EURASIAN JOURNAL OF SOIL SCIENCE

153 - 160

Authors: Maria Manuela Carvalho, Maria Cristina Vila, Cristina Delerue-Matos, Maria Teresa Oliva-Teles, António Fiúza

Bioremediation is an attractive and useful method of remediation of soils contaminated with petroleum hydrocarbons because it is simple to maintain, applicable in large areas, is economic and enables an effective destruction of the contaminant. Usually, the autochthone microorganisms have no ability to degrade these compounds, and otherwise, the contaminated sites have inappropriate environmental conditions for microorganism’s development. These problems can be overcome by assisted bioremediation (bioaugmentation and/or biostimulation). In this study the assisted bioremediation capacity on the rehabilitation of three natural sub-soils (granite, limestone and schist) contaminated with benzene was evaluated. Two different types of assisted bioremediation were used: without and with ventilation (bioventing). The bioaugmentation was held by inoculating the soil with a consortium of microorganisms collected from the protection area of crude oil storage tanks in a refinery. In unventilated trials, biostimulation was accomplished by the addition of a nutrient mineral media, while in bioventing oxygen was also added. The tests were carried out at controlled temperature of 25 ºC in stainless steel columns where the moist soil contaminated with benzene (200 mg per kg of soil) occupied about 40% of the column’s volume. The processes were daily monitored in discontinued mode. Benzene concentration in the gas phase was quantified by gas chromatography (GC-FID), oxygen and carbon dioxide concentrations were monitored by respirometry. The results revealed that the three contaminated soils were remediated using both technologies, nevertheless, the bioventing showed faster rates. With this work it was proved that respirometric analysis is an appropriate instrument for monitoring the biological activity.

169 - 177

Authors: Martin Reiss, Peter Chifflard

Periglacial cover beds are an important trigger of slope-water paths in sloped terrain of the mid-latitudes. Most hydropedological studies focus on the quantitative analysis about the interrelation between subsurface layering and runoff processes at the slope scale. In this research we emphasis on a qualitative environmental geochemical analysis of trace elements and dissolved organic carbon in a small forest hydrological study area in the central parts of the subdued mountains of Germany (Location: KrofdorferForst, +50° 41' 3.69", +8° 38' 38.87"). The main objective is to assess the effect of lithological discontinuities of stratified soils within the depth functions of trace elements concentration in soil solutions (soil water and its dissolved and mobile fraction in a vertical distribution). Lorz (2008) show that depth functions of manganese (Mn) are characterized by strong pedogenic dynamics, analysing a shortened sequential extraction of solid soil material. We investigated the hypothesis that lithological discontinuities act like aquicludes. Therefore we expect abrupt changes within the depth function of manganese as a result of such water-blocking effect (= geochemical barriers) as a consequence of mobilization under wet soil conditions. In a preliminary case study we sampled soil solutions from three different plots within a 400m-toposequence. We use in situ trench installed suction lysimeters with ceramic tips (Irrometer Soil Solution Access Tube) to extract soil water samples each 20 cm from top- (10 cm) to subsoil (110 cm). For geochemical element analysis we use an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The results: A clear character of abrupt changes within the depth function could be illustrated for most of the plots. For example, at the upper slope plot a contrast of the depth function is from 1013 ppb mean concentration at 50 cm profile depth to 290 ppb mean concentration at 70 cm profile depth (17 month sampling period). To conclude, these results demonstrate that hydrochemical quality and translocation processes of soil solutions determining an interrelation between subsurface layering and run off processes - respectively could be seen as an environmental consequence of it.

185 - 190

Authors: Zeynep Demir, Coşkun Gülser

Effects of rice husk compost (RHC) on some soil quality parameters under greenhouse conditions were investigated. Experiment were conducted in a randomized plot design with different application doses of RHC (0, 3, 6 and 9%) into surface soil (0-20 cm) with three replications in a greenhouse of Agricultural Faculty in Ondokuz Mayıs University. RHC application generally improved the soil quality parameters according to the control treatment during the experiment carried out with growing tomato plant in the greenhouse in 2010. The soil organic matter (OM) contents significantly increased by the application of RHC in the following order; 9%>6%>3%>0%. While RHC applications in the greenhouses significantly reduced pH contents of soils according to the control, the RHC application increased the values of respiration rate (CO2), EC, NO3-N and available phosphorus (P). While the exchangeable Ca values of soils generally decreased, the exchangeable Mg and K values generally increased according to the control with RHC application. Bulk density (BD) values in the greenhouse were reduced with RHC application doses in the following order 0%>3%> 6%>9%. The values of field capacity (FC), permanent wilting point (PWP) and available water capacity (AWC) generally increased according to the control with the application of RHC dosses in the following order 9%>6%>3%. The highest positive correlations among the physical, chemical and biological properties were found between OM and PWP (0.924**), AWC and FC (0.907**), OM and FC (0.897**), CO2 and PWP (0.862**), PWP and FC (0.791**); while the highest negative correlations were found between BD and FC (-0.854**), BD and PWP (-0.871**), BD and OM (-0.868**), BD and CO2 (-0.838**), BD and P (-0.821**), Ca and FC (-0.812**). The highest tomato yield (7.77 ton/da) was obtained with the 9% of RHC application. RHC application to the soil in greenhouse generally improved soil quality and tomato yield.

