Potassium dynamics of a forest soil developed on a weathered schist regolith

Soils of the humid tropics are poor in available potassium due to intensive weathering and leaching of nutrients. A study was conducted to investigate the mineralogy and potassium supplying capacity of a forest soil developed on a weathered schist regolith. The quantity–intensity (Q/I) approach was used in thisstudy. The schist regolith showed deep weathering and intense leaching throughout the profile, resulting in low cation exchange capacity (CEC) and available K in soil and saprolite layers. The mineralogy of the regolith was dominanted by kaolinite, gibbsite and goethite. Feldspar, mica and mica–smectite minerals were observed in the lower saprolite layers. The Q/I parameters showed that the soils and saprolites were low in K supply power. This observation was attributed to weathering and intense leaching. The free energy values of K replacement (ΔG _r°) also suggest that soils and saprolites of the schist regolith were deficient in K. The Q/I parameters significantly correlated with organic carbon and clay content, CEC, pH and exchangeable K.     

Physico‐chemical characteristics of three saprolites in peninsular Malaysia

Abstract

Three highly weathered inland saprolites developed over different parent rocks, namely basalt, granite and schist, were sampled and analyzed for their physico‐chemical properties. The profiles were located along new road cuts in Peninsular Malaysia with depth varying from 10 to 26 m deep. The soils in this study were highly weathered, nutrient‐poor, and contained large amount of variable charge colloids. They exhibited soil pH (1:2.5, soil:water) below 5.0, and were low in CEC [usually <7 cmol(+)kg^‐1 soil]. The base saturation was low, but aluminum (Al) saturation was very high with values >70%. All soils had available water content of <100 mm#lbm^‐1. The results of the study showed that saprolites were generally unsuitable for the cultivation of perennial crops. Saprolites, which were soft and friable, had poor physical properties and were a poor substrate for agriculture. The available water content was higher than the solum, but would not be accessible to plant roots. The fertility status of the saprolite was poorer than the soil. It had high phosphorus (P)‐retention capacity and low net negative permanent charge, and, therefore, had lower cation‐retention capacity. The Al phytotoxic effect was lower in the saprolite than the solum.     

Evaluation of quantity‐intensity relationships of potassium in deeply weathered soil profile developed over granite from peninsular Malaysia

Abstract

The potassium (K) supplying capacity of a deeply weathered profile developed over granite from Peninsular Malaysia was investigated by employing the quantity‐intensity (Q/I) approach. The values of potential buffering capacity (PBC^K), labile K (K_L), specific K (K_O), and specific K sites (K_X) were considerably higher in the saprolite zones as compared to the solum layers. This indicated that depletion of K on cropping would be faster in the solum materials than in the saprolites. Potassium equilibrium activity ratio was in the sequence: solum > middle saprolite > upper saprolite. Free energy values showed low, but sufficient, level of available K reserve in this profile. The relationships of Q/I parameters with physico‐chemical characteristics and clay mineralogy of the profile were discussed. The changes in the Q/I parameters as a function of depth were found to be associated with the contents of clay and organic matter in the solum, while in the saprolites, the clay mineralogy which composed mainly of K‐feldspar, mica, and mica‐smectite seemed to be the main factor.     

Stoichiometry of base cations and silicon during weathering of a deep soil profile derived from granite

