Soil Science

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Soil acidity and liming in Natal.
(1970) Reeve, Neville George.; Sumner, Malcolm E.; Orchard, Edwin Retief.
1. Effects of Aluminium Toxicity and Phosphorus Fixation on Crop Growth on Oxisols in Natal Simple, routine methods for estimating exchangeable Al and P fixing capacity of acid soils are described. A glass-house study on eight Oxisols revealed marked growth response of 'trudan' (Sorghum sudanense) to amelioration by lime, gypsum and Ca silicate which is ascribed to elimination of A1 toxicity rather than to improved P availability. Growth response to amelia rants took place up to the point of elimination of exchangeable Al after which a significant reduction in yield occurred. P fixation is shown to be a major fertility limitation in the soils studied. Since no apparent relationship between P fixing capacity and exchangeable A1 existed and since lime did not decrease P fixation despite its ability to eliminate soluble A1, it is concluded that P fixation is an adsorption reaction rather than a precipitation reaction. Although the soils studied are all capable of fixing large quantities of P considerable variation exists between them. Fertilizer recommendations based only on an estimate of the available P in the soil per se could thus be in serious error. 2. Lime Requirements of Natal Oxisols based on Exchangeable Aluminium The exchangeable Al status of eight Natal Oxisols is a suitable criterion for the measurement of lime requirement defined as the amount of lime necessary for maximum crop production. The principal function of lime in these soils is to eliminate A1 toxicity; it has little or no effect on P availability. A "critical value" for exchangeable A1 below which 'trudan' did not respond to lime application was found. On the average the amount of lime necessary for maximum growth and exchangeable Al control was approximately one sixth the amount required to raise the soil pH to 6.5. 3. Cation Exchange Capacity and Exchangeable Aluminium in Natal Oxisols Positive charges in acid soils reduce CEC at low electrolyte concentration probably by double layer interaction. The resultant net CEC (determined by washing soil free of salt with water) is the effective CEC under field conditions and the difference between net CEC and exchangeable bases is accordingly a convenient measure of exchangeable A1. A reaction scheme is proposed which relates the large pool of non-exchangeable Al (extractable with N NH[4]0Ac-pH4) in these soils to the relatively small amounts of exchangeable AI; this reaction scheme is governed primarily by net CEC and exchangeable bases rather than by pH. 4. Amelioration of Subsoil Acidity in Natal Oxisols, The large pH dependent CEC in Natal Oxisols effectively limits the downward movement of lime. Although heavy fertilisation, particularly with acid forming nitrogenous fertilizers increases the rate of movement, relatively small amounts of Ca salts having little ability to neutralise subsoil exchangeable Al could be leached from limed topsoil. In contrast, bases equivalent to 80% of that applied leached rapidly from gypsum treated topsoil. Although gypsum did not eliminate subsoil exchangeable A1, it was considerably more efficient than lime in this respect. However, gypsum caused severe loss of exchangeable Mg which could have serious nutritional consequences if not corrected.
Soils and land-use planning in the Howick Extension Area.
(1970) Scotney, Derek Michael.; Scott, J. D.
No abstract available.
Factors affecting nitrogen utilization by sugarcane in South Africa.
(1972) Wood, Richard Anthony.; Orchard, Edwin Retief.