198 - 202

Authors: Dolgor Khaydapova, Evgeny Milanovskiy, Evgeny Shein

Rheological properties of kaolinite, montmorillonite, ferralitic soil of the humid subtropics (Norfolk island, southwest of Oceania), alluvial clay soil of arid subtropics (Konyaprovince, Turkey) and carbonate loess loam of Russian forest-steppe zone were determined. A parallel plate rheometer MCR-302 (Anton Paar, Austria) was used in order to conduct amplitude sweep test. Rheological properties allow to assess quantitatively structural bonds and estimate structural resistance to a mechanical impact. Measurements were carried out on samples previously pounded and capillary humidified during 24 hours. In the amplitude sweep method an analyzed sample was placed between two plates. The upper plate makes oscillating motions with gradually extending amplitude. Software of the device allows to receive several rheological parameters such as elastic modulus (G’, Pa), viscosity modulus (G", Pa), linear viscoelasticity range (G’>>G”), and point of destruction of structure at which the elastic modulus becomes equal to the viscosity modulus (G’=G”- crossover). It was found out that in the elastic behavior at G '>> G " strength of structural links of kaolinite, alluvial clay soil and loess loam constituted one order of 105 Pa. Montmorillonit had a minimum strength - 104 Pa and ferrallitic soil of Norfolk island [has] - a maximum one -106 Pa. At the same time montmorillonite and ferralitic soil were characterized by the greatest plasticity. Destruction of their structure (G '= G") took place only in the cases when strain was reaching 11-12%. Destraction of the kaolinite structure happened at 5% of deformation and of the alluvial clay soil and loess loam - at 4.5%.

211 - 219

Authors: Joulia Meshalkina, Alexis Yaroslavtsev, Ilya Mazirov, Miljan Samardzic, Riccardo Valentini, Ivan Vasenev

The eddy covariance (EC) technique as a powerful statistics-based method of measurement and calculation the vertical turbulent fluxes of greenhouses gases within atmospheric boundary layers provides the continuous, long-term flux information integrated at the ecosystem scale. An attractive way to compare the agricultural practices influences on GHG fluxes is to divide a crop area into subplots managed in different ways. The research has been carried out in the Precision Farming Experimental Field of the Russian Timiryazev State Agricultural University (RTSAU, Moscow) in 2013 under the support of RF Government grant # 11.G34.31.0079, EU grant # 603542 LUС4С (7FP) and RF Ministry of education and science grant # 14-120-14-4266-ScSh. Arable Umbric Albeluvisols have around 1% of SOC, 5.4 pH (KCl) and NPK medium-enhanced contents in sandy loam topsoil. The CO2 flux seasonal monitoring has been done by two eddy covariance stations located at the distance of 108 m. The LI-COR instrumental equipment was the same for the both stations. The stations differ only by current crop version: barley or vetch and oats. At both sites, diurnal patterns of NEE among different months were very similar in shape but varied slightly in amplitude. NEE values were about zero during spring time. CO2 fluxes have been intensified after crop emerging from values of 3 to 7 µmol/s∙m2 for emission, and from 5 to 20 µmol/s∙m2 for sink. Stabilization of the fluxes has come at achieving plants height of 10-12 cm. Average NEE was negative only in June and July. Maximum uptake was observed in June with average values about 8 µmol CO2 m−2 s−1. Although different kind of crops were planted on the fields A and B, GPP dynamics was quite similar for both sites: after reaching the peak values at the mid of June, GPP decreased from 4 to 0.5 g C CO2 m-2 d-1 at the end of July. The difference in crops harvesting time that was equal two weeks did not significantly influence the daily GPP patterns. Cumulative assimilation of CO2 at the end of the growing season was about 150 g C m−2 for both sites. So the difference in NEE was the consequence of essentially higher respiration rates in case of vetch and oats (about 350 g C m−2) comparing to barley (250 g C m−2) that needs additional research. The results have shown high daily and seasonal dynamic of CO2 emission too as a result of different and contrasted conditions: crop type, crop development stage, soil moisture and air temperature. Obtained unique for Russian agriculture data are useful for land-use practices environmental assessment, for soil organic carbon dynamics analysis and agroecological evaluation.

