Relationships among dust outbreaks, vegetation cover, and surface soil water content on the Loess Plateau of China, 1999–2000

We analyzed relationships among dust outbreaks, Normalized Difference Vegetation Indices (NDVI), and surface soil water content (0 to 2 cm depth) on the Loess Plateau, a significant dust source area of East Asia. World Surface Data for wind speed and current weather, coarse-resolution data for NDVI, and a three-layer soil model for surface soil water content were used. The threshold NDVI for preventing dust outbreaks was about 0.2 when the wind speed ranged from 7 to 8 m s^− 1. This threshold NDVI corresponds to a vegetation cover of 18%. The threshold ratio of surface soil water content to the field capacity (θ_r) was about 0.2. Conditions facilitating dust outbreaks on the Loess Plateau are when NDVI is less than 0.2 with wind speed  7 m s^− 1 and θ_r < 0.2, and when NDVI is greater than 0.2 with wind speed  9 m s^− 1 and θ_r < 0.2.     

Nematode community composition and diversity associated with a topoclimatic transect in a rain shadow desert

The effect of a topoclimatic gradient on soil nematode communities was investigated in the Israeli Judean Desert. Four locations along a 35 km gradient, from an elevation of 650 m above sea level with 620 mm rainfall to a –60 m relative to sea level with a rainfall below 110 m, were studied: Givat Yearim, Maale Adumim, Mishor Adumim and Kalia. Monthly soil samples were collected between January 1994 and December 1995. Thirteen nematode families and 17 genera were observed. Cephalobus, Heterocephalobus, Aphelenchoides, Tylenchus, Dorylaimus and Eudorylaimus were found to be the dominant genera. Ecological measurements of soil nematode community structure, diversity, and maturity indices were assessed, and comparisons between four locations and four seasons were made. Significant differences in the total numbers of nematodes were found between the locations (p < 0.01) and seasons (p < 0.05), where Givat Yearim > Maale Adumim > Mishor Adumim > Kalia, winter > spring > autumn > summer. Bacterivores were found to be the most abundant trophic group across locations and seasons, with a mean relative abundance of 55.0%. The densities of bacterivores, plant parasites and omnivores-predators during the winter season exhibited similar trends at all four locations, with Givat Yearim > Maale Adumim > Mishor Adumim > Kalia. None of the ecological indices were significantly different between locations. However, the maturity index (MI), trophic diversity (TD) and Simpson diversity (SI) exhibited significant differences between seasons.     

A simultaneous model for ultrasonic aggregate stability assessment

Aggregate stability is a difficult to quantify, complex soil property. Ultrasonic processing of soil–water suspensions enables quantifiable and readily reproducible assessment of the level of mechanical energy applied to soil aggregates. Here, we present a method of investigating the stability and comminution of soil aggregates by simultaneously modeling the redistribution of particles throughout any arbitrarily-selected set of soil particle-size intervals as ultrasonic energy is applied to a soil–water suspension. Following model development, we demonstrate its application to 5 particle-size subgroups (0.04–2000 μm) of a Dystroxerept subject to 12 levels of ultrasonic energy between 0 and 5800 J g^− 1 (750 mL^− 1). Laser granulometry was used for particle-size distribution (PSD) analysis, providing precise, non-disruptive measurements of changes in the volume of PSD subgroups in both the microaggregate (< 250 μm; 3 subgroups) and macroaggregate (> 250 μm; 2 subgroups) fractions throughout ultrasonic treatment. Two groups of aggregates were detected exhibiting significantly (p < 0.05) different ultrasonic stability: a group composed exclusively of macroaggregates ranging 250–2000 μm in size, and a finer, relatively stable group ranging 20–1000 μm. The PSD of particles liberated from two aggregate groups significantly (p < 0.05) differed: the coarser, less-stable group liberated 13% clay (0.04–2 μm), 53% fine silt (2–20 μm), and 34% coarse silt and sand (20–250 μm); while the finer, more-stable group liberated 26% clay and 74% fine silt. The ultrasonic energy required to disrupt 25%, 50%, and 75% of all aggregates within a given PSD interval significantly (p < 0.05) differed between all selected intervals, showing a trend of declining stability with increasing particle-size. Both the flexibility of the proposed model and the extension of ultrasonic stability assessment to simultaneous analysis of both microaggregate and macroaggregate subgroups can facilitate broader application of ultrasonic methods to soil processes related research.     

