Soil Quality Indicators Response to Land Use and Soil Management Systems in Northern Ethiopia's Catchment

Assessment of soil quality (SQ) indicators that detect soil degradation in different land use and soil management systems (LUSMS) is desirable to achieve sustainable management strategies. The LUSMS identified for evaluation included natural forest (LS1), plantation of protected area (LS2), grazed land (LS3), teff (Eragrostis tef)‐faba bean (Vicia faba) rotation (LS4), teff‐wheat (Triticum vulgare)/barley (Hordeum vulgare) rotation (LS5), teff mono‐cropping (LS6), maize (Zea mays) mono‐cropping (LS7), and uncultivated marginal land (LS8). The SQ indicators were significantly influenced (p ≤ 0·05) by the LUSMS. The first four principal components with eigenvalue > 1 explain about 88% of the SQ variability across the LUSMS. The final principal component chosen indicators that mainly influence SQ variability were organic carbon, total nitrogen, cation exchange capacity, total phosphorus, silt, bulk density, and iron. In this study, a higher SQ was found in LS1 followed by LS2, whereas a seriously degraded SQ was observed in LS8 followed by LS6. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Soil erosion assessment of Lake Alemaya catchment,Ethiopia

Land degradation due to soil erosion is the major problem facing Ethiopia today. In the Lake Alemaya catchment soil erosion is caused by the intense rainfall, steep topography, and poor vegetation cover coupled with cultivation of steep lands, and inadequate conservation practices. Sediment from the catchment has affected the storage capacity of Lake Alemaya. This study has integrated the Agricultural Non‐point Source Pollution Model (AGNPS) and the technique of the Gographic Information System (GIS) to quantify soil erosion in the Lake Alemaya catchment. After application of the AGNPS, it appears that 66 per cent of the catchment has a soil erosion rate of 10 to more than 80 t ha⁻¹ y⁻¹. The annual soil loss is estimated at 31 t ha⁻¹, which is more than the permissible value of 1–16 t ha⁻¹ for different agro‐ecological zones of Ethiopia. The sediment yield of the catchment is about 10 148 ton with a delivery ratio of 6·82 per cent. Therefore, an effective management plan is needed for the conservation and rehabilitation of the catchment and to maintain the storage capacity of Lake Alemaya. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Long-term soil management effects on crop yields and soil quality in a dryland Alfisol

A long-term experiment was conducted with the objective of selecting the appropriate land management treatments and to identify the key indicators of soil quality for dryland semi-arid tropical Alfisols. The experiment was conducted using a strip split–split plot design on an Alfisol (Typic Haplustalf) in southern India under sorghum (Sorghum vulgare (L))-castor (Ricinus communis (L)) bean rotation. The strip constituted two tillage treatments: conventional tillage (CT) and minimum tillage (MT); main plots were three residues treatments: sorghum stover (SS), gliricidia loppings (GL), ‘no’ residue (NR) and sub plots were four nitrogen levels: 0 (N₀), 30 (N₃₀), 60 (N₆₀), and 90 kg ha⁻¹ (N₉₀). Soil samples were collected after the sixth and seventh year of experimentation and were analyzed for physical, chemical and biological parameters. Sustainable yield index (SYI) based on long-term yield data and soil quality index (SQI) using principal component analysis (PCA) and linear scoring functions were calculated. Application of gliricidia loppings proved superior to sorghum stover and no residue treatments in maintaining higher SQI values. Further, increasing N levels also helped in maintaining higher SQI. Among the 24 treatments, the SQI ranged from 0.90 to 1.27. The highest SQI was obtained in CTGLN₉₀ (1.27) followed by CTGLN₆₀ (1.19) and MTSSN₉₀ (1.18), while the lowest was under MTNRN₃₀ (0.90) followed by MTNRN₀ (0.94), indicating relatively less aggradative effects. The application of 90 kg N ha⁻¹ under minimum tillage even without applying any residue (MTNRN₉₀) proved quite effective in maintaining soil quality index as high as 1.10. The key indicators, which contributed considerably towards SQI, were available N, K, S, microbial biomass carbon (MBC) and hydraulic conductivity (HC). On average, the order of relative contribution of these indicators towards SQI was: available N (32%), MBC (31%), available K (17%), HC (16%), and S (4%). Among the various treatments, CTGLN₉₀ not only had the highest SQI, but also the most promising from the viewpoint of sustainability, maintaining higher average yield levels under sorghum–castor rotation. From the view point of SYI, CT approach remained superior to MT. To maintain the yield as well as soil quality in Alfisols, primary tillage along with organic residue and nitrogen application are needed.     