82 - 87

Authors: Orhan Dengiz, Mustafa Sağlam, Ferhat Türkmen

Identifying the primary factors influencing watershed scale soil organic carbon (SOC) spatial distribution is critical for improving the accuracy of SOC stock estimates. The primary objective of the current study is to determine the effects of soil type and land use-land cover on SOC in Maden Dere Watershed. To determine land use and land cover of the study area, Geoeye satellite image was used. Four main land use and land cover that are forest, pasture, orchard and cultivated land were determined. Results indicate soil types and land use-land cover were two influencing factors of SOC density spatial variation. SOC density of soil profiles, Haplustept (37.58 kg/m2) was significantly higher than other soil great groups. Main reasons of this result are indicated as profile depth and pedological development. In addition, it was determined land use and land cover affect on SOC by taking soil samples. For surface soils SOC density, the lowest average carbon storage (5.05 kg/m2) was found in cultivated soils. In conclusion, it should be developed proper land use policy and sustainable soil management and cropping practices to combat the ongoing soil degradation and improve soil fertility in the study area.

94 - 99

Authors: Veronika Sobotková, Miroslav Dumbrovský

Erosion on the agricultural soils in the Czech Republic threats seriously their production and nonproduction functions. Erosion have devastating effect on fertile topsoil of the agricultural soils, reduces the thickness of the soil profile and nutrients and humus content, deteriorate physical, chemical and biological properties of soil. At the Brno University of Technology in Czech Republic was designed and realized equipment "the soil erosion bridge", which allows the soil surface profile measurement and quantifies the volume of erosion rills, which can occur after heavy rainfall. The main objective was to develop a method for volumetric quantification of erosion rills during heavy rainfall season. Using new equipment the soil surface profile was measured directly in the field during 4 years (2007–2010). New equipment consists of three parts. The first equipment is a square frame with an inside dimension of 4 m2. The second equipment is removable profile, which serves for movement of the soil erosion bridge. The third equipment is the soil erosion bridge. The soil erosion bridge serves to volumetric quantification of rill erosion. The more effective way of data processing was developed. It was developed a software, by which it is possible the automatically transfer the rill surface profile to digital form. In the South Moravian Region in the Czech Republic was selected case study area with typical very steep sloped relief with the loess soil. The measurement was carried out on the research plots with a slope of more than 10%. More than 1300 cross sections of the soil surface profile were measured using the new type of soil erosion bridge. From these profiles it was possible to calculate the volume of the eroded soil from the research plots. The results were always in excess of 100 t.ha–1.rok–1. This is a value many times higher than the tolerated limit of soil loss in Czech Republic. Thanks to this new equipment, it is possible to quantify the soil loss from the plot threatened of water erosion. The advantage of this equipment is its using during the vegetable season when the soil surface is overgrown with vegetation and crops are higher growth.

107 - 110

Authors: Ahmet Sami Erol, Evgeny Shein, Evgeny Milanovskiy, Fariz Mikailsoy, Fatih Er, Sabit Ersahin

Alluvial calcareous soils in Central Anatolia (Konya province, Çumra district) has a heavy granulometric composition (average clay), low organic carbon content (less than 1%), but stable pore space structure and favorable agrophysical properties. Studies of the water regime in drip irrigation confirm favorable hydrological properties of these soils. It is assumed that the favorable structure of the pore space due to vigorous activity a large and diverse soil biota. Four phyla dominate in soil biota, among which predominate Actinobacteria. The higher (Streptomyces), and lower (three species Rhodococcus) actinobacteria are predominant in large amounts as a part of this phyla. Large biodiversity at a sufficiently high bacteria richness formed the structure of the microbial community that contribute to the balanced production of specific metabolites, including gases (CO2, N2), which allows the soil to function actively, preventing compaction of the pore space and maintaining optimal density, porosity, hydrologic properties of the studied silty clay soils. m the uppermost soil horizons. Analyses of heavy mineral fraction show presence of metamorphic and igneous minerals which indicate participation of weathering products from other rock types in the nearby area. The types of heavy minerals in soils depend more on composition of parent rocks and geomorphic position than on climate type. Soils from Nova Lovcha show similar composition, but the quantity of goethite and hematite significantly increase in soil from plain. Typical high-metamorphic minerals as andalusite, kyanite and sillimanite present only in Nova Lovcha, while garnet dominates in Petrovo and opaque minerals - in Dobrostan. Red soils, formed on slopes, where erosion prevails over accumulation, contain more illite, smectite and vermiculite-smectite, and very few or no kaolinite, whereas the kaolinite is dominant in soils formed on plain. The mineralogical composition of clays in different polygons depends on geomorphic position (altitude, slope or plain), and less on climate type. The weathering processes in the highest polygon Dobrostan (more than 1200 m) are in early stage (illite, vermiculite-smectite, and smectite), whereas in Nova Lovcha (above 700-900 m) and Petrovo (1000 m) the domination of kaolinite suggests an advanced weathering processes.

118 - 125

Authors: Amin Ismayilov, Fariz Mikailsoy

The experience shows that when constructing soil fertility models, many researchers prefer single-valued regression analysis. This is primarily due to the fact that regression analyses require simpler statistical calculations, and on the other hand, regression equations enable a physical explanation of the process under study. The research goal is to determine the effect of soil fertility indices and mineral fertilizers on the yields of crops (cereals) grown in the Karabakh Steppe on gray-brown irrigated soils.

