Applied and Environmental Soil Science

In the natural environment, soil pH has an enormous influence on soil biogeochemical processes. Soil pH is, therefore, described as the “master soil variable” that influences myriads of soil biological, chemical, and physical properties and processes that affect plant growth and biomass yield. This paper discusses how soil pH affects processes that are interlinked with the biological, geological, and chemical aspects of the soil environment as well as how these processes, through anthropogenic interventions, induce changes in soil pH. Unlike traditional discussions on the various causes of soil pH, particularly soil acidification, this paper focuses on relationships and effects as far as soil biogeochemistry is concerned. Firstly, the effects of soil pH on substance availability, mobility, and soil biological processes are discussed followed by the biogenic regulation of soil pH. It is concluded that soil pH can broadly be applied in two broad areas, i.e., nutrient cycling and plant nutrition and soil remediation (bioremediation and physicochemical remediation).

Dora Neina

The Role of Soil pH in Plant Nutrition and Soil Remediation

土壤pH在植物营养与土壤修复中的作用

The natural radioactivity level has been determined in a pilot site located at Solhan, in the Sahel region of Burkina Faso by means of gamma‐ray spectrometry in soil samples collected at a depth of 40 cm. The activity concentrations are estimated for 238 U (range from 181.89 ± 3.62 to 191.37 ± 3.71 Bq·kg −1 ), 232 T h (range from 44.92 ± 2.96 to 48.40 ± 3.25 Bq·kg −1 ), and 40 K (range from 215.11 ± 6.13 to 238.60 ± 6.52 Bq·kg −1 ). The concentration of 238 U present in these soil samples is five times higher than the world average, while the concentration of 232 T h is almost the double of the world average. However, the concentration of 40 K is particularly low in the study area, being almost half the world average. Additionally, calculations of the T h / K and T h / U ratios indicate the presence of a clay soil and insoluble uranium in the study area. These results made it possible to assess the radiological hazards on the human health. This allowed us to note that the average values of absorbed gamma dose rate in air (124.14 nGy·h −1 ), internal hazard index (1.24), annual effective dose equivalent (0.76 mSv·y −1 ), and excess lifetime cancer risk (5.34 × 10 −4 ) are well above the maximum recommended limits. Only the mean values of radium equivalent activity (271.39 Bq·kg −1 ) and external hazard index (0.73) remain within the acceptable limit.

Cedric E. Beogo

Ousmane I. Cisse

Martin Ansong

François Zougmore

Gamma‐Ray Spectrometry of Soil Samples From a Pilot Site of Uranium Anomaly in the Sahel Region of Burkina Faso

布基纳法索萨赫勒地区铀异常试验场土壤样品的伽马射线能谱分析

This study examined the influence of land use types and soil depth on soil’s physicochemical properties in the Sugar Estate of Arjo‐Dhidhessa, western Ethiopia. This study aimed to provide baseline data for future investigations in the study area by exploring significant soil quality indicators across various land use types and soil depths. Fifteen composite soil samples were collected from selected land use types, including fallow land, cropland, irrigated land, forest land, and shrubland, at three different soil depths (0–30, 30–60, and 60–90 cm). Particle size distribution; bulk density ( ρ b); total porosity (Tp); pH; organic soil matter; and available texture and phosphorus. The exchangeable acidity (EA), cation exchange capacity, and exchangeable bases (EBs) were found to be influenced by land use changes and soil depth. The results revealed that the bulk density (1.43 g/cm 2 ) is highest in the cropland subsurface, whereas forest lands tend to have a relatively high clay content (67%), moisture content (25.74%), and Tp (54.28%). While the pH of irrigated land was 5.17, that of fallow land, cropland, and forest land varied from 5.47 to 5.84. Compared with the other land uses, the forest and shrubland areas presented higher levels of soil organic matter (SOM) (2.49%) and total nitrogen (TN) (0.126%). Forest land presented relatively high SOM (2.45%), TN (0.126%), available phosphorus (AvP) (1.36%), and exchangeable calcium (Ca 2+ ) levels (16.82 cmol/kg), whereas irrigated land had presented the lowest amounts (5.22 mg/kg), Ca 2+ (3.97 cmol/kg), and exchangeable magnesium (Mg 2+ ) (0.99 cmol/kg). In contrast, agricultural activities were found to significantly reduce soil quality, as evidenced by higher bulk densities in cropland and irrigated land as well as lower levels of nutrients, including AvP and EBs, primarily due to erosion and crop harvesting. To maintain and improve soil pH and AvP levels, it is essential to adopt sustainable land management practices that contribute to maintaining higher phosphorus levels and improving overall soil fertility.