Erosion rates and nutrient losses affected by composted cattle manure application in vineyard soils of NE Spain

Land preparation for mechanisation in vineyards of the Anoia–Alt Penedès region, NE Spain, has required major soil movements, which has enormous environmental implications not only due to changes in the landscape morphology but also due to soil degradation. The resulting cultivated soils are very poor in organic matter and highly susceptible to erosion, which reduces the possibilities of water intake as most of the rain is lost as runoff. In order to improve soil conditions, the application of organic wastes has been generalised in the area, not only before plantation but also every 3–4 years at rates of 30–50 Mg ha^− 1 mixed in the upper 30 cm.These organic materials are important sources of nutrients (N and P) and other elements, which could reduce further fertilisation cost. However, due to the high susceptibility to sealing of these soils, erosion rates are relatively high, so a higher nutrient concentration on the soil surface increases non-point pollution sources due to runoff.The aim of this study is to analyse the influence of applied composted cattle manure on infiltration, runoff and soil losses and on nutrients transported by runoff in vineyards of the Alt Penedès–Anoia region, NE Spain. In the two plots selected for the analysis, composted cattle manure had been applied in alternate rows 1 year previous to the study. In each plot soil surface samples (0–25 cm) were taken and compared to those of plots without manure application. The study was carried out at laboratory scale using simulated rainfall. Infiltration rates were calculated from the difference between rainfall intensity and runoff rates, and the sediment and total nitrogen and phosphorus were measured for each simulation. In addition, the influence of compost was investigated in the field under natural rainfall conditions by analysing the nutrient concentration in runoff samples collected in the field (in the same plots) after seven rainfall events, which amount different total precipitation and had different erosive character.Compost application increases infiltration rates by up to 26% and also increases the time when runoff starts. Sediment concentration in runoff was lower in treated (13.4 on average mg L^− 1) than in untreated soils (ranging from 16.8 to 23.4 mg L^− 1). However, the higher nutrient concentration in soils produces a higher mobilisation of N (7–17 mg L^− 1 in untreated soils and 20–26 mg L^− 1 in treated soils) and P (6–7 mg L^− 1 in untreated soils and 13–19 mg L^− 1 in treated soils). A major part of the P mobilised was attached to soil particles (about 90% on average) and only 10% was dissolved. Under natural conditions, higher nutrient concentrations were always recorded in treated vs. untreated soils in both plots, and the total amount of N and P mobilised by runoff was higher in treated soils, although without significant differences. Nutrient concentrations in runoff depend on rainfall erosivity but the average value in treated soils was twice that in untreated soils for both plots.     

Assessing spatial variability of soil enzyme activities in pasture topsoils using geostatistics

The purpose of this study was to assess the spatial variability of the activity of three hydrolytic enzymes, i.e. urease activity (UAc), alkaline phosphatase activity (APAc), and arylsulfatase activity (ASAc), in pasture topsoils using geostatistics. Enzyme activities along a transect in a 1.35-ha pasture were determined using 77 soil samples from the upper 20 cm of soil. UAc varied from 101.0 to 182.7 μg N g⁻¹ soil h⁻¹; APAc varied from 1.56 to 3.62 μg p-nitrophenol g⁻¹ soil h⁻¹; and ASAc varied from 1.50 to 3.26 μg p-nitrophenol g⁻¹ soil h⁻¹. The linear models fit the best semivariogram models for UAc, APAc, and ASAc. Semivariograms for enzyme activities exhibited spatial dependence with ranges of influence of approximately 124.7 m.     

N2O and NO fluxes between a Norway spruce forest soil and atmosphere as affected by prolonged summer drought