137 - 143

Authors: Ieva Jokubauskaite, Alvyra Slepetiene, Danute Karcauskiene

Soil quality has become an important issue in soil science. Dissolved organic carbon (DOC) is believed to play an important role in soil processes and in the C, N and P balances, their supplies to plants in all types of soils. It is much more sensitive to soil management than is soil organic matter as a whole, and can be used as a key indicator of soil natural functions. This study aimed to assess the influence of different organic fertilizers on DOC and N, P accumulation. The study was carried out on a moraine loam soil at the Vezaiciai Branch of Lithuanian Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry in 2012. Farmyard manure (FYM) (60 t ha -1) and alternative organic fertilizers (wheat straw, rape residues, roots, stubble, perennial grasses) were applied on two soil backgrounds - acid and limed. DOC was analysed using an ion chromatograph SKALAR. Application of organic amendments resulted in a significant increase of soil organic carbon (SOC) content, which demonstrates a positive role of organic fertilizers in SOC conservation. The combination of different organic fertilizers and liming had a significant positive effect on DOC concentration in the soil. The highest DOC content (0.241 g kg-1) was established in the limed soil fertilized with farmyard manure. The most unfavourable status of DOC was determined in the unlimed, unfertilized soil. The limed and FYM-applied soil had the highest nitrogen (1.47 g kg-1) and phosphorus (0.84 g kg-1) content compared to the other treatments. Organic fertilizers gave a significant positive effect on SOC and DOC content increase in the topsoil. This immediate increase is generally attributed to the presence of soluble materials in the amendments. Application of organic fertilizers in acid and limed soil increased the nutrient stocks and ensured soil chemical indicators at the optimal level for plant growth and thus may provide a mechanism as well as prediction opportunities for soil fertility, conservation, sustainability, and protection against degradation.

6 - 14

Authors: Nelu Popa, Dumitru Nistor, Cosmin Hurjui, Eugen Filiche, Gabriel Petrovici

It is known that the successful implementation of control measures to preserve soil quality on slope agricultural lands depends largely on the designer’s ability to select a control strategy for a specific site, considerable simpler and less costly. The paper refers to several small watersheds with agricultural use, representative for Eastern hilly area ofRomania, where different types of soil conservation measures have been applied. The study included monitoring of some factors to highlight the role of soil conservation practices in reducing water erosion process. In this respect, it was studied the dynamics of the climatic, pedological, relief, vegetation, hydrology and erosion parameters. Runoff and erosion rates for individual storms were studied both at the plot and microbazin level by performing measurements on standard runoff plots, respectively in the network flow sections. Also, RUSLE model and Geographic Information System were used to simulate spatial distribution of erosion and sedimentation processes. Significant interactions and feedbacks were found to occur between soil characteristics and vegetation, which influenced both runoff and erosion responses. Monitoring allowed more direct linkages to be made between management practices and their impacts on runoff and soil erosion.

22 - 29

Authors: Chen Zhao, Shikui Dong, Shiliang Liu, Isange Stlvie, Jinpeng Li, Qi Liu, Cong Wang

Bulk elements and grain sizes in sediments collected at upstream and downstream of Manwan Dam were studied to demonstrate the spatial distribution of heavy metals in the sediments and to assess their risk. Correlation analysis showed that the spatial distribution of Cd, Zn and Mg were significantly affected by dam construction. PCA analysis demonstrate that Cd and Zn were both controlled by Ca, As, Pb, organic matter and clay. Mg was controlled by silt, Al, P and K. The risk assessment demonstrated that the pollution of Cd, As, Zn were more serious than other heavy metals. Fine-grained sediments with higher risk level were found in the section near the upstream of dam, while coarse-grained ones with lower risk level were found in the section far away from the downstream of dam. The sections in tributary were lower in risk than those in the main stream. Heavy metal concentrations in the mainstream sediments were influenced by dam construction and those in tributary were influenced by both dam construction and human activities in locality. Unusual high concentrations of Cd, As, and Zn in both sections implied that more pollution prevention measures are needed in the Manwan Dam in order to prevent increased heavy metal pollutions in the Lancang-Mekong River.

38 - 43

Authors: Martin Kolesár, Ján Čurlik

Processes of authigenic carbonates formation are component part of terrestrial biogeochemical cycle of carbon, which starts with co-accumulation of oxalic acid and Ca in Ca- oxalates. After plant decay are these biominerals slowly transformed under the influence of microbial processes into authigenic carbonates (calcites), depending on soil condition. The formation of authigenic calcites runs over in soil system where is rather high Ca and Mg concentration, presence of oxalomorphic plants and sufficient oxalotrophic stability of microorganisms. In addition to Ca-oxalates, Ca and Mg ions necessary for carbonate formation comes also from air (precipitation, dust), mineral weathering, subsurface water flow and decaying organic matter. The distribution pattern of authigenic calcites with depth, the size and shape of individual forms of calcites on loessic soils of SW Slovakia, as it is resulted from micromorphological study indicate that through the historical development of that soils as landscape units, soil water regime has played decisive role at vertical redistribution of forms (size, shape) of authigenic calcites. To this witness the depth of variation of needle calcite zones and horizons of micritic calcites occurrence depending on soil types (leaching). Needle shape calcite zones which approach closest to the soil surface, gradually coalescence to the horizons of micritic calcites with the depth. Micritic calcites are without, or with microsparitic domains. Our study concurrently support the ideas of their inorganic origin depending on evaporitic soil regime. This formations have its own historic dynamics on which depends also the preservation of calcaric nature of soils.