Evaluation of the stoichiometry of base cations (BCs, including K⁺, Na⁺, Ca²⁺, and Mg²⁺) and silicon (Si) (BCs:Si) during soil mineral weathering is essential to accurately quantify soil acidification rates. The aim of this study was to explore the differences and influencing factors of BCs:Si values of different soil genetic horizons in a deep soil profile derived from granite with different extents of mineral weathering. Soil type was typic acidi-udic Argosol. Soil samples were collected from Guangzhou, China, which is located in a subtropical region. To ensure that the BCs and Si originated from the mineral weathering process, soil exchangeable BCs were washed with an elution treatment. The BCs:Si values during weathering were obtained through a simulated acid rain leaching experiment using the batch method. Results showed that soil physical, chemical, and mineralogical properties varied from the surface horizon to saprolite in the soil profile. The BCs:Si values of soil genetic horizons during weathering were 0.3-3.7. The BCs:Si value was 1.7 in the surface horizon (A), 1.1-3.7 in the argillic horizon (Bt), and 0.3-0.4 in the cambic (Bw) and transition (BC) horizons, as well as in horizon C (saprolite). The general pattern of BCs:Si values in the different horizons was as follows: Bt > A > Bw, BC, and C. Although BCs:Si values were influenced by weathering intensity, they did not correlate with the chemical index of alteration (CIA). The release amounts of Si and BCs are the joined impact of soil mineral composition and physical and chemical properties. A comprehensive analysis showed that the BCs:Si values of the soil derived from granite in this study were a combined result of the following factors: soil clay, feldspar, kaolinite, organic matter, pH, and CIA. The main controlling factors of BCs:Si in soils of different parent material types require extensive research. The wide variance of BCs:Si values in the deep soil profile indicated that H⁺ consumed by soil mineral weathering was very dissimilar in the soils with different weathering intensities derived from the same parent material. Therefore, the estimation of the soil acidification rate based on H⁺ biogeochemistry should consider the specific BCs:Si value.     

Morphogenesis and erodibility of soil-saprolite complexes from magmatic rocks in Swaziland (Southern Africa)

The Kingdom of Swaziland in Southern Africa is affected by diverse forms of severe soil erosion as a consequence of population growth, deforestation, and overgrazing of the grass savanna. The physical, chemical and mineralogical properties of soil-saprolite complexes show that the presence of relict saprolite underlying the soils is an essential precondition for the development and rapid expansion of deep incising erosion gullies in areas with magmatic rocks. The polygenetic isovolumetric weathering of saprolite led to mass losses of more than 50 vol.-% due to the formation of solution cavities by leaching in warm and humid climatic phases. Therefore, the saprolite is highly susceptible to erosion. Low structure stability of the saprolite, indicated by shear strength values < 5 kPa, results from a silty texture, absence of organic matter, and low contents of Fe- and Al-oxides and exchangeable Al-ions. On the contrary, the clay-rich ferrallitic soils developed from saprolite are comparatively stable against erosion. The relatively high structure stability of the soil, indicated by shear strength values ranging from 7 to 12 kPa, results from the organic matter content of about 3 wt.-% C_org in the topsoil, up to 7 wt.-% pedogenic Fe- and Al-oxides, pH(KCI)-values around 4, and Al-saturations above 50 %. Concerning the genesis and the susceptibility to erosion, the results show a distinct bipartition of the weathering mantle. Therefore, it is necessary to investigate the site properties and spatial distribution of complete soil-saprolite complexes from magmatic rocks as a basis of soil erosion control, land evaluation, and land use planning.     

Using instrumented bulldozers to map spatial variation in the strength of regolith for bauxite mine floor rehabilitation

The high strength of some regolith types can limit the growth of rehabilitated jarrah forest following bauxite mining in southwest Australia. Ripping mine floors to a depth of 1.5 m alleviates high strength zones and improves root exploration of substrates. Understanding the variability of regolith strength at the mine pit scale may be useful for improving site-specific ripping and reducing rehabilitation costs. Regolith strength maps were developed based on real-time, field measurement of the hydraulic fluid pressure in the tilt cylinders of Komatsu 475 and Caterpillar D11R bulldozers operating at an average speed of 0.8 ms⁻¹ with standard tip, single shank deep-ripping tines. The strength maps rank regolith into strength classes and show positions of low-, medium-, high- and extreme strength zones in the floors of former opencast bauxite mines. Maps were evaluated using strength measurements on excavated regolith profiles revealing a reliable relationship between bulldozer-mapped regolith strength and actual regolith strength. Weighted unconfined compression strength for mine floor materials within a regolith profile can be grouped as follows: saprolite <4000 kN/m²; quartz-rich, sandy clay (Zm) and silty clay (Zp) 1000–4000 kN/m²; ferruginous/gibbsitic (cemented) material (Zh) 4000–8000 kN/m²; and granite or dolerite rock and hard saprock 5000–14,000 kN/m². Ripper hydraulic pressure was linearly related to the weighted unconfined compression strength (kN/m²) of classified regolith profiles (r² = +0.47). The instrumented bulldozer mapping technique can partly distinguish between classified regolith types, particularly granite and granitic saprock (>75 bar) and dolerite and doleritic saprock (25–75 bar). Some regolith types including: quartz-rich, sandy clay; silty clay; and soft saprolite have low bulldozer-measured strength (25 bar) and are indistinguishable by the bulldozer. Regolith strength maps may improve the targeting of secondary contour ripping to parts of a mine floor where it is most-needed.     