Global change scenarios predict an increasing frequency and duration of summer drought periods in Central Europe especially for higher elevation areas. Our current knowledge about the effects of soil drought on nitrogen trace gas fluxes from temperate forest soils is scarce. In this study, the effects of experimentally induced drought on soil N₂O and NO emissions were investigated in a mature Norway spruce forest in the Fichtelgebirge (northeastern Bavaria, Germany) in two consecutive years. Drought was induced by roof constructions over a period of 46 days. The experiment was run in three replicates and three non-manipulated plots served as controls. Additionally to the N₂O and NO flux measurements in weekly to monthly intervals, soil gas samples from six different soil depths were analysed in time series for N₂O concentration as well as isotope abundances to investigate N₂O dynamics within the soil. N₂O fluxes from soil to the atmosphere at the experimental plots decreased gradually during the drought period from 0.2 to −0.0 μmol m⁻² h⁻¹, respectively, and mean cumulative N₂O emissions from the manipulated plots were reduced by 43% during experimental drought compared to the controls in 2007. N₂O concentration as well as isotope abundance analysis along the soil profiles revealed that a major part of the soil acted as a net sink for N₂O, even during drought. This N₂O sink, together with diminished N₂O production in the organic layers, resulted in successively decreased N₂O fluxes during drought, and may even turn this forest soil into a net sink of atmospheric N₂O as observed in the first year of the experiment. Enhanced N₂O fluxes observed after rewetting up to 0.1 μmol m⁻² h⁻¹ were not able to compensate for the preceding drought effect. During the experiment in 2006, with soil matric potentials in 20 cm depth down to −630 hPa, cumulative NO emissions from the throughfall exclusion plots were reduced by 69% compared to the controls, whereas cumulative NO emissions from the experimental plots in 2007, with minimum soil matric potentials of −210 hPa, were 180% of those of the controls. Following wetting, the soil of the throughfall exclusion plots showed significantly larger NO fluxes compared to the controls (up to 9 μmol m⁻² h⁻¹ versus 2 μmol m⁻² h⁻¹). These fluxes were responsible for 44% of the total emission of NO throughout the whole course of the experiment. NO emissions from this forest soil usually exceeded N₂O emissions by one order of magnitude or more except during wintertime.     

Surface measurements of the hydraulic properties of a tilled and untilled soil

The surface characteristics of soil can have a profound effect on the hydrology of tilled land. Apposite measurements of the surface hydraulic properties of Plainfield sand (Wisconsin, U.S.A.), a Typic Udipsamment, were used to assess the hydrologic impact of 5 years tillage by either moldboard plow or no-till. The crop was always corn (Zea mays L.). The “mean” pore size (λ_m), weighted in a way relevant to the flow of water through the soil surface, was computed here from saturated and unsaturated measurements of sorptivity (S₀) and hydraulic conductivity (K₀). Disc permeameters of dissimilar radii were used at two unsaturated supply-potential heads of ψ₀=−100 mm and −20 mm to find S₀ (ψ₀) and K₀ (ψ₀). At saturation (ψ₀=0), infiltration rings of contrasting radii were employed. The saturated and unsaturated values for S₀ and K₀ of the plowed soil were either the same as, or greater than the corresponding values for the no-till soil. Combination of the values for the saturated S₀ and K₀ showed that the no-till soil had a λ_m=1.34 (±0.67) mm, while in the plowed soil the “mean” pore size during saturated flow was only 0.19 (±0.18) mm. The large λ_m, and the high coefficient of variation, for the no-till soil was presumed to be related to the macropore network associated with the decay of crop residue in the less-sorptive matrix. The small homogeneous λ_m of both the saturated and unsaturated plowed soil reflects the annual pulverization of the soil surface by tillage.     

Magnetic properties of the urban soils in Shanghai and their environmental implications

To study the feasibility of using magnetic techniques for monitoring soil pollution in Shanghai, magnetic properties and heavy metals in the topsoils in an urban site (Songnan Town) and a less-urbanized agricultural site (Luojing Town) in Baoshan District, Shanghai, were studied. Compared with the background, magnetic signals of the urban topsoils are extremely enhanced with magnetic susceptibility (χ_lf) from 127.3–1959 × 10^− 8 m³ kg^− 1; while those of the agricultural topsoils are only slightly increased. However, both the urban and agricultural topsoils contain few pedogenic SP grains, as indicated by their low χ_fd% (< 3.6%). Ratios of χ_arm/SIRM, χ_arm/χ_lf and SIRM/χ_lf indicate that the grain size of magnetic minerals in the urban topsoils is significantly coarser than that in the background and the agricultural topsoils. Furthermore, the urban topsoils show low coercivity and magnetic soft behaviors, as indicated by higher SOFT%, lower HARD%, higher IRM_300 mT/SIRM (close to 1) and lower IRM_− 200 mT/SIRM (close to − 1). It suggests that the urban topsoils have received some coarse ferrimagnetic particles. Heavy metals are highly enriched in the magnetic fractions of the topsoils. Geochemical properties of the magnetic fraction of the urban topsoils are significantly different from those of the agricultural topsoils, further indicating that the extra magnetic minerals accumulated in the urban topsoils are neither inherited from soil parent materials nor from pedogenic processes, but originate from anthropogenic activities. The significant correlations between heavy metals and χ_lf, χ_arm, SIRM, SOFT and HIRM of the topsoils in the district indicate that the magnetic techniques can be used for monitoring soil pollution in Shanghai. The soils with χ_lf from 39–50 × 10^− 8 m³ kg^− 1 in the district are tentatively defined as “slightly polluted soils”; those with χ_lf > 50 × 10^− 8 m³ kg^− 1 are defined as “polluted soils”.     