TIhe response of sugarcane to applied N in South Africa varies considerably from one soil to another, particularly in the plant crop. Responses to fertilizer N by ratoon cane are generally much greater than those given by plant cane. Where irrigation is practised yield response per unit of N is significantly higher than that obtained under rain grown conditions. Response of cane to N can be influenced by various factors, some of which are able to bring about differences in yield as great or greater than those obtained from the N fertilizer itself. These include seasonal effects, time and method of N application, the form of N applied, and the nature of the soil . The N cycle in relation to sugarcane has been examined, as several factors affecting response of cane to N are concerned with the transformations which N undergoes in the soil - plant system. The potential of different soil series within the sugar belt to mineralize N, greatly influences the response of plant cane to applied N. The N supplying power of sugar belt soils is also dependent upon how recently they were opened for cultivation, and the length of time they remain dry prior to replanting. However, accurate assessment of soil N available to cane remains difficult, and it is probable that N recommendations will continue to be made largely on an empirical basis of management and yield. Incorporation of cane trash in the soil, and the C/N ratio of cane roots may affect efficiency of N fertilizer usage by the crop, particularly in the sandier soils of the industry low in N, due to the immobilization of applied N. Apart from the soil pH effect as such, specific N carriers are able to influence r ates of nitrification and thus susceptibility to leaching, especially in the more weakly buffered soils which constitute over 30% of the industry. It appears likely that utilization of N by cane grown in these soils, could be enhanced by the use of the nitrification inhibitor N-Serve. Application of all the N to the furrow at time of planting can cause severe leaching losses even in heavily textured soils. Top-dressing some weeks after planting, results in more efficient recovery of fertilizer N. Even so, only 25%-30% of N applied in the widely used ammonium form is recovered by the above ground parts of the cane crop.
Characteristics of sesquioxidic soils.
(1974) Fey, Martin Venn.; Le Roux, J.
Sesquioxidic soil clays from Oxisols in South Africa, Australia and Brazil, and two clays from Andosols in Japan and New Zealand, were investigated by XRD, OTA, IR, EM and quantitative mineralogical analysis. The volcanic-ash soil clays are dominated by allophane; clays from Natal are dominated by kaolin (30 - 45%) and free iron oxides (20 - 25%), with smaller amounts of gibbsite (0 - 12%) and pedogenic chlorite (less than 20%); Oxisol clays from Australia and Brazil contain free iron oxides (40 - 50%), gibbsite and kaolin (both about 25%). Acid ammonium oxalate (pH 3) was found to be superior to currently popular alkaline reagents for extracting amorphous aluminosilicates and alumina from these clays. Boiling 0,5- NaOH dissolved large amounts of finely-divided kaolinite and halloysite, while hot 5% Na[2]CO[3] reaction was too slow (partial dissolution of synthetic amorphous aluminosilicates with one extraction) and insufficiently selective (gibbsite and kaolin of poor crystallinity dissolve to a variable extent). On the other hand, synthetic gels (molar Si0[2]/A1[2]O[3] ranging from 0,91 to 2,55) dissolved completely after 2h shaking in the dark with 0,2tM acid ammonium oxalate (0,2 ml/mg). Specificity of oxalate for natural allophane was indicated by removal of similar quantities of silica and alumina using different clay: solution ratios. Oxalate extraction data indicated that allophane is absent in Oxisol clays, which are characterized by small quantities of amorphous, A1-rich sesquioxide (1,5 to 7%), some of which may originate in interlayers of 2: l phyllosilicate structures. Allophane was determined quantitatively in volcanic-ash soil clays by allocating hydroxyl water content to oxalate-soluble silica plus alumina on the basis of an ignition weight loss/chemical composition function for synthetic amorphous aluminosilicates. Both Si02/A1[2]O[3] ratios and quantities of allophane were found to be lower than those obtained using boiling 0,5N NaOH, in agreement with the interpretation that the latter treatment attacks crystalline aluminosilicates. Parameters of chemical reactivity and distribution of electric charges following various chemical pretreatments of allophane were found to correspond closely to those predicted on the basis of synthetic gel behaviour. Results for Oxisol clays suggested that the role of amorphous (oxalate-soluble) alumina in governing physicochemical properties is generally subdorninant to that of the poorly-crystalline, A1-substituted iron oxide component which is removed by deferration with citrate-dithionite-bicarbonate reagent. Hysteretic pH-dependent net negative exchange charge was shown to arise from hysteresis of positive exchange