Soil Science Research Papers/Topics

Use of integrated soil fertility management technologies in Malawi: Impact of dry spells exposure

Abstract: Integrated soil fertility management (ISFM) technologies hold potential to protect against climate risks, reduce nutrient depletion and enhance food security. In this paper, we study how exposure to dry spells influences use and use intensity of ISFM technologies, specifically focusing on maize-legume intercropping and organic manure. We use a four-round panel dataset collected from households in six Malawi districts over a period of nine years and merged with daily rainfall data f...

Long‑term maize‑Desmodium intercropping shifts structure and composition of soil microbiome with stronger impact on fungal communities

Abstract: Abstract Purpose Push–pull is an intercropping technology that is rapidly spreading among smallholder farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa. The technology intercrops cereals with Desmodium to fight off stem borers, eliminate parasitic weeds, and improve soil fertility and yields of cereals. The above-ground components of push–pull cropping have been well investigated. However, the impact of the technol-ogy on the soil microbiome and the subsequent role of the microbiome on diverse eco...

Conversion of a Profile Description Sheet to an Open Data Kit (ODK)

The interest of using informatics tools for collecting information on agro-biodiversity is increasing, since they greatly facilitate the collection and sharing of data. Current practice which is primarily paper-based limits the scale and complexity of the services that can be provided and thus the impact of the intervention. Soil survey needs to be up to date, using a paper based survey can create problems thus the need to use ODK. Profile description sheet is a paper based survey form and wa...

Characterisation and Classification of Soils of Aregedif Watershed, Northwestern Ethiopia

ABSTRACT To determine the soil's primary potentials and constraints, soil characterization and pedological classification are crucial. However, much of Ethiopia’s documented soil information is scanty and inadequate relative to the large size of the country and the wide diversity of soils and landscapes. The aim of this work was to characterize and classify the morphological, physical, and chemical attributes of soils in Aregedif watershed, Northwestern Ethiopia. Samples were collected fro...

Characterization and Mapping of Gully Erosion Features in Two Geological Formations of Eastern Nigeria Using Global Positioning System (GPS) and Satellite Aerial Photo

ABSTRACT With the aid of Global Positioning System (GPS) and Satellite Aerial Photo, a comparative characterization and mapping of soil gully erosion features on two geological formations were carried out in Nsukka area of eastern Nigeria. The two geological formations were Ajali and Mamu formations. The study involved the use of base map created using a Geographic Information System (GIS) (GPS Track Marker) and Satellite Photo downloaded from the internet using the same GIS (GPS Track Marke...

Mobility of Heavy Metals from the University of Nigeria Sewage-Sludge Disposal Site to the Surrounding Soils and Plants

ABSTRACT This study was carried out at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka sewage disposable site. The study was to quantify the mineral contents of sewage sludge and assess their mobility in the soil and plants around UNN disposal site. The experimental layout was a 4x3 factorial in RCBD in which distance from the sewage disposal site and soil depth were the two factors under consideration. The distances from sewage pond were 0 (edge), 100, 300 and 2000 m away from the sewage pond with 2000 m...

Heavy Metals Content In Soils In The Vicinity of Refuse Dumpsites In Calabar South, LGA

 ABSTRACT This study was done to evaluate the risk of heavy metals pollution of soils within the vicinities of refuse dumpsites in Calabar south, LGA. Soil samples were collected from a depth of 0-20cm with the use of a soil auger from ten (10) dumpsites using the stratified sampling method.  The samples were well labelled in polythene bags and transported to the laboratory where it was air-dried and subjected to physico-chemical analysis. Heavy  metals such as lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), c...

Combined Effect of Salinity Potassium Humate on Growth and Physiology of Soybean (Glycine max L).

These experiments were conducted to study Potassium Humate's effect on soybean growth and yield. Seeds were sown in pots and a single dose of Potassium Humate was applied in a single dose and water as a control. Soybean was grown in salt-affected soil to check the salt tolerance of soybean. Potassium Humate addition maintained higher contents of soil water, salt, and mineral nitrogen in the wetting pattern by enhancing the soil water-holding capacity. The obtained results indicated that the a...