The role of tephra covers on soil moisture conservation at Haleakala's crater (Maui, Hawai'i)

The influence of tephra covers on soil water was studied in Haleakala (Maui, Hawai'i) during two summers; eight sites with tephra layers and silverswords (Argyroxiphium sandwicense DC.) were sampled at 2415–2755 m. At each site, eight paired-sample sets were obtained in bare soils and under adjacent tephra, at three depths. Tephra were sharply separated from underlying soils and showed prominent vertical stratification. Tephra clast size-distribution was assessed by photosieving and on interstitial-gravel samples; stones included 45.6% cobbles, 29.4% pebbles, and 25% blocks.Moisture content increased with depth in both positions, but soils below tephra had more water at all depths than exposed areas. Surface soils beneath tephra contained 83% more water than bare ground. Soils at 5–10 cm had  106% greater moisture under rocks, but only  70% at 10–15 cm. Differences between plots were statistically significant ( p < 0.001) for surface soils, but less pronounced for subsoils. Soils above 2650 m had greater water content than at lower elevations, and moisture disparity between sample pairs increased with altitude.All soils were coarse, with  20% gravel and  94% sand; most fine material (≤ 0.063 mm) was silt, as clay content was negligible. Organic-matter percentage was low (1.65%). Bulk density and porosity were associated with moisture variation both in tephra-insulated and bare soils; 80% of field moisture was statistically (p < 0.001) accounted for by pore space. Air and soil temperatures were recorded at three sites during  one-week periods prior to moisture sampling. Tephra substantially decreased soil maxima and daily thermal amplitude in underlying soils, but did not noticeably affect nightly minima. Thin (5–6 cm) tephra layers were nearly as effective as thicker (9–15 cm) deposits in depressing soil maxima. Possible water-conservation mechanisms under tephra include: decreased evaporation due to ground shielding and lower maxima; reduced capillary flow; greater infiltration depth; nocturnal dew condensation; and fog interception by blocks.     

Increased microbial catabolic activity in diesel contaminated soil following addition of earthworms (Dendrobaena veneta) and compost

This study sought to assess the influence of compost and earthworms (Dendrobaena veneta) upon the level of hydrocarbon catabolism in petroleum contaminated forecourt soil (extractable petroleum hydrocarbons (EPH) 10 + 1.8 g kg⁻¹ and total 16 United States Environment Protection Agency (USEPA) polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) 1.62 ± 0.5 g kg⁻¹). The catabolic activity of the indigenous microorganisms within uncombined materials (soil and compost) and within the combined treatments (soil plus compost; either with or without earthworms) was assessed by ¹⁴C-radiorespirometry (¹⁴C-hexadecane, ¹⁴C-toluene and ¹⁴C-phenanthrene). Maximum levels of catabolic activity were observed (at the end of the incubation period; 84 d) for all three compounds in the combined contaminated soil, compost and earthworm mixtures. Significant (p < 0.05) enhancement factors (relative to the soil only control) in catabolic activity in the combined treatments (soil:compost (1:0.5)) of 3.6 times, 1.5 times and 3.5 times were observed for ¹⁴C-hexadecane, ¹⁴C-phenanthrene and ¹⁴C-toluene, respectively; with maximum levels of catabolic activity for these substrates being 68.6 ± 1.7%, 37.9 ± 5.3% and 85.9 ± 1.3%.     

Physical properties of tsunami-affected soils in Aceh, Indonesia: 2½ years after the tsunami

