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The concept of bio-economic mulching in droughty tropical agroecosystems and its trans-season effects on soil hydro-thermal regime and okra performance Benedict Odinaka Okorie; Justina O. Obi; Geraldine U. Chioke; Sunday E. Obalum; Chinaza J. Onah; Adaobi L. Nnadi; Charles A. Igwe; Martin E. Obi
SAINS TANAH - Journal of Soil Science and Agroclimatology Vol 21, No 2 (2024): December
Publisher : Universitas Sebelas Maret

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.20961/stjssa.v21i2.83285

Mulching is an effective soil-water conservation technique in high-evaporative-demand tropical climates. Because of the drawbacks in bulk application of organic mulches, we introduce the concept of bio-economic mulching (BEM), a one-time low-rate application of organic mulch to improve soil productivity while sustaining economic viability. The study evaluated the effects of BEM (dry-grass mulching at 0, 2, 4, and 6 t ha–1) on soil hydrothermal properties of sandy-loam Ultisols using okra growth during 4–9 weeks after sowing in successive rainy-to-dry/partially rainfed season (PRS) and rainy/completely rainfed season (CRS). During the PRS, soil volumetric moisture content (q) increased (10.02%–25.50%), but soil temperature decreased (37.67–26.67°C) as BEM rate increased. A similar q trend (8.71%–18.37%) occurred during the CRS. Soil thermal conductivity (0.78to 4.88 W m–1 K–1), thermal diffusivity (3.95 × 10–7 to 35.97 × 10–7 m2 s–1), and heat flux (15.00 to 85.56 W m–2) generally decreased as q increased with BEM application rate particularly during the PRS; the reverse prevailed for volumetric heat capacity (1.33 × 106 to 2.25 × 106 J m–3 K–1). Okra plant height differed (BEM-6 > BEM-4 > BEM-2/BEM-0) in the PRS, but BEM-6 and BEM-4 gave the tallest and shortest plants, respectively in the CRS. Fruit yield was 1.8- and 9.5-fold higher in BEM-6 than BEM-4 in PRS and CRS, respectively. Mulch treatment-induced temporal variations in soil q influenced okra performance indices of plant height (r2 = 0.85) and total fresh fruit yield (r2 = 0.69). In droughty tropical environments, BEM implementation at 6 t ha−1 could engender soil hydrothermal regime favoring vegetable production beyond the ‘drier’ first season and even more pronouncedly in the second season.

The relationship between soil properties in pedogenesis dynamics: A study of pedons on slopes and basins Henly Yulina; Mahfud Arifin; Rina Devnita; Muhamad Rahman Djuwansah; Fatharani Raidasari
SAINS TANAH - Journal of Soil Science and Agroclimatology Vol 22, No 2 (2025): December
Publisher : Universitas Sebelas Maret

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.20961/stjssa.v22i2.109149

Soil formation and weathering are essential processes influencing natural fertility, yet the combined role of particle size distribution, texture, and organic carbon content at the profile scale remains understudied. Earlier research has focused chiefly on soil properties at the landform or regional scale, without examining interhorizon variations, leading to a limited understanding of their interactions in pedogenesis under different environments. This study compared the physical and chemical characteristics of soils in two contrasting pedons, Jatinangor (slope) and Tanjungsari (depression), both located in Sumedang Regency, West Java, Indonesia, with similar soil-forming factors. A descriptive-comparative method was employed using horizon-based sampling, laboratory analysis, and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) to reveal relationships and dominant factors. Results indicated that clay fractions dominated the JTN (Jatinangor) pedon with a clay texture due to intensive weathering under well-drained conditions. In contrast, the TJN (Tanjungsari) pedon was dominated by silt fractions resulting from fine material deposition under waterlogged conditions. Organic carbon content was lower in JTN due to leaching on slopes, whereas higher accumulation occurred in TJN due to depression settings. PCA identified sand fraction as the main discriminating factor, while fine fractions (silt and clay) were positively associated with organic carbon. These findings highlight that integrated analysis of these variables at the pedon scale provides a sensitive indicator of pedogenesis, weathering, and soil fertility.

