Human-altered and human-transported (HAHT) soils in the U.S. soil classification system

ABSTRACT

Human-altered and human-transported (HAHT) soils are widespread across the globe and are concentrated near where people live and work. Although some of the HAHT soils are significant because they can be hazardous to human, animal, and plant health, most are not mapped or classified to the same extent as agricultural soils. The purpose of this article is to discuss the occurrence, types, and importance of HAHT soils and to document the historical and proposed classification of HAHT soils in Soil Taxonomy. There are two main forms of materials that define HAHT soils: human-altered soils formed in human-altered materials (HAM) from the soil surface to 50 cm (or to bedrock if shallower) or more and human-transported soils formed in human-transported materials (HTM) from the soil surface to 50 cm (or to bedrock if shallower) or more. The HAHT soils mainly occur in urban areas, transportation corridors, mined lands, landfills, filled shallow water, and agricultural areas on anthropogenic landforms. Hazards include danger from radioactivity, pollution, content of hazardous artifacts, or presence on unstable landforms that may fail during heavy rains or earthquakes. The HAHT soils are extensive, and their extent is growing. In the past, few HAHT soils were described or classified adequately because the U.S. Soil Taxonomy system was established for agricultural and other naturally occurring soils. However, HAHT soils are now being recognized and classified in many soil classification systems at very high levels. A new soil order is proposed for U.S. Soil Taxonomy that would include the most obvious profoundly and intentionally altered HAHT soils. A discussion and justification is given for an unofficial proposal. Input will be collected from international groups of scientists, and modifications of the unofficial proposal are expected. The long-term result of establishing a new soil order will be to enable proper classification, allocation, and mapping of HAHT soils worldwide.     

Biochar effects on soil chemical properties and mobilization of cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) in paddy soil

This study focused on the effects of biochar (BC) application on soil chemical properties and mobilization of cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) in the paddy soil. BC was applied at the rate of 0, 10, 20 and 40 t ha⁻¹, respectively. BC application caused a significant increase in soil organic carbon contents (SOC), pH, nitrate–nitrogen (-N),and available phosphorus contents (AP) in the top and subsurface soil, while SOC contents in the subsurface soil decreased with increasing rate of BC. BC40 effectively reduced the mobility of Cd and Pb from the top layer to the subsurface soil, while concentrations of Cd and Pb in the topsoil remained unchanged. Path analysis showed that the direct path coefficient AP was highest; SOC, -N and AP had a negative direct effect on the Cd and Pb in subsurface soil. Soil pH and -N had a high negative indirect effect through AP. The decision coefficient decreased in the following order: pH, AP, SOC, -N and -N. Regression analysis showed that soil Cd and Pb had a significant linear correlation with soil AP, whereas soil Pb also had a significant linear correlation with soil pH. In conclusion, BC40 can alter soil chemical properties and reduce the mobility of Cd and Pb from the top layer to the lower subsurface of the paddy soil.     

Small-distance variation of carbon and nitrogen storage in mineral Antarctic Cryosols near Casey Station (Wilkes Land)

In the antarctic summer 1996 top soils and whole profiles were collected systematically near the Australian Casey Station (Wilkes Land) in order to specify the carbon and nitrogen storage in permafrost-affected mineral soils (Cryosols) of coastal areas of Antarctica. Cryorthents, Cryaquepts and Haplocryods are the main soil units observed. The organic matter accumulation in mineral soils of the ice-free coastal Antarctic region is similar to that of comparable Arctic regions. A small-distance storage variation is mainly due to the patch pattern of topography, geomorphology and especially soil geography. Haplocryods are important sinks of carbon and nitrogen, whereas the storage in the Cryaquepts is of minor importance. In addition, large parts of the landscape are characterized by Lilhic Cryonhents. which store nearly 50% of the organic carbon and 40% of the nitrogen. A high variability in the C and N concentration and storage complicates a calculation of soil C and N storage of the total landscape necessary for developing ecosystem models. However, the survey on landscape level suggests that in 75% of the landscape sites the soil carbon and nitrogen stock is very similar, but a wide-spread podzolization and/or extraordinary organic matter accumulation increases the stocks to a great extent. For this reason a storage estimation could be improved by a proper soil survey.     

