Contrasting Effects of Four Plant Residues on Phosphorus Sorption-Desorption in Some Phosphorus Fertilized Calcareous Soils

Four types of plant residues (fruit waste, potato, sunflower, and wheat) with wide ranges of carbon to nitrogen (C/N) and carbon to phosphorus (C/P) ratios were added to the soil at the rate of 20 g kg^?1 (dry weight basis) and incubated for two months. In soils treated with plant residues, the P sorption ranged from 62.0% (potato) to 96.6% (wheat) and from 12.6% (fruit waste) to 50.6% (wheat) when 20 and 1500 mg P kg^?1 were added to the soils, respectively. In general, incorporation of plant residues decreased maximum P sorption capacity but increased bonding energy. The maximum P sorption capacity was reduced from 586 mg kg^?1to 500, 542, and 548 by wheat, fruit, and potato residues, respectively, but increased to 665 mg kg^?1 by sunflower residue. At higher P addition, the highest percentage of desorbed P was observed in soils treated with wheat residue (49.9%); followed by fruit waste (46.5%), potato (43.5%), sunflower (38.8%) and control soils (37.0%). It indicated that the P content of the organic residues had an important role in the sorption and desorption of P in calcareous soils. Among organic residues, sunflower residue showed high sorption and low desorption of P in soils, indicating a higher potential of this organic residue for P retention and reducing surface and groundwater contamination in calcareous soils.     

Dynamics of Sodium in Saline and Sodic Soils

Abstract

Soil salinization and sodication affect large areas of agricultural land in the world. Amelioration of these soils to make them suitable for agricultural production depends on understanding sodium dynamics and chemical interactions governing nutrient availability. Three locations in eastern Croatia were characterized to the 5‐m depth. The two solonetz‐solonchak soils were alkaline, whereas the solonetz soil had near‐neutral A/E horizon and alkaline deeper horizons. Electrical conductivity of the saturated extract (ECe) was greater than 4 dS m^?1 in the top horizons in the solonetz‐solonchak soils. The solonetz soil had 2.8–4.7 dS m^?1 in shallow A/E, CG, and G horizons and up to 6.3 dS m^?1 below 1.5 m. Highly alkalinized sodic horizons (exchangeable sodium percentage, ESP >20) had 24–47% Ca²⁺ and 27–33% Mg²⁺ on the cation exchange complex. Sodium adsorption ratio (SAR) was high (18–26) in the P horizon and even more so in Bt,na horizon (35–36) of solonetz‐solonchak soils. A strong negative exponential relationship existed between soluble Ca²⁺ and SAR (SAR increased greatly when Ca²⁺ dropped to around 3 mg dm^?3). An increase in pH to greater than 8.4 resulted in an exponential increase in SAR. Leaching of Na⁺ with successive volumes of water was similarly effective for the P and Bt,na horizons in the solonetz‐solonchak soils, but SAR remained greater than 15 even after six successive cycles of leaching. In conclusion, extensive amelioration of tested soils with gypsum and leaching will be required to overcome poor physical and chemical characteristics caused by various degrees of alkalization and sodication to bring these soils into production.     

Leaching and reclamation of calcareous saline‐sodic soil by moderately saline and moderate‐SAR water using gypsum and calcium chloride