Different approaches to evaluating soil quality using biochemical properties

Soil biochemical properties are indicators of soil quality, but there is still no consensus as to how they should be used. We review the trends in their use over the last decade. Generally, biochemical properties related to the biocycles of the elements (C, N, P and S) are used to diagnose soil quality. These properties include both general biochemical parameters (i.e. microbial biomass C, dehydrogenase activity and N mineralization potential) and specific biochemical parameters (i.e. the activity of hydrolytic enzymes, such as phosphatase, urease and β-glucosidase). Biochemical properties can be used both individually, as simple indices, or in combination using complex equations derived from mathematical combinations or the application of statistical programs. The results described in the literature for both are contradictory and question the validity of the use of biochemical properties as quality indicators. Complex expressions, in which different properties are combined, are thought to be highly suitable for estimating soil quality, although their use is limited to the area and situation in which they have been described. Generally, the greatest problems posed by the use of biochemical properties as soil quality indicators include the lack of reference values, the contradictory behaviour shown by these properties when a soil is degraded, and the regional variations in expression levels. Most of these problems are derived from the scarce information available on the biochemical properties of soil. For this reason, obtaining soil quality indicators of general use will require a coordinated effort from the international scientific community to standardise the analytical methods and to compile databases of biochemical properties from soils under diverse geographic conditions and with different uses and management.     

土壤质量评价指标及其时空变异

综述了土壤质量的概念及其研究进展,并探讨了土壤质量指标的选择原则,得出不同土壤的评价应以土壤的功能为基础并采用不同的标准。在以往研究中,人们一直强调以土壤物理、化学特性作为土壤质量指标。目前,国内外关于土壤生物学指标的研究日益增多,一些参数作为生物指标已表现出很大的潜力并成为系统稳定性的早期预警和敏感指标。之后阐述了国内外土壤质量指标空间变异的研究现状,探讨了该领域研究中存在的问题,展望了国内外土壤空间变异的研究前景。     

Watershed-scale assessment of soil quality in the loess hills of southwest Iowa

Soil quality is a concept that integrates soil biological, chemical and physical factors into a framework for soil resource evaluation. Conventional tillage practices can result in a loss of soil organic matter and decreased soil quality. The potential for soil quality degradation with tillage may vary depending upon landscape position and the spatial distribution of critical soil properties. Information on how to accurately integrate soil spatial information across fields, landscapes and watersheds is lacking in the literature. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the long-term effect of conventional and ridge-tillage on soil quality in three small watersheds at the Deep Loess Research Station near the town of Treynor in southwest Iowa. Soil types included Monona silt loams in summit positions, Ida or Dow silt loams in backslope positions, and Napier or Kennebec silt loams in footslope positions. We removed surface soil cores from transects placed along topographic gradients in each watershed and quantified total soil organic C (SOC), total soil N (TN), particulate organic matter C (POM-C) and N (POM-N), microbial biomass C (MB-C), N mineralization potential (PMIN-N), nitrate N, extractable P and K, pH, water-stable macroaggregates (WSA), and bulk density (BD). We used terrain analysis methods to group the data into landform element classes to evaluate the effect of topographic position on soil quality. Results indicate that soil quality is higher under long-term ridge-tillage compared with conventional tillage. Soil quality differences were consistently documented among the three watersheds by: (1) quantification of soil indicator variables, (2) calculation of soil quality index values, and (3) comparison of indicator variable and index results with independent assessments of soil function endpoints (i.e. sediment loss, water partitioning at the soil surface, and crop yield). Soil quality differences under ridge-till were found specifically for the backslope and shoulder landform elements, suggesting that soil quality increases on these landform elements are responsible for higher watershed-scale soil quality in the ridge-tilled watershed.     