Differential herbicide persistence and shifts in soil bacterial communities in Alfisol and Inceptisol Amarachi Grace Nwokocha; Sani Idris; Adeniyi Ogunjobi; Olajire Fagbola; Sonny T.M. Lee
SAINS TANAH - Journal of Soil Science and Agroclimatology Vol 22, No 1 (2025): June
Publisher : Universitas Sebelas Maret

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.20961/stjssa.v22i1.94326

Weeds significantly reduce crop yields and promote herbicide use, accounting for 80% of agricultural pesticides. However, herbicide persistence and toxicity adversely affect soil microbial communities, impacting soil health and productivity. This study compared the effects of organic (Vinegar-weed-care: acetic acid) and chemical herbicides (PrimextraGold: Atrazine + S-metolachlor; Imazapyr: Isopropyl amine) on soil bacteria in Alfisol and Inceptisol from Ibadan, Nigeria. Soils were analysed for physical properties and microbial DNA, and herbicide degradation was tracked using GC-MS at 0, 4, 8, and 12 weeks. Alfisol exhibited higher fertility with pH 6.2, organic carbon 3.9 g kg-1, nitrogen 0.7 g kg-1, and phosphorus 25.9 mg kg-1, compared to Inceptisol (pH 5.5, organic carbon 1.9 g kg-1, nitrogen 0.6 g kg-1, phosphorus 20.8 mg kg-1). Herbicide persistence was greater in Alfisol: metolachlor (84.94%) and Imazapyr (61.00%) vs. Inceptisol (52.55% and 50.15%, respectively). Organic herbicide metabolites also persisted more in Alfisol (35.13%) than in Inceptisol (28.00%). In non-sterile Alfisol, biodegradation of PrimextraGold and Imazapyr was lower (43.46% and 10.30%) than in sterile soils (53.97% and 16.17%), while the organic herbicide biodegraded more in non-sterile (23.49%) than in sterile (17.08%). In non-sterile Inceptisol, Imazapyr degraded less (8.94%–31.72%) than in sterile (29.49%–34.75%), but atrazine degraded more in non-sterile (61.96%–68.17%). Organic acetamide degraded better in non-sterile Inceptisol (23.42%–90.5%) than in sterile (12.47%–30.7%). Chemical herbicides reduced Candidatus Udaeobacter, Pedosphaera, and Chthoniobacter in Alfisol, while organic herbicides enhanced them in both soils. These findings highlight the ecological benefits of soil-friendly organic herbicides.

Chemical properties analysis of liquid and semi-solid bioconversion products from organic waste and their effects on soil fertility and sweet corn yield Emma Trinurani Sofyan; Stefina Liana Sari; Saefur Rohman; Indra Permana; Rahmat Budiarto; Mansour Ghorbanpour; Sastrika Anindita
SAINS TANAH - Journal of Soil Science and Agroclimatology Vol 22, No 1 (2025): June
Publisher : Universitas Sebelas Maret

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.20961/stjssa.v22i1.95664

Food security remains a critical global challenge, particularly as land degradation, driven by excessive use of synthetic fertilizers, continues to threaten soil fertility and crop productivity. This study aimed to evaluate the characteristics of liquid and semi-solid fermented organic waste and their effects on several soil chemical properties and sweet corn yield. The experiment was conducted in a corn field in Pagerwangi Village, West Java, Indonesia. The experiment used a Split-Plot Design with three replications. The main plot was the fermented waste product treatment, which consisted of three levels: no product (A0), liquid product (A1), and semi-solid product (A2). The subplot was the N-P-K dose level, which consisted of four levels: 0 N-P-K (a0), 1/2 N-P-K dose (a1), 3/4 N-P-K dose (a2), and standard N-P-K dose (a3). The research findings indicated that the macro and microelements present in semi-solid products were several times higher compared to liquid ones. Furthermore, the microbial population in semi-solid products exhibited higher density compared to liquid products. Field tests also demonstrated that both liquid product (A1) and semi-solid product (A2) significantly increased total nitrogen, organic-C, and soil pH compared to the control (A0). The highest sweet corn productivity was observed in treatment A2, with a yield increase of 47.62% compared to the control. The research results suggested that the use of fermented organic waste products could enhance soil fertility and sweet corn production.