Workina Geleta Likasa

Fekadu Fufa Feyessa

Abdissa Bekele Sima

Exploring the Influence of Land Use Types on Soil Properties at Arjo‐Dhidhessa Sugar Estate, Western Ethiopia

探索土地利用类型对埃塞俄比亚西部阿尔乔-迪德萨糖厂土壤性质的影响

Purpose: The research examines the variation of soil erodibility index and physical characteristics due to iron placer mining activities and assesses the environmental impact of mining project by using MICOLD matrices. Methods: The research employed field samplings, laboratory analysis, and statistical analysis to study the variation of soil erodibility index and physical characteristics caused by iron placer mining activities. The study collected soil samples from the study area and conducted laboratory analysis to examine the physical and chemical properties of the soil. Statistical analysis was performed to analyze the data and identify the variation in soil erodibility index compared to natural conditions. Also, by modifying ICOLD matrices, environmental impact assessment of the project was evaluated. Results: The results of the paper indicate that there are significant differences between treated and untreated soils in terms of physical and chemical properties. The soil erodibility property (Ks) differs by −14.71% from natural conditions in top soils, although not significant statistically. In subsoil, Ks, clay, sand, Sp, Cu, Zn, Mn, Fe, and K differ significantly from untreated conditions (−43.38%, 35%, −15.07%, 5.28%, −192.50%, −242.55%, −101.86%, −333.34%, and −31.41%). The matrix of prediction and identification of the impacts related to the implementation of the mining project was created in two phases (construction phase and exploitation phase), the results of which show the total points in the construction phase and the exploitation phase have positive impacts and are equal to +71 and +171, respectively. Conclusions: The study examines the effects of iron placer mining operations on soil erosion characteristics and erodibility and suggests environmentally friendly solutions for minimizing the effects of mining on soil erosion. The research findings highlight the importance of considering physical characteristics of soils such as texture, infiltration, bulk density, and soil erodibility in evaluating the performance and efficiency of any project implemented on the Earth’s surface. It emphasizes the need for designing well‐operated devices and structures with little environmental damage to promote eco‐innovation and green growth. The paper suggests that the environment is the most critical aspect of green surface mining, followed by efficiency and safety, and highlights the importance of microorganisms in mining environments and their role in constructing and producing primary succession for plant communities.

Neda Hamidi

Javad Varvani

Nourollah Abdi

Abbas Ahmadi

Investigation of Soil Erodibility and Environmental Impact Assessment in Mining Project (Case Study: Tafresh, Markazi Province, Iran)

矿山项目中土壤可蚀性及环境影响评估研究（案例研究：伊朗马卡兹省塔夫里什）

Oil palm cultivation on peatlands is of great importance for improving the wellbeing of farmers. Managing peatlands is challenged by poor nutrient availability and low nutrient retention. Applying ameliorants and fertilizers is required to enhance peat soil properties. This study aimed to assess the effect of biochar and ash from oil palm empty fruit bunches (OPEFBs), dolomite, and mineral fertilizers on peat soil quality and fertility. The field experiment was conducted on young oil palm cultivation in the peatland of Palalawan regency, Riau province, Indonesia, by using a randomized block design with two treatment factors. The first factor was the ameliorant: dolomite, dolomite + ash from OPEFB, and dolomite + biochar from OPEFB. The second factor was the dose of NPK compound fertilizer: NPK with standard recommendation dose, NPK with site‐specific recommended dose, and NPK with farmer’s dose. The observed parameters included soil properties, leaf nutrient status, and midrib characteristics. Assessing the treatment effect used an analysis of variation and treatment mean comparison using the Tukey test. The results showed that ash and biochar from OPEFB improved peat soil pH, electrical conductivity, available phosphorus (P) and potassium (K), and the growth of oil palm plants. Applying NPK fertilizer using the site‐specific recommendations dose improved soil properties, leaf nutrient status (N, P, and K), and the growth of one‐year‐old oil palms. The utilization of ash and biochar from OPEFB may reduce agricultural lime on peatlands.

