Importance of Soil Fertility,Soil Sampling,and Fertilizer Recommendations in the Inland Pacific Northwest

This study documents the importance of soil fertility in the dryland farming areas of Idaho, Oregon, and Washington. Mail-based surveys conducted in 1981, 1996, and 2011 were used to document the importance placed on soil fertility by farmers. The significant findings of the 2011 survey were (1) more than 62% of the growers attributed more than 50% of their annual crop yield to soil fertility; (2) soil samples were collected at least once in a crop rotation on 91.6% of farms; (3) 31.8% of growers took their own soil samples, whereas fertilizer dealers took 62.8% of the samples; and (4) 54% of growers made their own fertilizer recommendations. Compared to the 1981 survey results, in 2011 farmers were more likely to (1) attribute more of their yields to soil fertility; (2) have their fields soil sampled; (3) collect their own soil samples; and (4) make their own fertilizer recommendations.     

Strategy for Innovation in Soil Tests Illustrated for P Tests

Soil phosphorus (P) tests are used for P fertilization recommendations, environmental evaluations, and occasionally for legislation purposes. The basis of fertilization recommendation as function of soil P status was established in the 1950s–1960s. Since then the agroeconomic environment has altered: Environmental protection became increasingly important and P rock resources for fertilizers appeared exhaustible. Also, new insights in soil testing and fertilization recommendations reflecting more efficient use of P became available. However, these new insights seem hard to implement into agricultural practice, to a large extent because replacing existing soil tests and recommendations would imply a very significant effort with respect to introducing new tests and recommendations by fertilization trials in practice. The same would apply for environmental evaluations. Here, a novel, three-step schedule for introducing new soil tests is proposed: (1) establishing new promising soil tests, (2) creating regression models between the old and new soil tests, and (3) implementing the new soil test stepwise by fertilization trials. In this way, the knowledge based on the old soil tests can be used until the new soil tests and their subsequent crop responses are validated sufficiently. As a novel P test we considered combining soil P intensity [as reflected by P–calcium chloride (CaCl₂)] with P capacity [as reflected by P-ammonium lactate (Al)] and P-buffering capacity (as reflected by P-Al/P-CaCl₂ ratio) characteristics. Researchers tested whether this novel soil test can predict P water (Pw), P–calcium lactate?/?acetate (CAL), and P-Olsen values. To test the hypothesis, four datasets were used (two with Pw, one with P-CAL, and one with P-Olsen). In all datasets additional soil characteristics were available including soil type. Regression models with R_adj ² from 0.80 to 0.93 were obtained by using P-Al, P-CaCl₂, and soil type. It can be concluded that these regressions can be used as a helpful intermediate instrument when introducing fertilization recommendations based on new soil tests. Predicting one soil P test out of other soil characteristics, analogous to the predicted Pw, P-CAL, and P-Olsen, could also be helpful in comparing P statuses of agricultural land in different nations.     

Apparent Electrical Conductivity in Correspondence to Soil Chemical Properties and Plant Nutrients in Soil

Spatial variability and relationship between soil apparent electrical conductivity (EC_a), soil chemical properties, and plant nutrients in soil have not been well documented in Malaysian paddy fields. For this reason precision farming has been used for assessing field conditions. EC_a technique for describing soil spatial variability is used for soil data acquisition. Soil sampling provides the data used to make maps of the spatial patterns in soil properties. Maps are then used to make recommendations on the variation of application rates. The main purpose of the authors in this study was to generate variability map of soil EC_a within a Malaysian rice cultivation area using VerisEC sensor. The EC_a values were compared to some soil properties after delineation. Measured parameters were mapped using kriging technique and their correlation with soil EC_a was determined. Through this study the authors showed that the EC sensor can determine soil spatial variability, where it can acquire the soil information quickly.     

Soil fertility affected by land use history,relief position,and parent material under a tropical climate in NW-Vietnam

