Organic matter and nutrient contents of soils under four types of bush fallow vegetation in SW Nigeria

The organic matter and nutrient contents of soils under four types of bush fallow in a part of the forest zone of SW Nigeria were analysed. The soils were formed from the same parent material of sandstone. The fallows studied were: 1) grass, 2) forb, 3) forb/woody and 4) woody fallows. The total nitrogen and organic matter contents and the cation exchange capacity values of soils under the forb/woody and woody fallow on the one hand were higher than those of the grass and forb fallow on the other. This is due to the greater age, biomass and greater capacity of the forb/woody and woody fallows to generate litter and to protect the soil against organic matter diminution through erosion and thermal decomposition. Of the four fallow types, the woody had the highest organic matter and nitrogen contents and cation exchange capacity. The fallows exert differential effects on soil mineral-nutrients. Compared to the woody fallow, there was a build-up of exchageable calcium in the topsoils of the grass and forb fallow. In contrast, there was a marked accumulation of exchageable sodium and potassium in the topsoils of the forb/woody and woody fallows. The woody and the grass or forb fallows appear to complement one another in restoring soil organic matter and nutrient content after cropping. It is suggested that the woody fallow should be alternated with grass or forb fallow in order to maintain the balance of soil nutrients over time.     

Organic matter and soil fertility restoration in forest and savanna fallows in southwestern Nigeria

This paper compares the trend and relative importance in soil fertility restoration, of organic matter build-up in forest and derived savanna fallow soils in parts of SW Nigeria.The analysis of the trend of organic matter build-up in each area was based on the comparison of the mean levels of soil organic matter in fallow soils of different ages as well as the comparison of those mean values with the equilibrium level of organic matter that is attainable in soils under the climax vegetation in each ecological zone. Intercorrelations between all the soil properties were computed in order to assess the relative importance of soil organic matter vis-avis soil intrinsic properties in soil fertility restoration during the fallow period. The significance of improvements in soil conditions with length of fallow was tested by computing correlation coefficients between age of fallow and soil properties.With regard to the forest fallow soils the results show that there is a progressive build-up of organic matter over the years. The build-up is very rapid initially and by the tenth year of the fallow period the organic matter in the soils has attained 77 % of the equilibrium level. Thereafter, the rate slows down as the equilibrium level is approached. Compared with soil textural composition, organic matter exercises a greater influence on other soil properties and, therefore, on soil fertility regeneration during the fallow period. In the case of the derived savanna fallows the trend of organic matter build-up and of improvements in soil conditions with length of fallow is rather erratic. There is not as strong a correlation between age of fallow and improvements in soil organic matter content and other soil properties as in the forest region. The build-up of organic matter in the savanna fallow soils is rather slow and fortuitous. This is probably due to the smaller vegetation biomass and the annual burning of the bush and the soil litter layer. The slower rate of organic matter build-up in savanna fallow soils can also be explained in terms of the lower equilibrium level. In contrast to the situation in the forest region the influence of soil textural properties appears to be greater than that of the organic matter in soil fertility regeneration.     

Zinc availability in relation to selected soil properties in a crude oil polluted eutric tropofluvent

The study investigated zinc availability in relation to selected soil properties in a crude-oil-polluted Eutric Tropofluvent in Egbema, Southeastern Nigeria. For this purpose, three treatments have been applied: unpolluted soil, polluted without vegetation and polluted with vegetation with five replicates arranged in a randomized complete block design. Guided by transect sampling technique, soil sampling was carried out in June 2008. Soil samples were collected from the three different land units using soil auger at a depth of 0–20 cm. Standard laboratory procedures were adopted in analysing the soils. Soil generated data were subjected to analysis of variance and correlation analysis. Results showed highly significant variation (p = 0.01) in bulk density, porosity, silt: clay ratio, pH, effective cation exchange capacity, percent base saturation, total nitrogen, organic matter, available phosphorus, calcium: magnesium ratio and zinc. It was found that zinc was higher in crude oil polluted soils than in non-polluted soil and it was below critical limits. Zinc availability in relation to selected soil properties in the crude oil polluted soils indicated that clay and organic matter did not affect zinc availability, while pH and effective cation exchange capacity did. A study on zinc dynamics in crude-oil-polluted soils will certainly provide further information on the management of crude-oil-polluted soils since it is one of the key micronutrient for crop productivity.     