Lysimeter experiments were conducted with sandy‐clay‐loam soil to study the efficiency of two amendments in reclaiming saline‐sodic soil using moderately saline and SAR (sodium‐adsorption ratio) irrigation water. Gypsum obtained from industrial phosphate by‐products and reagent grade Ca chloride were applied to packed soil columns and irrigated with moderately saline (ECe = 2.16 dS m^–1), moderate‐SAR water (SAR = 4.8). Gypsum was mixed with soil prior to irrigation at application rates of 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 32 Mg ha^–1, and Ca chloride was dissolved directly in leaching water at application rates of 4.25, 8.5, 12.75, 17.0, and 21.25 Mg ha^–1, respectively. The highest application rate in both amendments resulted in 96% reduction of total Na in soil. The hydraulic conductivity (HC) of soils receiving gypsum increased in all treatments. The highest HC value of 6.8 mm h^–1 was obtained in the highest application rate (32 Mg ha^–1), whereas the lowest value of 5.2 mm h^–1 was observed with the control treatment. Both amendments were efficient in reducing soil salinity and sodicity (exchangeable‐sodium percentage, ESP); however, Ca chloride was more effective than gypsum as a reclaiming material. Exchangeable Na and soluble salts were reduced with gypsum application by 82% and 96%, and by 86% and 93% with Ca chloride application, respectively. Exchangeable Ca increased with increasing amendment rate. Results of this study revealed that sodium was removed during cation‐exchange reactions mostly when the SAR of effluent water was at maximum with subsequent passage of 3 to 4 pore volumes. Gypsum efficiently reduced soil ESP, soil EC, leaching water, and costs, therefore, an application rate of 20 Mg ha^–1 of gypsum with 3 to 4 pore volumes of leaching water is recommended for reclaiming the studied soil.     

Phosphorus Availability as Influenced by Organic Residues in Five Calcareous Soils

The use of organic residue is appropriate in maintaining long-term phosphorus (P) requirement of crops. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of time and organic residue addition on P availability in some calcareous soils. Five plant residues and two manures in a wide range of C/N ratios were added to the soil samples at rates of 20 g kg^?1 soil. The samples were incubated for 2, 72, 336, 672, 1440, and 2160 hours at constant temperature and moisture. Extractable phosphorus (Olsen-P) was determined after the incubation. There were decreases in the Olsen-P in all five amended soils during 2160 hours of incubation. The power model was found to be suitable to describe P transformation rates from amended soils. The constant b in the power model of P for amended soils was defined as transformation rate were in the order (average of five soils) vegetables waste > sheep manure > potato > poultry manure > sunflower > rape > weeds residues. There were significant correlations between C/P in residues and parameters a and parameter b. There were significant correlations between clay content and calcium carbonate and transformation rate of P in soils. The model parameters of P are suitable to estimate the P-fertilizer effect of organic residues.     

Effects of normal and Fe‐treated organic matter on Fe chlorosis and yields of grain sorghum

Abstract

A greenhouse study was conducted to evaluate the effects of normal and Fe‐treated plant material on Fe chlorosis and yields of grain sorghum. Pigweed, guar, clover, sunflower and wheat plants grown in the field for six weeks were sprayed with a 20% ferrous sulfate solution. The plants were harvested after 48 hours, air dried, then ground to pass through a 0.5 mm stainless steel seive. Different rates of normal and Fe‐treated plant material (0, 14.8, 22.2 and 29.6 Mg ha^‐1) were added to the Pernitas fsl (Typic Agiustoll).

Chlorosis increased with increasing rates of normal plant material added to the soil. Conversely, applications of Fetreated plant material reduced Fe deficiency chlorosis in grain sorghum. The order of effectiveness of Fe‐treated plant material was: sunflower > pigweed > guar > clover > wheat. There was no significant growth response to the untreated plant material. Growth responses to the Fe‐treated plant material were: sunflower > pigweed > guar > wheat > clover. Data obtained indicate that sunflower and pigweed are good Fe‐carriers and could be used to recycle Fe in the soil to correct Fe deficiency chlorosis and increase yields     

烟气脱硫副产物改良碱性土壤过程中化学指标变化规律的研究

通过土柱淋洗试验的方法,研究了脱硫副产物在改良碱性土壤过程中对碱性土壤化学指标(代换性钠、ESP、SAR、pH值)的影响。本研究采用两种碱性土壤(强度碱化土和碱土),两种土壤各分两个脱硫副产物施用水平(强度碱化土为3 g kg-1和3 6 g kg-1;碱土为7 g kg-1和8 4 g kg-1)。结果表明,经过施加烟气脱硫副产物和淋洗各种试验处理的代换性钠、ESP、SAR和pH值都有了明显的降低,碱性土壤得到了改良;同时,高烟气脱硫副产物施加水平的碱性土壤改良效果要优于低施加水平的碱性土壤;强度碱化土和碱土分别施加3 6 g kg-1、8 4 g kg-1烟气脱硫副产物后,在强度碱化土表层(0~40 cm)和碱土表层(0~20 cm)ESP<15、SAR<13和pH<8 5,已经降至中度碱化土水平,改良效果显著。     