charge, while CEC is fully reversible by titration with strong acid. A mechanism is postulated to account for this observation. Levels of silica in the soil solution of Natal Oxisols are higher than those of more strongly-weathered soils from Australia and Brazil, and may be sufficiently high to exert a favourable effect on plant-available P following phosphate fertilization. Although soluble silica levels are also relatively high in volcanic-ash soils, a similar effect is not likely to manifest itself significantly owing to the very high P adsorption capacity of allophane. A study of soil solution equilibria indicated that in terms of silica and aluminium hydroxide potentials, kaolinite is the most stable mineral in all the soils. Allophane persists as a partial metastable equilibrium state in volcanicash soils while gibbsite formation in Oxisols is contingent upon periodic, nonequilibrium leaching conditions. The role of clay mineral suite in governing levels of exchangeable aluminium in acid soils is examined. A revised model system for allophane is proposed in which tetrahedral substitution of Al for Si may reach a maximum of 1 : 1 in an aluminosilicate phase. Additional alumina takes the form of discreet amorphous or crystalline material. The composition of allophane corresponding to maximum A1 for Si substitution will depend upon the availability of basic cations for charge balancing during neogenesis of the amorphous aluminosilicate.
Soil physical factors affecting root growth and maize yield in four Rhodesian soils.
(1976) Rankin, James Malcolm.; Sumner, Malcolm E.
The platinum microelectrode technique for measuring oxygen flux in soils has been reviewed. Shortcomings in the existing technique and instrumentation have been discussed. The new instrumentation, electrode standardization and measurement techniques developed enable the method to be used with confidence in unsaturated soil systems. Measurements of oxygen flux index in four soil samples showed a very highly significant regression relationship between oxygen flux index and air space within the range 3 - 15% air space on each soil. There was no significant difference in the regression relation between soils. A field penetrometer, designed to measure the presence and strength of subsurface pans in field soils has been described. Measurements with the penetrometer on three depth of ploughing treatments (100, 230 and 355 mm) on tillage trials at four sites with different clay contents showed that hard layers were present on all the treatments. Except on the shallowest ploughing depth treatment on the fine-textured soil, where the pan was 225 mm below the nominal ploughing depth, the hard layers were present between a few mm and 150 mm below the nominal ploughing depth, and had strengths of between 16 and 24 bars. The theory and factors affecting measurement of soil strength with needle penetrometers have been investigated. The design and operation of a laboratory penetrometer used to measure soil strength under closely controlled laboratory conditions has been discussed. Physical factors likely to affect root growth, viz. soil texture, air space, bulk density, soil strength and available moisture, have been measured in a comprehensive range of undisturbed cores taken from the four tillage trials. High soil strength is considered as being the soil physical factor most likely to restrict root growth in these soils. Physical factors affecting soil strength have been investigated. Soil strength is shown to be highly dependent upon bulk density, matric potential and soil texture. The hard pans shown to exist in all the tillage trial soils exhibit many of the characteristics of tillage pans, but their existence cannot be attributed exclusively to the ploughing depth treatments imposed in the tillage trials. Rather, the pans have resulted from a combination of interacting factors, including the previous history of the soils, the imposed tillage treatments, crop, and climatic factors. A study of some of the data from the literature on root growth and soil strength shows that root growth is severely restricted by soil strengths of the order of 20 to 30 bars. In order to determine whether root growth was being restricted in the tillage trials, root profiles were extracted from one of the trials. These showed that the pans severely restricted root growth. Analysis of maize yield data from the tillage trials showed that on the three coarse-textured sites yield increased with increased depth of ploughing, and that there was a marked seasonal effect, ploughing depth having a relatively greater effect on maize yield in dry seasons than in wet. On the fine-textured site, however, where no pan existed near the surface in the shallow ploughed treatment, the ploughing depth effect was not significant, nor was there any marked seasonal effect of ploughing depth on maize yield. Evidence presented shows that the pans, by restricting root growth are reducing the amount of water available to the plant. This effect is greater in dry seasons, and in soils with low available water .