54 - 61

Authors: Soňa Javoreková, Jana Maková, Juraj Medo, Silvia Kovácsová, Ivana Charousová, Ján Horák

In laboratory assay, the diversity of bacteria and microscopic fungi and the community-level physiological profiling (CLPP) of microorganisms were observed after the addition of bio-sludge (40 t.ha-1) from a biogas station and addition of bio-fertlizers - AZOTER (10 dm-3.ha-1) to the arable soil with PCR-DGGE and BIOLOG® method (Eco Plates). The differences were recorded in the microbial diversity (bacteria and microscopic fungi) among variants according to the Shannon index. The differences in community of microscopic fungi were markedly higher among the soil samples with the additions of both bio-fertilizers compared to control soil samples. The occurrence of individual OTUs (operational taxonomic units) bacteria and microscopic fungi were different after 105 days of incubation from the status after the 1st day of incubation. The community metabolic diversity (CMD) was influenced by the incubation time (105 days) as well, but not by application of bio-fertilizers. We observed a significant decrease (LSD test, P <0.05) in community metabolic diversity (CMD) and average metabolic response (AMR) of microorganisms in samples collected on the 105th day of the experiment compared to samples collected on the 1st day of the experiment in all tested samples.

70 - 75

Authors: Soheila Javaheri Khah, Mohsen Nael, Ali Akbar Safari Sinejani, Ghasem Asadian, Khadijeh Salari Nik

Soil quality approach can be used to describe soil health changes caused by different land use managements and vegetation types. Our objective was to assess the response of some soil quality indicators to different vegetation types including rainfed wheat (RW), grasses (G), Astragallus-Bromus (A-B), Astragallus-Lactuca (A-L), Astragallus-Artimisia (A-A) and Astragallus-Euphorbia (A-E) in a semiarid experimental rangeland in Hamedan, where environmental conditions in terms of slope aspect and soil parent material were similar., Substrate-induced microbial respiration (MRI) and the activity of phosphomonoesterase enzyme (PMEase) were determined in surface soil (0-15 cm) in spring and autumn. Morover, bioavailable phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) were measured in autumn. No significant disparity was detected in P content of different vegetation types. Bioavailable K between was highest in A-E, and lowest in G and RW sites. MRI was significantly higher in spring irrespective of vegetation type. This index was significantly highest in A-B site in both seasons. As for PMEase, A-A and A-B showed the highest values in autumn in spring, A-B, A-A and A-L demonstrated the highest phosphatase activity. PMEase in A-L and A-A sites was significantly higher in spring than autumn. Strongly significant positive correlation was found between PMEase and MRI. Overall, soil quality is highest under vegetation types composed of perennial shrubs, irrespective of season.

238 – 244

Authors: Dina Nevidomskaya , Tatiana Minkina, Alexander Soldatov, Galina Motuzova, Yuliya Podkovyrina

XANES spectroscopy is an effective method for the study of bonds between metals and soil components. The study of structural organization in different soil samples and soil phases saturated with Cu2+ and Zn2+ ions by using XANES allowed determining the mechanism of their interaction with soil phases and all the chemical bindings taken place in the course of this process. Changes in the structure of the metal ion, in particular breakdown of the symmetry of electron orbits of atoms, take place due to interaction with soil components. Application of this method demonstrated that the state of copper and zinc introduced in chernozem as oxides did not change after one year of incubation. Copper is absorbed after being introduced as soluble salts, and copper ions are incorporated in the octahedral and tetrahedral sites of minerals and bonded with humic materials at the expense of covalent bond and the formation of coordination humate copper complexes. Zinc included into octahedric structures of layered minerals and hydro(oxides) can be inner-and outer-sphere adsorbed. It is shown that the action of the metal bound to soil components becomes weakened in case of increasing the Cu and Zn load (from 2000 to 10000 mg/kg) especially applied in the form of soluble salts. Extractive fractionation of metal compounds in chernozem samples, artificially contaminated with copper and zinc salts serves as evidence of absorbing the applied Cu2+ ions by the soil organic matter and Zn2+ ions – by silicates, carbonates, and Fe-Mn oxides.