In Vietnam as much as half of the total land area is already degraded by soil erosion and nutrient depletion. In particular, degradation due to deforestation is increasingly affecting mountainous areas in north-western Vietnam. The necessity to safeguard the farmers' livelihoods requires sustainable resource management, which firstly requires a qualitative and quantitative evaluation of resources. The objectives of the present study were to (1) identify the dominant soil types and their vulnerability using elicitation of local soil knowledge, (2) characterise the physical and chemical properties of the soils and (3) link them to the relief position and land use in order to (4) initiate sustainable soil use based on recommendations deduced from objectives (1) to (3). These objectives were achieved also by the elicitation of local knowledge. The final aim of the study was to initiate sustainable soil use based on recommendations for sustainable land use scenarios. The Chieng Khoi commune in Son La province of northern Vietnam was chosen as representative for other erosion-prone Southeast Asian sloping areas. In a participatory approach, combining local and scientific knowledge, sixteen sites were selected, representative for distinct relief positions, parent material (sand stone and silt stone), land use history, and erosion hazard. Chemical (e.g. content of organic matter, nitrogen, cation exchange capacity, base saturation, and plant available phosphorous) and physical properties (e.g. air capacity, plant available water) were used to estimate soil fertility. The predominant reference soil groups in the study area are Alisols and Luvisols, with a high diversity in respect to soil fertility. These soils are locally named ‘red soil’ and ‘black soil’, respectively. Although the main physical processes are erosion and selective sedimentation, farmers tend to underestimate their impact and causes, whereas soil quality was well-evaluated. Soils with high fertility were found on less eroded upper parts of hills and at sites, where agricultural use started only recently. Once degraded by cultivation practices, soils derived from sandstone did not recover even after more than 50 years of fallow. As a result of unsustainable land use, soils on middle and lower slopes are often affected by severe soil erosion, whereas foot slope soils suffer from accumulation of eroded infertile subsoil material as well as stagnic conditions. This study showed that unsustainable land use at upslope landscape positions has a severe impact on downslope areas. The elicitation of local knowledge facilitated the identification of such hot spots, allowing the implementation of spatially targeted conservation measures.     

Variability of Soil Analysis in Commercial Laboratories: Implications for Lime and Fertilizer Recommendations

Abstract

Data of soil analysis of 20 samples of 84 commercial laboratories were used to estimate discrepancies among results and analyze the implications for fertilizer recommendations. More than 90% of the laboratories had all results of basic routine analysis of individual samples within the confidence interval (CI). Laboratories with the best performance in the proficiency test (grade A) had only 2.9 and 4.0% of the results outside the CI for the basic and the micronutrient set, respectively. However, the corresponding figures for grade C and D laboratories were 26.2% (basic) and 20.7% (micronutrients). Lime recommendation for a soil with 32% of soil base saturation reached the target value of 70±8% in 74% of the cases. In about 90% of the cases, fertilizer recommendations were on or close to the target rates Sizeable deviations of the fertilizer recommendations for P and K that could affect profit occurred in less than 5% of the results reported.     

Modern Soil State of Reclaimed Lands (Northern Meshchera Lowlands,Vladimir Oblast) under Agricultural Stagnation Conditions

Agriculture in the northern Meshchera lowlands is experiencing considerable difficulties due to both natural causes and the socioeconomic situation in Vladimir oblast. Some properties of reclaimed (drained) sod-podzolic soils remain sufficiently stable, including the considerable thickness of the arable horizon and the relatively high humus content. From the mid-1990s, a decrease in soil nutrient content and an increase in soil acidity have been observed. In recent years, state authorities have not allocated financial means for soil liming. The increase in precipitation in Northern Europe may lead to enhanced gleying in soil profiles and the subsequent transformation of sod-podzolic soils into sod-gley-podzolic. The article presents recommendations on land use.     

论水土、水土生态与水土生态保持

在论述水土在陆地生态系统中的地位和作用的基础上,提出了水土生态的概念,认为植被与水土不可分割的整体观念是水土生态的重要特征。同时,对水土生态保持的含义作了新的定义,并将水土生态保持划分为四大类型,即生态型、自然型、生产型、建设型。从水土生态的高度,从源头上、要素的联系中去认识和防治水土流失,是一种主动的、有机的、整体的水土保持观念,是水土保持认识观的深化和发展,将使水土生态保持事业进入一个崭新的时代。     

土壤酶活性对温度和CO2浓度升高的响应研究

作为土壤生态系统中的重要组成部分及生物元素循环的积极参与者,土壤酶在陆地生态系统地下生态过程中扮演着十分重要的角色。升高温度和(或)大气CO2浓度可能直接或者间接影响其活性。但目前对温度和(或)大气CO2浓度升高对土壤酶的影响机理、过程及土壤酶对其的响应机制研究相对薄弱。本文初步总结了国内外关于温度和(或)大气CO2浓度升高对土壤酶活性影响研究的现状,并指出了目前研究中存在的不足。     

十年来我国测土施肥的进展

近10年来,测土施肥技术在我国取得很大进展,已初步形成了适于我国农业现状的、有自己特点的运行系统。本文对此期间土壤测试方法和推荐施肥技术方面的研究进行了综述和分析,并对一些问题进行了讨论。     