Occurrence and properties of iron and titanium oxides in soils along the eastern seaboard of South Africa.
(1978) Fitzpatrick, Robert William.; Le Roux, J.
Abstract available on PDF file.
Studies on polymerised dispersions as soil conditioners : their effects and feasible applications.
(1978) Bishop, Richard Timothy.; Sumner, Malcolm E.
Estimation of hydrological properties of South African soils.
(1983) Hutson, John Leslie.; Cass, A.
A computer simulation model of the soil water regime can be a useful research, planning and management tool, providing that the data required by the model are available. Finite difference solutions of the general flow equation can be applied to complex field situations if soil profile characteristics are reflected by appropriate retentivity (B( Ψ)) and hydraulic conductivity (K(Ψ)) functions. The validity of a flow simulation model depends upon the degree to which simulated flow corresponds to the flow pattern in real soils. Macroscopic flow in apedal soils is likely to obey Darcy's law but in structured or swe~ling soils, macro-pores and shrinkage voids lead to non-Darcian flow. Physical composition and structural stability properties of a wide range of South African soils were used to assess swelling behaviour and depth-related textural changes. The applicability of a one-dimensional Darcian flow model to various soil types was evaluated. Core retentivity data for South African soils were used to derive regression equations for predicting B (Ψ) from textural criteria and bulk density. A sigmoidal, non-hysteretic two-part retentivity function having only two constants in addition to porosity was developed for use in water flow simulation models. Values of the constants, shapes of the retentivity curves and soil textural properties were related by fitting the retentivity function to retentivity data generated using regression equations~ Hydraulically inhomogeneous soils may be modelled by varying the values of the retentivity constants through the profile to reflect changing soil properties. Equations for calculating K(B) or K(Ψ) from retentivity data were derived by applying each of three capillary models to both exponential and two-part retentivity functions. Comparison of these equations showed that the definition and value of semi-empirical constants in the capillary models were as important as the choice of model in determining K(B). K(Ψ) was calculated using retentivity constants corresponding to a range of bulk density, clay and silt content combinations. Three retentivity constant-soil property systems were evaluated. These were derived from retentivity data for South African soils between 1) -10 and -1500 kPa, 2) 0 and -50 kPa and 3) from published retentivity data for British soils. Only that derived from retentivity data accurate in the 0 to -50 kPa range led to K(Ψ) relationships in which saturated K and the slope sK/sΨ decreased as bulk density, clay or silt content increased. Absolute values of K were unreliable and measured values are essential for matching purposes. A method for evaluating the constants in a K(Ψ) or K(B) function from the rate of outflow or inflow of water after a step change in potential at the base of a soil core was described. Simple exponential g (Ψ) and K(Ψ) functions were assumed to apply to each pressure potential range. Retentivity parameters were obtained by fitting the 8(Ψ) function to the measured retentivity curve. A value for K[s] , the remaining unknown parameter in the K(Ψ) function, was obtained by matching measured outflow and inflow data to a family of simulated curves. These were computed using measured retentivity parameters, core dimensions and ceramic plate conductivity, and a range of K[s] values. An advantage of this method is that there are no limitations on core length, plate impedance or pressure potential range which cannot be ascertained by prior simulation. Regression equations relating texture to retentivity, and a conductivity model were applied in a simulation study of the water regime in a weighing lysimeter in which gains and losses of water were measured accurately. Active root distribution was assumed proportional to root mass distribution. Relative K(Ψ) curves for each node were computed using one of the conductivity equations derived earlier. Daily water potentials for a month were simulated using three conductivity matching factors. By matching simulated Ψ values to tensiometer potentials measured at five depths an appropriate matching factor was chosen. The effects of an over- or underestimate of K(Ψ) were demonstrated. This work simplifies the prediction and use of retentivity and conductivity relationships in soil water flow simulation models. These models can be used for assessing the water regime in both irrigated and dry-land crop production. Other applications include catchment modelling, effluent disposal and nutrient and solute transport in soil.