On 26 December 2004, a tsunami caused extensive loss of life, damaged property and degraded agricultural land in the province of Aceh, Indonesia. While some of the associated soil chemical changes have been documented, information on soil physical properties is sparse. The objective of this study was to quantify physical properties of some tsunami-affected upland agricultural soils in Aceh, Indonesia. Soil was sampled approximately 21/2 years after the tsunami, from the 0–0.1 m, 0.1–0.3 m and 0.3–0.5 m depths in four sites in the villages of Kling Cot Aroun in Aceh Besar sub-district, Kuta Kruen in Aceh Utara sub-district, Udjong Blang Mesjid in Bireuen sub-district and Meue in Pidie Jaya sub-district on the east coast of Aceh. These sites were located within 1 km from the sea at elevations ranging from 0 to 5 m ASL. The soils were Ultisols except for Meue, which was an Entisol. Soil properties measured were bulk density, structural stability and particle size distribution. Soil water retention, pore-size distribution and saturated hydraulic conductivity were estimated by inserting the values of bulk density, clay, sand and silt contents into pedotransfer functions from the literature. The analyses conducted during this study did not permit us to ascertain what proportion of the soil particles were of tsunami-origin. Nonetheless, deposition of finer-textured material may have occurred in two of the sites. In comparison with the greyish-white, coarse textured soil in the rest of the profile, a finer-textured yellow horizon was present in the lower slopes of the Udjong Blang Mesjid site. At Meue, clay and silt contents were higher in the surface 0.3 m than in the 0.3–0.5 m depth, although a distinct horizon was absent. Particle size distribution in all sites was dominated by the sand fraction, although clay and silt contents were relatively high (20–30 g 100 g^− 1) at Kuta Kruen. Among the sand fractions, fine sand (0.02–0.25 mm) was highest at Kling Cot Aroun, Kuta Kruen and in the “yellow horizon” at Udjong Blang Mesjid, making them more prone to hardsetting and compaction after intensive tillage. Soil compaction was present in all sites with that in the “yellow horizon” at Udjong Blang Mesjid being highest. The relatively low porosity in this layer may be beneficial, as it is likely to reduce the high rates of water drainage and nutrient leaching in this sandy soil. The more compacted soils were characterised by higher numbers of micropores (r, pore radius < 4.3 μm), lower water retention at saturation, smaller numbers of macropores (r > 14.3 μm), lower hydraulic conductivity and intensive gleying, indicating frequent waterlogging. The soils in all depths from Kling Cot Aroun and the “yellow horizon” at Udjong Blang Mesjid were very dispersive, that at Meue moderately dispersive in the 0.3–0.5 m depth but stable in the 0–0.1 m depth, and at Kuta Kruen very stable in all depths. Soil physical degradation was a feature of the soils examined, and its amelioration will be the key to improving and sustaining crop yields in these soils. Possible management interventions include organic amendments such as compost or manure, and minimum tillage options such permanent beds or zero tillage with retention of crop residues as in situ mulch together with suitable cover crops.     

Ant-induced soil modification and its effect on plant below-ground biomass

Lasius flavus is a dominant mound-building ant species of temperate grasslands that significantly modifies soil parameters. These modifications are usually the result of workers’ activities such as food accumulation and nest construction. An alternative hypothesis that could explain changes in soil is colony founding in areas of higher soil fertility.In our study we investigated several soil parameters sampled in 10 ant nests and adjacent (control) plots in mountain grassland in Slovakia. The alternative hypothesis was tested by comparing occupied and abandoned mounds. While we found increased concentrations of available P and K in the nests, concentrations of total C, total N, Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺ were lower there. We propose that differences found between the soil of nests and control plots are entirely a product of ant activity during mound occupancy and not due to initial soil differences during nest establishment. This was confirmed by the comparison of occupied and abandoned nests in which the soil fertility of abandoned nests was similar to conditions in the surrounding soil.Along with the modification of soil chemistry, we recorded changes in soil physical properties and the vertical distribution of nutrients. Ant nests were characterized by the dominance of 0.02–0.1 mm particles and lower bulk density. In the same habitat, nutrient concentrations did not change along the vertical gradient in contrast to control plots where soil nutrients decreased and bulk density increased with depth. Root biomass followed the vertical pattern observed with nutrients: in control plots, most roots were concentrated in the uppermost layer (0–3 cm), whereas they were evenly distributed along the vertical gradient in the nests. We also found that rhizome internodes of Agrostis capillaris were thinner and longer in plants from the mounds. Changes in soil physical properties, vertical distribution of nutrients and root biomass in the nests are most probably a consequence of mounding and soil mixing (bioturbation), which has been less reported on in ant-soil studies.     

Temporal evolution of salts in Mediterranean soils transect under different climatic conditions