A classification scheme for earthworm populations (Lumbricidae) in cultivated agricultural soils in Brandenburg,Germany

Earthworm activity is observed at long‐term monitoring sites as an indicator of soil function to assess changes resulting from environmental and management conditions. In order to assess changes, characteristic values of earthworm populations under different site conditions have to be known. Therefore, a classification scheme for site‐specific earthworm populations was developed for soil in agricultural use, taking interactions between earthworm populations and soil properties into account. Characteristics of sites grouped by means of a cluster analysis after principal‐component analysis served as a basis for the derivation of the classification scheme. Soil variables found to characterize site differences with respect to earthworm populations were the texture of the topsoil, the texture of the subsoil, and the soil organic‐matter (SOM) content. The textural classes of the topsoil were divided into five groups comprising sandy soils (Ss), silty sand soils (Su), slightly loamy sand soils (Sl2), medium to strongly loamy sand soils (Sl3/Sl4), and loam and clay soils. Soil organic matter was divided into grades of equal size in a range from <1%, 1%–2% up to >6%. The variables “earthworm abundance” and “earthworm species” were selected to represent earthworm populations and were divided into six groups ranging from very low to extremely high. Defined groups of earthworm populations showed a clear structure in relation to soil textural groups and the content of SOM. From this distribution, a classification scheme was derived as basis for prognostic values of site‐specific earthworm populations, thus enabling the interpretation of changes over time. For some soil textural groups, selected variables appeared to enable the derivations of expected earthworm densities and species composition outside the range of the given database, but for some soil textural groups, broader databases will be needed to specify these derivations.     

苯磺隆和2,4-D对盆栽小麦土壤微生物量碳、氮的影响

通过盆栽小麦试验,研究了除草剂苯磺隆和2,4-D对小麦生长过程中土壤微生物量碳、氮以及碳/氮比(C_mic/N_mic)的影响。结果表明,苯磺隆、2,4-D对土壤微生物量碳、氮的影响主要表现为先抑制后激活,抑制作用随着时间的延长和浓度的增大而增强,与对照相比达极显著差异水平。苯磺隆、2,4-D对微生物量碳的抑制作用第14天和第7天分别达到最大,为54.9%和45.2%;对微生物量氮的抑制作用均为第7天最大,分别为51.0%和 65.4%。2种除草剂处理均在第28天微生物量碳、氮达到最大,为对照的1.09和1.33倍,呈极显著的激活作用,且激活作用随着浓度的增大而增强;对土壤微生物量碳/氮的影响主要呈增加-降低-增加的变化趋势。研究表明苯磺隆、2,4-D对土壤微生物量碳、氮的影响主要与处理的浓度和时间有关,与除草剂的种类无关。     

Diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) for rapid soil testing and soil quality assessment in smallholder farms

Rapid soil testing and soil quality assessment are essential to address soil degradation and low farm incomes in smallholder farms. With the objective of testing diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) to rapidly assess soil chemical properties, nutrient content and a soil quality index (SQI), samples of surface soil were collected from 1113 smallholder farms in seven districts in Bundelkhand region of Uttar Pradesh, India. A minimum dataset (MDS) approach was followed to estimate SQI using the three chemical parameters of soil pH, electrical conductivity (EC) and soil organic carbon (SOC), and 11 different soil nutrients. Principal component and correlation analyses showed that soil pH, SOC content and three available nutrients − copper (Cu), iron (Fe) and sulphur (S) − may constitute the MDS. Estimated SQI values showed strong positive correlation with crop yields. Results of chemometric modelling showed that the DRS approach could yield the coefficient of determination (R²) values in the validation datasets ranging from 0.79 to 0.94 for exchangeable calcium (Ca) followed by 0.67–0.88 for exchangeable potassium (K), 0.52–0.86 for SOC and 0.53–0.81 for available boron (B) content. Except in one district, the DRS approach could be used to estimate SQI values with R² values in the range of 0.63–0.81; an R² value of 0.71 was obtained in the pooled dataset. We also estimated the three-tier soil test crop response (STCR) ratings to compare DRS and wet chemistry soil testing approaches. Similar STCR ratings were obtained for both these approaches in more than 86% of the samples. Parameters for which both the methods yielded similar ratings in more than 80% of the samples were EC (>98%), pH and exchangeable Ca (>81%) and available B (>89%). With similar ratings, these results suggest that the DRS approach may safely be used for farmers' fields, replacing the traditional wet analysis approach of soil testing.     

