microbial communities involved in the biogeochemical cycles of plant nutrients are negatively affected by unfavorable agricultural practices. In three tillage systems (traditional tillage, TT; traditional tillage with residue incorporation, TTI; and conservation tillage, CT) with three crop rotations (cereal-cereal, CC ; legume-cereal, L-C; and cereal-legume, C-L) at three soil depths (0-5, 5-15, and 15-30 cm), the effects on the populations of bacteria, actinomycetes, and fungi over a period of six crop cycles (3 yr) were evaluated. The tillage system, crop rotation, and depth affected the concentration of microbes in the soil. Under TT/C-C (regional control), they decreased by 7.5%; in contrast, under CT/L-C and TTI/L-C, they increased by 144% and 76%, respectively. Regardless of the tillage system, rotation with legumes, especially when the legume was cultivated in the spring-summer cycle (C-L), caused significant increases in microbial populations. At the end of 3 yr, under CT and TTI the populations of actinomycetes increased, while the fungal population remained stable and the bacterial populations fluctuated in the different crop cycles. In all treatments, the concentration of microorganisms decreased with soil depth. Local practices represent a risk to the diversity of soil microbiota, and it is imperative that farmers adopt conservation practices to achieve sustainability.

in kharif season 2018 to study about effect of different fertility levels on nutrient content and uptake of soybean under guava based Agri horticulture system. There were five fertility levels in a randomised block design. The sources of fertilizers were urea, DAP, MOP and elemental sulphur for N, P O , K O, and S application, 2 5 2 respectively. The variety of soybean was JS-2029, inoculated with rhizobium culture. Among the different fertility levels the application of 50 kg N, 100 kg P O , 60 kg K O, and 40 kg S ha with rhizobium inoculation significantly enhances the nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and sulphur 2 5 2-1 content and uptake in grain and straw of soybean.

The importance of land distribution across all sectors of the national economy cannot be overstated, particularly in agriculture. Agricultural land plays a critical role in meeting the population&#39;s food needs and satisfying the demand for raw materials in the industry. The fertility of the land is the main productive property in agriculture. Continuous improvements in land productivity, combined with the adoption of innovative technologies, are key factors in modern agriculture development. However, natural and anthropogenic factors are negatively impacting agricultural land productivity, leading to a decrease in productivity. To prevent this, urgent measures must be taken to improve the reclamation conditions of agricultural lands, develop regions following climate change, and effectively organize cadastral reclamation activities. Additionally, monitoring the reclamation condition of agricultural lands is crucial in times of scarcity. This research focuses on the assessment of ...

Soil quality assessment based on crop yields and identification of key indicators of it can be used for better management of agricultural production. In the current research, the weighted additive soil quality index (SQIw), factor analysis (FA) and multiple linear regression (MLR) method are used to assess the soil quality of rainfed winter wheat fields with two soil orders on 53.20 km2 of agricultural land in western Iran. A total of 18 soil quality indicators were determined for 100 soil samples (0-20 cm depth) from two soil orders (Inceptisols and Entisols). The soil properties measured were: pH, soil texture, organic carbon (OC), cation exchange capacity (CEC), electrical conductivity (EC), soil microbial respiration (SMR), carbonate calcium equivalent (CCE), soil porosity (SP), bulk density (BD), exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP), mean weight diameter (MWD), available potassium (AK), total nitrogen (TN), available phosphorus (AP), available Fe (AFe), available Zn (AZn), avai...

This technical note summarises major changes in the updated version of SF Box, which is part of the SCORE – the Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis method for decision support in soil remediation projects. SCORE stands for the Sustainable Choice Of REmediation and SF Box stands for Soil Function toolBox. The SF Box tool has been developed for soil function assessment to complement environmental risk assessments, in order to increase awareness of decision-makers for inherent soil qualities other than concentration of contaminants and their availability/mobility, which are critical for proper soil functioning, e.g. availability of water and nutrients for soil organisms, but often ignored in remediation projects (driven by protection of the soil environment with ambition to recover ecosystem functions) in Sweden. The tool is based on a scoring method using soil quality indicators (SQIs) for assessing (I) the soil’s capacity to perform its functions in its own reference state of being ‘cle...