祁连山青海云杉(Picea crassifolia)林土壤有机碳与化学性质的相互关系

通过对祁连山大野口流域的青海云杉林大样地进行土壤剖面取样, 分析了样地土壤有机碳与pH值、养分和阳离子交换量等基本化学性质的变化规律及其相互关系. 结果表明: 随土层深度不断增加, 土壤有机碳含量逐渐减小, 在20～30 cm以下趋于稳定(P > 0.05); 土壤pH值不断增大, 仅在0～10 cm与10～20 cm差异显著(P<0.05); 土壤全氮、速效氮、全磷和阳离子交换量不断减小, 全氮含量在30～40 cm以下趋于稳定(P > 0.05), 速效氮含量变化剧烈(P<0.05), 全磷含量差异性不显著(P > 0.05), 阳离子交换量与有机碳含量变化规律相同; 土壤速效磷、全钾和速效钾含量没有明显的变化规律, 速效磷和全钾含量差异性不显著(P > 0.05), 速效钾含量仅在0～10 cm与10～20 cm差异显著(P<0.05). 土壤有机碳与全氮、速效氮、全磷、速效磷、速效钾和阳离子交换量之间呈极显著和显著正相关, 与土壤pH值和全钾含量之间呈极显著和显著负相关. 土壤有机碳与其他基本化学性质的回归方程具有较高精度(R²=0.793), 影响土壤有机碳含量的主要化学因子依次为土壤阳离子交换量、速效钾和全磷含量.     

Land use effects on the properties of an Alfisol on the Jos Plateau, Nigeria

This study was carried out to determine the effects of different land-use types on the properties of an Alfisol on the Jos Plateau, Nigeria. Areas being used for nature conservation (forest), grazing and maize cultivation were chosen, and the three are contiguous within a nearly level, moderately well-drained site. Within each of the three land-use areas, a plot of 30 x 20 m was chosen. Each plot was divided into 6 grids of 100 m² size. Within each of these grids, four sampling sites were chosen by throwing up a coin four times. The four surface soil (0–5 cm depth) samples taken at the points where the coin landed, were mixed to form the composite sample, out of which sizeable portion was taken. This means that six soil samples were taken for each land use area (forest, grass, and cultivated). Same procedure was repeated for each of the following soil depths 5–15, 15–30 and 30–50 cm. Laboratory soil analyses were carried out while analysis of variance was used to test the significance of mean difference. The results show that forest clearing for grazing and maize cultivation has lead to significant decreases in most soil fertility variables. Organic matter levels of the grassland and cultivated soils are just about 28% and 13%, respectively, of that of the forest soil in the 0–5 cm depth, while they are 36% and 19%, respectively, in the 5–15 cm depth. Exchangeable cations and effective cation exchange capacity are also significantly higher in the forest soils. The effects are attributable to soil organic matter decomposition and nutrient removal resulting from forest clearance, maize cultivation and grazing. Hence, for sustained agricultural productivity, the soils require adequate inorganic and organic fertilizer additions together with appropriate cultural practices such as agroforestry, crop rotation and mixed cropping involving legumes.     

Understanding compost effects on water availability in a degraded sandy soil of Patagonia

Disturbances have the potential to reduce soil water and nutrient retention capacity by decreasing soil organic matter (SOM), which is particularly true for sandy soils characterized by an inherent low capacity to retain nutrients and water. To restore degraded areas, several works have shown positive effects of organic matter inputs on soil properties and plant growth. Despite these promising results, it is still unclear how organic matter inputs and plant growth modify the balance between soil nutrient and water supply. The objectives of the present work were (1) to evaluate the effects of biosolids compost and municipal compost addition on plant available water (PAW), soil moisture and soil temperature in a burned sandy soil of NW Patagonia (Argentina), and (2) to relate PAW and soil moisture with bulk density, soil organic carbon, nutrient availability (inorganic and potential mineralized nitrogen (N), extractable phosphorous) and aboveground phytomass. An experiment with excised vegetation and watering was also conducted. Compost application increased SOM, but it was insufficient to increase PAW. The increase in potential mineralized N in the amended soils indicated that during moist periods (and adequate temperatures), N uptake was increased, enhancing plant growth. As a consequence, higher plant water consumption in amended treatments resulted in lower soil moisture than in non-amended plots during the vegetative growth period that coincides with decreasing precipitation. Results indicate that a relatively high dose of compost (40 Mg ha^?1) applied to a sandy soil, contributed to increase nutrient availability and consequently, aboveground phytomass and water consumption.     