A preliminary watershed scale soil quality assessment in north central Iowa, USA

Soil quality assessment has been recognized as an important step toward understanding the long-term effects of conservation practices within agricultural watersheds. Our objective was to assess soil quality within the South Fork watershed of the Iowa River using various indicators and assessment approaches. Soil samples were collected during 2003 and 2004 from 29 areas of 32 ha (80 acres) each along two transects traversing the watershed. Soil pH, Mehlich III extractable P, K, Ca and Mg, electrical conductivity (EC), total organic carbon (TOC), and total N (TN) were measured. The Soil Management Assessment Framework (SMAF) was used to compute a soil quality index (SQI), while soil loss, the soil tillage intensity rating (STIR), N-leaching potential, and soil conditioning index (SCI) were determined for each sampling area using the 2003 version of the Revised Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE2). Overall, there were no soil fertility limitations within the watershed based on an average pH of 6.96 and extractable P and K levels of 36 and 162 mg kg⁻¹, respectively. Soil loss, STIR, N-leaching, and SCI averaged 1.13 Mg ha⁻¹, 68, 3, and 0.4, respectively. The SMAF analysis indicated soils within the watershed were functioning at 87% of their full potential. The lowest indicator score was associated with TOC (0.60) because the average value was only 28.4 g kg⁻¹. The SCI and SQI indices were positively correlated although since it used measured data, the SMAF appears to provide more information about the effects of management practices within the watershed. Soils in upper landscape positions had lower TOC and C:N ratios indicating an increased risks for both erosion and for nitrate leaching. Management of soils on hilltops may be the most effective way to minimize N and P losses within the watershed.     

Defining the validity of a biochemical index of soil quality

 The native soils of Galicia (NW Spain) exhibit a biochemical equilibrium such that total soil N is a function of five biochemical and microbiological parameters: microbial biomass C, mineralized N, phosphomonoesterase, β-glucosidase and urease activities. To investigate whether the ratio of the total N calculated from biochemical soil properties (Nc) and the total N as measured by the Kjeldahl method (Nk; Nc/Nk) can be used as an index of soil quality, we determined these variables and consequently the ratio in three kinds of disturbed soils: an artificially Cu-contaminated soil, two lignite mine soils, and a number of arable soils. In none of the studied soils did the individual biochemical parameters respond consistently to the factors influencing soil quality, but in all cases soil degradation was reflected by the Nc/Nk value, which differed more or less markedly from 100%. Nc/Nk can therefore be used for the rapid evaluation of soil degradation, since it distinguishes among biochemically balanced soils, soils in a transient state of high microbiological and biochemical activity and degraded soils. It can also serve as a reliable basis for the rapid calculation of the "ecological dose" (ED₅₀) of soil pollutants. The use of Nc/Nk as an objective index of the biochemical quality of soils is recommended. Received: 20 December 1998     

Short-term green manure and tillage management effects on maize yield and soil quality in an Andisol

Andisols are very important land resources supporting high human population density. Maize (Zea mays L.) production on Andisols located in the Purhepecha Region of central Mexico is representative of the highlands conditions of Mexico and Latin America. Farmers struggle with low crop yield and low soil nutrient availability. A 2-year field study was conducted to evaluate the effects of green manures either tilled into the soil (CT) or cut and left on the surface as a mulch (ZT), on maize yield and soil quality. Green manure treatments were: vetch (Vicia sativa L.), oat (Avena sativa L.) and none. No extra N was added to maize. Green manure and tillage had a significant effect on maize grain yield, N uptake and P uptake with CT vetch performing better than ZT oat. Soil organic C and total N were significantly higher under ZT than under CT management. Soils with vetch had higher P concentration. Soil under ZT oat had the highest infiltration rate and penetration resistance compared with other treatments. There appears to be a trade off between soil productivity and intrinsic soil physical properties among soil treatments.     