Comparative Effects of Lime, Poultry Manure and Npk Compound Fertilizer on Soil Physicochemical Properties and Yield of Maize in an Ultisol of Southeastern Nigeria.

ABSTRACT Field and greenhouse experiments were conducted at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, in 2011, to examine the effects of lime, poultry manure and NPK 15-15-15 on the soil nutrient content and yield of maize. The experiment was first carried out in the greenhouse and later evaluated in the field. The experimental designs used were 6 x 4 factorial in completely randomized design (CRD) and randomized complete block design (RCBD) for the greenhouse and field experiments respectively. Two...

Phosphate Mobilization by Addition of Organic Acids in Two Soils of the Southern Guinea Savanna of Nigeria

ABSTRACT One mechanism by which plants can mobilize organic and inorganic forms of phosphorus (P) in soils is by exudation of low molecular weight organic acids. Laboratory and field trial were carried out during 2011 and 2012 cropping seasons to study the effects of additions of organic acids ( citric, oxalic and tartaric acids) on the mobilization of phosphate of soils from Minna and Mokwa, both in Southern Guinea Savanna of Nigeria. For initial laboratory studies and prior to field cultiva...

Effects of Cover Management Practices on Physical Properties, Runoff and Erosion in Nsukka Sandy Loam Soil

ABSTRACT A two –year (2004/2005) field investigation was carried out on the runoff plots at the University of Nigeria Nsukka farm, to monitor the effects of cover management practices on physical properties, runoff and soil loss in Nkpologu sandy loam soil. The management practices were barefallow (BF), cocoyam (CY) sorghum (SG), legume (CP) and grass (PM), under no-till practice. There was no change in soil texture due to treatments. The treatments generally increased soil organic matter c...

Characterization and Mapping of Gully Erosion Features in Two Geological Formations of Eastern Nigeria Using Global Positioning System (Gps) and Satellite Aerial Photo

ABSTRACT With the aid of Global Positioning System (GPS) and Satellite Aerial Photo, a comparative characterization and mapping of soil gully erosion features on two geological formations were carried out in Nsukka area of eastern Nigeria. The two geological formations were Ajali and Mamu formations. The study involved the use of base map created using a Geographic Information System (GIS) (GPS Track Marker) and Satellite Photo downloaded from the internet using the same GIS (GPS Track Marker...

Assessment of Soil Biological and Physico-Chemical Benefits of Legume-Cereal Rotation Systems in Derived Savanna Zone of Nigeria

Abstract Green house and field experiments were undertaken in this study. The green house study was done in International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Ibadan, green house, while the field experiments were conducted in the Department of Soil Science, University of Nigeria, Teaching and Research Farm and Dominican Centre for Human Resources Development, Moniya-Ibadan Farm in 2008 and 2009 crop years. The green house study was a 2 x 3 x 2 factorial in completely randomized design (C...

Comparative effect of Groundnut Genotypes on Yield and N Fixation in the Sudan and Northern Guinea Savannahs of Nigeria

ABSTRACT Recognition of high yielding and nitrogen (N) fixing groundnut genotypes and desegregating them in the cereal-based cropping systems common in savannah regions will enhance food security and reduce the need for high N fertilizers hence, minimize the high cost and associated environmental consequences. Field trials were conducted during the 2015 growing season at the Research Farms of Bayero University Kano (BUK) and Institute for Agricultural Research (IAR), Ahmadu Bello Univer...

Appraisal and Mapping of Soil Salinity and Sodicity problems in Sector one of Watari Irrigation Scheme, Kano State

ABSTRACT One of the main reasons for the loss of productive land in irrigated fields is the buildup of salinity in the soil. In the watari irrigation Scheme, no systematic appraisal and mapping have been made before within the sector. The study area was selected after a reconnaissance survey based on the farmer's complaint about the low production. Global positioning system (GPS) was used to record the coordinate, and delineate the boundary of the study site. The coordinates of the delinea...


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