Effects of soil amendment from herbal and eucalyptus industrial waste on methane emission and rice yield Kurniawati, Feriana Dwi; Suntoro, Suntoro; Setyanto, Prihasto; Cahyani, Vita Ratri
SAINS TANAH - Journal of Soil Science and Agroclimatology Vol 20, No 2 (2023): December
Publisher : Universitas Sebelas Maret

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.20961/stjssa.v20i2.69297

The use of chemical fertilizer in rice fields contributes to increased global warming via enhanced emission of methane (CH4) into the atmosphere. Therefore, composting has been proposed to reduce methane emissions in the agricultural field. This study aimed to determine the CH4 emission and rice yield affected by compost from three different types of compost: herbal compost, eucalyptus compost, and manure compost. This randomized block design study was conducted from November 2019 to May 2020. There were 8 fertilizer treatments applied to the rice fields, namely: herbal compost 10 tons/ha. (O1), eucalyptus compost 10 tons/ha (O2), manure compost 10 tons/ha (O3), no compost no chemical fertilizer (as a control) (O4), herbal compost 5 tons/ha + chemical fertilizer/CF (C1), eucalyptus compost 5 tons/ha + CF (C2), manure compost 5 tons/ha + CF (C3), and only chemical fertilizer (C4), then all treatments replicated three times. For the chemical fertilizer (CF) the dose is 166 kg/ha urea + 166 kg/ha ZA + 330 kg/ha TSP. The result indicated that the compost manure 10 tons/ha (O3) and the combination compost manure 5 tons/ha + CF (C3) produced the highest rice yields (6.89 -6.94 tons/ha) but impacted the highest methane emissions (505.3 – 544.6 Kg.CH4 /ha/season). The important finding showed that among all the treatments, a combination of compost eucalyptus 5 tons/ha + CF (C2) and compost eucalyptus 10 tons/ha (O2) mitigated methane emission to the lowest level (296.6 -305.2 Kg.CH4/ha/season) and gave high rice yields (6.77-6.78 tons/ha) that were not significantly different from those of compost manure (O3 and C3). In addition, the combination of compost herbal 5 tons/ha and chemical fertilizer (C1) affected the lower methane emissions than manure compost and gave a high level of grain yield that was not significantly different from those of manure compost (O3 and C3) and eucalyptus compost (O2 and C2).

Modeling the activity ratio of soil potassium using machine learning approach Desi Nadalia; Arief Hartono; Heru Bagus Pulunggono; Bambang Hendro Trisasongko; Widiatmaka Widiatmaka; Muhammad Fuady Emzir
SAINS TANAH - Journal of Soil Science and Agroclimatology Vol 22, No 2 (2025): December
Publisher : Universitas Sebelas Maret

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.20961/stjssa.v22i2.100102

The potassium (K) Quantity-Intensity (Q-I) relationship results in important parameters, including the activity ratio of potassium at equilibrium (AReK), which indicates potassium availability in soil. Experiments to observe soil Q-I K relationship parameters are often complex, time-consuming, and do not include environmental variables. This research aims to model AReK using a machine learning (ML) approach. ML models applied are Random Forest (RF), Cubist, and Support Vector Machine (SVM) as the primary approaches, with Multiple Linear Regression (MLR) serving as a baseline. The dataset was derived from sixty-one observation points in Brebes, Central Java. The predictors were pH, organic carbon, clay, cation exchange capacity (CEC), exchangeable cations (Exc-Ca, Mg, K, Na), water soluble K, available K, K saturation, potential K, non-exchangeable K (NE-K), elevation, and slope. The response variable was the AReK. Variable selection was performed using Pearson correlation to eliminate highly correlated predictors and reduce multicollinearity. Exactly 75% of the data was utilized as the training set and 25% as the test set. Three metrics, i.e., MAE, RMSE, and R², were used in model evaluation. The results showed that the Cubist model could predict AReK with high accuracy (R2=0.9437) and low RMSE (0.5701) and MAE (0.3514). Based on the Cubist model, Exc-K, Exc-Mg, CEC, and Exc-Ca were the most important variables for predicting AReK. This model can be employed to support site-specific fertilizer recommendation strategies. To improve the performance of the model, it is necessary to add other predictor variables (e.g., soil physical properties, clay minerals, rainfall, temperature and soil moisture).