The soil quality is defined as the ability of soil to function as an essential part of the human habitat. In this study, the effects of land use change (conversion of forest lands into agricultural lands) on the soil physical quality were studied in the Gilan-e-Gharb region. For this study, soil samples were collected from surface and subsurface layers of both land uses, and the peak and shoulder slope positions, in Miandar and Vidjanan catchments. Soil physical properties such as soil texture and particle size distribution, soil hydraulic conductivity, bulk density, mean weight diameter of aggregates, water holding capacity, and the soil organic carbon content were measured. The results showed that land use change of the forest to agricultural lands resulted in a sharp decline in the soil organic matter (52%) and an increase in silt and sand percentage and soil bulk density. Also, deforestation decreased the mean weight diameter of aggregates (from 0.39 to 0.14 mm in Miandar) and clay percent. It caused a reduction in the total porosity followed by a decrease of soil water holding capacity, and a decrease in the saturated hydraulic conductivity (from 10.34 to 1.86 cm/h), as well. In general, the results proved that the land use change from forest to agriculture severely decreased soil physical quality and its productivity.

Potassium (K) is considered as key element for plant growth and physiology and improvement of productivity and quality of crops. The potassium (K) reduction from agricultural soils of Indo-Gangetic plain had been observed due to rapidly increasing intensive cropping systems, in combination with imbalanced fertilization. Now, burning issue is needed to better understand the role and dynamic of K in plants and K-use efficiency of crops. Hence, this study was undertaken during two consecutive years of 2015-16 and 2016-17 to know the effects of different levels of potassium on lentil productivity, nodulation, nutrient uptake and K use efficiency. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design considering five treatments with thrice replicates. The treatments were T 1 (K Control), T 2 (15 kg K ha-1), T 3 (30 kg K ha-1), T 4 (45 kg K ha-1) and T 5 (60 kg K ha-1) along with the blanket dose of N 18 P 20 S 10 Zn 2 B 1.5 kg ha-1 and cowdung 3 t ha-1. Yield and yield attributes of lentil responded significantly to K fertilizer. The highest mean seed yield (1684 kg ha-1) and maximum seed yield increase over control (31.9%) got from T 5 treatment followed by T 4 treatment. The highest total nutrient (N, P, K, S, Zn and B) uptake, maximum nodulation and the highest protein content (29.4%) in seed was, however, recorded from the plot receiving of 60 kg K ha-1. Apparent K recovery efficiency was recorded higher (17.8%) from T 4 treatment. Apparent K recovery efficiency followed the order: T 4 >T 5 >T 3 >T 2. From the economic point of view, T 5 followed by T 4 treatment is viable and sound. The results of the experiment suggest that 60 kg K ha-1 might be applied along with N 18 P 20 S 10 Zn 2 B 1.5 kg ha-1 for lentil cultivation in calcareous soils of Bangladesh. The K rates for fertilizer recommendation in lentil need to be revised to take account for highest yield by higher increasing rate of K in soil.

Six soil quality index were used to assess the quality of Yauco (Typic Calciustolls) and San Antón (Cumulic Haplustolls) soils, under conventional tillage and no-till. These were the additive index (SQI A), the index by weight (SQIW1 and SQIW2) and the index's by principal component (SQIPC1, SQIPC2 and SQIPC3). The cultivated plots were plowed every two months, and the uncultivated ones were only given a triming machine. Two soil samples were taken at depths of 0 to 8 and 8 to 20 cm. Analysis of the clay by infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray
diffractograms (XRD) indicated the presence of montmorilonite, vermiculite, illite, kaolinite, haloisite, quartz, calcite in both molisols. The SQIA and SQIPC1 soil quality indexs attributed higher quality values to San Antón soil. These indexs consider all the parameters evaluated, and focus on nutrient availability, pH, % SOM, available P and micronutrients Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn. The SQIW and SQIw2 showed higher quality values for Yauco soil. These indexs give more weight to physical parameters such as bulk density (Da), aggregate stability (EA), and penetration resistance
(RP). Also, the SQIPC2 and SQIPC3 indexs , which give more weight to CICE, % OM, DHA activity and basal respiration (RB), gave better quality indexs to Yauco soil. The six indexs evaluated showed a reduction in soil quality when the depth was increased to 20 cm, but showed no significant difference between cultivated and Not Cultivated plots.