Sri Nuryani Hidayah Utami

Patria Novita Kusumawardani

Eni Maftu’ah

Muhammad Noor

None Masganti

Nur Wakhid

None Nurhayati

Yiyi Sulaeman

Vicca Karolinoerita

Empty Fruit Bunch Oil Palm Ash and Biochar Improved Peat Soil Properties, NPK Status on Leaves, and the Growth of Immature Oil Palm Plantations

空果串油棕灰和生物炭改善了泥炭土壤性质、叶片NPK状况及未成熟油棕种植园的生长

The present study area, the Konso Zone, is in Rift Valley, Southern Ethiopia, and highly depends on rivers and groundwater for economic and social development. Water availability in this area faces multiple challenges, including scarcity, quality concerns, and seasonal variations. In the Rift Valley region, including the present study area, groundwater quality is particularly problematic due to high fluoride levels. Moreover, the high concentrations of total dissolved solids in Konso Zone groundwater pose challenges for industrial, agricultural, and drinking purposes. GIS-based spatial analysis techniques, hydrogeochemical analyses, and water quality indices were used in the current study. The evaluation of water quality involved the utilization of both groundwater quality and irrigation water quality indices. In the study area, the cations and anions exhibited a general trend with Na+ &gt; Mg2+ &gt; Ca2+ &gt; K+ &gt; Fe2+ and HCO3− &gt; Cl−, SO42− &gt; NO3− &gt; F−. Multiple water types were identified within the research area, including Na-HCO3, Ca-Na-HCO3, NaCl, and Ca-Mg/Cl, with Na-HCO3 being the most prevalent. The formation of the NaHCO3 water type is primarily attributed to ion exchange processes, with siliciclastic aquifers being linked to cation exchange in sodium bicarbonate groundwater. Total Dissolved Solids and SO42− contaminants significantly impact the water quality, resulting in deterioration. Gibbs’s figure indicates that 50% of the water samples were found where rocks were weathered, demonstrating the importance of water-rock interactions in groundwater composition. Water samples containing more fluoride than the WHO’s limit of 1.50 mg/L were deemed unsuitable for consumption. Regarding irrigation suitability, most water samples from the Konso area were acceptable, except for the sodium percentage in 66.6% of the samples, which was unsuitable for irrigation. There are 26.67% of samples that are of questionable quality, 66.67% that are deemed inappropriate, and 26.67% that are deemed unacceptable. These findings underscore the pressing need for comprehensive strategies and interventions to address water quality issues in the Konso Zone, emphasizing the critical importance of monitoring and managing groundwater resources to ensure sustainable and safe water access for various regional uses.

Abel Abebe

Muralitharan Jothimani

Gosaye Berhanu

Hydrogeochemical Evaluation of Groundwater Quality and Its Applicability for Various Purposes in the Drought-Prone Konso Zone, Rift Valley, Southern Ethiopia