松嫩平原盐渍土钠吸附比推算土壤碱化度研究

Soil exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP) and sodium adsorption ratio (SAR) are commonly used to assess soil sodicity.Correlation between ESP and SAR of saturated pasted extract (SAR e) or of 1:5 (m:m) mixture soil to water (SAR 1:5) has been documented to predict ESP from SAR.However limited studies have been undertaken to model soil ESP based on soil SAR in the Songnen Plain,Northeast China.In this study,117 soil samples were used to predict ESP from SAR e and SAR 1:5 of salt-affected soils in western Songnen Plain.Soil ESP was highly related (r 2 > 0.76,P < 0.001) with SAR e and SAR 1:5.ESP of salt-affected soils in the Songnen Plain could be predicted using a logarithmic regression equations of ESP=10.72 · ln(SAR e) 15.36 and ESP=11.44 · ln(SAR 1:5) + 5.48.     

Additional application of aluminum sulfate with different fertilizers ameliorates saline-sodic soil of Songnen Plain in Northeast China

Purpose

Serious soil salinization, including excessive exchangeable sodium and high pH, significantly decreases land productivity. Reducing salinity and preventing alkalization in saline-sodic soils by comprehensive improvement practices are urgently required. The combinations of aluminum sulfate with different types of fertilizer at different rates were applied on rice paddy with saline-sodic soils of the Songnen Plain in Northeast China to improve soil quality and its future utilization.

Materials and methods

Experiments were carried out in a completely randomized block design. Twelve treatments with aluminum sulfate at the rates of 0, 250, 500, and 750 kg hm^?2 with inorganic, bio-organic, and organic-inorganic compound fertilizers were performed. Soil pH, electronic conductivity (EC), cation exchangeable capacity (CEC), exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP), total alkalinity, sodium adsorption ratio (SAR), soil organic carbon (SOC), available nutrients, soluble ions, rice growth, and yield in the saline-sodic soils were measured across all treatments. The relationships among the measured soil attributes were determined using one-way analysis of variance, correlation analysis, and systematic cluster analysis.

Results and discussion

The pH, EC, ESP, total alkalinity, SAR, Na⁺, CO₃^2?, and HCO₃^? in saline-sodic soil were significantly decreased, while CEC, SOC, available nitrogen (AN), available phosphorus (AP), available potassium (AK), K⁺, and SO₄^2? were significantly increased due to the combined application of aluminum sulfate with fertilizer compared with the fertilizer alone. The most effective treatment in reducing salinity and preventing alkalization was aluminum sulfate at a rate of 500 kg hm^?2 with organic-inorganic compound fertilizer. This treatment significantly decreased the soil pH, EC, ESP, total alkalinity, SAR, Na⁺, and HCO₃^? by 5.3%, 28.9%, 41.1%, 39.3%, 22.4%, 23.5%, and 35.9%, but increased CEC, SOC, AN, AP, AK, K⁺, SO₄^2?, rice height, seed setting rate, 1000-grain weight, and yield by 77.5%, 115.5%, 106.3%, 47.1%, 43.3%, 200%, 40%, 6.2%, 43.9%, 20.3%, and 42.2%, respectively, compared with CK treatment in the leaching layer.

Conclusions

The combined application by aluminum sulfate at a rate of 500 kg hm^?2 with organic-inorganic compound fertilizer is an effective amendment of saline-sodic soils in Songnen Plain, Northeast China. These results are likely related to the leaching of Na⁺ from the soil leaching layer to the salt accumulation layer and desalination in the surface soil, and the increase of SOC improved the colloidal properties and increased fertilizer retention in soil. In addition, the environmental impact of aluminum sulfate applied to soil needs to be further studied.