Six soil quality index were used to assess the quality of Yauco (Typic Calciustolls) and San Antón (Cumulic Haplustolls) soils, under conventional tillage and no-till. These were the additive index (SQI A), the index by weight (SQIW1 and SQIW2) and the index's by principal component (SQIPC1, SQIPC2 and SQIPC3). The cultivated plots were plowed every two months, and the uncultivated ones were only given a triming machine. Two soil samples were taken at depths of 0 to 8 and 8 to 20 cm. Analysis of the clay by infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray diffractograms (XRD) indicated the presence of montmorilonite, vermiculite, illite, kaolinite, haloisite, quartz, calcite in both molisols. The SQIA and SQIPC1 soil quality indexs attributed higher quality values to San Antón soil. These indexs consider all the parameters evaluated, and focus on nutrient availability, pH, % SOM, available P and micronutrients Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn. The SQIW and SQIw2 showed higher quality values for Yauco soil. These indexs give more weight to physical parameters such as bulk density (Da), aggregate stability (EA), and penetration resistance (RP). Also, the SQIPC2 and SQIPC3 indexs , which give more weight to CICE, % OM, DHA activity and basal respiration (RB), gave better quality indexs to Yauco soil. The six indexs evaluated showed a reduction in soil quality when the depth was increased to 20 cm, but showed no significant difference between cultivated and Not Cultivated plots.

A pesticide trial was conducted to determine the effectiveness of isobenzan ('Telodrin'), fensulfothion ('Dasanit'), and diazinon ('Gesapon') on invertebrates and microorganisms. Isobenzan provided better control for Coleoptera, Lumbricidae, and surface arthropods. I-ensulf'othion was marginally better than diazinon, and both provided some control.

Crop residues returned to the soil can maintain or enhance soil quality and productivity through favourable effects on soil properties and life-support processes. The field experiment was conducted during the kharif season of 2021-2022 at the Agricultural College Farm, Bapatla, ANGRAU, Lam, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh to study the “Responses of soil enzymatic activity to rice residue management technologies and fertilizer levels in the rice rhizosphere on a clay loam”. The experiment was laid out in split-plot design with the rice residue management practices, assigned to the main plots and fertilizer levels to sub plots. The main plot comprised four different rice residue management practices viz; Straw burning (M1), Straw incorporation (M2), Straw incorporation + FYM @ 5.0 t ha-1 (M3) and Straw incorporation + DI (decomposing inoculum) + FYM @ 5 t ha-1 (M4). Three fertilizer levels were applied to rice viz., 75% RDF (S1), 100% RDF (S2) and 125% RDF (S3), as sub plot treatments. Enzyme ...

One of the most popular indicators for delivering accurate information about soil quality is the soil quality index (SQI) that commonly calculated using principal component analysis (PCA). The purpose of this work is to evaluate a SQI using a PCA using additive and weights approaches presuming that different soil uses have varied effects on different soil attributes. Principal component analysis has been used to select a minimal dataset (MDS) from soils with various uses (old cultivated, new cultivated and barren soils) to construct SQI from nine soil indicators. The weights for each indicator were assigned by PCA to the SQI integrated by weights (SQI-W) from the MDS. While, the additive SQI (SQI-A) based on the MDS determined by PCA was finally generated. The results demonstrated that the SQI computed from the PCA using the weights and additive integration PCA could clearly distinguish between the three land uses. As a result, the two techniques were sensitive and capable to distinguish between the soils of the three land uses.

A field experiment was conducted at ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, Research Farm during winter (rabi) season 2021–22 to evaluate the effect of multi-nutrient carrier polyhalite and its combinations with variable doses of MOP on growth parameters, yield, and productivity of wheat. The application of 100% K (polyhalite), i.e. T8 resulted in significantly higher growth and yield parameters of wheat, viz. plant height, dry matter accumulation, tillers numbers, crop growth rate, leaf area index, grain yield (5.87 tonnes/ha). A 7.5% increase in grain yield was observed with the application of T8 over T11. So, a balanced and prolonged supply of available nutrients with polyhalite to crop in a sustained manner can be maintained.

FIELD experiment was conducted in Burg Elarab region, Egypt, …….to investigate the influence of five fertilization treatments and three tillage systems on wheat productivity, soil microbial biomass and some enzymes activity. Fertilization treatments were control (without treatment) (F1), Farmyard manure (F2), Compost (F3), Mineral fertilizers (F4) and mixture of farmyard manure + compost + chemical fertilizers (F5). Tillage systems were no tillage (NT), minimum tillage (MT) and conventional tillage (CT). Experiments were designed in a split plot based on randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications in 2010-11 and 2011-12 growing seasons. Main plots were the tillage systems while the fertilization treatments were arranged in sub plots. The highest rate of grain yield was produced in MT system under F5 treatment. CT system showed average reduction in grain yield of about 17% than MT; while CT showed average increasing of about 4% than NT in wheat grain yield. MT and NT systems increased soil microbial biomass compared to CT. Farm yard manure or compost applications increased soil microbial biomass significantly compared with mineral fertilizer. The urease, dehydrogenase and phosphatase activities in the F4 treatment were significantly lower than in the other fertilizer treatments F2, F3, and F5. The highest value of urease activity was under NT + F2 treatment in the two years of this study.