The profile distribution of total and extractable copper in selected Nigerian soils

Abstract

The profile distribution of total, DTPA‐ and 0.1N HCl‐extractable Cu was determined in 11 Nigerian soil profiles formed from various parent materials including the coastal plain sands, shales, basalt, granite and banded gneiss.

Total Cu ranged from 7 to 72 ppm with a mean of 35 ppm₀ The soils formed from basalt had the highest values while those on coastal plains had the least content. Generally, there was a higher content in the subsoils than in the surface horizons. The total Cu significantly correlated with percent clay and the free oxide contents of Fe and Mn.

DTPA ‐ and 0.1N HCl‐extractable Cu ranged from 0.08 to 2.81 ppm and 0.10 to 7.78 ppm, respectively. Soils on metamorphic rocks gave the highest values of DTPA‐extractable Cu. The DTPA‐extractable Cu ‐was only related to pH but the acid extractable Cu was associated with total Cu, clay, free Fe₂O₃ and MnO₂ contents.     

Optimum Soil Acidity Indices for Dry Bean Production on an Oxisol in No‐Tillage System

Abstract

Soil acidity is one of the major yield constraints to crop production in various parts of the world. Quantifying optimum soil acidity indices is an important strategy for achieving maximum economic crop yields on acid soils. Five field experiments were conducted for three consecutive years using dry bean as a test crop on an Oxisol. The lime rates used were 0, 12, and 24 Mg ha^?1 for creating a wide range of soil acidity indices in a no‐tillage cropping system. Grain yield of dry bean was significantly increased by improving soil pH, base saturation, calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), and potassium (K) saturation and reducing aluminum (Al) saturation. These soil acidity indices were higher in the 0‐ to 10‐cm soil layer than the 10‐ to 20‐cm soil layer for maximum grain yield. Across two soil depths, optimum values for maximum bean yield were pH 6.5, base saturation 67%, Ca saturation 48%, and Mg saturation 19%. Bean yield linearly increased with increasing K saturation in the range of 1.5 to 3% across two soil depths. There was a significant linear decrease in grain yield with increasing Al saturation in the range of 0 to 8% across two soil depths. Optimal values of soil indices for maximum bean yield can be used as a reference for liming and improving yield of bean crop on Oxisols in a no‐tillage cropping system. Yield components, such as pod number, grain per pod, and 100‐grain weight were significantly improved with liming, and bean yield was significantly associated with these yield components.     

Changes in the Soil Phosphorus Content of a Long‐Term Fertilization Field Trial Studied in Laboratory Incubations