2021年度国家自然科学基金土壤学项目受理与资助分析

本文对2021年度国家自然科学基金土壤学的资助格局进行分析,并以环境地球科学学科土壤学领域的三个二级申请代码：D0701环境土壤学、D0709基础土壤学和D0710土壤侵蚀与土壤肥力等为重点,对面上、青年科学基金、地区科学基金、国家杰出青年科学基金、优秀青年科学基金和重点等项目的申请与受理、通讯评议与上会推荐、资助立项、研究队伍和分类属性等方面进行了深入的分析,为将来的土壤学领域的基金申请提供科学指导。     

测土配方施肥应用软件研究与开发

在实施国家级测土配方施肥项目的实践基础上,将专业知识和电脑编程技术完美结合起来,研发出了一款非常适用的作物测土配方施肥专家。该软件集测土配方施肥数据库建立与维护、测土配方公式自定义与测试、精准配方施肥计算、施肥建议卡和土样测定评价表定制与填充、采样地块信息归类汇总统计、批量作业等功能于一体。阐述了该软件产生的背景、目的和意义、软件特点、主要特色功能以及主要功能模块应用。     

Soil fertility in indigenous swidden fields and fallows in northern Amazonia,Brazil

In the northern Brazilian Amazon, indigenous peoples who inhabit the savannas of Roraima, plant their crop fields in frequently managed “forest islands” using a rotating “slash-and-burn” system. The system advocates long-term sustainability, but population growth and threats to indigenous lands have led to shorter rotations and greater frequency of use of forest island areas. Our objective was to examine soil texture and fertility (0–20 cm in depth) in indigenous crop fields (roças) and fallow lands (capoeiras, secondary forests), generating recommendations that may help to optimize traditional soil management. Results indicated that roça sites are less acidic than capoeira sites, which was expected as ashes produced by burning are alkalizing, but acidity did not increase again after 8 months of cultivation, and pH was high in all sites (>6). The general increase in nutrients expected in roças compared with capoeiras did not occur. The expected decrease of soil fertility after first months of cultivation did not happen, nor the increase of soil fertility according to fallow length. Overall, soil texture proved to be the main determinant of fertility. The unexpected results suggest that the edaphic processes resulting from the traditional indigenous cultivations, practised for centuries or millennia in this region, likely contributed to the current stabilization of soil acidity and fertility. The stable moderate fertility and stable high pH observed in all sites are advantages for production in slash-and-burn systems in this region, and this is especially important for more pressured areas, where agroecological practices could improve soil use and management. Although not determinant for soil fertility recovery at the studied depth (0–20 cm), the fallow period (growth of capoeiras) is still important for recovery of environmental and social functions of forest islands.     

Measuring Soil and Tissue Potassium with a Portable Ion-Specific Electrode in Cotton

Most laboratories make potassium (K) fertilizer recommendations based on field research calibrated with soil K from atomic absorption spectroscopy, flame emission spectroscopy, or inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Information is needed to interpret readings from K⁺ meters on cotton. The objective was to compare soil and cotton plant sap potassium content from a Laqua Twin? K⁺ meter to results from standard tests. Aluminum sulfate solution was used with the meter to extract K from 10 soil samples from the North America Proficiency Testing program. A linear relationship (R² = 0.86) was found between K measured with a K⁺ meter and K measured with 138 labs using ammonium acetate or Mehlich-3. Using a factor of 1.4754 to adjust readings, fertilizer recommendations with the K⁺ meter were similar to results from atomic absorption spectroscopy. A linear relationship was found between petiole K measured in the lab and petiole sap measured with the K⁺ meter.     

黑土、潮土和红壤可溶性有机质的光谱特征及结构差异

为探究不同类型土壤可溶性有机质(DOM)含量和结构的差异性,选取黑土、潮土和红壤3种土壤的表层土壤(0～20 cm)为研究对象,提取其中的DOM,应用紫外–可见光谱、荧光光谱等技术,分析土壤中DOM的数量和光谱特征.结果显示:3种不同类型土壤中可溶性有机碳(DOC)含量及其与土壤有机碳(SOC)的比值(SOC/DOC)...     

Radiometric Field Measurements of Maize for estimating Soil and Plant Nitrogen

Conventional recommendations of nitrogen (N) fertiliser are based on composite soil samples. This may result in either underfertilisation or overfertilisation due to the neglected spatial variability. This paper shows a procedure to estimate in season plant and soil nitrogen by using remote sensing. The study was conducted on two experimental sites. The first experiment consisted of six non-replicated fertiliser plots. These data were used to develop the relationships between reflectance data and the plant and soil N. The second experiment had four plots with various N and water treatments on which the developed relationships were verified. Plant N, soil N and reflectance data from both nadir and 75° view angles were collected almost weekly. The nitrogen reflectance index was employed to estimate plant N. Regression analysis was used to develop relationships. Spatial variability was mapped in ArcView geographical information system. Regression analysis between reflectance data and plant N, and soil N and plant N showed good relationships at various stages. The nadir view tended to underestimate the plant and soil parameters, whereas the 75° view slightly overestimated. Geographic information system mapping of measured and estimated soil N showed an agreement except in locations where high N spots were encountered.     