Background: Shifting cultivation is a major agriculture practice in the Nagaland state of India. This study examines the effect of shifting cultivation and the length of the fallow period on soil quality index (SQI). Four sites were selected for the study, viz., a shifting cultivation site (SCS), a 3-year-old fallow land (FL-3), a 7-year-old fallow land (FL-7), and a 12-year-old fallow land (FL-12). Soil parameters were recorded seasonally and SQI was calculated from the minimum data set. Results: With the increase in the fallow period, the values of conductivity, soil organic carbon, available nitrogen, available phosphorus, exchangeable potassium, moisture, clay, and cation exchange capacity of soil increased. Meanwhile, soil pH and bulk density decreased with fallow duration. The additive SQI a values were in the order SCS < FL-3 < FL-12 < FL-7; meanwhile, the weighted SQI w values were in the order SCS < FL-3 < FL-7 < FL-12. It is also observed that the SQI value decreases with the increase in soil depth under both the weighted and additive indexes. SCS with the lowest SQI value reflects the reduced soil organic carbon (SOC) and macronutrients. Increased SOC levels in site FL-12 (2.88-3.94%) may be one reason for its higher SQI value. Conclusions: Our study highlights that unsustainable practices of shifting cultivation and reduction in the fallow period negatively affect soil quality. Furthermore, the study also recommends the use of the weighted method of SQI as it agrees with the reports of land use causing alteration in the soil quality. Our findings may be utilized to quickly access and disseminate information to the stakeholders and aid in constructing local soil quality index maps of the region. There is an urgent need for a rapid, cost and resource-efficient soil quality assessment and SQI may be one tool that achieves this goal.

Change in land use and tillage practices has great influence on soil physical and chemical properties. The present study has focused on the effects of converting undisturbed soil to agricultural lands. Chemical and physical soil properties, infiltration, cation exchange capacity (CEC), electrical conductivity, pH, bulk density, porosity, sodium, potassium, total Ca + Mg, organic matter percentage, sodium adsorption ratio (SAR) and lime percentage were measured using standard frequently used methods. Fifty soil samples from agriculture land and other 50 soil samples from undisturbed land were collected from 0 – 30 cm depth and different statistical analysis were performed. Agriculture land is Cultivated for more than 20 years. The results showed that change in land use from undisturbed to disturbed soil did not significantly changed soil organic matter content. Also, soil electrical conductivity showed a huge increase whereas pH showed non-significant changes due to land use change. ...

Soil microorganisms play a key role in nutrient transformation, nutrient cycling, organic matter decomposition, water movement and various other processes essential for maintaining soil quality. In view of scanty information, a pot experiment was carried out at the Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, BHU, Varanasi, UP during kharif, 2018-19 to evaluate the effect of zinc solubilizers in combination with zinc oxide (ZnO) on microbial population dynamics and dehydrogenase activity of soil at 30 DAT, 60 DAT and after harvesting of rice. In this experiment, three different doses of ZnO (Z0=0, Z1=1.85, and Z2=3.7 mg kg-1) and three types of microbial inoculation, viz. No inoculation (M0), Enterobacter clocae strain ZnPSBJ-6 (M1) and zinc solubilizing fungi (M2) were employed in various combinations. It has found that at 60 DAT, inoculation of M1 resulted in 4.1% and 12.8% increase in soil bacterial count while treated with Z1 and Z2,...

Soil function Score Provisioning (P) food(including seafood and game), crops, wild foods and spices fibre and fuel genetic resources volume and quality of water (domestic, industrial, agricultural use) pharmaceuticals, biochemicals, and industrial products energy (hydropower, biomass fuels) Regulation (R) climate regulation water regulation water purification/detoxification air purification/detoxification of waste carbon sequestration waste decomposition, bioremediation and detoxification crop pollination pest and disease control Cultural (C) spiritual and religious value inspiration for art, folklore, architecture etc social relations aesthetic values cultural heritage cultural, intellectual and spiritual inspiration recreational experiences (including ecotourism) scientific discovery Support (S) soil formation and retention nutrient cycling primary production water cycling provision of habitat nutrient dispersal and cycling seed dispersal 0 = Not pertinent 1 = Poor 2 = Pertinent 3 = Highly pertinent Corstanje et al. [Land Degradation and Development] Table S3. Pertinence of physical soil quality indicators to the 'Land Use Category' of the logical sieve, with scoring system. Adapted from CEH (2007).