Pasture responses to lime and phosphorus on acid soils in Natal.
(1986) Miles, Neil.; De Villiers, John Matthew.
No abstract available.
Investigation of 2:1 layer silicate clays in selected southern African soils.
(1986) Buhmann, Christl.; Fey, Martin Venn.
As very little detailed X-ray diffraction investigations have been carried out in South Africa on 2:1 phyllosi1icates in soils, the aim of the present study was to contribute to the knowledge of soil genesis, as well as K-fixation and swelling, by investigation of the clay fraction of selected soils known to be rich in these minerals. X-ray diffraction analysis has been used almost exclusively as the investigative technique. In Chapter 1 a literature review is presented on the reasons for X-ray diffraction peak broadening and the problems encountered in the identification of swelling clay minerals. For interstratifications, the concept of an ABAB layer sequence, considered as having suggested an abab that the inter1ayer space, X-ray diffraction is questioned. data from which It is the ABAB arrangement is inferred can as well be explained in terms of an alternative AAAB layer sequence, having an aabb interlayer arrangement. Chapters 2, 3 and 4 deal with layer silicate formation/alteration in the course of soil development in dolerite and shale-derived profiles. Dolerite-derived pedons could· be characterized by one of the following layer silicate suites : suite i : discrete smectite (Fe-containing beidellite-montmorillonite) with or without traces of kaolinite and talc (Vertisol) suite ii : smectite-kaolinite interstratification (Vertisol) suite iii : 14 ft minerals (vermiculite, beidellite, montmorillonite, chlorite) and 7 ft minerals (halloysite, kaolinite ) in about equal proportions (Vertisol and Mollisol) suite iv : kaolinite with subordinate chlorite and traces of talc (Oxisol, Ultisol). Eccashale-derived Vertisols are dominated by mica-smectite interstratifications. The occurrence of an iron-rich pedogenic talc is discussed in Chapter 4. X-ray and chemical data suggest 30 - 50 mole percent substitutions of iron for magnesium. The mineralogical basis for K-fixation has been established in Chapter 5. Two K-fixing components could be identified : dioctahedral high-charge vermiculite as a discrete mineral and random mica-smectite interstratifications with 20 - 60% mica. In Chapter 6, some of the most expansive soils in South Africa have been investigated. They can be subdivided into two groups denoted by the swelling component as follows : (a) smectite-dominated (the smectite species involved being most probably beidellite with a heterogeneous charge distribution); (b) mica-smectite interstratification with random or ordered stacking arrangement.
Site relationships for Pinus patula in the Eastern Transvaal escarpment area.
(1990) Schutz, Christopher John.; De Villiers, John Matthew.; Schönau, A. P. G.