     

Sodium removal from a calcareous saline–sodic soil through leaching and plant uptake during phytoremediation

Saline–sodic and sodic soils are characterized by the occurrence of sodium (Na⁺) to levels that can adversely affect several soil properties and growth of most crops. As a potential substitute of cost‐intensive chemical amelioration, phytoremediation of such soils has emerged as an efficient and low‐cost strategy. This plant‐assisted amelioration involves cultivation of certain plant species that can withstand ambient soil salinity and sodicity levels. It relies on enhanced dissolution of native calcite within the root zone to provide adequate Ca²⁺ for the Na⁺ Ca²⁺ exchange at the cation exchange sites. There is a lack of information for the Na⁺ balance in terms of removal from saline–sodic soils through plant uptake and leaching during the phytoremediation process. We carried out a lysimeter experiment on a calcareous saline–sodic soil [pH of saturated soil paste (pH_s) = 7.2, electrical conductivity of the saturated paste extract (EC_e) = 4.9 dS m⁻¹, sodium adsorption ratio (SAR) = 15.9, CaCO₃ = 50 g kg⁻¹]. There were three treatments: (1) control (without application of a chemical amendment or crop cultivation), (2) soil application of gypsum according to the gypsum requirement of the soil and (3) planting of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) as a phytoremediation crop. The efficiency of treatments for soluble salt and Na⁺ removal from the soil was in the order: gypsum ≈ alfalfa > control. In the phytoremediation treatment, the amount of Na⁺ removed from the soil through leaching was found to be the principal cause of reduction in salinity and sodicity. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Proton release by N2‐fixing plant roots: A possible contribution to phytoremediation of calcareous sodic soils

With a world‐wide occurrence on about 560 million hectares, sodic soils are characterized by the occurrence of excess sodium (Na⁺) to levels that can adversely affect crop growth and yield. Amelioration of such soils needs a source of calcium (Ca²⁺) to replace excess Na⁺ from the cation exchange sites. In addition, adequate levels of Ca²⁺ in ameliorated soils play a vital role in improving the structural and functional integrity of plant cell walls and membranes. As a low‐cost and environmentally feasible strategy, phytoremediation of sodic soils — a plant‐based amelioration — has gained increasing interest among scientists and farmers in recent years. Enhanced CO₂ partial pressure (P_CO2) in the root zone is considered as the principal mechanism contributing to phytoremediation of sodic soils. Aqueous CO₂ produces protons (H⁺) and bicarbonate (HCO₃^‐). In a subsequent reaction, H⁺ reacts with native soil calcite (CaCO₃) to provide Ca²⁺ for Na⁺ Ca²⁺ exchange at the cation exchange sites. Another source of H⁺ may occur in such soils if cropped with N₂‐fixing plant species because plants capable of fixing N₂ release H⁺ in the root zone. In a lysimeter experiment on a calcareous sodic soil (pH_s = 7.4, electrical conductivity of soil saturated paste extract (EC_e) = 3.1 dS m^‐1, sodium adsorption ratio (SAR) = 28.4, exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP) = 27.6, CaCO₃ = 50 g kg^‐1), we investigated the phytoremediation ability of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.). There were two cropped treatments: Alfalfa relying on N₂ fixation and alfalfa receiving NH₄NO₃ as mineral N source, respectively. Other treatments were non‐cropped, including a control (without an amendment or crop), and soil application of gypsum or sulfuric acid. After two months of cropping, all lysimeters were leached by maintaining a water content at 130% waterholding capacity of the soil after every 24±1 h. The treatment efficiency for Na⁺ removal in drainage water was in the order: sulfuric acid > gypsum = N₂‐fixing alfalfa > NH4NO3‐fed alfalfa > control. Both the alfalfa treatments produced statistically similar root and shoot biomass. We attribute better Na+ removal by the N₂‐fixing alfalfa treatment to an additional source of H⁺ in the rhizosphere, which helped to dissolve additional CaCO₃ and soil sodicity amelioration.     