Fractions and Bioavailability of Soil Inorganic Phosphorus in the Loess Plateau of China under Different Vegetations

Plants play an important role in soil phosphorus nutrition. However, the effect of plants on phosphorus nutrition in soils of the Loess Plateau of China is not well understood. This study was conducted to reveal the relationships between plants and phosphorus’ fractions and availability in the Loess Plateau of China. Twenty-two plant communities were surveyed and soil samples under different plant canopies were collected for the determination of soil properties and inorganic phosphorus fractionation. The results showed that Leguminosae and Lilaceae reduced pH and increased organic matter, cation exchange capacity, total and Olsen phosphorus in soils under their canopies, while Labiatae and Rosaceae increased pH and decreased organic matter, cation exchange capacity, total and Olsen phosphorus in soils under their canopies. The contents of Ca2P, Ca8P, Al-P and Fe-P were highly related with soil Olsen phosphorus. They were all higher in soils under Leguminosae and Lilaceae and lower in soils under Labiatae and Rosaceae. The results of this study indicate that Leguminosae and Lilaceae improved phosphorus nutrition in soils, yet Labiatae and Rosaceae impeded the improvement of phosphorus nutrition in soils under their canopies, which will be of more help to instruct vegetation restoration in the region and provide information for soil development.     

基于可拓评判法的黑土肥力质量评价

根据黑土肥力的实验特点及前人研究成果,选取与养分和理化性质相关的10个评价指标,包括有机质(SOM)、全氮(TN)、速效磷(AP)、速效钾(AK)、阳离子交换量(CEC)、酸碱度(pH)、容重(BD)、黏粒(CP)、>0.25mm水稳性团聚体(WSA>0.25)和分散率(DR),通过这些指标建立了新的黑土肥力质量评价体系。以该评价体系为参照,采用主成分分析法确定权重,运用可拓学理论对吉林省农业黑土的肥力质量进行综合评判。结果表明:WSA>0.25、BD和AP 3项指标权重最大,说明黑土肥力的主要限制因子可能为土壤的物理性质及有效磷肥含量;吉林省农业黑土的肥力质量以中等为主,占整个样品数的73%。     

膨胀土的电导率与膨胀性的关系研究

膨胀土是一种高塑性、强亲水的黏性土。由于黏土矿物含量较高,膨胀土颗粒的交换阳离子含量也较高,总比表面积较大,在电导率测试指标上反映是膨胀土的导电性随膨胀性的增大而增强。选取强、中、弱3种不同膨胀等级的代表性试样,采用无电极电阻率测定仪和便携式电导率探头,测试了膨胀土泥浆和孔隙水溶液电导率测试,采用原子吸收光谱仪检测了膨胀土孔隙水溶液中的离子种类、含量等。研究表明,膨胀土孔隙水溶液的导电性与膨胀土泥浆的导电性均随膨胀性增大而增大,膨胀土的电导率和自由膨胀率具有良好的线性关系,工程中可以利用这一原理进行膨胀土的快速判别。     

我国不同区域农田养分平衡对土壤肥力时空演变的影响

区域农田养分盈亏是驱动农田土壤肥力时空变化的主要因素。对我国6个农业生态试验站（海伦、沈阳、 栾城、长武、常熟、鹰潭）站区农田土壤肥力在近年来时空演变的研究表明,除了海伦站黑土和常熟站水稻土的有机质和全氮平均含量下降外,其他站区均呈现增加趋势,主要原因是黑土和乌栅土有机质和全氮含量较高,目前农田有机C和N投入水平无法维持其平衡;6个站区土壤速效磷有增有减,而土壤速效钾除了栾城和鹰潭站区域外均呈降低趋势。从站区农田养分的年平衡与土壤养分的年变化量关系看,农田氮、磷、钾的盈亏量决定了土壤养分的变化方向。土壤有机碳和全氮的初始含量过高（分别超过15.1 g/kg和1.60 g/kg）时,也会导致其年际间的变化方向从增加变为降低。农田氮素盈亏量与土壤全氮变化量之间相关不显著,主要是由于化肥投入和作物籽粒输出的农田氮平衡不能完全代表土壤氮素的真实盈亏情况;而农田磷素和钾素的盈亏量与土壤速效磷和速效钾的年变化量的显著相关。     