The largest area of commercial timber plantations in southern Africa is situated along the Eastern Transvaal Drakensberg Escarpment north of Nelspruit. The site requirements of tree species in this area are poorly understood. The purpose of this study was to examine site-tree relationships in the region and the implications of such relationships for the science of forestry. Pinus patula Schiede & Deppe in Schlecht. & Cham. was selected for the study as it is the most widely planted species in the region. In Chapter 1 the geology, geomorphology, climate, soils and vegetation of the study area are described. A geological map was compiled. Soil descriptions were based on 439 soil pits distributed so as to cover the range of site conditions in the area. The regression techniques used to identify key environmental factors and to model their relationships with tree parameters are described in Chapter 2, in which site-growth relationships specifically are investigated. In mature stands of P. patula 159 plots were established in such a way as to cover the widest variation in both site conditions and tree growth. The relationship between site index (mean top height at 20 years) and 100 site plus 10 stand parameters recorded at each plot was modelled by means of best-subsets, multiple and ridge regression. Several candidate models were compared on the basis of coefficient of determination and validation using independent data. The best model predicted the site index of the validation plots within 60 cm of the measured site index. The possible roles of the site variables identified by the models are discussed. In Chapter 3 site-foliar nutrient relationships are described. A close relationship was found between foliar and soil nutrient levels for the six major geological substrates. Site index was more accurately predicted from concentrations of individual foliar nutrients than from ratios of these nutrients. The Diagnosis and Recommendation Integrated System (DRIS), however, appeared to have greater potential for nutrient diagnosis. Provisional ORIS norms for P. patula were computed. In Chapter 4 the excessive accumulation of litter in P. patula stands was examined. Undecomposed litter layers were greater than 15 cm in thickness on nearly 25% of the 159 sites studied. Average litter layers contained greater amounts of nutrients than the underlying topsoil. Due to the colonization of the litter by tree roots, the degree of immobilization of nutrients in litter is not known. Environmental factors associated with variation in litter thickness were identified by models which explained up to 73% of the total variation. These factors are considered to act indirectly by promoting or retarding decay organisms. The possible implications of litter accumulation for the maintenance of site productivity are discussed. In Chapter 5 relationships between site and some wood properties are described. Although between-tree variation was larger than between-site variation, some important relationships with site were identified. 10% of all trees on the 159 plots had severe stem bumps. Most of the variables in a model to predict the severity of bumps could be interpreted as being associated with stem stability or exposure. The conclusion was that wind is probably the major cause of this defect. The findings of the study are summarized in Chapter 6. Particular attention is given to a synthesis of the possible roles of site factors in their relationships with the tree parameters investigated. There were strong relationships between tree parameters and mainly rainfall, altitude, soil wetness, exchangeable bases, effective rooting depth, slope position and geology. The single most deficient nutrient element appeared to be calcium. The implications for both research and management are outlined.
Environmental factors influencing the distribution hookworm infection in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa [sic].
(1998) Mabaso, Musawenkosi.; Appleton, Christopher Charles.; Hughes, Jeffrey Colin.
The aim of this study was to investigate the occurrence of the soil transmitted parasitic nematode Necator americanus ("Old World" hookworm) in soils of different texture in KwaZulu-Natal. The key questions being asked were: (i) Is hookworm infection in KwaZulu-Natal confined to the coastal plain? (ii) Is there any association between hookworm prevalence and the different soil types in the province? (iii) Since several examples exist in the province of soil types on which hookworm is transmitted on the coastal plain, occurring inland, what is the status of infection in communities situated in these areas? (iv) What properties of soil are important in the transmission ecology of hookworm larvae? All available hookworm prevalence data of KwaZulu-Natal were mapped on Land Type maps of the province (Land Type Survey Staff, 1986). Several additional surveys were carried out to supplement this database. Faecal egg counts were obtained by the Formal-Ether Concentration Method and positive infections were confirmed as N. americanus by larval morphology after coproculture using the Harada-Mori Technique. Univariate analysis was carried out for significant associations between hookworm prevalence, altitude, climatic variables (rainfall and temperature) and soil type. The results showed that areas ≤ 150m above sea level (i.e. the coastal plain) support high prevalences (x ‾ = 45 %), and are characterised by low-clay textured soils, warm temperatures and relatively high rainfall. Areas > 150 m (i.e. inland) have low hookworm prevalences (x ‾ = 6 %), and are characterised by high-clay textured soils, cool temperatures and moderate rainfall. Hookworm prevalence also decreased southwards as climatic conditions (rainfall and temperature) become unfavourable, and the coastal plain also narrows in this direction. Multivariate analysis was done to determine which environmental factors combine best to provide favourable conditions for hookworm transmission. From the variables used, prevalence of infection was most significantly correlated with the mean daily minimum temperature for January followed by the mean number of rainy days for January. This points to the importance of summer conditions in the transmission of hookworm infection in KwaZulu-Natal. Moderate hookworm prevalences (x ‾ = 17.3 %) were found in the inland sandy areas, dropping to low prevalences (x ‾ = 5.3 %) in the surrounding non-sandy areas. The intensity-related data could not be significantly correlated with the environmental variables used in this study. The Spearman Correlation Coefficient was used to test for relationships between hookworm prevalence and soil variables. In the results, only the fine and medium sand fractions showed positive correlations with hookworm prevalence. Clay showed a significant negative correlation with hookworm prevalence. No significant correlations were found between soil pH or its organic matter content and hookworm prevalence. Age and sex related infection data could not be drawn into the analysis due to the small sample size of study localities.