Effect of electrolyte solution on saturated hydraulic conductivity of soils varying in clay type and content,and iron oxides

Changes of hydraulic conductivity (HC) at electrolyte solutions having different combinations of sodium adsorption ratio (SAR)¹ and electrolyte concentration (EC), were monitored in soil columns packed with samples from Rhodustalf, Chromustert, Andic Eutropept and Oxic Rhodustult, four subtropical soils varying in clay type and content, and iron oxides. In general, it was observed that the HC dropped with the decrease of EC and with the increase in SAR of solutions, or, with the increase in exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP) of the soil. In montmorillonitic soils the reduction of HC had been most pronounced, while the kaolinite-rich soils showed only an insignificant drop in HC even at the highest SAR coupled with the lowest EC. The improvement or revival of HC from its final drop was examined upon leaching the soil columns finally with the initial high concentration solution. Montmorillonitic soils showed moderate to high revival of HC, while for montmorillonite-illite-kaolinite mixed clayey soils and kaolinitic soils the improvement of HC was low and practically nil respectively. The percentage revival of HC from its final drop was employed as a criterion to assess the major cause of HC reduction and it was found that irrespective of clay mineralogy “dispersion and subsequent pore plugging” played a major role in reducing the HC of soils, though in montmorillonitic soils swelling had been found to be an almost equivalent additional cause of HC drop. Simple correlations (r) between the saturated HC at varying SAR & EC and different physico-chemical and mineralogical properties have been calculated and its role and implications have been discussed.     

Response of Corn Growth in Salt‐Affected Soils of Northeast China to Flue‐Gas Desulfurization By‐product

Abstract

In semiarid and arid regions, plant growth is limited by high pH, salinity, and poor physical properties of salt‐affected soils. A field experiment was conducted in the semiarid region of Kangping in northeast China (42°70′ N, 123°50′ E) to evaluate a soil‐management system that utilized a by‐product of flue‐gas desulfurization (FGD). Soil was treated with 23,100 kg ha^?1 of the by‐product. Results of corn growth were grouped into three grades (GD) according to stages of corn growth: GD1, seeds did not germinate; GD2, seeds germinated but corn was not harvested; and GD3, plants grew well and corn was harvested. The pH, electrical conductivity (EC), bicarbonate (HCO₃ ^?), carbonate (CO₃ ^2?), exchangeable and soluble calcium (Ca²⁺), chloride (Cl), and sulfate (SO₄ ^2?) in surface soils of the three grades (>20 cm) was measured to assess the correlation between corn growth and soil properties. Vertical differences in subsoil properties (0‐100 cm) between GD1 and GD3 were compared to known benchmark soil profiles. The FGD by‐product significantly increased EC, exchangeable and soluble Ca²⁺, and SO₄ ^2? and decreased CO₃ ^2?, exchangeable sodium (Na⁺), and soluble Na⁺. pH, EC, HCO₃ ^?, CO₃ ^2?, and Cl^? were higher in surface soils of GD1 than GD3. Soil hardness, soil moisture content, Cl^?, and calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) were higher in GD1 than in GD3, whereas the amount of available P was lower in GD1. Interestingly, the concentration of Cl^?, a toxic element for plant growth, was 2.5 and 1.5 times higher in GD1 than in GD3 and control soil, respectively. In the comparison study of subsoils, GD1 and GD3 were classified as having typical characteristics of saline‐alkali soil (pH>8.5; exchangeable‐sodium‐percentage [ESP]>15; EC>4.0) and alkali soil (pH>8.5; ESP>15; EC<4.0), respectively.     

