Soil loss tolerance limits for planning of soil conservation measures in Shivalik–Himalayan region of India

Soil loss tolerance limit is defined as the threshold upper limit of soil erosion that can be allowed without degrading long term productivity of specific soils. In India a default soil loss tolerance limit (SLTL) of 11.2 Mg ha^− 1 yr^− 1 is followed for planning soil conservation activities. The objective of this investigation is to provide a methodology to estimate quantitative SLTL for the Shivalik–Himalayan region in India for suggesting suitable soil conservation measures. A quantitative model was used to integrate potential soil indicators such as infiltration rate, bulk density, water stable aggregate, organic carbon and fertility status to assess soil quality governing soil resistibility to erosion. Scaling functions were used to convert soil parameters to unit less 0 to 1 scale. Normalized values of soil parameters were then multiplied by assigned weights based on relative importance and sensitivity analysis of each indicator. Soils were grouped into 1, 2 and 3 depending on overall additive score. A general guideline developed by the USDA-Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) was followed with certain modifications in depth category for estimation of SLTLs. Soil loss tolerance limits varied from 2.5 to 12.5 Mg ha^− 1 yr ^− 1 compared to single value of 11.2 Mg ha^− 1 yr ^− 1 being followed earlier. Consideration of the newly estimated SLTLs would facilitate site specific conservation planning and prioritising areas for watershed management activities in India.     

Establishing permissible erosion rates for various landforms in Delhi State,India

Permissible erosion rate also known as soil loss tolerance (‘T’ value) is defined as maximum erosion that can take place on a given soil without degrading its long‐term productivity. In India, default ‘T’ value of 11·2 Mg ha⁻¹ y⁻¹ is used for devising land restoration strategies for different types of soils. However, ability of soil to resist degradation varies with soil type, depth and physico‐chemical characteristics. Therefore, the present investigation was undertaken to determine ‘T’ value of different landforms of Delhi State by taking into account the soil saturated hydraulic conductivity (SHC), bulk density (BD), organic carbon, erodibility and soil pH. Soil state was defined by a quantitative model and scaling functions were used to convert soil parameters to a 0–1 scale. The normalised values were multiplied by appropriate weighting factors based on relative importance and sensitivity analysis of each indicator. Categorical rankings of I, II or III were assigned to soil groups based on overall aggregate score. ‘T’ value of different landforms of Delhi State was computed using the guideline of USDA‐Natural Resource Conservation Services. Majority of landforms of Delhi had ‘T’ value of 12·5 Mg ha⁻¹ y⁻¹, except for the soils of hill terrain, dissected hill, pediment and piedmont plain, where ‘T’ value ranged from 5 to 10 Mg ha⁻¹ y⁻¹. These ‘T’ values could be used for conservation planning and will help the planners in devising suitable land restoration strategies. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

An evaluation of furrows for managing soil and water loss from a shallow Alfisol under simulated rainfall

Furrows are widely used in rainfed areas of semi-arid India for soil and water conservation. The orientation of furrows, either down or across slope, and their spacing influence the effectiveness of furrows as soil and water conservation measures. We evaluated treatments with furrows aligned down and across 3% sloping land at spacings of 90, 60 and 30 cm under simulated rainfall intensities of 80 and 100 mm/h on a shallow Alfisol. A bare plot without any furrows was considered as a control. A large (24 m × 3 m) rainfall simulator developed at the Central Research Institute for Dryland Agriculture (CRIDA), Hyderabad, was used for this controlled study. Run-off was measured by a calibrated tipping bucket run-off recorder. The effects of the treatments on peak flow rate (L/s), sediment loss with run-off water (kg/ha/mm), peak sediment concentration (g/L), run-off (per cent rainfall) and time to peak (min) were investigated. When compared with the control (no furrows), across slope furrowing with 60- and 30-cm spacing reduced sediment yields by 19.9 and 21.3 kg/ha/mm of run-off, respectively, under a rainfall intensity of 80 mm/h and 24 and 25.3 kg/ha/mm of run-off, respectively, under a rainfall intensity of 100 mm/h. For the control, sediment loss was 50.72 kg/ha/mm run-off and 56.68 kg/ha/mm run-off for rainfall intensities of 80 and 100 mm/h, respectively. Similar trends were recorded from observations of peak flow, time to peak and peak sediment concentration. Run-off hydrographs demonstrated the conservation value of across slope furrowing by delaying run-off initiation, reducing run-off and slowly releasing the run-off after the cessation of rainfall. The results show that furrow orientation has major effects on reducing run-off, whereas furrow spacing has insignificant effects.     