Suitability of enzyme activities for the monitoring of soil quality improvement in organic agricultural systems

There is growing interest in the applications of soil enzymes as early indicators of soil quality change under contrasting agricultural management practices. However, despite there being an abundant literature on this subject, most comparative assessments have been based on a limited number of experimental farms and, therefore, conclusions are not as robust as desired. In this study, we compare 18 pairs of organic and neighbouring conventional olive orchards in southern Spain. These sites were selected to allow the definition of the relative contributions of site-landscape features, soil type, and time since organic accreditation and tillage intensity, on the soil quality. Soils were analysed for physico-chemical properties, the activities of dehydrogenase, β-glucosidase, arylsulphatase, acid and alkaline phosphatase, and potential nitrification. The geometric mean of the assayed enzymes (GMea) was validated with an independently performed Principal Component Analysis (PCA), and used as a combined soil quality index. The effects of tillage intensity and time since organic accreditation on the improvement of soil quality were also evaluated within the subset of organic farms. Overall for the 18 sites, contrasted management practices did not differ in their impact on basic soil physico-chemical properties, except for loss of on ignition and available inorganic N which were higher and lower in organic farms, respectively. Organic management resulted in significantly higher soil enzyme activities. However, differences were not significant in some of the paired comparisons when considered individually. This highlights the need for extensive comparative assessment, as in this study, to draw clear conclusions concerning the changes to soil quality under sustainable management practices. The GMea was significantly correlated with the first axis of the PCA and shown to be appropriate for condensing the set of soil enzyme values to a sole numerical value. Soil quality changes in organic versus conventional farms, as measured by the GMea, ranged from −23% to 97%, and was highly dependent on time since organic accreditation (r = 0.88; P < 0.01). On the other hand, tillage intensity clearly tended to delay any progress in soil quality in the organic farms.     

海南岛土壤质量系统评价与区域特征探析

研究建立了海南岛热带地区土壤质量系统评价模型 ,并对该岛土壤质量进行综合评价 ,结果表明海南岛土壤养分有效性为主要限制因子 ,水分有效性和根系适宜性状较好 ,土壤综合质量中等偏上。与林地相比其他土地利用方式土壤质量均有所下降     

Tillage and cropping effects on soil quality indicators in the northern Great Plains

The extreme climate of the northern Great Plains of North America requires cropping systems to possess a resilient soil resource in order to be sustainable. This paper summarizes the interactive effects of tillage, crop sequence, and cropping intensity on soil quality indicators for two long-term cropping system experiments in the northern Great Plains. The experiments, located in central North Dakota, were established in 1984 and 1993 on a Wilton silt loam (FAO: Calcic Siltic Chernozem; USDA¹: fine-silty, mixed, superactive frigid Pachic Haplustoll). Soil physical, chemical, and biological properties considered as indicators of soil quality were evaluated in spring 2001 in both experiments at depths of 0–7.5, 7.5–15, and 15–30 cm. Management effects on soil properties were largely limited to the surface 7.5 cm in both experiments. For the experiment established in 1984, differences in soil condition between a continuous crop, no-till system and a crop–fallow, conventional tillage system were substantial. Within the surface 7.5 cm, the continuous crop, no-till system possessed significantly more soil organic C (by 7.28 Mg ha⁻¹), particulate organic matter C (POM-C) (by 4.98 Mg ha⁻¹), potentially mineralizable N (PMN) (by 32.4 kg ha⁻¹), and microbial biomass C (by 586 kg ha⁻¹), as well as greater aggregate stability (by 33.4%) and faster infiltration rates (by 55.6 cm h⁻¹) relative to the crop–fallow, conventional tillage system. Thus, soil from the continuous crop, no-till system was improved with respect to its ability to provide a source for plant nutrients, withstand erosion, and facilitate water transfer. Soil properties were affected less by management practices in the experiment established in 1993, although organic matter related properties tended to be greater under continuous cropping or minimum tillage than crop sequences with fallow or no-till. In particular, PMN and microbial biomass C were greatest in continuous spring wheat (with residue removed) (22.5 kg ha⁻¹ for PMN; 792 kg ha⁻¹ for microbial biomass C) as compared with sequences with fallow (SW–S–F and SW–F) (Average=15.9 kg ha⁻¹ for PMN; 577 kg ha⁻¹ for microbial biomass C). Results from both experiments confirm that farmers in the northern Great Plains of North America can improve soil quality and agricultural sustainability by adopting production systems that employ intensive cropping practices with reduced tillage management.     