Phosphorus leaching in a calcareous soil treated with plant residues and inorganic fertilizer

Column experiments were conducted over 45 d to determine the degree of P mobility. The sandy loam soil was spiked with 200 mg P kg^–1 and 5% organic residues. The treatments included: control without any water‐soluble P and plant residues, potato, wheat, water‐soluble P fertilizer, wheat + water‐soluble P, and potato + water‐soluble P. Each column was leached with distilled water, and leachates were collected and analyzed for P, K⁺, Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, along with pH and EC. Sequential extraction was performed on soil samples at the end of leaching column experiments. The relatively high initial concentration of P in the leachates decreased to more stable values after 15 d which can be attributed to the colloid‐bound P. The P concentrations in the leachates fluctuated between 8 and 220 mg L^–1 in the water‐soluble–P fertilizer treatment, between 0.80 and 230 mg L^–1 in the potato + water‐soluble‐P treatment, and between 0.90 and 214 mg L^–1 in the wheat + water‐soluble P treatment. Leaching loss of P mainly occurred in the 15 d of leaching, accounting for 94%, 88%, and 65% of total P leached in wheat + water‐soluble‐P, potato + water‐soluble‐P, and water‐soluble‐P treatments, respectively. Maximum amount of P leached was found from an exponential kind model and was in the range 0.45 mg kg^–1 to 125.4 mg kg^–1 in control and potato + water‐soluble‐P treatments, respectively. Sequential extraction results showed that in control and amended soils the major proportion of P was associated with Ca. The leachate samples in all treatments were saturated with respect to hydroxyapatite, β‐tricalcium phosphate, and octacalcium phosphate up to 20 d of leaching, whereas they were undersaturated with respect to Mg‐P minerals through the entire leaching experiment.     

Overcoming the Confounding Effects of Salinity on Sodic Soil Research

The adverse effects of sodicity on plant growth are difficult to quantify using naturally occurring soils because of the confounding variation in other soil properties, particularly salinity, pH, organic matter, soil nutrients, mineralogy, and texture. We applied a method involving the equilibration of large soil volumes with solutions varying in sodium adsorption ratio (SAR), followed by excess salt removal with solutions of similar SAR but lower ionic strength. Application of this method to a calcareous nonsodic, nonsaline Vertosol from Narrabri, New South Wales, resulted in soils with exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP) values between 2% and 25% but with similar magnesium and potassium concentrations and constant electrical conductivity (～2.7 dS/m). Soil pH and solution phosphorus concentrations automatically increased as the ESP of the soil rose, which is important to consider when addressing plant growth results. This method can successfully minimize the confounding of sodicity with other soil properties that so often plagues sodic soil research.     

Effect of water quality on exchange phase — solution phase behavior of three soils

The effect of total electrolyte concentration (TEC) and sodium adsorption ratio (SAR) of water on ESR‐SAR relationships of clay (Typic Haplustert), clay loam (Vertic Haplustept) and silt loam (Lithic Haplorthent) soils was studied in a laboratory experiment. Twenty four solutions, encompassing four TEC levels viz., 5, 10, 20, and 50 mmol_c l^—1 and six SAR levels viz., 2.5, 5, 10, 15, 20, and 30 mmol^1/2l^—1/2 were synthesized to equilibrate the soil samples using pure chloride salts of calcium, magnesium, and sodium at Mg:Ca = 1:2. SAR of equilibrium solution decreased as compared to the equilibrating solution and more so in waters of low salt concentration and high SAR. At low electrolyte concentration, high SAR values were not attained in the equilibrium solution because of addition of calcium and magnesium from the mineral dissolution and from the exchange phase. Irrespective of TEC, exchangeable sodium in all the soils increased by about 4.5 to 5‐fold and irrespective of SAR, it increased by about 1.4‐ to 1.8‐fold. A positive interaction of TEC and SAR influenced the ESP build‐up and CEC played a major role in the visual disparity in sodication of these soils. At higher TEC levels, considerable increase in ESP was observed when it was corrected for anion exclusion and more so in silt loam followed by clay loam and clay soils. The values for Gapons' constant were in the range 0.0110—0.0176, 0.0142—0.0246, and 0.0189—0.0344 mmol^—1/2l^1/2 in clay, clay loam, and silt loam soils, respectively. Increase in TEC from 5 to 50 mmol_c l^—1 resulted in 5.84, 8.33, and 9.77 % decrease in Gapons' constant of clay, clay loam, and silt loam soils, respectively. The soils exhibited differential affinity for Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺ or Na⁺ under different quality waters. Regression coefficients of ESR‐SAR relationship were lower for low TEC as compared with high TEC waters. The exchange equilibrium was strongly affected by TEC of the solution phase. Variation in soil pH was gradual with respect to TEC and SAR of equilibrating solution and no sharp change was observed. Soluble salt concentration was doubled upon equilibration with low salt waters at all SAR levels in all the soils. However, the salt concentration remained unchanged upon equilibration with high salt waters. Considering pH 8.5 a boundary between soil salinity and sodicity, ESP values attained at TEC 5 mmol_c l^—1 were 7.34, 8.02, and 14.32 for clay, clay loam, and silt loam soils, respectively.     