Applications of reduced tillage in hills of central Nepal

Conventional tillage practices on steep and fragile landscape of Himalayan hills result in significant loss of topsoil during rainy season. Soil erosion in Nepal mid-hills is the most critical during pre-monsoon season. Many reviews argue that reduced tillage could be an option to tackle this problem. However, very few field experiments to evaluate reduced tillage systems have to date been conducted in this region. Thus, a field experiment was initiated in factorial randomized complete block design on acidic sandy loam soil (Lithic Dystochrept) during the summer season of 2001 at Kathmandu University (1500 masl) to assess the effects of tillage and cropping patterns on soil and nutrient losses, crop yield and soil fertility. Two main treatments viz. conventional and reduced till, and two sub-treatments viz. sole maize (Zea mays) and maize + soybean (Glycine max) were considered. Soil organic carbon (OC), total nitrogen (N), plant available phosphorus (P) and exchangeable potassium (K) were determined for the original soil and eroded sediment using standard methods. Two years of data indicated annual soil and nutrient losses to be significantly lowered by reduced till as compared to conventional till. Total annual soil loss from conventional and reduced till was 16.6 and 11.1 Mg/ha, respectively. Similarly, annual nutrient losses associated with the eroded sediment were 188 kg OC/ha, 18.8 kg N/ha, <1 kg P/ha and 3.8 kg K/ha for conventional till and 126 kg OC/ha, 11.8 kg N/ha, <1 kg P/ha and 2.4 kg K/ha for reduced till. Soil OC and N losses were significantly higher in conventional till and this may be one of the major causes of fertility depletion in the Nepalese hills. Soil chemical properties did not differ due to tillage and cropping systems; however, over years pH, N and P were increased irrespective of treatments. Although treatments were at par for maize grain yield, conventional till + soybean produced highest grain yield (4.0 Mg/ha) followed by reduced till + soybean (3.9 Mg/ha) and conventional till sole maize (3.8 Mg/ha). Mixed cropping of legumes and maize do not help conserve soil and nutrient loss in hills of central Nepal. Thus, reduced till could be a viable option for minimizing soil and nutrient losses without sacrificing economic yields in central hills of Nepal.     

Soil loss tolerance in the central chernozemic region of the European part of Russia

To calculate the soil loss tolerance for chernozems of the central chernozemic region, a linear modification of Skidmore’s equation was used. The soil loss tolerance values were obtained with due account for the soil type, the degree of erodibility, and the crop rotation pattern. The maximum possible value (10 t/ha per year) was obtained for a typical noneroded chernozem in all the crop rotations. Close values were obtained for noneroded leached and typical chernozems (9.6–9.9 t/ha per year depending on the crop rotation pattern). The soil loss tolerance for the noneroded podzolized chernozem was somewhat lower: 9.1 t/ha per year in the grain-herb-intertilled crop rotation and 6.3 t/ha/year in the grain-intertilled crop rotation. With an increase in the degree of the soil erosion, the soil loss tolerance decreased in all the variants of the experiment with an especially abrupt decrease in the grain-intertilled crop rotation (from 9.9–10.0 to 0.3–2.0 t/ha per year in the, respectively, noneroded and slightly eroded ordinary and typical chernozems). In the grain-herb-intertilled crop rotation, these differences were much smaller: in the slightly eroded typical chernozem the soil loss tolerance was estimated at 9.7 t/ha per year, while, in the slightly eroded typical chernozem, at 8.1 t/ha per year. The moderately eroded chernozems without the addition of manure could only be used in the grain-herb-intertilled crop rotation; the soil loss tolerance was estimated at 9.0 t/ha per year for the typical chernozem and 4.3 t/ha per year for the ordinary chernozem.     