The research was conducted in Israel at three sites along a south–north axis, characterized by increasing annual rainfall, from 310 mm at site LAV in the south through 600 mm at site MAT (600), to 800 mm at site EIN in the north. At each site soil samples were taken during several seasons (September 2001 through April 2003), in three dominant microenvironments at 0–2 cm and 5–10 cm. The following microenvironments were selected at LAV and MAT: “Under Shrub” (US), “Between Shrubs” (BS), and “Under Rock fragments” (UR). At EIN the selected microenvironments were US, BS, and “Under Tree” (UT). In each soil sample electrical conductivity (EC), pH, and concentrations of several ions were determined. The objective was to analyze the effects of soil microenvironments and climatic conditions on the temporal dynamics of salt concentrations. In all microenvironments at all sites the minimal values of EC were found in the rainy season (January or April), and the maximal values in the dry season (September). In the rainy season the temporal variability of EC in the topsoil was regulated by: (1) clay, which restricted the leaching of salts from the topsoil when EC was low; and (2) surface features (microenvironment), when EC was high. In the UT, US, and UR microenvironments the rainy season could be divided into two periods with respect to their effect on salt movement in the topsoil: at the beginning of the rainy season (September–January) the reduction in EC was relatively moderate, especially with regard to ions involved in biotic activity (Mg⁺⁺ and K⁺), whereas, late in the rainy season (January–April) there was enhanced reduction in EC. In contrast, in BS the regulation of salt movement was weak at all sites. Hence, in this microenvironment the salts concentration (mainly Na⁺ and Cl⁻) responded rapidly to changes in rain amount and soil moisture and temperature. In the dry season (April–September) the temporal variation in EC varied not only between microenvironments but also between sites. In US, where local surface features were similar at all sites (the same shrub), the rise in EC was maximal at LAV (mainly Ca⁺⁺ and Na⁺), and gradually diminished toward EIN. Thus, the contribution of regional sources to the salts added to the soil diminished toward the humid site, EIN, where the EC hardly changed in any microenvironment. In BS and UR microenvironments the rise in EC (mainly in Ca⁺⁺, Na⁺, and K⁺) was greatest at site MAT, and decreased toward LAV and EIN. It seems that this pattern was affected also by changes in local biotic activity.     

Short-term effects of an exceptionally hot and dry summer on decomposition of surface peat in a restored temperate bog

The restoration of drained peat bogs in Northwest (NW) Europe is an important task of soil protection, but needs to cope with warmer and drier summers. Our examination took place in the Pietzmoor bog (Schneverdingen, NW Germany) that had been drained for fuel peat extraction until the 1970s and rewetted since then. We determined carbon dioxide (CO₂) efflux in situ and in laboratory incubations. Also, we analyzed pore water for dissolved organic carbon (DOC), total and dissolved organic N (DON), nitrate (NO₃^–) and ammonium (NH₄⁺) concentration. In Schneverdingen, the summer 2003 was record-breaking hot (mean temperature June to August elevated > 3 K compared to long-term average) and dry (precipitation during the same period < 59% of long-term average). In July 2003, the water table in the Pietzmoor subsided to > 42 cm below the surface in July 2003, when in situ soil CO₂ efflux was up to 23.4 g m^–2 d^–1 compared to 15.7 g m^–2 d^–1 in September. Prior to March 2003, DOC concentrations in pore water were < 180 mg l^–1 and NH₄⁺ was the dominant fraction of mineral N. In July 2003, DOC concentration rose to 249 g l^–1, DON concentrations more than doubled, and NO₃^– became the dominant fraction of mineral N. Due to the increased future likelihood of hot and dry summers in NW Germany, peat bog restoration efforts need take care that a water table close to the surface is maintained.     

Modeling daily soil water dynamics during vertical drainage using the incoming flow concept

Crop management models require simulation of daily soil water dynamics. The objective of this study was to develop a model to simulate the daily soil water dynamics during vertical drainage with reasonable accuracy using the incoming flow concept. The execution of this model, which has been developed based on the conservation of mass law, consists of two steps. First, calculating the potential daily change of soil water content (Δθp) for each soil layer in the profile assuming each one receives no water from the above layer. Then, calculating the actual daily change of soil water (Δθa) for each soil layer in the profile by adjusting Δθp using the incoming water flow, which can be defined as the amount of drainage water that reaches a layer in a soil profile from the above layer. The model was compared with the Suleiman and Ritchie [Suleiman, A.A., Ritchie, J.T., 2004. Modifications to the DSSAT vertical drainage model for more accurate soil water dynamics estimation. Soil Sci. 169 (11), 745–757] vertical drainage model (SRVDM) and HYDRUS-1D for diverse soils and was tested using drainage experimental data of a Eutric Regosol in Bekkevoort, Belgium and a sandy soil in Georgia, U.S. The difference in Δθp between the new model and HYDRUS-1D for diverse soils ranged from − 0.01 to 0.016 m³ m^− 3 for the first day and from − 0.005 to − 0.025 m³ m^− 3 for the second day while the difference in Δθp between the SRVDM and HYDRUS-1D for these soils ranged from 0.014 to 0.062 m³ m^− 3 for the first day and from − 0.01 to 0.026 m³ m^− 3 for the second day. The relative maximum absolute errors in Δθa between the new model and HYDRUS-1D was 10% while the relative maximum absolute errors in Δθa between the SRVDM and HYDRUS-1D was 112%. In the experiments, the root mean square difference of the soil water content for the new model was lower than that for the SRVDM at the different soil depths. These results indicated that the new model outperformed the SRVDM in simulating Δθp and Δθa for diverse soil. It can be concluded that the new model was robust and reasonably accurate for diverse soils at different soil depths. The implementation of such model will improve the accuracy and applicability of regional soil water dynamics simulation and will reduce considerably the computational time and the required inputs.     