Effect of Fertilizer Nitrogen (N) on Soil Organic Carbon,Total N,and Soil pH in Long-Term Continuous Winter Wheat (Triticum Aestivum L.)

Carbon sequestration via sound agronomic practices can assist in combating global warming. Three long-term experiments (Experiment 502, Experiment 222, and The Magruder Plots) were used to evaluate the effect of fertilizer nitrogen (N) application on soil organic carbon (SOC), total nitrogen (TN), and pH in continuous winter wheat. Soil samples (0–15 cm) were obtained after harvest in 2014, analyzed, and compared to soil test results from these experiments in 1993. Soil pH decreased with increasing N fertilization, and more so at high rates. Nitrogen application significantly increased TN in Experiment 502 from 1993 to 2014, and TN tended to be high at high N rates. Fertilizer N significantly increased SOC, especially when N rates exceeded 90 kg ha^?1. The highest SOC (13.1 g kg^?1) occurred when 134 kg N ha^?1 was applied annually. Long-term N application at high rates increased TN and SOC in the surface soil.     

Response of soil properties and yam yield to Chromolaena odorata (Asteraceae) and Tithonia diversifolia (Asteraceae) mulches

Plant materials differ in their chemical composition, rate of decomposition and suitability as mulch materials. Experiments were conducted during 2006–2007 and 2007–2008 cropping seasons for early yam cultivation at Owo in the forest–savanna transition zone of southwest Nigeria to study the effect of Chromolaena odorata and Tithonia diversifolia mulches applied at 0.0, 5.0, 7.5, 10.0 and 12.5 t ha^?1 on soil chemical properties, leaf nutrient composition, growth and tuber yield of white yam (Dioscorea rotundata Poir). Both C. odorata and T. diversifolia mulches reduced soil bulk density and temperature; increased concentrations of soil organic matter (SOM), total N, available P, exchangeable K, Ca and Mg, leaf N, P, K, Ca and Mg; enhanced growth and yield of yam compared with control. The values of SOM, total N and available P and leaf N and P concentrations increased with increasing mulch rate. C. odorata mulch and T. diversifolia mulch applied at 10.0 and 7.5 t ha^?1, respectively, was found to be suitable for yam production. T. diversifolia mulch compared with C. odorata mulch produced higher values of soil chemical properties, leaf nutrient concentrations, growth and yield of yam. T. diversifolia mulch produced 19% and 18% higher tuber yield compared with C. odorata mulch during 2006–2007 and 2007–2008 cropping seasons, respectively.     

Distribution and genesis of Fahlerden (Albeluvisols) in Germany

Fahlerden dominate large areas of the young and old moraine landscapes of N and E Germany. Fahlerden (part of Fahlerden corresponds to Albeluvisols) and their transitional subtypes are supposed to have a higher intensity of clay illuviation than Parabraunerden (Luvisols). Besides this macroscopic feature reflecting periglacial influence, micromorphological features such as lenticular platy microstructure, vesicles, and fragments of clay coatings in Bt streaks document the initiation of Fahlerde genesis, which began in the Late Glacial. A model of Fahlerde genesis chronologically connects sedimentological and periglacial processes, vegetation development, and soil‐forming processes like decalcification, clay illuviation, and humification. The classification criterion of larger differences in clay contents between E and Bt horizons to distinguish Fahlerden from Parabraunerden needs to be reconsidered, because most Fahlerden have developed in stratified parent material in periglacially influenced landscapes. The interpretation of a soil data base listing data of both soil types distributed in Brandenburg demonstrates that the difference in clay contents between E and Bt horizons may even be smaller in Fahlerden than in Parabraunerden.     