Soil conservation planning at the small watershed level using RUSLE with GIS: a case study in the Three Gorge Area of China

The Three Gorge Project (TGP) of China necessitates the resettlement of over 1 million population (mostly farmers) to more rugged and isolated areas than their original settlements. Soil erosion is a serious environmental and production problem in this area. To decrease the risk on environmental impacts, there is an increasing demand for sound, and readily applicable techniques for soil conservation planning in the Three Gorge Areas (TGA). The objectives of the study were to develop and validate a soil erosion-predicting model based on the revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) in a geographic information systems (GIS) environment. The use of GIS to develop conservation-oriented watershed management strategies in the Wangjiaqiao watershed is presented. Data used for the RUSLE were either determined or taken from published literature pertaining to the Wangjiaqiao watershed. In combination with IDRISI, GIS software (Eastman, R.J., 1997. IDRISI for Windows: User's guide (Version 2.0). Clark University, Graduate School of Geography, Worcester, MA, Chapters 4–17) was used to evaluate different agricultural management strategies in terms of predicted soil loss in the watershed. This model allowed for easy assessment of soil erosion hazards under different crop and land management options over the entire watershed. The study revealed that the annual average soil loss rate from relatively flat agricultural land was approximately 26 t/ha, whereas 52 t/ha was found on the cultivated sloping lands, which constitutes a large proportion of soil loss in the watershed. In the watershed, approximately 38 ha of agricultural land had slopes >47% (25°) and should be reforested or returned to pasture. Contour tillage (CT) and contour farming with a seasonal no-till ridge (CTN) were most effective in reducing soil loss rates. If CT and CTN were implemented, approximately 31% and 70%, respectively, of the areas with soil loss >T_EP would be reduced to <T_EP. T_EP is soil loss tolerance for economic planning and was set at ≤10 t/ha year. In addition to soil loss reduction, the CTN has the potential to increase crop yield. Soil erosion hazards may be alleviated in over 91% of the agricultural lands if combined conservation measures including terraces, CTN, CT, and crop rotations were implemented in the watershed. The results of the study indicate that the RUSLE-GIS model is a useful tool for resource management and soil conservation planning. This technology is readily transferable and accessible to other land managers and agronomists in the TGA.     

Soil and Water Assessment Tool Soil Loss Simulation at the Sub‐Basin Scale in the Alt Penedès–Anoia Vineyard Region (Ne Spain) in the 2000s

This paper evaluates soil loss due to water erosion in an area of 32,362 ha with a predominant land use of vineyards (Alt Penedès–Anoia region, Catalonia, Spain). The Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) was used incorporating daily climatic data for the period 2000–2010 and also detailed soil and land use maps. Particular attention was given to the universal soil loss equation cover and management factor (C factor) of vineyards, with a minimum value of 0·15 being determined for this crop. The model was calibrated using daily flow data for the year 2010, which yielded satisfactory results. Even so, significant differences were obtained on days with high‐intensity rainfall events, when the model overestimated runoff and peak discharge. In these vineyards, the simulated average soil losses per sub‐basin ranged between 0·13 and 9·73 Mg ha⁻¹ y⁻¹, with maximum values of between 26·32 and 42·60 Mg ha⁻¹ y⁻¹ registered in fine‐loamy soils developed on unconsolidated Tertiary marls. Other findings were related to problems associated with SWAT calibration under Mediterranean conditions characterised by major climate variability and high‐intensity rainfall events. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Effects of vetiver grass (Vetiveria nigritana) strips, vetiver grass mulch and an organomineral fertilizer on soil, water and nutrient losses and maize (Zea mays, L) yields