Abstract

The importance of different soil phosphorus (P) compounds and their transformation influenced by several soil and other factors is well established. However, the dynamics of short‐term processes taking part in the long‐term changes of soil P including immobilization and mobilization is still not completely documented. Laboratory incubation experiments were carried out at 10°C and 40°C for studying the influence of incubation on the availability of residual and freshly applied P in samples of a long‐term fertilization field trial conducted on a brown forest soil (U.S. taxonomy: Orthic Eutrochrept; FAO taxonomy: Eutric Cambisol). Samples showing three levels of P resulting from 10 years of intensive P fertilization (referred as P0, P1 and P2, respectively), were collected 30 years after fertilization ceased. Available P contents of soil samples were determined using three approaches: in water (modified Murphy–Riley method), sodium bicarbonate (Olsen, pH=8.5), and ammonium lactate (AL, pH=3.7) extract. Changes in the amounts of P were determined after 2 and 60 days of incubation in four freshly applied new treatments with increasing additions of P: 0, 100, 500, and 1000 mg of P₂O₅ per kg of soil, representing agronomic and extreme P rates. From the results of our experiments, it was suggested that after 2 days of incubation, at 10°C, both agronomic and extreme P rates resulted in significant increases in P content in each extract. On the other hand, after 60 days, even higher values were obtained. Decreases found in water‐P values after 60 days of incubation were considerable compared to either the Olsen‐P or the AL‐P values, indicating the decline of water‐soluble P forms and further evidence of immobilization with increasing incubation time and temperature. Correlation between water‐P, Olsen‐P, and AL‐P values were significant at both temperatures.     

Alteration profonde preglaciaire d'un gneiss a Charlesbourg,Quebec (Canada)

A saprolite derived from a gneiss has been sampled in a fault zone at Charlesbourg, near Quebec city. The weathering largely exceeding 6 m in depth and a till overburden suggest preglacial alteration under warmer climatic conditions. This is further supported by the presence of high (up to 15% ) percentages of crystalline iron oxides (goethite and lepidocrocite). Four different facies were defined in the saprolite. Mineralogical analyses were performed on the clay fractions and the following associations were found: swelling minerals + kaolinite, kaolinite, kaolinite + gibbsite, swelling minerals + kaolinite.The degree of weathering of 2:1 minerals into kaolinite seemed to be related to internal drainage conditions. Cation exchange capacity of the saprolite was adequately explained by the clay and silt fraction contributions.     

Soil test calibration studies for formulation of phosphorus fertilizer recommendations for maize in Morogoro district,Tanzania. I. evaluation of soil test methods

Abstract

Optimum crop production depends, among other things, on the maintenance of adequate plant nutrients in the root zone. The objective of this study was to find a reliable index for assessing needs for supplemental phosphorus (P) in soils of Morogoro District, Tanzania. Six indices of P availability, namely: Bray and Kurtz No. 1 (BK1), Bray and KurtzNo.2 (BK2), Mehlich 1, Mehlich 3, Olsen and ammonium bicarbonate‐DTPA (AB‐DTPA), were evaluated. Evaluation of the P indices involved relating extractable P contents by different methods with crop response data expressed as relative yields. The response data was obtained from pot trials with soil samples from ten repesentative soils designated as benchmark soils of the district. Treatments were absolute control, 0, 10, 20, and 30 mg P kg^‐1 of soil. Correlation of maize relative yields with soil test values by the six indices of P availability resulted in correlation coefficients ranging from 0.65 to 0.90. The Olsen method gave the highest r value suggesting that it was superior to the others. However, using the Cate and Nelson approach, the Olsen and ammonium bicarbonate‐DTPA methods were found to be at par and superior to the others. They each accounted for 76% of the variations observed in maize relative yields, respectively. The critical P levels for the indices were 10.50 mg P kg^‐1 for Olsen and 2.80 mg P kg^‐1 for the AB‐DTPA method. Phosphorus fertility categories were delineated in relation to Olsen extractable P as: low (<6.50 mg P kg^‐1), medium (6.50 to 23.0 mg P kg^‐1), and high (>23.0 mg P kg^‐1). Based on this classification it was determined that 16%, 25 %, and 59% of the surveyed area had low, medium, and high P levels, respectively. About 40% of the surveyed area may, therefore, require fertilization with P for optimum yields.     