Herbicide sorption, degradation, and leaching in three Swedish soils under long-term conventional and reduced tillage

Soil tillage has the potential to influence water flow and solute transport through the soil by cutting continuous macropores which connect the soil surface to the subsoil. Tillage also affects soil organic carbon sequestration which may lead to different sorption and degradation properties depending on the long-term tillage practices. The objective of this study was to quantify the differences in sorption, degradation and leaching of the herbicides bentazone and isoproturon between conventional tillage (CT) and reduced tillage (RT) under Swedish conditions. Three sites, Ultuna (silty clay), Säby (loam), and Lönnstorp (sandy loam moraine till), where replicate plots had been under either CT or RT for at least 9 years, were included in the study. A higher organic carbon content had developed in the top 5 cm of RT plots compared to the 10–20 cm depth and CT plots since the establishment of the experimental treatments. Adsorption and degradation were studied in laboratory experiments and solute transport was studied in undisturbed column experiments using non-reactive tracers and herbicides. The results from the column experiments were not significantly different between tillage treatments for Säby and Lönnstorp. For Ultuna, RT resulted in a more pronounced preferential tracer transport pattern and isoproturon leaching was twelve times larger compared to CT columns. This indicates that the tillage treatment had affected the macropore connectivity only at Ultuna. Freundlich adsorption coefficients for both bentazone and isoproturon were larger (though not always significantly) in the top 5 cm of RT soil compared to the 10–20 cm depth and to CT, reflecting the higher organic carbon content. The degradation rate was also generally larger (though not always significantly) in the top 5 cm of RT soil. These results show that RT has the potential to reduce pesticide leaching. However, any such reduction may be counter-balanced by enhanced preferential flow for soils where RT results in improved macropore connectivity.     

Macropore flow estimations under no-till and till systems

The processes associated with water movement through silt loam soils involve both the flow through macropores as preferential flow or macropore flow and flow through the micropore as matrix flow. Macropore and matrix flow components were separated from total flow by a hydrograph-separation technique which used the assumption of dual porosity and a tracer mass balance. A mixture of potassium bromide was applied through a rain simulator to four plots in northern Mississippi in two rain events at 12.7 mm/h lasting 5 and 3 h separated by 6 h. The plots were either tilled or no-tilled with drains installed by two methods at the surface of the fragipan. The magnitude of water and bromide (Br⁻) transported by macropore flow to a drain line were estimated and the resulting hydrographs provided an indication of the potential significance of macropore flow in transporting water and non-reactive chemicals through macropores to the shallow groundwater system. Matrix flow appears to contribute the majority of the water moving to the drains even during the early stages of the drain flow hydrographs. The no-till plots produced more macropore flow than the tilled plots, independent of how the drains were installed. Macropore flow in the drainage at any time was small as compared to the matrix flow; however it contributed a disproportionate amount of Br⁻ tracer. These data support the concept that models used to predict mass balances using only the matrix (Darcian) flow will underestimate those chemicals that move like bromide into the soil profile.     

Infiltration patterns into two soils under conventional and conservation tillage: influence of the spatial distribution of plant root structures and soil animal activity