Soil erosion remains a serious problem on most agricultural fields especially in the humid tropics. Experiments were conducted between 2003 and 2005 to test the efficiency and efficacy of using vetiver grass strip (VGS), vetiver grass mulch (VGM) and an agronomic practice of using an organomineral fertilizer (OMF) capable of improving soil structure and a control, as treatments, on soil and water conservation and improvement of maize yields. The treatments, in three replicates, were laid out in a randomized complete block design on 7% runoff plots on an Alfisol in the sub humid region of Southern Nigeria. Soil physical conditions were significantly best under VGM plots and least under VGS plots. Nevertheless, runoff and soil loss were generally in the increasing order of VGS, VGM and OMF. Although mean runoff and soil loss on VGS plots were 36.6% and 28% of the value of the control plot in 2003, when 2 tonnes/ha of vetiver grass mulch was applied to the control plot in 2004, these values were increased to 61.5% and 48.4%, respectively indicating a significant reduction of runoff and soil loss on the mulched plots. Vetiver grass mulch (VGM) at 6 tonnes/ha was more effective than VGS plots in reducing runoff than soil loss. Whereas mean runoff for VGM, VGS and OMF plots were 28.67, 38.44 and 42.44 mm, respectively, the corresponding mean soil losses at 6 tonnes/ha were 980.5 kg/ha, 389 kg/ha and 1251 kg/ha, respectively. Mean soil losses were 629 kg/ha and 591.5 kg/ha higher on VGM than VGS plots at 4 tonnes/ha and 6 tonnes/ha, respectively. Mean No₃-N levels of runoff water on the VGS plots were 40.4% and 65.6% of the levels of the OMF and the control plots, respectively over 2003 and 2004. Nutrient loads of eroded sediments were highest for OMF plots and least for VGS plots. Carbon, Nitrogen and P contents of eroded sediments were 22–23.5%, 12–35.9%, and 20.6–37.6% lower on VGS plots than other treatments.

The significant beneficial effect of OMF in producing the highest yields was dwarfed by the potential danger of water pollution by nutrient loads in the absence of a soil erosion control measure. Although the differences were not significant, grain yields on VGM plots were 4% and 47.4% higher than on VGS plots when 4 and 6 tonnes/ha of grass mulch were applied.     

Filling the European blank spot—Swiss soil erodibility assessment with topsoil samples

Soil erodibility, commonly expressed as the K‐factor in USLE‐type erosion models, is a crucial parameter for determining soil loss rates. However, a national soil erodibility map based on measured soil properties did so far not exist for Switzerland. As an EU non‐member state, Switzerland was not included in previous soil mapping programs such as the Land Use/Cover Area frame Survey (LUCAS). However, in 2015 Switzerland joined the LUCAS soil sampling program and extended the topsoil sampling to mountainous regions higher 1500 m asl for the first time in Europe. Based on this soil property dataset we developed a K‐factor map for Switzerland to close the gap in soil erodibility mapping in Central Europe. The K‐factor calculation is based on a nomograph that relates soil erodibility to data of soil texture, organic matter content, soil structure, and permeability. We used 160 Swiss LUCAS topsoil samples below 1500 m asl and added in an additional campaign 39 samples above 1500 m asl. In order to allow for a smooth interpolation in context of the neighboring regions, additional 1638 LUCAS samples of adjacent countries were considered. Point calculations of K‐factors were spatially interpolated by Cubist Regression and Multilevel B‐Splines. Environmental features (vegetation index, reflectance data, terrain, and location features) that explain the spatial distribution of soil erodibility were included as covariates. The Cubist Regression approach performed well with an RMSE of 0.0048 t ha h ha^?1 MJ^?1 mm^?1. Mean soil erodibility for Switzerland was calculated as 0.0327 t ha h ha^?1 MJ^?1 mm^?1 with a standard deviation of 0.0044 t ha h ha^?1 MJ^?1 mm^?1. The incorporation of stone cover reduces soil erodibility by 8.2%. The proposed Swiss erodibility map based on measured soil data including mountain soils was compared to an extrapolated map without measured soil data, the latter overestimating erodibility in mountain regions (by 6.3%) and underestimating in valleys (by 2.5%). The K‐factor map is of high relevance not only for the soil erosion risk of Switzerland with a particular emphasis on the mountainous regions but also has an intrinsic value of its own for specific land use decisions, soil and land suitability and soil protection.     