垃圾渗滤液污染地下环境介质岩性对pH缓冲能力的影响

通过模拟实验研究垃圾渗滤液污染地下环境介质岩性对pH缓冲能力变化的影响。亚黏土和砂土的pH缓冲容量的本底值分别为440.20和324.93mmol/(kg·pH),其中阳离子交换缓冲、碳酸钙缓冲、硅酸盐缓冲和次级缓冲的本底值分别为206.18、88.43、75.79和69.80mmol/(kg·pH),149.31、86.53、47.33和41.77mmol/(kg·pH)。污染的亚黏土和砂土的交换性阳离子(CEC)和交换性盐基离子(BEC)均小于本底值;盐基饱和度随离污染源距离的增加呈先升高后降低的变化趋势。     

Amelioration of soil acidity,Olsen-P,and phosphatase activity by manure- and peat-derived biochars in different acidic soils

To increase soil productivity, ameliorate nutrient scarcity, and reduce metal toxicity in highly weathered acidic soils usually requires fertilizer and lime application. Effects of three biochars on soil acidity, Olsen-phosphorus (P), phosphatase activities, and heavy metal availability were investigated to test potential of these biochars as soil amendments in highly weathered acidic soils. Incubation experiments were conducted for 6 weeks with three acidic soils: Alfisol, Ultisol, and Oxisol. Three biochars were derived from chicken manure (CMB), pig manure (PMB), and peat moss (PB) at 400 °C and applied at 1 or 2% (wt/wt). The addition of the three biochars increased Olsen-P in the three acidic soils in the following order: CMB?>?PMB?>?PB. Application of 2% CMB increased Olsen-P contents by 2.41-, 7.4-, and 1.78-fold in the Ultisol, Oxisol, and Alfisol compared with controls, respectively. Moreover, CMB increased the soil pH, electrical conductivity (EC), cation exchange capacity (CEC), and alkaline phosphatase activity, but reduced exchangeable acidity, acid phosphatase activity, and the availability of heavy metals—more effectively than PMB and PB. Addition of CMB increased soil pH by 0.90, 0.90, and 0.92 units for the Alfisol, Ultisol, and Oxisol, respectively, correspondingly followed by 0.80, 0.84, and 0.87 units for PMB and 0.15, 0.28, and 0.25 for PM. Changes in EC, CEC, and exchangeable acidity followed the same order for the three soils: CMB?>?PMB?>?PB. The results suggested that the magnitude of changes in soil properties and Olsen-P contents depended on biochar type and application rate. Application of CMB increased nutrient availability and reduced the availability of heavy metals more than other amendments. Due to higher pH, EC, and CEC, and greater concentrations of carbon, nitrogen, and exchangeable calcium and potassium, incorporation of CMB should be a better cost-effective method to correct soil acidity and improve fertility and Olsen-P contents in Ultisols and Oxisols from tropical and subtropical regions of the world.     

桂林毛村岩溶区自然植被土壤团聚体中腐殖质组成初步研究

探索土壤有机碳物理保护与化学保护的关系,有助于揭示土壤固碳和培肥机理,明确不同粒级团聚体和不同腐殖物质组分对土壤固碳和肥力的贡献。本研究对岩溶区自然植被土壤团聚体中腐殖质含量进行了研究,结果表明:(1)灌丛和林地土壤团聚体中有机碳含量总体上均表现为随着土层深度的增加逐渐下降,而在不同土层深度随着团聚体粒径范围的变化则有机碳含量的变化规律则不同,无明显一致的规律;(2)两种土地利用方式各粒径团聚体中胡敏酸和富里酸均比全土小。这可能是由于在湿筛分离团聚体的过程中溶于水的那部分胡敏酸和富里酸成分被损失掉;(3)各腐殖质组分随着团聚体粒径范围的减小在两种自然植被上均无明显一致的规律,但胡敏酸和富里酸总量则基本表现为随着团聚体粒径范围的减小而逐渐升高,即在0.25mm和0.5~0.25mm粒径范围团聚体中最大;(4)两种自然植被土壤各土层中和各团聚体中胡敏酸/富里酸(HA/FA)基本上表现为小于1,这主要是因为研究区温度相对较高,湿度较大,植被覆盖度大,微生物降解作用强所致。     