The abnormally high rainfall received in Kerala from 1 June 2018 to 19 August 2018 resulted in severe flooding in 13 out of 14 districts in the state. Due to this heavy rainfall, flooding occurred in Kerala state and devastated most of the crops. The cumulative rainfall realised during 15-17 August 2018 resulted in a total of 414 mm for Kerala state with Idukki receiving 700 mm rainfall falling next to Peermade which received the highest rainfall of 800 mm. The paper focused on the effects of flooding on soil quality in southern high hills (AEU 14) of Idukki district, Kerala, for proper soil and flood management to avert soil degradation. The organic carbon content and the content of the available major primary nutrients nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium in these soils were determined. Survey was conducted to identify the flood affected areas of AEU 14 in Idukki district and details were collected. Representative surface soil samples (0-20 cm) were collected from these locations of AEU 14. Majority of the soils are high in organic carbon (70.5%), 25.6% samples recorded medium. Only 3 samples out of 78 samples were low.

The study explores the impact of potassium inoculants and black mica on soil microbial populations and enzymatic activity in maize cultivated soils. Microbial communities fueled by root exudates play essential roles in nutrient cycling, plant health, and soil structure. This study investigates the effects of potassium-solubilizing bacteria (KSB) and mineral potassium on microbial populations and enzymatic activity across different growth stages of maize. The experiment was conducted in randomized block design with 14 treatments, including combinations of KSB isolates, mineral potassium, and inorganic potassium. Microbial populations (bacteria, fungi, actinomycetes, and KSB) were quantified using serial dilution and plating techniques. Enzymatic activities (dehydrogenase, phosphatase, and urease) were assessed to understand nutrient interactions and microbial influences. The findings indicate that all treatments exhibited increased microbial populations compared to the control. Notab...

The study explores the impact of potassium inoculants and black mica on soil microbial populations and enzymatic activity in maize cultivated soils. Microbial communities fueled by root exudates play essential roles in nutrient cycling, plant health, and soil structure. This study investigates the effects of potassium-solubilizing bacteria (KSB) and mineral potassium on microbial populations and enzymatic activity across different growth stages of maize. The experiment was conducted in randomized block design with 14 treatments, including combinations of KSB isolates, mineral potassium, and inorganic potassium. Microbial populations (bacteria, fungi, actinomycetes, and KSB) were quantified using serial dilution and plating techniques. Enzymatic activities (dehydrogenase, phosphatase, and urease) were assessed to understand nutrient interactions and microbial influences. The findings indicate that all treatments exhibited increased microbial populations compared to the control. Notab...

Soil quality assessment has been suggested as an effective tool for evaluating sustainability of soil and crop management practices. The objective of this study was to develop a sensitive soil quality index (SQI) based on bulk density (BD), water-holding capacity (WHC), water-stable aggregates (WSA), aggregate mean weight diameter (AMWD), total organic C (TOC) and C input to evaluate the important rice-wheat cropping system on an Inceptisol in India. A long-term experiment has been conducted for 18 years at the

Little information is available about Soil Quality (SQ) in Iran, especially in saffron [Crocus sativus (L.) Iridaceae] fields. The objectives of this research were to: (i) Establish a Minimum Data Set (MDS) for quantifying soil quality in saffron fields; (ii) Evaluate soil quality status using two indices of Integrated Quality Index (IQI) and Nemoro Quality Index (NQI), and (iii) Investigate the relationship between soil quality and the economics of saffron production. Thirty soil samples were collected from the Ghayen area of South Khorasan, Iran, and analyzed for soil physical and chemical properties. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was used to identify a Minimum Data Set (MDS) consisting of sand, Relative Field Capacity (RFC), zinc, SAR, Ca, CaCO 3 , Fe and Bulk Density (BD). Soil Quality was evaluated using the IQI and the NQI for both the Total Data Set (TDS), and MDS. Four SQ indices i.e., IQI TDS , IQI MDS , NQI TDS , and NQI MDS were used to evaluate soil quality in saffron fields in the study area. A significant correlation (P< 0.05) was shown between the IQI TDS (r= 0.44), NQI TDS (r= 0.41) and economic yield of saffron. Correlation analysis indicated that the IQI TDS performed better compared to the NQI TDS for evaluating the soil quality. Use of the TDS with the IQI index was the most effective approach for evaluating SQ in saffron fields.