自然侵蚀量和容许土壤流失量与水土流失治理标准

在总结分析国内有关自然侵蚀量、容许土壤流失量研究成果的基础上,探讨自然侵蚀量与容许土壤流失量的关系,讨论制订水土流失治理标准的思路。认为水土流失治理标准的确定有3个参考值：1）标准值,即一定条件下的容许土壤流失量,是水土流失治理至少要达到的目标,且随着对不同土地利用类型的功能需求与可实施的最佳水土保持措施、以及所在水土流失类型区的侵蚀危害与治理约束条件的不同而不同;2）理想值,即正常自然侵蚀状态下的土壤流失量;3）极端值,即土壤流失量为0,不发生水土流失。水土流失治理应是先控制到现时生态环境与社会经济条件下的容许土壤流失量范围内,逐步达到自然正常侵蚀量或制止水土流失的发生;还应引入环境伦理、环境美学及景观设计等理念,最终实现土地的可持续利用、区域生态系统的健康稳定及人与自然的和谐友好发展。     

Land use and soil conservation strategies for potentially highly erodible soils of central-eastern Nigeria

In areas susceptible to erosion, there is the need for a comprehensive soil conservation programme so as to be able to prevent catastrophic soil erosion problems. The absence of such a programme in central eastern Nigeria, that has a total land area of 20 000 km², necessitated the drawing up of a soil conservation strategy for the area. The aim was to provide information for better land-use planning and proper environmental and soil management. To achieve this, topographic, soil and landform maps of the area at the scale of 1:50 000 were used to delineate into slope land units, viz: 0–4 per cent, <4 per cent, drainage basins and headwaters. These slope units and estimated soil erosion hazard units using the revised universal soil loss equation (RUSLE) were employed to form a general purpose land classification based on the USDA land capability classification and FAO framework on land evaluation.The soil loss tolerance of the area falls between 1·16 and 1·30 Mg ha⁻¹ yr⁻¹, while the erosion hazard units are considered generally suitable for the various land utilization types, with a number of limitations the main ones being erosion and waterlogging. The soil conservation measures proposed involved the application of bioenvironmental processes in the area and appropriate watershed management. The techniques proposed are those based on low input technology, affordable by rural farmers. It is concluded that these soil conservation measures will be adequate for sustainable agricultural production in the area. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Soil information for agricultural decision making: a New Zealand perspective

Understanding of the soil resource is pivotal to our ability to use, manage and modify soils effectively and responsibly. Yet those who make the most decisions concerning soil use and management – farmers and landholders – rarely have access to reliable soil information at scales suitable for farm decision making. By default, many rely on limited local soil knowledge when making decisions that determine farm performance and environmental impact. Providing detailed nationwide soil information that is appropriate for farm decision making is feasible, as demonstrated by the achievements of several European countries and the USA. For New Zealand, a stratified programme at scales of 1:10 000 for versatile land; 1:25 000 for other agricultural land; and 1:50 000 for non‐domesticated land, would cost NZD $280 million, or NZD $11.2 million per year if spread over the useful life of the information. This investment is small relative to the economic value of agriculture, and necessary if New Zealand is to make meaningful advances in reducing current agri‐environmental trends.     

Iron deficiency of soybean in the North Central U.S. and associated soil properties

Despite extensive research and variety screening efforts, iron deficiency chlorosis is a common, yield-limiting condition for soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] grown in areas with high pH, calcareous soils. In the North Central U.S., total land area where soybean is grown on high pH soils is approximately 1.8 million ha, with iron deficiency responsible for an estimated loss in soybean grain production of 340,000 Mg at a value of $820 million per annum. This is a significant increase in the extent of iron deficiency problems relative to the past because of an expansion of soybean production in the region. Soil properties associated with iron deficiency in this region compared to adjacent areas without iron deficiency include greater soil moisture content and concentrations of soluble salts, carbonates, and DTPA-Cr, and lesser concentrations of DTPA-Fe, Mn, Ni, and Cd. Iron deficiency occurs due to multiple stresses and not simply to limited available iron. Biotic and management factors such as pests and diseases, symbiotic nitrogen fixation, seeding rate, and herbicide application also interact with iron deficiency in the field. There is a need to better match varieties to the specific soil and environmental conditions to which they are adapted.     