Evaluation of two methods of soil quality assessment as influenced by slash and burn in tropical rainforest ecology of Nigeria

The sustainability of slash-and-burn agriculture for sustainable crop production has been a subject of controversy. The objective of this study was to quantify the effect of slash and burn on soil quality. Two sites, Ibadan (7° 23′ N; 3° 51′ E) and Akure (7° 17′ N; 5° 14′ E), within the tropical rainforest of Nigeria were selected for the study. Burnt and unburnt soils were cropped with maize, melon, and cowpea (in sole and intercrops). Soil and earthworm cast samples were collected and analyzed for physical, chemical, and biological indicators. Integration into soil processes and quality indices involved the transformation of analyzed indicators using Soil Management Assessment Framework (SMAF) and Multiple Variable Indicator Transform (MVIT) techniques. Organic matter, water-stable aggregates, pH, cation exchange capacity, macroporosity, and water infiltration were reduced after burning in both sites. Active carbon and potentially mineralizable nitrogen increased after burning at Ibadan but decreased after burning at Akure. Soil quality decreased after burning by a range of 11.3–24.8% using SMAF and MVIT, respectively, although only MVIT showed significant differences (p ≤ 0.05). Test crops increased in yields on burnt soils due to prompt release of nutrients to the crops; the benefit was dwarfed by the adverse effects of burning on soil quality indices.     

The positive relationship between soil quality and crop production: A case study on the effect of farm compost application

In order to ensure sustainable agriculture, and for evaluating the effects of management practices on soil processes, tools for assessing soil quality are required. The development and use of a multiparameter index, which includes a wide range of soil properties, have been tested and found useful by several studies. However, soil quality measurements are ‘stand-alone’ tools unless they are either linked to important soil functions, used to characterize (agro)ecosystems or used to predict sustainability or productivity. In our study, the relationship between crop production and soil quality was assessed in a six year old field experiment studying the effect of farm compost (FC) amendment in a crop rotation of potato, fodder beet, forage maize and Brussels sprouts. To justify the hypothesis that repeated FC amendment results in both improved soil quality and consequently higher crop yields, a wide range of chemical, biological and physical soil properties were measured and integrated into a soil quality index (SQI). Next, crop yields were used as a functional goal to verify the causal relationship between SQI and crop production. Our results showed that there were significant changes in chemical, physical and biological soil quality as a result of repeated FC amendment. This was evidenced for example by a remarkable increase in both soil organic carbon (SOC) and total N content. Microbial biomass, the relative amount of bacterivorous nematodes and earthworm number were significantly increased as well and, together with SOC and total N, indicated as the dominant factors in assessing soil quality. The integration of these key indicators into the SQI revealed higher SQI values when FC was applied. In addition, crop yields were increased in all FC treated plots by which SOC was pointed out as the most important indicator influencing crop production. Finally, a causal relationship was observed between soil quality and the yield of potato and fodder beet. We conclude that our SQI may be a promising and useful tool to compare different (soil) management practices in relation to a strategic, regional goal, e.g., sustainable high yields. Before generalizing, we recommend a thorough validation of our SQI in other long-term field experiments.     