Functional diversity of bacteria in various saline soil plant vegetations around Sialang Buah Coast, North Sumatra, Indonesia Mariani Sembiring; Juli M. Hutahuruk; Dwi Ningsih Susilowati; Erny Yuniarti; T. Sabrina; Luthfi A. Mahmud Siregar
SAINS TANAH - Journal of Soil Science and Agroclimatology Vol 21, No 2 (2024): December
Publisher : Universitas Sebelas Maret

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.20961/stjssa.v21i2.80075

Environmental conditions profoundly influence microbial diversity and activity in soil. For optimal growth, soil microbes face limiting factors such as temperature, moisture, pH, and salinity levels. This study aims to find types of functional bacteria that are able to live in saline soils. The study was conducted in the Soil Biology Laboratory at Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU), Indonesia. Soil samples were collected around the Sialang Buah Coast, Serdang Bedagai Regency, North Sumatra, Indonesia. The method employed in this research was random composite sampling taken from three vegetation types: mangrove forests, grasslands, and oil palm plantations, with sample collection locations influenced by tidal fluctuations. Ten sampling points were taken at each location and then composited for each vegetation type. The results of the study showed that there were ten species of bacteria that were able to live in saline soil, namely Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Burkholderia gladioli, Enterobacter cloacae, Brucella ciceri, Ochrobactrum oryzae, Achromobacter xylosoxidans, Priestia flexa, Enterobacter quasiroggenkampii, Bacillus cereus and Ochrobactrum oryzae. All bacteria found were able to grow on Pikovskaya, Alexandrov, and Jensen media and only seven species of bacteria were able to form biofilms, namely P. aeruginosa, B. gladioli, E. cloacae, B. ciceri, A. xylosoxidans, P. flexa, and E. quasiroggenkampii

Evaluating soil phosphorus tests and nutrient limitations in Mediterranean pastures Margarida Arrobas; Soraia Raimundo; Almeida Sawimbo; Nuno Rodrigues; Marjan Jongen; Ricardo F. M. Teixeira; Tiago Domingos; Manuel Ângelo Rodrigues
SAINS TANAH - Journal of Soil Science and Agroclimatology Vol 22, No 2 (2025): December
Publisher : Universitas Sebelas Maret

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.20961/stjssa.v22i2.108545

Reliable phosphorus (P) fertilization guidelines for Mediterranean pastures remain uncertain due to inconsistent soil testing methods, the complexity of mixed-species systems, and the neglect of other limiting nutrients. This study primarily aimed to identify reliable soil P tests and secondarily to explore potential nutrient limitations by assessing seven acidic Portuguese soils under Mediterranean conditions using subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum) and ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum) as model species. Five P extraction methods (Egner-Riehm, Olsen, Bray II, Mehlich I, and anion exchange resin) were compared alongside a pot experiment with clover, ryegrass, and their mixture. Biomass production, plant nutritional status, and soil–plant relationships were used to assess nutrient availability and plant response. The Egner-Riehm method proved the most reliable, showing linear correlation with the resin method (R² = 0.89), widely regarded as the best indicator of soil P bioavailability. P availability was therefore not a limiting factor for biomass production. The lowest soil P content (54 mg kg⁻¹ P₂O₅, Egner-Riehm) was close to the medium threshold (50–100 mg kg⁻¹), yet plant growth indicated adequacy. In contrast, nitrogen (N) emerged as the main growth constraint, and boron (B) deficiency further restricted clover performance, confirming additional nutritional imbalances. A linear relationship between soil and tissue B supported its association with DMY, and tissue B levels were below sufficiency thresholds. Overall, in acidic Portuguese soils under Mediterranean conditions, soil P was adequate, whereas N and B acted as key constraints to productivity. These findings support more accurate and efficient fertilization strategies for Mediterranean pastures.