Combining soil map and soil analysis for improved yield prediction

The choice of agricultural land use or management can be based entirely on a soil map or on results of soil analysis or on a combination of the two. This paper presents the kind of comparison that should form the basis for choosing among these alternatives. It is illustrated with the dry matter yield of barley (Hordeum vulgare cv. Julia) in topsoil samples.The results clearly indicate the superiority of the combination of mapping and analysis over either of these for crop yield prediction. Thus, subdividing the soil of the study area of 250 ha into 2, 3 and 4 mapping units reduced the undescribed variability from 100% to 93, 73 and 66% respectively. There was no further benefit from mapping into 5 and 6 units. Regressions of yield on values of 1, 2 and 3 soil properties reduced the undescribed variability to 62, 60 and 58& respectively. There was little benefit from including more soil properties in the regression. Regressions on 2 and 3 soil properties within each of 2 mapping units reduced the undescribed variability to 50 and 48%, while for 3 units it was reduced to 45 and 34% respectively.     

The assessment of soil loss by water erosion in China

Soil erosion is a major environmental problem in China. Planning for soil erosion control requires accurate soil erosion rate and spatial distribution information. The aim of this article is to present the methods and results of the national soil erosion survey of China completed in 2011. A multi-stage, unequal probability, systematic area sampling method was employed. A total of 32,948 sample units, which were either 0.2–3 km² small catchments or 1 km² grids, were investigated on site. Soil erosion rates were calculated with the Chinese Soil Loss Equation in 10 m by 10 m grids for each sample unit, along with the area of soil loss exceeding the soil loss tolerance and the proportion of area in excess of soil loss tolerance relative to the total land area of the sample units. Maps were created by using a spatial interpolation method at national, river basin, and provincial scales. Results showed that the calculated average soil erosion rate was 5 t ha⁻¹ yr⁻¹ in China, and was 18.2 t ha⁻¹ yr⁻¹ for sloped, cultivated cropland. Intensive soil erosion occurred on cropland, overgrazing grassland, and sparsely forested land. The proportions of soil loss tolerance exceedance areas of sample units were interpolated through the country in 250 m grids. The national average ratio was 13.5%, which represents the area of land in China that requires the implementation of soil conservation practices. These survey results and the maps provide the basic information for national conservation planning and policymaking.     

Erosion risk assessment: A contribution for conservation priority area identification in the sub-basin of Lake Tana,north-western Ethiopia

Soil erosion is a serious environmental problem arising from agricultural intensification and landscape changes. Improper land management coupled with intense rainfall has intricated the problem in most parts of the Ethiopian highlands. Soil loss costs a profound amount of the national GDP. Thus, quantifying soil loss and prioritizing areas for conservation is imperative for proper planning and resource conservation. Therefore, this study has modeled the mean soil loss and annual sediment yield of the Gumara watershed. Landsat 5 TM, Landsat 7ETM+, and Landsat 8 OLI were used for land use land cover (LULC) change analysis. Besides these, other datasets related to rainfall, digital soil map, Digital Elevation Model, reference land use, and cover (LULC) ground truth points were used to generate parameters for modeling soil loss. The watershed was classified into five major land-use classes (water body, cultivated land, grazing land, built-up and forest and plantation) using a maximum likelihood algorithm covering a period of the last 30 years (1988–2019). The mean annual soil loss and sediment yield were quantified using RUSLE, Sediment delivery ratio (SDR), and Sediment Yields models (SY). The analysis result unveils that within the past 30 years, the watershed has undergone significant LULC changes from forest & plantation (46.33%) and grazing land to cultivated land (31.59%) with the rate of ?1.42km²yr^-1 and -2.80km²yr^-1 respectively. In the same vein, the built-up area has expanded to cultivated and grazing land. Subsequently, nearly 15% (207 km²) of the watershed suffered from moderate to very severe soil loss. On average, the watershed losses 24.2 t ha?¹ yr?¹ of soil and yields 2807.02 t ha?¹ yr?¹ sediment. Annually, the watershed losses 385,157 t ha?¹ yr?¹ soil from the whole study area. Among the admirative districts, Farta (Askuma, Giribi, Mahidere Mariam and Arigo kebeles), Fogera (Gazen Aridafofota and Gura Amba kebeles), East Este (Witimera kebele), and Dera (Gedame Eyesus and Deriana Wechit kebeles) districts which cover 50% of the watershed were found severely affected by soil erosion. Thus, to curve back this scenario, soil and water conservation practices should prioritize in the aforementioned districts of the watersheds.     