Recovery of organic carbon by the walkley and black procedure in highly weathered soils

Abstract

The effect of soil series, cultivation, soil depth, and parent material on the correction factor which should be applied to organic carbon values determined by the method of Walkley and Black, has been examined using 450 low‐activity‐clay soil samples from high rainfall tropical Queensland. There were minimal effects due to soil depth, and differences between virgin and cultivated soils were greatest in soils formed on beach sands. However, soils formed on granitic or metamorphic rocks require a factor of 1.24, whereas the originally recommended factor of 1.32 (Walkley and Black) has been confirmed for soils formed on basalt, alluvium, and beach sands.     

Regolith behaviour and physical weathering of clayey mudrock as dependent on seasonal weather conditions in a badland area at Vallcebre, Eastern Pyrenees

Studies on badland areas in the Vallcebre basin (Pyrenees) suggest that erosion rates are controlled by the weathering rate of mudrocks. To obtain the temporal pattern of physical weathering and its control on the erosive processes, monitoring of regolith temperatures at different aspect, depth and lithology, and periodical determination of regolith moisture and bulk density were carried out. Changes in surface regolith have also been monitored by means of photographic techniques, using an especially designed tripod. Finally, the hydrological and erosive response of the regolith trough the seasons were studied using rainfall simulations. The results obtained support and confirm previous knowledge on the role of frost action in mudrock weathering and the role of subsequent regolith development and wetness status on infiltration and runoff generation. These seasonal changes of behaviour are so important that they raise serious questions about the validity of observations or experiments carried out in only one season.This work confirms that erosion processes are controlled by regolith formation during winter and regolith depletion by storm rainfall erosion during summer, spring and early autumn. It also raises important points about annual trends of infiltration and erodibility, that should be used as guidelines for modelling runoff and sediment production.     

ANDESITE WEATHERING

Petrographic and quantitative mineralogical analyses of two andesites and their saprolite (weathered rock) from the Cascade Range in California reveal a mineral weathering sequence in the rocks related to crystal size and composition and to weathering environment. Both the hypersthene andesite and the olivine andesite studied have been subjected to moderate to intensive leaching by acid solutions percolating through the superjacent soil bodies. Although the two parent rocks differ in chemical and mineralogical composition, their weathering to saprolite has followed a similar progression. During early stages of weathering of both rocks, relatively large hypersthene phenocrysts are most resistant. Following in decreasing order of resistance in both cases are plagioclase phenocrysts and finegrained mafic minerals, olivine, and glassy matrix material. Quartz is relatively stable in the earliest weathering stages, but it decreases rapidly with increased weathering. Free iron oxides and clay increase with increased weathering. Amorphous clay dominates the early weathering stages, but as weathering progresses, kaolin increases relative to amorphous clay.     

Mineralogy and factors controlling charge development of three Oxisols developed from different parent materials

Three Oxisols, developed from serpentinite (Sungai Mas Series), basalt (Kuantan Series) and andesite (Segamat Series), selected to represent the most common Oxisols in Malaysia were sampled and studied. The objectives of this study were: (i) to determine mineralogical composition and factors responsible for changes in point of zero charge (pH₀) of the variable charge component of three Oxisols; (ii) to use pH₀ values to assess degree of chemical weathering; and (iii) to determine the magnitude of variable charge using corrected back-titration technique. The mineralogical composition was determined by X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD). The pH₀ was determined by potentiometric titration in different electrolyte strengths. The magnitude of variable charge generation as a function of soil pH was measured using corrected back-titration to allow elimination of charge overestimation caused by solid dissolution and hydrolysis reactions. The results showed that the mineralogical composition were similar (kaolinite, goethite, hematite and gibbsite) between profiles but different in proportion, except for gibbsite which was absent in the andesite-derived soil. The sequential removal of soil organic matter (SOM), iron oxides and SOM together with iron oxides resulted in the changes of pH₀ from 3.9–5.7 to 5.3–6.7, 2.6–3.7 and 3.3–4.5, respectively. These pH₀ changes indicate SOM and sesquioxides are masking mineral surfaces and are factors responsible for lowering and increasing pH₀ values, respectively. Regression correlation (R² = 0.87^??) showed that for every 1% organic C may decrease 1.0 unit of pH₀ value. The pH₀ values, after SOM removal, are in the order of Sungai Mas ～ Segamat > Kuantan Series. This suggests that the serpentinite and andesite-derived soils have achieved a relatively similar degree of chemical weathering and they are more weathered than the basalt-derived soil. The charge measured by corrected back-titration is 1.5–3.8 cmol_c kg^? 1 at pH 4.5 and increases to 4.2–10.8 cmol_c kg^? 1 at pH 6.5, indicating that the three Oxisols mainly bear variable charge. Charge overestimation resulted from dissolution and hydrolysis reactions during potentiometric titration ranges from 36 to 160%, depending on pH values (the lower the pH the higher is the overestimation). Hence, back-titration is a reliable technique to correct charge overestimation when using the traditional potentiometric titration for highly weathered tropical soils.     