Long-term tillage effects on soil quality

Public interest in soil quality is increasing, but assessment is difficult because soil quality evaluations are often purpose- and site-specific. Our objective was to use a systems engineering methodology to evaluate soil quality with data collected following a long-term tillage study on continuous corn (Zea mays L.). Aggregate characteristics, penetration resistance, bulk density, volumetric water content, earthworm populations, respiration, microbial biomass, ergosterol concentrations, and several soil-test parameters (pH, P, K, Ca, Mg, Total-N, Total-C, NH₄-N, and NO₃-N) were measured on Orthic Luvisol soil samples collected from Rozetta and Palsgrove silt loam (fine-silty, mixed, mesic Typic Hapludalfs) soils. Plots managed using no-till practices for 12 years before samples were collected for this study had surface soil aggregates that were more stable in water and had higher total carbon, microbial activity, ergosterol concentrations, and earthworm populations than either the chisel or plow treatments. Selected parameters were combined in the proposed soil quality index and gave ratings of 0.48, 0.49, or 0.68 for plow, chisel, or no-till treatments, respectively. This indicated that long-term no-till management had improved soil quality. The prediction was supported by using a sprinkler infiltration study to measure the amount of soil loss from plots that had been managed using no-till or mold-board plow tillage. We conclude that no-till practices on these soils can improve soil quality and that the systems engineering methodology may be useful for developing a more comprehensive soil quality index that includes factors such as pesticide and leaching potentials.     

Effects of biodegradable mulch on soil quality

Biodegradable plastic films are desirable alternatives to traditional black polyethylene plastic for use as mulches in agroecosystems. Efforts are ongoing to engineer biodegradable plastic mulches that could be incorporated into the soil at the end of the crop season, and decomposed by microorganisms, ultimately to CO₂, H₂O, and biomass. Whether changes in soil quality occur during or following biodegradation is unknown. An 18-month study evaluated the effects on soil quality following burial of four potentially biodegradable mulches and a no mulch control in high tunnel and open field tomato production systems across three geographically distinct locations (Knoxville, TN; Lubbock, TX; Mount Vernon, WA). The mulch treatments included: two starch-based mulches (BioAgri^® Ag-Film and BioTelo Agri); one experimental 100% polylactic acid mulch (Spunbond-PLA-10); one cellulose-based mulch (WeedGuardPlus; positive control); and a negative control (no mulch). The soil management assessment framework (SMAF) was used to calculate a soil quality index (SQI) according to five dynamic soil properties: microbial biomass carbon, β-glucosidase, electrical conductivity, total organic carbon (TOC), and pH. Within the 18-month evaluation period, the effects of the biodegradable mulches on the SQI were minor, and dependent upon production system and time of incubation at all locations. In general, the SQI was higher in the high tunnel systems for some of the mulch treatments at Knoxville and Lubbock but the opposite was true at Mount Vernon. By the final sampling at 18 months, the SQI was lowest for WeedGuardPlus at Lubbock and Mount Vernon but at Knoxville, the WeedGuardPlus SQI was not significantly different from the no mulch control. Of the five SMAF indicators evaluated, soil microbial biomass and β-glucosidase activity were the most responsive to mulch and production systems, supporting the use of these variables as soil quality indicators for short-term changes due to this agricultural management practice.     

应用SGS和LHS分析数字土壤质量评价中的不确定性

土壤信息不确定性在空间分析中的传递是数字土壤评价中的关键问题。本文提出使用序贯高斯模拟(Sequential Gaussian simulation,SGS)和拉丁超立方抽样(Latin hypercube sampling,LHS)相结合的方法(即SGS-LHS),来应对该问题,目的在于充分利用SGS和LHS各自的优点,互补各自的缺点,以提高不确定性传递分析的准确性和效率。这种方法(包括两种途径:SGS-LHS1和SGS-LHS2)和SGS、LHS一起被应用于香港农田土壤质量评价中,并进行了比较。结果表明:(1)SGS-LHS分析所得的不确定性结果与SGS接近一致,与LHS则有一定的差别,但差别不大;(2)SGS-LHS估计不确定性的准确性与SGS接近一致,且两者均高于LHS,尽管LHS估计的置信度区间平均宽度略显精确。     