岩溶土壤的生态地球化学特征及其指示意义——以贵州贞丰—关岭岩溶石山地区为例

岩溶石山地区土壤退化与恢复的成因和机理一直是近年来土壤学和生态学研究的热点。以贵州西南部贞丰—关岭岩溶石山区为对象，选择了区内退化地、农用地、恢复地等生态样块以及与未退化地为对照，采集了其中的表层和亚表层土壤，分别进行了土壤的养分库量、微生物活性与功能和土壤酶活性等化学分析。研究表明土壤养分库是土壤中微生物活性基础，微生物量碳随土壤养分库容的退化或恢复而相应变化，退化岩溶地植被恢复3~6年后，主要养分总库容得到明显恢复(恢复程度55%~65%)，因而带动了微生物量碳的恢复（平均恢复程度60%以上），但养分的活性（有效磷）、微生物的功能（呼吸熵及土壤脲酶和磷酸酶活性）并没有得到相应程度的恢复（平均恢复程度仅在25%~40%）。这些结果提示，限制性养分活性和微生物功能的恢复是植被恢复下生态系统健康水平的重要指示。因此，在分析岩溶土壤和生态系统退化过程的本质以及评价生态恢复的效应时，不仅应将微生物量碳和总养分库指标作为岩溶土壤退化恢复的指标，更应将微生物区系的质量和功能指标纳入关键评价内容。      

人为土壤有机碳的分布特征及其固定意义

文章在分析不同类型的人为土壤形成过程及其特点的基础上研究了人为土壤有机碳含量、分布年龄与同位素组成特征。结果表明,人为土壤中有机碳的含量分布不同于起源土壤或者相应的非人为土壤,主要体现在有机碳含量降低的缓慢和不规则性以及有机碳含量的相对富集。通过计算证明人为土壤的有机碳密度高于相邻土壤或起源土壤。放射性碳测定表明人为土壤中的有机碳年龄较老,说明了有机碳在这些土壤中存在的相对稳定性。土壤有机碳的稳定同位素组成分析表明,土壤中深层的有机碳与现代有机碳来源不同,也表明了土壤中有机碳的稳定存在。文章还分析了人为土壤中有机碳富集和稳定的可能机制,包括物理、化学和生物学机制,认为就有机碳的固定而言,人为土壤是一种具有最佳管理方式的可持续利用的土壤资源     

Evaluation of amendments used to prevent sodification of irrigated fields

Gypsum and S are applied to soils being irrigated with Na–HCO₃ dominated coalbed natural gas (CBNG) produced water to protect soil structure and fertility. Wyoming law requires beneficial use of produced water and irrigation with CBNG produced water in the semi-arid Powder River Basin is becoming more common. Strontium isotopes were used to evaluate the effectiveness of the gypsum and S applications in preventing sodification of these irrigated soils. The isotope ratio of Sr on the cation exchange complex of irrigated soil falls between that of the gypsum amendment (0.7074) and that of local soil (0.712–0.713). Strontium isotopes indicate that, to a depth of 30 cm, as much as 50% of the Sr on the irrigated soil cation exchange sites originated from the applied gypsum amendment on a field irrigated for 3 a. This was also true to a depth of 5 cm on a field irrigated less than 1 a. Strontium isotope ratio measurements of vegetation illustrate plant utilization of Sr from gypsum amendments, thereby reinforcing the conclusions about the presence of Sr from gypsum on the soil’s exchange sites. This Sr tracing technique may be useful in a wide variety of settings where monitoring soil health is necessary, especially in settings where poor quality water is used for irrigation: a more common occurrence as demand for fresh water increases.     