Mineral magnetic properties of a weathering sequence of soils derived from basalt in Eastern China

The magnetic properties and magnetic mineralogy of a weathering sequence of soils developed on basalt parent material from eastern China, were studied by rock magnetism, X-ray diffraction and soil chemical analyses to establish the connection between mineral magnetic properties and pedogenic development in a subtropical region. The magnetic susceptibility of soils formed on basalt varied greatly and did not increase with the degree of pedogenic development. The frequency-dependent susceptibility (χfd) values of soils ranged from 1.0 to 11.1% and increased with the pedogenic development. Highly significant linear relationship was found between the frequency-dependent susceptibility and the Fe_d content (R² = 0.683) and Fe_d/Fe_t ratio (R² = 0.780) in soils, indicating that pedogenic SP ferrimagnetic grains were associated with enrichment of the secondary iron oxide minerals in the weathering process of soil. Rock magnetism analysis showed that the major magnetic carriers in the weakly weathered soil profiles are magnetite and/or maghemite, and the highly developed soil profiles are generally enriched in magnetite/maghemite grains of pedogenic origin and the magnetically hard haematite, indicating that the magnetic component was transformed from a ferrimagnetic phase (magnetite) to antiferromagnetic phase (hematite) during pedogenic development. Results indicated that some of the magnetic parameters of soils, in this case χfd, can be useful for pedogenic comparisons and age correlations in the weathering sequence of soil. It is thus suggested that multiparameter rock magnetic investigations represent a more powerful approach for pedogenesis.     

Performance indices for tests of soil nutrient status: Extractable phosphorus

Abstract

Soil phosphorus (P) extractants are often selected according to the correlation or regression between test values and crop performance (e.g., P uptake and/ or yield). Although this criterion is an essential determinant of extractant performance, it is often inadequate for evaluating whether extractants accurately discriminate between P‐deficient and P‐sufficient soils, or whether they produce reliable critical level estimates or repeatable soil P measurements. Four supplementary indices were evaluated that may provide a more direct assessment of extractant performance. The potential use and reliability of the indices were investigated in an evaluation of four soil P extractants, Modified Truog, Mehlich 3, Olsen, and ion‐exchange resin, using data from a greenhouse experiment. Coefficients of determination between relative dry matter yield and extractable P failed to identify differences among the extractants, ranging from 0.95 to 0.97. Coefficients of determination between extractable P and P added ranged from 0.96 to 0.97 except for one method at 0.83. The proposed indices, however, produced a ranking of the extractants related to their performance. The Kappa efficiency (K _EFF) index indicated that Mehlich 3 provided better detection of P‐sufficient and P‐deficient soils than either Olsen or Truog (K _FFF values of 0.92, 0.83, and 0.68, respectively). These index values reflect that the extradants correctly detected P deficiency in 17 of 18, 17 of 18, and 15 of 18 soils. The slight superiority of Mehlich 3 over Olsen was due to its correct detection of 9 of 9 P‐sufficient soils while the Olsen and Truog extradants correctly detected 8 of 9 P‐sufficient soils. Further studies are needed, especially field studies, to determine whether these indices accurately reflect the reliability of the extradants for use in diagnosis and recommendation. Because these indices directly assess success in identifying deficient and sufficient conditions, their use in extractant evaluations should provide more specific, purposeful evaluations than methods based solely on correlation and regression.     