闽南农业小流域土壤反硝化作用研究

土壤反硝化是流域土壤氮损失的重要途径之一。利用乙炔抑制培养法对五川流域内表层土壤的反硝化进行测定,研究发现,闽南农业小流域土壤具有较强的反硝化作用强度,在种植季节土壤平均反硝化作用强度为N 0.1 kg/(hm2.d),最高达到N 0.6 kg/(hm2.d),其中蔬菜地反硝化作用强于其他土地利用类型。反硝化作用同土壤的含水量、温度以及NO3-含量都存在有正相关关系,温度是流域土壤反硝化作用的最主要影响因子。五川流域土壤经由反硝化作用氮损失量占流域施肥量的16%,稍高于国内其他地区。     

A standardized soil quality index for diverse field conditions

  目的  为了有针对性选取典型潮土区的土壤质量评价最优方法,而进行不同种植制度下的土壤质量评价。  方法  以华北典型潮土区为研究区域,结合实测与调研数据,运用主成分分析法筛选最小数据,基于线性和非线性两种评分指标方法与加性（SQIa）、加权加性（SQIw）和记忆（SQIn）三种不同的土壤质量指数法。选取最优方法的同时,评价典型潮土区不同种植制度下的土壤质量。  结果  ①描述性统计分析表明,河北省中部潮土区土壤pH变异系数属于弱变异性,其余指标都属于中等变异性;有效磷、阳离子交换量（CEC）、土壤有机质（SOM）、土壤的速效养分含量的变异系数较大。②相关性研究表明,作物单产与SOM、全氮（TN）和缓效钾含量显著正相关,与土壤pH、速效钾、水溶态硼、有效铜、有效锌和有效铜含量呈显著负相关。③方法研究表明,典型潮土区最小数据集是SOM、缓效钾、有效铁、水解性氮、有效锌、有效磷、有效硫含量。不同方法最小数据集（MDS）与总数据集（TDS）的相关性强弱为：SQIw-NL > SQIa-NL > SQIw-L > SQIa-L > SQIn-L > SQIn-NL。④空间特征研究表明,研究区的土壤质量主要由中等等级II、III和IV等级主导。土壤质量指数（SQI）从南到北减少。⑤土地利用研究表明,不同种植制度土壤质量的大小顺序为：小麦－玉米/豆 > 花生 > 麦－玉米 > 棉花 > 玉米。  结论  华北潮土区的最佳土壤质量评价方法是SQIw-NL法,最小数据集为SOM、缓效钾、有效铁、水解性氮、有效锌、有效磷、有效硫含量,不同管理措施一定程度下影响了作物的生长发育,且小麦-玉米/豆轮作可以提升土壤质量,献县的土壤质量相对较高。     

Mineralisation and humification of plant matter in soil samples as a tool in the testing of soil quality

Since life is inevitably dependent on the assimilation and dissimilation of carbon, and since most of the organic carbon is bound in soil humic matter, the mineralisation and humification of plant carbon in soil should be monitored, so as to evaluate soil quality and avoid ecological risks. For this reason we suggested an incubation test of thirty days in duration with soil samples amended or not with lucerne meal as a source of plant carbon. During the incubation period, CO₂ release is to be measured repeatedly, and thereafter contents of humic acids (HA) and fulvic acids (FA) should be estimated and compared with those determined in the original soil samples. Our results obtained with samples from non-fertilized or long-term (?>?40 years) fertilized plots of two field trials indicate that fertilization by NPK?+ farm yard manure resulted in (i) a slight enhancement of C mineralisation, i.e., CO₂ release from soil, and (ii) a significant increases of HA and FA contents. Soil samples from a reclaimed mine spoil, and either fertilised or not with sewage sludge did not show distinct differences in the same parameters. The practicability of the incubation test as a tool in the monitoring of soil quality should be further proved using samples from differently affected soils.