Maize (Zea mays L.) yield and soil properties as affected by no tillage in the black soils of China

A four-year tillage experiment on maize was conducted in the high latitude region of Northeast of China. The main objective of this study was to investigate the effects of different field tillage practices on maize grain yield, soil physical properties, and soil water and temperature dynamics in Northeast of China. The tillage practices included moldboard plow tillage (MOT), rotary tillage (ROT), reduced tillage (RET), combined tillage (COT), and no tillage (NOT). The surface soil water content at depths of 0–20 cm was higher under NOT compared with other tillage practices, but not different at the deeper soil depths in 2011. The soil temperatures under NOT and RET were lower than those under moldboard plow tillage and ROT at depths of 5 and 15 cm, respectively, measured at 9:00 am in 2005. From the hourly dynamics of soil temperature, the differences among the tillage practices mainly appeared during the daytime (from 8:00 am to 7:00 pm). Among all the practices, the average daily soil temperature under ROT was the highest, while that under NOT was the lowest. MOT, ROT, and RET had higher soil accumulative infiltration compared with NOT and COT. The surface soil bulk density under NOT was higher than or equal to that under the other four tillage practices. The maize yields under NOT were the lowest among all the tillage practices for three years straight. Meanwhile, the yields under MOT were the highest, which were about 47%, 61%, and 38% higher than those under NOT. NOT practice is not recommended for use in spring-planted maize under the high latitude humid cool climate Mollisol region in Northeast of China.     

Biochar and crop residue application to soil: effect on soil biochemical properties,nutrient availability and yield of rice (Oryza sativa L.) and wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

In the recent past, biochar and crop residues have attracted lots of attention as a viable strategy for maintaining soil health. This paper evaluates the comparative effect of two different doses (equivalent to 2 and 5 t C ha^?1) of each of pine needle and Lantana biochar (PBC and LBC), wheat residue and lentil residue (WR and LR) on soil biological properties, nutrient availability and yield of rice and wheat in pot culture. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) revealed higher C content of biochar than crop residues. Evaluation of biochemical quality reflected high recalcitrance indices of C and N for both PBC and LBC. Application of LBC and PBC increased the wheat grain yield significantly by 6.2%–24.2% over control. Both PBC and LBC significantly increased N and P uptakes in grain over the control and crop residues. Both biochars recorded a significant decrease of 33.9 and 71,7% in β-glucosidase activity in comparison to control at termination of study. PBC and LBC also resulted in more soil available N, P and K in soil at different intervals. The geometric mean of enzyme activities (GMea) reflected improved soil quality by PBC and LR and reduction by LBC application.     

Soil Fertility Status and Disorders in Arecanut (Areca Catechu L.) Grown on Clay and Laterite Soils of India

In arecanut, disorders like crown choking and crown bending lead to death of palms within a short span. Spatial and temporal variability in soil and leaf nutrient status was used as a tool to find out the causes for disorders in clay and laterite soils. Availability of nutrients in soils was sufficient to excess. Deviation from optimum percentage index was negative for nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and zinc (Zn) in both soils. Zinc deficits of –26 to –63 in higher number of palms (84–97%) indicate the reduction in Zn uptake. Regression between leaf Zn and soil fertility parameters indicated negative relation with soil Zn and calcium (Ca) in clay and soil organic carbon, soil P, and soil boron (B) in laterite soils. Multiple regression indicated negative relation of diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA)-extractable Zn with nutrients like Ca, magnesium (Mg), potassium (K), and iron (Fe) in soil in different years. The grouping of soil nutrients in opposite directions in first two components of principal component analysis supports negative nutrient interactions in both soil types. The results reveal that nutrient interactions in soil affect the uptake of nutrients despite sufficient nutrient availability. Zinc deficiency in arecanut may be the result of complex interactions between DTPA-extractable Zn and other nutrients in soil.     