254 – 259

Authors: Lucia Maderková, Jaroslav Antal, Ján Čimo

Because soil erosion which is caused by rain is also an important phenomenon in the Slovak Republic, higher emphasis is impute to research of water erosion caused by rain and that is why we proceeded to calculate the rain factor R. Based on data which were provided by the Slovak Hydrometeorological Insitute for 6 selected meteorological stations in Slovakia, we accomplished to the calculation of rain factor R. For the calculation we used the methodology by Wischmeier-Smith (1978) and results we comparing with the methodology of Hudson (KE> 1) and with already published values of the Research Institute of Soil Science and Conservation. We also created a line exceeded of probability from the calculated data, which gives us detailed information on the occurrence of the calculated R values 1 time per 100, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 year. On the basis of calculated data we created a distribution of R factor values for individual months of the growing season and found out that the highest percentage fall on the summer months June, July, August and by contrast the lowest to April and October, so it is necessary to impute emphasis to soil erosion control especially in summer months. Comparing the methodology of Hudson (KE>1) and methodology of Wischemeier-Smith, we found out that the Hudson methodology gives almost 2 times lower value of R-factor than with using the methodology of Wischmeier-Smith.

267 – 273

Authors: Oksana Naydyonova, Sviatoslav Baliuk

We studied the changes in the state of microbial cenosis of Ukraine’s chernozems under irrigation. Considerable part of Ukraine’s chernozems is located in the areas where humidification is insufficient and unstable. Irrigation is a soil-reclamation measure for chernozems of Ukrainian Forest-steppe and Steppe which enables getting the assured yield, especially vegetable and fodder crops. At the same time, irrigation is a powerful anthropogenic factor that affects the soil, causes a significant transformation of many of its properties and regimes including biological ones. Often these changes are negative. The purpose of our investigation was to identify changes in the state of microbial cenoses of chernozem soils under irrigation which depend on such factors as the quality of irrigation water, the duration and intensity of irrigation, the initial properties of soil, the structure of crop rotation, usage of fertilizing systems and agroameliorative techniques. We identified direction and evaluated a degree of changes in biological properties of chernozems under influence of irrigation in different agro-irrigational and soil-climatic conditions. In the long-term stationary field experiments we identified the following biological indices of irrigated soils and their non-irrigated analogues: a number of microorganisms which belong to main ecological-trophic groups, activity of soil enzymes (dehydrogenase, invertase, phenol oxidase), soil phytotoxic activity, cellulose destroying capacity of soil, indices of oligotrophy and mineralization, summary biological index (SBI) and index of biological degradation (BDI). Results of researches showed that irrigation unbalanced the soil ecosystem and stipulated the forming of microbial cenosis with new parameters. Long-term intensive irrigation of typical chernozem (Kharkiv Region) with fresh water under condition of 4-fields vegetable crop rotation led to the degradation changes of its microbial cenosis such as reduction the number of microorganisms and the diversity of fungi species, repression of cellulose destroying capacity, decrease invertase activity and the rate of humification, intensifying mineralization processes and soil toxicity increasing. Long-term irrigation of ordinary chernozem (Kharkiv Region) with fresh water in moderate regime under 7-field crop rotation including alfalfa caused no disturbances of microbial cenosis. In this case parameters of biological indices did not deviate from the level of its non-irrigated analogue. Irrigation with saline water causes more profound negative changes of microbial cenosis of chernozem, which not always can be corrected using agroameliorative techniques. Intensive irrigation with saline water with total mineralization from 1.2 to 2.2 g/l of ordinary chernozem (Odesa Region) for 13 years has led to a significant degradation changes in the structure and functioning of its microbial cenosis, its radical alteration such as oppression of microflora, decrease in the number of its main groups by 30 – 40 %, intensification of its mineralization function. Application of agroameliorative techniques (such as annually use of phosphogypsum 3 t/ha) or /and complex measures (phosphogypsum 3 t/ha annually + N150P90K60 + manure 18 t/ha of crop rotation)) enable to regulate of soil biodynamic processes and partially or completely eliminate the phenomena of biological degradation. It was stated that after the cessation of irrigation the degradation changes of ordinary chernozem’s biological properties caused by irrigation with saline water were gradually restored.

286 – 292

Authors: Sezai Delibacak, Ali Rıza Ongun, Sıdıka Ekren

The research was carried out in Akhisar environs where tobacco was very popular in the period of 2004-2005. In this study, 9 fields were selected which are known to show differences in terms of the quality and efficiency in the villages called Hacıosmanlar Arabacıbozköy, Dereköy, Mecidiye and Süleymanlı. In order to find out the differences caused by the efficiency, the some properties of soils were examined. The relationships between yield and quality of tobacco and some soil properties were determined by correlation tests. After two years of the study, total alkoloid (nicotine), total reducing sugar, total nitrogen, and raw ash were measured as 0.126-1.410%, 7.81-33.71%, 0.45-3.24 %, 8.49-30.01%, respectively. The yield and total reducing sugar were decreased by increasing bulk density as an important soil property. On the other side raw ash content of tobacco increased. It is recommended that low raw ash and high sugar content are required for tobacco quality. With this content, The yield and quality of tobacco can increase with taken some necessary measurement for decreasing bulk density. The nicotin content of tobacco increased with increasing available Mg, Na and Cu content in soil. On the other side, the raw ash content in tobacco decreased with increasing total salt and available Fe, Zn and Mn in soil. It was determined that there was a positif relationship between salt in soil and reducing sugar in soil which is another quality factor for tobacco. In the research, some results were reached as mentioned above. However, further studies must be carried out in the next years to determine relationships between soil properties and yield and quality of tobacco. It can be possible to improve yield and quality of tobacco with using these relations for producers.