Preserving soil properties and enhancing cauliflower yield with black plastic mulch in Bangladesh Farhana Akter Mitu; Mohammad Ashraful; Mohammad Abdul Kader; Fakhar Uddin Talukder; Tahmina Akter; Nargis Akter; Jahidul Karim; Rajesh Kumar Soothar; Ashutus Singha
SAINS TANAH - Journal of Soil Science and Agroclimatology Vol 21, No 2 (2024): December
Publisher : Universitas Sebelas Maret

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.20961/stjssa.v21i2.89262

Poor soil health and inefficient farming practices significantly challenge sustainable agriculture and crop productivity in Bangladesh. This study evaluated the impact of various mulching techniques on soil properties, cauliflower yield, and carbon sequestration in Bangladesh to identify the optimal mulching strategy for sustainable cauliflower production and carbon sequestration. A field experiment in the Bogura district evaluated the effects of various mulching materials—newspaper, rice husk, rice straw, black plastic, craft paper, and no mulch—on soil physicochemical properties and cauliflower production. Data measurement and monitoring assessed soil properties, mulch degradation rates, and cauliflower quality, with organic carbon determined using Walkley and Black's method. Results showed significant impacts of mulching on soil parameters and cauliflower yield. Black plastic mulch increased soil temperature by approximately 6°C and conserved soil moisture by 13.2% compared to the no-mulch (control). Organic mulches, especially rice husk, were superior in conserving soil carbon (21.3 g Kg-1) and increasing available nitrogen (22.4 mg Kg-1), phosphorus (36.5 mg Kg-1), and soil pH (7.4). Although all treatments increased electrical conductivity (EC), the control showed the highest EC value (405.5 µS cm -1). Among organic mulches, craft paper had the highest degradation rate followed by newspaper and rice straw mulches. Cauliflower yield varied with mulch type, with black plastic producing the highest yield (1162.0 g), followed by rice straw (1050.0 g), rice husk (983.0 g), craft paper (821.0 g), and newspaper (752.0 g). These findings suggested black plastic mulch for maximizing cauliflower production in Bangladesh and similar conditions.

Peat hydraulic properties along the gradient of oil palm ages in the tropical monsoon region Nuraeni Dwi Dharmawati; Komariah Komariah; Suntoro Suntoro; Hermantoro Hermantoro; Azmal Hossan
SAINS TANAH - Journal of Soil Science and Agroclimatology Vol 22, No 2 (2025): December
Publisher : Universitas Sebelas Maret

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.20961/stjssa.v22i2.105943

The conversion of vast peatland areas to oil palm plantations in Indonesia may alter hydrological functions under long-term agricultural use. This study aimed to analyze the hydraulic properties of peat soil under oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) plantations of varying ages (2–5, 6–9, and >10 years) in Ketapang, West Kalimantan, Indonesia, a region with a tropical monsoon climate. There are 27 samples gathered from 3 plantation ages in the 3 peat depths (0-20 cm, 20-40 cm, and 40-60 cm). Hydraulic properties: water holding capacity (WHC), bulk density, particle density, and porosity were analyzed using standard gravimetric, pycnometer, and oven-drying methods. Weather and environmental data from 2013–2022 were used to calculate reference evapotranspiration (ETo), crop evapotranspiration (ETc), and water balance. The results showed that hydraulic properties improved with soil depth and plantation age. WHC ranged from 400% to 850%, increasing significantly in mature plantations. Bulk density declined with depth and age, while porosity significantly increased and reached its maximum at 56.87% in older plantations. Although mature oil palms have high crop water demands (ETc), water availability remains sufficient to meet their needs. However, excess water must be properly managed to avoid reducing oil palm productivity and to preserve peat quality. These findings suggest that as oil palm matures, root development and organic residue accumulation enhance peat’s hydrological properties. This study may contribute to understanding peatland behavior under oil palm cultivation and provide crucial insight for improving irrigation and land management practices in tropical peat ecosystems.

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