Effect of lime,P, and Mg on growth and elemental concentrations of mugwort

Abstract

There is evidence that mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris L.) may have potential for use as a livestock forage. This study was undertaken to determine mugwort growth response to lime, P, and Mg, and their effect on elemental concentration of plant material.

Factorial combinations of 0, 5.6, and 11.2 mt lime/ha; 0, 112, and 224 kg P/ha; and 0, 224, and 448 kg Mg/ha were applied to low pH soil in greenhouse pots and planted to mugwort. In the absence of lime and Mg, growth was very poor. Lime was the most effective treatment in promoting mugwort growth. Growth response to Mg was greatest in the absence of lime, and response to P was dependent on lime and/or Mg application. Macronutrient concentrations of mugwort plants were considered adequate for use as forage for non‐lactating beef cows. Concentrations of several of the micronutrients were very high, especially at low lime and Mg. Copper was high at all treatments.     

Infiltration rates, surface runoff, and soil loss as influenced by grazing pressure in the Ethiopian highlands

Abstract. The effect of grazing pressure on infiltration, runoff, and soil loss was studied on a natural pasture during the rainy season of 1995 in the Ethiopian highlands. The study was conducted at two sites with 0–4% and 4–8% slopes at the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) Debre Zeit research station, 50 km south of Addis Ababa. The grazing regimes were: light grazing stocked at 0.6 animal-unit-months (AUM)/ha; moderate grazing stocked at 1.8 AUM/ha; heavy grazing stocked at 3.0 AUM/ha; very heavy grazing stocked at 4.2 AUM/ha; very heavy grazing on ploughed soil stocked at 4.2 AUM/ha; and a control with no grazing. Heavy to very heavy grazing pressure significantly reduced biomass amounts, ground vegetative cover, increased surface runoff and soil loss, and reduced infiltrability of the soil. Reduction in infiltration rates was greater on soils which had been ploughed and exposed to very heavy trampling. It was observed that, for the same % vegetative cover, more soil loss occurred from plots on steep than gentle slopes, and that gentle slopes could withstand more grazing pressure without seriously affecting the ground biomass regeneration compared to steeper slopes. Thus, there is a need for developing 'slope-specific' grazing management schedules particularly in the highland ecozones rather than making blanket recommendations for all slopes. More research is needed to quantify annual biophysical changes in order to assess cumulative long-term effects of grazing and trampling on vegetation, soil, and hydrology of grazing lands. Modelling such effects is essential for land use planning in this fragile highland environment.     

Quantifying seedbed condition using soil physical properties

Soil physical condition following tillage influences crop yield, but the desired condition cannot be adequately evaluated with current techniques. This study was conducted to determine a soil condition index (SCI) that could be used to select the type of implement needed to achieve an optimal seedbed with minimum energy input. Effects of bulk density, moisture content, and penetration resistance resulting from three tillage systems (no-till, chisel plow and moldboard plow), on the growth of corn (Zea mays L.) were studied. The experiment was conducted in Boone County, Ames, IA, on soils that are mostly Aquic Hapludolls, Typic Haplaquolls and Typic Hapludolls with slopes ranging from 0 to 5%. The results are from the 2000 season, which had normal weather conditions and yield levels for the Iowa state. The average corn grain yield at this site was 9.36 Mg/ha. At the V2 corn growth stage, the average dry biomass was 1.34 g per plant. The soil physical properties were normalized with respect to reference values and combined via multiple regression analysis against corn biomass at V2 stage into the SCI. Mean SCI values for the no-till, chisel and moldboard plow treatments were 0.86, 0.76, and 0.73, respectively, all with a standard error of 0.0127. The lower the SCI, the more optimum the soil physical conditions. An analysis of variance showed significant differences among mean SCI for each treatment (p-value=0.001). The use of the SCI could improve the tillage decision-making process in environments similar the one studied.