干旱易发区孔索地带裂谷谷地南部埃塞俄比亚地下水水质的水文地球化学评价及其多用途适用性

The primary source of soil compaction is weight bearing down on the soil, which occurs frequently on agricultural land due to foot movement, livestock tramples, or the heavy weight of farm equipment. The primary cause of significant soil compaction is the driving of heavy machinery over moist soils. In this paper, the negative side of soil compaction and its influence on soil physical and chemical characteristics at the Awash Melkassa farm field located in Ethiopia were investigated. Compaction of soil test was taken at three different depths which are 10 cm, 20 cm, and 30 cm with the help of a hydraulically operated cone penetrometer integrated into the tractor. The three depths were expanded into 15 sample locations (designated as point A to point O) to collect 35 data points on soil compaction using a hydraulic-powered Spot-on digital soil cone penetrometer across a 0.6-hectare farmland area. A correlation analysis was conducted on the 15 sample points (A to O) to assess soil compaction in the field. In addition, soil samples were collected from specific farm locations at depths ranging from 0 to 10 cm, 10–20 cm, and 20–30 cm for subsequent physical and chemical tests in the laboratory. During the harvesting season, sample location A exhibited the highest soil compaction values, reaching 6,159 kPa, while the lowest values were observed at sample point F, measuring 327 kPa. For the seeding season, the sample point B showed the highest soil compaction values at 6,052 kPa, while the lowest values were recorded at sample point K, measuring 563 kPa. Moreover, the data indicates a consistent increase in soil compaction with depth during both experimental seasons. The laboratory test for soil texture revealed that the soil composition was classified as a clay loam, consisting of 36.7% sand, 30.3% clay, and 33% silt. The moisture content ranged from a high of 16.04% to a low of 13.97%. In addition, it was observed that total organic carbon, organic matter, and total nitrogen levels tend to rise with increased soil compaction, and conversely, decrease as soil compaction decreases. This study’s insights are invaluable for agricultural mechanization. Given the substantial weight of farm machinery, comprehending soil properties and their correlation with compaction rates is imperative for optimizing farming practices.

Yared Seifu Woldeyohannis

Negative Effect of Soil Compaction and Investigation of Its Relation with Soil Physiochemical Properties in Mechanization Farming System

土壤压实负面效应及其与土壤理化性质关系的机械化耕作系统研究

The presented study attempted to use coupled finite element numerical (FEM) and analytical limit equilibrium (LEM) procedures to provide comparative graphical charts demonstrating the geometry, the groundwater condition, the safety factor, and the characteristics of the support, which were implemented in the Dangote Pozzolan quarry at Tombel to preventing the slope instability’s occurrence. Field and laboratory work have been carried out to collect and characterize data. The results obtained with the LEM procedure via Slide 2D showed a safety factor of 0.87, indicating an unstable slope compared to a safety factor of 1.0 obtained with the FEM procedure via Plaxis 2D corresponding to a limited equilibrium state of the slope. The characteristics of the support that can be used to stabilize the slopes are geotextile support of 100% strip coverage, a tensile strength of 100 kN/m, an adhesion property of 4 kPa, and a frictional angle of 40°. The geotextile is anchored at the slope surface. After the support has been introduced, and the new safety factor calculated, the support automatically increased the safety factor value from 0.87 to 1.51 by using Slide 2D and from 1.0 to 1.98 by using Plaxis 2D, which is from an unstable state to a very stable state.

Mambou Ngueyep Luc Leroy

Oscar Rodrigue Michel Kenmoe

Hervé Joël Tchognia Nkuissi

Sylvain Lawou Kouayep

Gael Nkenwoum Chebou

André Chéagé Chamgoué

Innoua Mohamadou

Comparative Analysis of the Slope Stability Using Slide and Plaxis 2D Software: A Case Study of Tombel Pozzolan Quarry (South-West Cameroon)

使用Slide和Plaxis 2D软件对边坡稳定性进行比较分析：以喀麦隆西南部Tombel火山灰采石场为例

A hydrogeochemical analysis was conducted to find the suitability of the groundwater for drinking and irrigation purposes in the Kuzhithuraiyar sub-basin, Kanniyakumari district, Tamil Nadu, India. 48 groundwater samples were collected from the different locations of the study area during both the pre- and postmonsoon periods. This study assesses the groundwater quality for drinking and irrigation purposes based on the analytical results, water quality index, Wilcox plot, and irrigation parameters such as electrical conductance, Kelly’s ratio, sodium absorption ratio values, magnesium hazards, bicarbonate, and the residual sodium carbonate index. The pH values ranged from 8.5 to 6.5, suggesting generally acceptable conditions. TDS concentrations range from 24 to 1277 mg/L, whereas EC values range from 37.50 to 1996 μS/cm. It is observed from the collected samples that the pre-monsoon water samples TDS’ values were exceeded the recommended TDS limits than postmonsoon samples. Water quality indices indicate that 50% of premonsoon samples and 48% of postmonsoon samples are suitable for drinking. In total, 10% of samples are admissible to a doubtful category before and after the monsoon, 6% are good to permissible during the monsoon, and 84% are good to permissible. Kelly’s ratio shows that 56% and 48% of samples collected during the post- and premonsoon are suitable for irrigation, respectively, whereas the remaining samples are not. Due to magnesium hazards, 40% and 44% of pre- and postmonsoon samples are not suitable for irrigation. Overall, the postmonsoon samples exceeded the permissible TDS limit (1000 mg/L) by 10% and the premonsoon samples by 6. 13% of samples obtained after the monsoon and 19% collected before the monsoon have a potential salinity greater than three, indicating that these samples are unacceptable. The sustaining water quality and mitigating possible hazards in the Kuzhithuraiyar sub-basin require continuous monitoring and focused measures.