Degradation processes and nutrient constraints in sodic soils

Accumulation of excess sodium (Na⁺) in a soil causes numerous adverse phenomena, such as changes in exchangeable and soil solution ions and soil pH, destabilization of soil structure, deterioration of soil hydraulic properties, and increased susceptibility to crusting, runoff, erosion and aeration, and osmotic and specific ion effects on plants. In addition, serious imbalances in plant nutrition usually occur in sodic soils, which may range from deficiencies of several nutrients to high levels of Na⁺. The structural changes and nutrient constraints in such soils ultimately affect crop growth and yield. The principal factor that determines the extent of adverse effects of Na⁺ on soil properties is the accompanying electrolyte concentration in the soil solution, with low concentration promoting the deleterious effects of exchangeable Na⁺ even at exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP) levels less than 5. Consequent to an increase in the use of poor quality waters and soils for crop production, the problems of sodic soils can be expected to increase in future. The mechanisms that explain sodic behaviour can provide a framework in which slaking, swelling and dispersion of clay together with nutrient constraints in sodic soils may be assessed so that the practices to manage such soils can be refined for long‐term sustainable agriculture. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Linear Regression Models to Estimate Exchangeable Sodium Percentage and Bulk Density of Salt Affected Soils in Sahl El-Hossinia,El-Sharkia Governorate,Egypt

ABSTRACT

The objective of this study was to develop a Linear Regression Model for the prediction of soil bulk density based on organic matter content (OM) and textural fractions (% sand, silt and clay) as well as the soil exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP) based on soil sodium adsorption ratio (SAR) in some salt affected soils of Sahl El-Hossinia, El-Sharkia Governorate, Egypt. For this purpose, 160 samples were randomly taken from top of the surface soil (0–30 cm) from different locations and samples were subjected to various analyzes. XLSTAT Version 2016.02.27444 software was used to build and test conceptual and empirical models. The statistical results of the study indicated that to predict soil bulk density (BD) based on organic matter content and textural fractions the Multiple linear regression model BD = 1.817–0.730 × OM – 0.002 × Clay – 0.001 × Silt with R² = 0.794. On the other hand, to predict soil ESP based on SAR the linear regression model ESP = 5.577 + 0.851 × SAR with R² = 0.773. A Linear Regression Model for prediction of BD and ESP of Sahl El-Hossinia, El-Sharkia Governorate, Egypt, can be used with high prediction.     