The characteristics and properties of the soil macropore system may cause different infiltration behavior under different tillage practices. To evaluate the effect of a specific tillage system on infiltration and percolation with particular regard to the influence of crop structure and soil animal activity dye tracer irrigation experiments were conducted in a silty (Luvisol) as well as in a sandy loam soil (Podzolluvisol). The spatial distribution of water flow paths was experimentally examined at four square areas of 0.49 m², under conservation and conventional tillage. Natural rainstorms were simulated by irrigating the plots with 2.8×10⁻³ M methylene blue solutions. For both soils the root crowns of the agricultural crop, wormcasts and stained soil sections as well as macroscopic conduits were traced on plastic sheets. The investigated soil depths were 0, 5, 10 and 20 cm for the both soils. For the Luvisol, the 30, 40, 50, 80 and 120 cm depths were also studied.For the Luvisol, the conservation tillage plot revealed pronounced vertical connectivity and continuity of the macropore network (maximum depth of stained pores=120 cm), while at the conventional tillage plot, continuous macropores were observed to soil depths of 50 cm, but mainly restricted to the ploughed topsoil (0–30 cm soil depth).For the Podzolluvisol, at the conservation tillage site extensive mulch residues prevented water transport beneath 5 cm soil depth. In contrast, at the conventionally tilled site stained water reached a depth of 20 cm. For all investigated plots on both soil types, the location of the root crowns of agricultural crop and of wormcasts was not related to percolation patterns.The results suggest that conservation tillage on silty soils under agricultural landuse could induce an increased water retention capacity reducing the significance of fast runoff components.     

Crop yield and soil fertility response to reduced tillage under organic management

Conservation tillage (no-till and reduced tillage) brings many benefits with respect to soil fertility and energy use, but it also has drawbacks regarding the need for synthetic fertilizers and herbicides. Our objective was to adapt reduced tillage to organic farming by quantifying effects of tillage (plough versus chisel), fertilization (slurry versus manure compost) and biodynamic preparations (with versus without) on soil fertility indicators and crop yield. The experiment was initiated in 2002 on a Stagnic Eutric Cambisol (45% clay content) near Frick (Switzerland) where the average annual precipitation is 1000 mm. This report focuses on the conversion period and examines changes as tillage intensity was reduced. Soil samples were taken from the 0–10 and 10–20 cm depths and analysed for soil organic carbon (C_org), microbial biomass (C_mic), dehydrogenase activity (DHA) and earthworm density and biomass. Among the components tested, only tillage had any influence on these soil fertility indicators. C_org in the 0–10 cm soil layer increased by 7.4% (1.5 g C_org kg⁻¹ soil, p < 0.001) with reduced tillage between 2002 and 2005, but remained constant with conventional tillage. Similarly, C_mic was 28% higher and DHA 27% (p < 0.001) higher with reduced than with conventional tillage in the soil layer 0–10 cm. In the 10–20 cm layer, there were no significant differences for these soil parameters between the tillage treatments. Tillage had no significant effect on total earthworm density and biomass. The abundance of endogeic, horizontally burrowing adult earthworms was 70% higher under reduced than conventional tillage but their biomass was 53% lower with reduced tillage. Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and spelt (Triticum spelta L.) yield decreased by 14% (p < 0.001) and 8% (p < 0.05), respectively, with reduced tillage, but sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) yield was slightly higher with reduced tillage. Slurry fertilization enhanced wheat yield by 5% (p < 0.001) compared to compost fertilization. Overall, C_org, C_mic, and DHA improved and yields showed only a small reduction with reduced tillage under organic management, but long-term effects such as weed competition remain unknown.     

Hydrological pathway and source area of nutrient losses identified by a multi-scale monitoring in an agricultural catchment

The objectives of the study were to identify principal hydrological pathways and source areas of N and P losses by multi-scale monitoring and to estimate total nutrient losses from the catchment. An agricultural catchment with rain-fed agriculture and irrigated paddy fields in subtropical China was monitored with regularly sampling, together with intensive sampling during and after rain storms. Regular weekly sampling showed that the N concentrations in the overland flows from the upland and paddy fields were higher than those from the streams, but lower than those in the subsurface waters. The N concentration, on average, was 10.0 mg L^− 1 in the well and 1.7 mg L^− 1 in the spring water, the former was 10.2 times as high as that in the stream waters (1.0–1.5 mg L^− 1). Nitrogen and P in the overland flows originated dominantly in particulate forms from the uplands (over 70%) and in dissolved forms from the paddy fields. Inorganic N and P dominated in the streams and subsurface waters. The intensive sampling allowed us to establish flow-nutrient concentration relationships and to extrapolate nutrient losses during rainstorms without regular sampling. The extrapolation increased the estimated nutrient losses by about 30% to 50%. The average total nutrient losses within three water years were estimated as 21 kg N ha^− 1 yr^− 1 and 1 kg P ha^− 1 yr^− 1, accounting for 9.5% and 1.4% of chemical N and P fertilizers applied to the catchment after subtracting the nutrient inputs with irrigation and rainfall. The estimation showed that paddy fields were as important as the uplands in terms of nutrient losses. These results suggest that control of soil erosion and excessive irrigation could be effective to reduce nutrient export through overland flow and subsurface flow.