An evaluation of the use of organic amendments to ameliorate aluminium toxicity and phosphorus deficiency in an acid soil.
(2000) Mokolobate, Motlogeloa Salathiel.; Haynes, Richard John.
The effects of the additions of some commonly-available organic residues to an acid, P-deficient soil (typical of those used by small-scale farmers in KwaZulu-Natal) on soil pH, exchangeable and soil solution AI, P availability and maize yield response was investigated in a number of laboratory and glasshouse experiments. The organic amendments used were ground-up grassveld residues, household compost, filter cake (a waste product from a sugar mill) and layer poultry manure. The soil used was a Hutton form (Farmingham series) (Rhodic Ferrasol, FAO). In an initial laboratory study, addition of all of the organic residues, at rates equivalent to 10 and 20 Mg ha¯¹, raised soil pH significantly and as a result there was a marked reduction in exchangeable AI concentrations. The increase in pH and decrease in exchangeable AI was more pronounced at the higher rate of addition and followed the order: poultry manure> filter cake> household compost> grass residues. The major mechanism responsible for the increase in pH was thought to differ depending upon the type of organic residue being considered. Whilst the relatively high content ofCaC0₃ was probably the main mechanism in the case of poultry manure and filter cake, the proton consuming ability of humic material probably predominated for household compost and decarboxylation of organic acids during decomposition was probably the main mechanism in the case of grass residues. Additions of organic amendments also decreased concentrations of total AI (AIT) in soil solution but the concentration of monomeric AI (AIMono) as estimated by pyrocatechol violet 60 sec. method, was unchanged or even increased. This latter effect was attributed to the high cation content of residues (particularly that of poultry manure) which increased soil salinity and exchangeable AI³⁺ was consequently displaced into soil solution.Additions of amendments also increased the Olsen-extractable P levels in the order: poultry manure> filter cake> household compost> grass residues and their addition also decreased theP adsorption capacity ofsoils. Concentrations of exchangeable Ca, Mg and K, and Na in the case of poultry manure, were increased by additions of organic amendments. In a glasshouse experiment, the four organic residues were applied to soils at a rate equivalent to 20 Mg ha¯¹ with or without the addition of either lime (equivalent to 0, 5 or 10 Mg ha¯¹) or P (equivalent to 0, 10 or 50 kg ha¯¹). Lime applications to the control (unamended) treatment resulted in a marked reduction in exchangeable AI, AIT AIMono and in the proportion of AIT present as AIMono in soil solution. The addition of organic amendments increased soil pH and reduced AIT and AIMono to low concentrations regardless of whether lime was applied or not. There was no yield response in maize to applied lime in any of the amended treatments. There was a yield increase in response to applied P in the control, household compost and grass residue treatments but none for the filter cake and poultry manure treatments. In agreement with this, Olsen-extractable P values in soils followed the order: poultry manure> filter cake> household compost> grass residues > control. It was concluded that the addition of organic amendments to acid soils is a practicable way of liming them and reducing the potential for Al toxicity and that it can also reduce fertilizer P requirements. This research now needs to be extended into the field situation.
Sodium, cation exchange and crop response in acid KwaZulu-Natal soils.