303 – 310

Authors: Zsolt Kotroczó, Zsuzsa Veres, Borbála Biró, János Attila Tóth, István Fekete

The increasing temperature enhances soil respiration differently depend on different conditions (soil moisture, soil organic matter, the activity of soil microbes). It is an essential factor to predicting the effect of climate change on soil respiration. In a temperate deciduous forest (North-Hungary) we added or removal aboveground and belowground litter to determine total soil respiration. We investigated the relationship between total soil CO2 efflux, soil moisture and soil temperature. Soil CO2 efflux was measured at each plot using chamber based soil respiration measurements. We determined the temperature sensitivity of soil respiration. The effect of doubled litter was less than the effect of removal. We found that temperature was more influential in the control of soil respiration than soil moisture in litter removal treatments, particularly in the wetter root exclusion treatments (NR and NI) (R2: 0.49-0.61). Soil moisture (R2: 0.18-0.24) and temperature (R2: 0.18-0.20) influenced soil respiration similarly in treatments, where soil was drier (Control, Double Litter, Double Wood). A significantly greater increase in temperature induced higher soil respiration were significantly higher (2-2.5-fold) in root exclusion treatments, where soil was wetter throughout the year, than in control and litter addition treatments. The highest bacterial and fungal count was at the DL treatment but the differences is not significant compared to the Control. The bacterial number at the No Litter, No Root, No Input treatment was significantly lower at the Control. Similar phenomenon can be observed at the fungal too, but the differences are not significant. The results of soil respiration suggest that the soil aridity can reduce soil respiration increases with the temperature increase. Soil bacterial and fungal count results show the higher organic matter content and soil surface cover litter favors the activity.

157 – 162

Authors: Renata Wilma Vasconcelos, Vanessa dos Santos Gomes, Diego Rodrigues de Lucena, Orione Alvares da Silva, Anaonio Cicero Sousa, Alexandre Fonseca D'Andrea

Mangrove ecosystems are of great environmental significance, because of their fragility and role in feeding and breeding various animal species. In northeastern Brazil, the disorderly occupation of estuarine areas and the urban sprawl have led to a considerable loss of the original area occupied by mangroves. In the municipality of Cabedelo, State of Paraíba, there are about 4,900 ha of remnant mangrove areas in the estuarine complex of the Paraíba River. However, information about the attributes of mangrove soils at this location is quite scarce. The aim of this study was to quantify the soil organic matter and soil acidity in mangroves located in the estuary of the Paraíba River, State of Paraíba, Brazil, in order to increase the database of soil attributes in this region. The study area is in local influence of the Restinga de Cabedelo National Forest (Flona), an environmental conservation unit of the Chico Mendes Institute for Biodiversity Conservation. For the choice of sampling points, we considered an area that receives direct influence of the eviction of domestic and industrial effluents. The soil of the study area is an “Organossolo Háplico” in Brazilian Soil Classification (Histosol), and was sampled at four point sites: one upstream of the effluent discharge (P1), one in the watercourse receiving effluent water (P2), one downstream of the effluent discharge (P3) and another near Flona (P4), at 0-20 and 20-40 cm, in four replications in time (28/08/2012 in the morning and afternoon, and 21/01/2013 in the morning and afternoon). Potential acidity, pH and soil organic matter (SOM) were determined. No significant differences were detected in the potential acidity of the four collection sites, which ranged from 0.38 to 0.45 cmolc dm-3. Soil pH was greatest at point P4 (7.0) and lowest at point P1 (5.8). The SOM was highest at point P1 (86.4 %) and lowest at P2 (77.9 %). The attributes related to soil acidity were not sensitive to indicate differences in the environments we evaluated, and seem not to indicate the contamination of mangroves by discharge of sewage into water bodies that border these environments. The high organic matter content of soils in the mangrove may have helped avoid significant fluctuations in soil acidity, because of the large buffering capacity.