Weed vegetation and land use of upland maize fields in north-west Vietnam

Agriculture in upland Vietnam changes more and more from short cultivation-long fallow periods to short cultivation-short fallow periods or even permanent cropping. Soil degradation and high weed infestation are often the consequences. Thus, the objective of this study was to survey the weed vegetation and to investigate if certain species can be related to soil degradation parameters or land use intensity. Weed vegetation on 12 upland maize fields in Son La Province, a mountainous region of north-western Vietnam was investigated in 1998. The maize fields analysed had a maximum inclination of 35° and belonged to Black Thai farmers of three villages. Vegetation surveys covered only eight maize fields, whereas plant species collection included all 12 maize fields. In addition, analysis of different soil parameters took place. Two weed communities could be distinguished within the area for the surveys conducted. This differentiation was supported by differences in soil parameters (pH, CEC, content of organic matter and nitrogen) and land use intensity. In general, weed infestation did not seem to be yet at a crucial stage as reported for other fields in the study region. Land use intensity on the higher altitude fields was low as fields were cleared only a few years ago. Besides the negative aspects of weeds, their importance for soil conservation on steep slopes has to be taken into consideration. Therefore, the development of an integrated weed management - soil conservation strategy is needed. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

CO2-driven cation leaching after tropical forest clearing

The objective of this study was to investigate the role of dissolved CO₂ (H₂CO₃*) as a mechanism of cation removal from surface soils under secondary land uses in the tropics. Soil leachate columns were prepared with 0–10 cm soils from mature and secondary forest, and managed pastures, and extracted with H₂CO₃* from deionized water equilibrated with 0%, 0.5%, 1%, and 10% CO₂ (g). Extraction of soil cations slowed over time following an exponential form for the cumulative data. The rate of cation concentration decline varied as a function of CO₂ concentration with the 10% solution resulting in a greater percent decline with extraction volume. Potassium removal from the exchange sites of all soils and for all solutions was nearly complete ranging from 85% to 97% while removals of Mg (31% to 71%) and Ca (12% to 42%) were lower. The asymptotic patterns of cation loss observed in this study suggest that H₂CO₃* acid-driven losses of cations may become self-limiting over time. Other stronger acids from atmospheric deposition or organic sources may serve to perpetuate cation removal, and re-forestation on these cleared lands would certainly re-distribute cations from soils to vegetation.     

Soil parent materials and soil properties in two separate catchment areas on the Jos Plateau, Nigeria

On the Jos Plateau, soils derived from basalt and volcanic ash are much more intensively and extensively utilized for agricultural purposes than the granite soils. This study was carried out to determine the differences that may have contributed to this discrimination. Twenty four soil profiles were dug and described in two separate catchment areas that really portray the variance. Soil samples were analysed using standard procedures. The results show that basalt and volcanic ash-derived soils have relatively deeper profiles, lower bulk density, higher contents of clay, organic matter, exchangeable bases, micro-nutrients (Cu & Zn) and weatherable minerals. They are also higher in their CEC and base saturation percentage while available water capacity, hydraulic conductivity and natural water content are more adequate in them. Hence, the basalt and volcanic ash soils are more favourable for crop growth while the deficiencies in granite soils present more constraints to agricultural land use. Consequently, there are differences between the soil types in their crop-yielding capacities. These differences constitute a reflection of soil parent material influence. Agriculture in the area is mainly low-input. There is the need for improved management practices for the enhancement of soil conditions of granite areas in particular and the whole area in general. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Cation Exchange Capacity of Phosphoric Acid and Lime Stabilized Montmorillonitic and Kaolinitic Soils

Studies on the chemically stabilized soils have shown that the effectiveness of treatment is largely dependent on soil??s natural environment. In this research, the time-dependent changes induced in permanent cation exchange capacity of lime and phosphoric acid treated soils, comprised mainly of montmorillonite and kaolinite minerals, were investigated. Also, in order to study the relationship between the exchange capacity and acidity/alkalinity of pore water, pH measurements were performed on cured samples. Based on the collected data, it was found that the pH of stabilized soils showed a tendency for reaching soil??s natural pH with increasing curing time. In addition, the increase in number of broken bonds around the edges of soil particles and also the formation of cementitious compounds that acquired negative charges contributed to achieving higher CEC_p values at longer curing periods. Nevertheless, the kaolinite mineral with pH-dependent structural properties, showed a rather limited behavior in the acidic medium. From engineering point of view, the lime treated samples revealed the highest degree of improvement with an approximately ten-fold strength increase in comparison to the natural soil over an 8?months curing period.