基于常规土壤有效磷(Olsen法)分析的高效测试技术研究

提高常规方法土壤测试的效率是我国测土配方施肥亟待解决的技术问题。通过30个有代表性的土样研究了与现代化测试技术手段相应的土壤有效磷(Olsen-P)的分析过程的改进和提高,结果显示:700 nm波长比色测定土壤有效磷比882 nm波长测定有显著正偏差,土壤有效磷的比色测定应该用882 nm波长以消除土壤可溶有机质影响;改进的钼锑抗显色剂10 min可稳定显色,大大缩短了比色测定需要等待的时间,且测定结果与原有测定过程测定结果一致。同时改进的显色剂稳定时间长,24 h的测定结果和10 min测定结果没有差异。土壤有效磷测定显色过程采用稀释加液器和比色测定中采用泵吸式进样器,可以大大提高土壤测试效率。     

^137Cs法估算南方红壤地区土壤侵蚀作用的初步研究

第四纪红色粘土发育的红壤在我国南方地区分布较广 ,不合理的开发和利用导致植被覆盖破坏严重 ,致使该地区长期以来遭受强烈的土壤侵蚀作用。1 37Cs作为一种有效的示踪剂 ,在国内外越来越多地用于中长期 ( 4 0余年 )以来的土壤侵蚀模数的估算。采用 1 37Cs技术 ,研究第四纪红色粘土发育的红壤典型小流域的土壤侵蚀作用。结果表明 ,该流域的1 37Cs基准值为 2 10 7Bq/m2 ;对于表土质地较为粘重的非耕作红壤而言 ,1 37Cs在土壤剖面中呈指数型分布 ;该流域内山坡和山顶非耕作土的 1 37Cs分布深度通常在 15 cm以内 ,而耕作土中则达 3 0 cm ;对于坡度相对较大 ( 5 .5～ 11°) ,植被条件较差的迎风坡非耕作红壤而言 ,其土壤侵蚀模数达 11.2～ 14 .5 t/hm2 · a;对于坡度较小 ( 1.5～ 4 .5°) ,植被条件较好的背风坡非耕作红壤而言 ,土壤侵蚀模数为 0 .3～ 10 .8t/hm2·a;坡上部水作梯田的侵蚀作用比坡下部的水作梯田小 ,且水作梯田比旱作梯田更有利于水土保持。     

Use of Near Infrared Reflectance Spectroscopy (NIRS) for Predicting Soil Fertility and Historical Management

This study tests the potential of near infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS) for predicting soil fertility and management history from topsoil (0–10 cm deep) spectra. Soil fertility was assessed by measuring the growth of a test plant, and soil management history was determined through inquiries with farmers. Moreover, NIRS predictive value was compared with that of a group of topsoil parameters: total carbon and nitrogen, nitrate, potential respiration and denitrification, and microbial biomass. Modelling used partial and modified partial least square regressions to ensure comparisons between predictions by NIRS versus by soil parameters. Soil fertility and management history were well predicted by NIRS (Q² = 0.78 and R² = 0.89 both; Q² and R² are cross-validation and calibration coefficients of determination, respectively), as were the soil parameters (Q² = 0.79–0.92 and R² = 0.86–0.98). Soil fertility and management history were more accurately predicted by NIRS than by the set of soil parameters.     

Changes in soil C,N, and P with long‐term (58 years) cattle grazing on rough fescue grassland

We investigated soil response to long‐term cattle grazing at stocking rates 0 (CK), 2.4 (MG), and 4.8 (HG) animal unit months ha^–1 on a Rough Fescue (Festuca campestris Rydb.) grassland. Soil organic C and N stocks and available nutrients were not affected by grazing while soil bulk densities (0–30 cm) were higher and P stocks (15–30 cm) were lower under grazing than CK. The slow rate change of soil C and N suggest the rich black grassland soils appear to tolerate intensive grazing.