Soil Testing and Plant Analysis Relationships for Irrigated Chile Production

In a field study of irrigated chile (Capsicum annum L.) production in southeastern Arizona and southwestern New Mexico from 2008 through 2009, soil and tissue test samples were analyzed for a spectrum of plant nutrients at 16 different sites, including nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), and boron (B). The objectives were to evaluate soil and tissue nutrient testing procedures and to establish basic soil and plant tissue-testing guidelines and recommendations with respect to yield potentials. Soil samples were collected before planting. Plant tissue samples from plots at all sites were collected at the following four stages of growth: first bloom (FB), early bloom (EB), peak bloom (PB), and physiological maturity (PM). Fertilizer and nutrient inputs were monitored, managed, and recorded within current extension guidelines for irrigated chiles. Results for soil and tissue analyses were compared to yield results. The results provide estimates for baselines, which can be tested through subsequent calibration experiments to establish recommendations for critical soil- and tissue-test values. Absolute minimum soil-test nutrient values were identified as 10 parts per million (ppm) P, 110 ppm K, 0.3 ppm Zn, 2.0 ppm Fe, and 0.25 ppm B. Absolute minimum FB leaf tissue test values were 0.2% P, 4.5% K, 10 ppm Zn, 80 ppm Fe, and 30 ppm B. Complete data sets for leaf and petiole tissue-test values for all stages of growth were collected. These soil-test and plant nutrient values will be evaluated in subsequent experiments to better define fertilizer nutrient inputs and to gain better nutrient-management efficiencies in irrigated chile production systems.     

The rice soils of Cambodia. I. Soil classification for agronomists using the Cambodian Agronomic Soil Classification system

Abstract. This paper describes a soil classification system developed for agronomists in Cambodia that has proved useful in improving soil fertility management. The classification system relies on soil characteristics that are easily identifiable in the field and have agronomic relevance. The system was used in the on-farm trial programme of the Cambodia-IRRI-Australia Project (CIAP) in 1996 and 1997 to determine whether it could adequately discriminate between soil types and improve fertility management.   Using diagnostic criteria that could be identified in the field, 11 soil groups were defined and subdivided into a further 20 phases. Soil groups were defined as units of morphologically similar soils, which occurred at the same position in the landscape. Classification of soil phases within a soil group was primarily based on soil properties that had significance for crop production, this included information gained from local experience and expertise. A modified version of the Fertility Capability Classification (Sanchez et al., 1982) was added as a third level to allow a more quantitative classification in cases where soil analytical data was available, and to facilitate the transfer of agronomically important soil information from outside Cambodia.   The soil groups adequately predicted differences in grain yields of rice grown on the different soils in on-farm trials and provided the basis for soil-specific management recommendations. Local agronomists have welcomed the system and have incorporated it into their research and extension operations.     

土壤—景观定量模型研究进展

传统土壤调查和制图建立在调查者经验思维基础上,目前对高精度土壤信息的大量需求对传统技巧性土壤调查方式提出了挑战,量化的土壤———景观模型日益受到土壤科学家的重视。近十年内世界各国开展了大量研究,试图将数字地形分析,GIS技术和土壤调查技术相结合,通过对景观信息的分析预测土壤信息。本文简要阐述土壤景观模型的基本原理和定义,对线性回归、回归树、判别分析、模糊聚类、地统计学、模糊推理和规则网络等模型的研究进展进行总结。在此基础上讨论了模型的发展方向和应用前景。     

福建早稻测土配方施肥指标体系研究

根据近年来完成的135个氮、磷、钾肥效试验结果,建立福建早稻测土配方施肥指标体系。结果表明,土壤对稻谷的平均贡献率为73.5%,施用氮、磷、钾平均增产18.1%、5.4%和8.6%,土壤贡献率和氮、磷、钾增产效果与肥力等级成正比。山区早稻高产临界指标分别为碱解氮212 mg/kg、Olsen-P26 mg/kg和速效钾116 mg/kg,沿海早稻则分别为碱解氮203 mg/kg、Olsen-P 22 mg/kg和速效钾104 mg/kg,明显低于山区稻田。早稻最高施肥量平均为N166 kg/hm2、P2O569 kg/hm2和K2O 113 kg/hm2,经济施肥量平均为N 134 kg/hm2、P2O535 kg/hm2和K2O 78kg/hm2,但不同生产区域和土壤肥力等级的氮、磷、钾推荐用量有一定差异。建立了土测值与氮、磷、钾推荐用量的回归方程式,从而达到因土施肥的目的。