Identification of Yield‐Limiting Nutrients in Mango through DRIS Indices

Abstract

Diagnosis and Recommendation Integrated System (DRIS) indices were developed to identify and prioritize the yield‐limiting nutrients in mango orchards (cv. Baneshan) in Andhra Pradesh, India. The forms of expressions selected for computing the DRIS indices varied from the young (<20 years old) to aged (>20 years old) trees. The DRIS indices could reflect the long‐term variations of different doses of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) application in mango, thereby showing the sensitivity of the newly developed DRIS indices to fertilization practices. The nutrients identified as yield limiting by DRIS indices were observed to be not totally independent of the age of sampled tissue. The same nutrient was observed to be most yield limiting in 24.2% of sampled trees after a gap of 3 months. Similarly, the same nutrient was identified as one of the first two yield‐limiting nutrients in 52.2% of sampled trees. The validity of the newly developed DRIS indices was tested by applying two of the most yield‐limiting nutrients in 88 and 46 cases of young and aged trees. The yield‐limitation due to individual nutrients was either totally eliminated or changed in ranking in 96.0 and 93.5% of the young and aged trees, respectively, after the application of yield‐limiting nutrients, as indicated by the newly developed DRIS indices. The increase in the fruit yield with the application of yield‐limiting nutrients identified by the DRIS indices varied from 11.5 to 45.9% in young trees and from 15.2 to 34.0% in aged trees over the control.     

Correlation of several soil n indices for wheat

Abstract

A study relating N uptake by wheat to several N soil tests was conducted throughout North and South Dakota. Sixty nine sites were utilized over a period of 5 years.

The N soil tests and their respective r values with N uptake are: Soil Nitrate‐N 0–15 cm (N15), r=0.50; nitrate‐N 0–30 cm (N30), r=0.58; nitrate‐N 0–60 cm (N60), r=0.51; nitrate‐N 0–120 cm (N120), r=0.43; Kjeldahl N (TN), r=0.27; Organic matter (OM), r=0.24; absorbance of 0.01 M NaHCO₃ extract (SB), r=0.21; and ammonia distilled from autoclaved 0.01 M CaCl soil slurry (AN), r=0.21.

Regression equations were used to predict N uptake by wheat using the soil test indices as independent variables. Soil tests that were useful in these equations were N30, AN, SB, and OM. Over all site years, only 29% of the variability in N uptake was explained using the 0–30 cm nitrate content. For the years of 1984 and 1985, approximately 60% of the N uptake variability was explained.     

Impact of agricultural land use on physicochemical properties of soils derived from sedimentary rocks in Malaysia

ABSTRACT

In Malaysia, soils derived from sedimentary rocks are extensively used for agricultural purposes with oil palm and rubber being the main dwellers. In order to understand the environmental impact of these perennial crops planting, the variability of physicochemical properties of 25 representative soils derived from sedimentary rocks under different ecosystems (agriculture land and natural forest) at six study sites spread across Malaysia was examined. Among the soil physicochemical properties, total soil organic carbon, total nitrogen, and fertility level were found to be generally higher in the forest ecosystems followed by rubber plantation and finally oil palm plantations. Likewise, projection of principal component analysis showed an associative relationship between soil physicochemical properties and microhabitats. Finally, this study showed that soils from different agricultural and natural sites, but derived from similar sedimentary rocks, had distinctive weathering conditions and soil properties. Therefore, site-specific field management according to soil type, soil management techniques as well as fertilizer strategies are required to maximize crop production and to sustain ecosystem services. The output of this study will enable farmers to improve their crop yield via the selection of suitable crops cultivation based on soil characteristics.