172 – 181

Authors: David Pinskiy, Anastasiya Maltseva, Berta Zolotareva

The influence of the composition and properties of the mineral matrix in soils on the humification of corn residues was studied. The substrate (silica sand, loam, silica sand + 10% bentonite, or silica sand + 30% kaolinite) was mixed with 10% corn residues (milled to 3–5 mm) and incubated under stationary conditions for 6–19 months. Sampling for the analysis was performed every month, and a few times in the first month. The dynamics of mineralization and humification of plant residues was studied by applying elemental and bulk analyses of neogenic organic matter (OM), densitometric fractionation of substrates, FTIR spectroscopy, solid-phase 13C-NMR spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy with an electron microprobe. It was shown that the humification processes had a wavelike character for loam and sand substrates, which could be explained by the transformation of the microorganism populations together with the change in the amount and quality of OM in the system. The main mechanism for the stabilization of neogenic OM was adsorption on a mineral matrix with formation of relatively resistant compounds. This adsorption can be selective, depending on the composition and properties of the mineral matrix. The FTIR and 13C-NMR analyses of OM distribution in different substrates and densitometric fractions showed that sand and heavy fractions (HF >2.2 g/cm3) were enriched with compounds of an aromatic nature and polypeptides. Light fractions (LF-2, 1.4–2.2 g/cm3) accumulated compounds that also contained alkyl and carboxyl groups. The sandy substrate and HF have higher aromaticity indices than LF-2. Higher aromaticity index values of humus substances in the sandy substrate and HF in the loamy substrate, compared to LF-2, evidenced the formation of steady aromatic compounds, in which there may be kernels of humic acids (HA). We do not exclude the possibility of the matrix synthesis of the HA-like substances.

189 – 196

Authors: Guadalupe D. Calalang, Laurent Bock, Gilles Colinet

The study was conducted in the crop production areas of Miarayon Village, along the volcanic footslope of Mt. Kalatungan, Talakag, Bukidnon, Philippines. The elevation range of the longitudinal toposequence is 1,900 to 1,300 m asl. Production areas in the intermediate part of the toposequence (Salsalan) are located at about 1,600 to 1,400 m asl and in the lower part (Mambuaw) at 1,400 to 1,300 m asl. A total of 24 plots (12 in each location) which were planted to potatoes, carrots and corn were investigated. Soils are “Andic” Cambisol in open and convex positions and “Andic” Umbrisol in concave positions and toeslopes. The soil pH values ranged from 5.0-5.9. TOC and TN content were medium to high (4.1-8.9% and 0.30-0.80% respectively) with C/N ratios from 8-15. Range values of available Ca, Mg, K and Na were 1.9-11.24, 0.16-2.14 and 0.20-1.13, 0.04-0.13 cmol+kg-1, respectively. Top soil horizon exchangeable Al in Mambuaw was higher than in Salsalan. The differences in TN, C/N ratio and available K levels between the two locations were very highly significant, TOC was highly significant and for soil pH and available Ca and sum of bases, their disparities were significant. Available Mg and Na did not differ between the two sites. Mean potato yield in Salsalan was 8.97 tha-1 more than in Mambuaw. Mean carrot yield in Salsalan was 2.39 tha-1 lesser than in Mambuaw. Mean corn yield in Salsalan was higher than in Mambuaw by 0.29 tha-1 only. Correlations between potato yields with TOC, TN, and available Ca were highly significant while soil pH and K were significant. There was no relationship detected between potato yields and Mg and Na. There was no association detected between carrot yields with topsoil nutrient levels. Correlations were noted in corn yields with available Ca, Mg and K.

206 – 211

Authors: Jan Horak, Dusan Igaz, Elena Kondrlova

Tillage systems have impact on soil properties, crop growth and through this directly and indirectly influence the cropland CO2 emission and therefore the global warming. In Slovakia, the wider adoption of conservation practices has barriers such as large acreage of compacted soils, the absence of detailed regionalization of suitable soils for such practices and the scientific evaluation of its application on sustainable soil productivity and environment protection. This study evaluated the short-termeffect of conventional tillage (CT) and reduced tillage (RT) with (N1) and without (N0) N fertilizer application on soil CO2 emission from cropland planted with a red clover (Trifoliumpratense) during 40 days in 2013 on a tillage field experiment initiated in 1994. CO2 flux, soil temperature, and soil water contentwere monitored during the studied period in western Slovakia.Results of this study showed that there wasn’t significant difference (p< 0.05) in soil CO2 between conventional tillage and reduced tillage for both, not fertilized and fertilized plots. Averaged 40 days CO2 emissions were greater in reduced tillage as compared to conventional tillage for both fertilization levels. A linear regression between CO2 emission and soil temperature in conventionally and reduced tilled plots showed that soil temperature (r = 0.88-0.94; P <0.05) and not the soil moisture was a controlling factor. The highest CO2 emission were recorded on the CT and RT plots during the first two weeks after tillage, showing that the tillage resulted in a rapid physical release of CO2.

220 – 229

Authors: Liudmila N. Plekhanova

Studies on paleosols under an archaeological landmark of a rare type (a complex of kurgans with “whiskers”) dating from the Early Iron Age (the fourth century AD) have been performed in the steppe zone of the Transural Plateau. The size and shape of third-order soil polygons under stony ridges (“whiskers”) between the kurgans have been described in detail. The results have shown that the paleosol under the kurgans erected at the turn of the Late Sarmatian and Hun times (1600 years ago) is characterized by a higher humus content and deeper location of the carbonate horizon, compared to the recent soil. This indicates that an increase in atmospheric humidity took place in the fourth century AD.