Influence of Long‐Term Sodic‐Water Irrigation,Gypsum, and Organic Amendments on Soil Properties and Nitrogen Mineralization Kinetics under Rice–Wheat System

Abstract

Influence of long‐term sodic‐water (SW) irrigation with or without gypsum and organic amendments [green manure (GM), farmyard manure (FYM), and rice straw (RS)] on soil properties and nitrogen (N) mineralization kinetics was studied after 12 years of rice–wheat cropping in a sandy loam soil in northwest India. Long‐term SW irrigation increased soil pH, exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP), and sodium adsorption ratio (SAR) and decreased organic carbon (OC) and total N content. On the other hand, application of gypsum and organic amendments resulted in significant improvement in all these soil properties. Mineralization of soil N ranged from 54 to 111 mg N kg^?1 soil in different treatments. Irrigation with SW depressed N mineralization. In SW‐irrigated plots, two flushes of N mineralization were observed; the first during 0 to 7 d and the second after 28 d. Amending SW irrigated plots with GM and FYM enhanced mineralization of soil N. Gypsum application along with SW irrigation reduced cumulative N mineralization at 56 days in RS‐amended plots but increased it under GM‐treated, FYM‐treated, or unamended plots. Nitrogen mineralization potential (N_o) ranged from 62 to 543 mg N kg^?1 soil. In the first‐order zero‐order model (FOZO), the easily decomposable fraction ranged from 5.4 to 42 mg N kg^?1 soil. Compared to the first‐order single compartment model, the FOZO model could better explain the variations in N mineralization in different treatments. Variations in N_o were influenced more by changes in pH, SAR, and ESP induced by long‐term SW irrigations and amendments rather than by soil OC.     

Effect of cultivation on physical and chemical properties of a Vertisol in middle Awash Valley,Ethiopia

Abstract

An investigation was conducted to study physical and chemical change at two adjacent soil sites, one used for irrigated cotton since 1972 (cultivated) and the other for traditional grazing and browsing (uncultivated). The soil at each site, a clayey Vertisol was described and sampled for physical and chemical analyses. The result showed that the surface layer of the uncultivated soil was denser and more compact than that of the cultivated soil. Soil porosity and moisture build‐up were lower in the uncultivated than in the cultivated soil. Due to percolation of irrigation water and leaching of soluble salts, salinity, concentration of soluble cations, anions, and exchangeable cations were slightly higher at the lower soil depths in the cultivated than in the uncultivated soil. The exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP) also followed the same trend. Correlation coefficient between the values of electrical conductivity, soluble and exchangeable cations, sodium adsorption ratio (SAR), and ESP were more significant for the cultivated than for the uncultivated soil. Cultivation has reduced organic matter levels by 15%.     

Variability and Correlation between Exchangeable Sodium Percentage and Sodium Adsorption Ratio in Vertisols of Sudan

Vertisols in the Sudan occur under different climatic zones, ranging from arid in the north to tropical monsoon in the south, with rainfall varying from 150 mm to 1000 mm per annum. In this study, the exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP) was estimated from the sodium adsorption ratio (SAR); values of SAR and ESP for all identified soil series of Vertisols in the Sudan were extracted from the available data. These data were used to examine the variability in SAR and ESP in these soils using coefficient of variation (CV) as an index and then to regress ESP on SAR for the three master horizons (A, AC, C) and pooled data for all horizon. Curvilinear, linear, quadratic, and cubic equations were used to examine the relation between ESP and SAR. The significance of the F ratio and correlation coefficient was tested for individual equation. The soil series were then sorted out into saline and nonsaline, sodic and nonsodic, and the ESP was regressed on SAR once again. The equations used for the regression were curvilinear and first‐, second‐, and third‐degree polynomial equations. Then analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to screen any significant difference between the estimated values of ESP (using these equations and USDA salinity laboratory equation) on one hand and the actual (measured) values of ESP. The results revealed that ESP and SAR are highly variable irrespective of depth despite slight decrease with depth. Furthermore, ESP is more variable than SAR in horizons A and AC but less variable in horizon C. The regression equations indicated that ESP might be reasonably estimated from SAR. However, different equations were appropriate for different horizons. Moreover, the result indicated that in most of the cases the relation between ESP and SAR better fits quadratic equations. But for simplicity, linear equations for all horizons could be used to estimate ESP from SAR.