R. Athsha Great Raxana

Venkateswaran Sellamuthu

Hydrogeochemical and GIS Analysis of Groundwater Quality for Drinking and Irrigation Purposes in Kuzhithuraiyar Sub-Basin, Kanniyakumari District, Tamil Nadu, India

印度泰米尔纳德邦甘尼亚库马里区库兹提图莱亚尔子流域地下水水质的水文地球化学和GIS分析，用于饮用和灌溉目的

The dynamics of soil physical and chemical properties have been increasing due to inappropriate land use and unsustainable land management practices in Ethiopia. This study aims to assess the dynamics of selected soil physical and chemical properties under different current land use types and altitudinal gradients in the Sala watershed of Ari Zone in South Ethiopia. In the study area, analyzing and understanding the dynamics of soil physicochemical properties under different land use types play a vital role in sustainable soil productivity. Before collecting a soil sample, land use types and altitudinal variations were surveyed in the study watershed. Three random strata were selected from the watershed, and the major adjacent land use types in each stratum were identified across elevation gradients. A total of 30 composite soil samples were collected from different land uses and elevations using a zigzag sampling technique at 0–20 cm soil depth from upland (12), midland (9), and lowland (9). Laboratory results showed that most soil physical and chemical properties had poor ratings in the watershed area. All soil properties were significantly affected by land use types and elevation factors ( <a:math xmlns:a="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" id="M1"><a:mi>P</a:mi><a:mo>&lt;</a:mo><a:mn>0.05</a:mn></a:math> ), except for soil texture, TN, and CEC. Soil texture is highest in the upper and lower elevations of grazing land (61.3%) and shrubland (55.4%), while lowest in cultivated land (11.3%) and barren land (11.6%) at higher altitudes. The highest mean of soil texture was dominated by clay soil (55%) in shrubland followed by sand soil (50.30%) in the barren land and silt soil (20.06%) in cultivated land. Chemical soil properties (pH, SOM, TN, Av. P, Av. K, and CEC) were significantly varied under each land use type across altitudes. The results of this study showed that inappropriate land use and unsustainable agricultural practices had more significantly influenced the soil fertility status. Therefore, appropriate soil and water conservation measures should be implemented in the studied watershed to improve soil fertility and crop productivity.

Woldeyes Debebe

Teshome Yirgu

Mulugeta Debele

Dynamics of Soil Physical and Chemical Properties under Different Current Land Use Types and Elevation Gradients in the Sala Watershed of Ari Zone, South Ethiopia

埃塞俄比亚南部阿里地区萨拉流域不同土地利用类型和海拔梯度下土壤物理化学性质的动态变化

Abbreviation	Appl. Environ. Soil. Sci.
Journal Impact	2.10
Quartiles(Global)	SOIL SCIENCE(Q3)

ISSN	1687-7667, 1687-7675
h-index	35

Publication Information	Publisher: Hindawi Publishing Corporation，Publishing cycle: ，Journal Type: journal，Open Access Journals: Yes
Basic data	Year of publication: 2012，Proportion of original research papers: 94.92%，Self Citation Rate:4.80%， Gold OA Rate: 100.00%
Journal Fees	$950Details
Average review cycle	网友分享经验：18 Weeks

Applied and Environmental Soil Science

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