(2000) Manson, Alan David.; Hughes, Jeffrey Colin.
In many acid, highly leached South African soils, Na levels are very low. Applications of Na to highly leached soils may be advantageous in some situations as Na has been shown to interact with soil acidity, P availability, and K nutrition of plants. It was found that an increased level of Na at constant anion concentration in the soil solution resulted in lower soil solution pH and Al3 + activity, and improved maize root penetration into an acid subsoil (pot trial). In another pot trial, Na did not improve lucerne root growth into the same subsoil. In a field trial on a limed, low-Na soil with severe subsoil acidity, the effects off our rates of Na, three Na carriers, and three rates of gypsum on maize growth were compared. In three out of four seasons grain yield responses to the Na applications were positive, and of a similar magnitude to the response to gypsum (455-925 kg ha). In another field trial with maize, responses to Na (of up to 1027 kg grain ha) were recorded in two out of three years on plots with topsoil acid saturations of greater than 45%. The reason for the responses to Na was probably improved subsoil rooting as a result of modified soil solution composition in the presence of Na. In a field trial with Italian rye grass on an acid, highly weathered soil, the effect of sodium applications were investigated at different levels of lime and K. In the first season, 200 kg ha Na as NaCl increased dry matter yield from 11289 kg ha to 12815 kg ha , Sodium responses were possibly due to enhanced P uptake, or Na substitution for K, or a combination of the two mechanisms. No consistent lime x Na interaction was observed. Potassium and Na applications affected the mineral balance of the herbage produced. Potassium depressed herbage Ca, Mg and Na concentrations, and Na depressed herbage Ca and Mg where herbage K was low, but had no effect on herbage K. Where soil P and K reserves are marginal, rye grass pastures may benefit from Na applications.
The effects of surface-applied poultry manure on top- and subsoil acidity and selected soil fertility characteristics.
(2001) Judge, Angus.; Haynes, Richard John.
The effects of surface applications of poultry manure on pH, exchangeable AI, exchangeable Al saturation and levels of available macronutrients in the surface and subsurface layers were investigated in some acid soils from the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands. Three field sites with a history of long-term applications of poultry manure were compared with adjacent fields where no manure had been applied. Results generally showed an increase in pHwater, pHKCI, exchangeable Ca, Mg, and K and extractable P and a decrease in exchangeable Al and exchangeable Al saturation in the surface soil to the depth to which the manure had been incorporated. Results also provided evidence for substantial downward movement of Ca and Mg into the subsoil layers (i.e. 30-60 cm) and their accumulation in exchangeable forms. There was a concomitant general increase in pHKcl and pHwater and decrease in exchangeable Al and exchangeable AI saturation in the subsoil layers. These results demonstrate that, under field conditions, surface applications of poultry manure can cause the amelioration of subsoil acidity. This is an extremely important finding since subsoil acidity is characteristically extremely difficult and costly to ameliorate. A leaching column study was subsequently conducted to investigate the mechanisms by which surface applications of poultry manure ameliorate both top- and subsoil acidity. The soil used, originating from one of the field sites, had not previously been treated with poultry manure and had a subsoil pHKCI of 4.25 and an exchangeable acidity concentration of 1.79 cmolJkg. Three forms of poultry manure (layer, broiler and free range) were incorporated into the surface 5 cm of soil columns at rates equivalent to 5, 10 and 30 Mg/ha. Columns were maintained in glasshouse conditions for a period of 108 days and over that period they were leached on four separate occasions (receiving a total of 825 mm of simulated rainfall). At the conclusion of the experiment, the soil columns were cut into sections for chemical analysis. Applications of poultry manure to the surface soil markedly increased pHwater, pHKcl, exchangeable Ca, Mg, K and Na concentrations and decreased exchangeable Al levels in the surface 5 cm layer. They also increased the concentrations of soluble C, soluble salts, total Al and organically-complexed Al in soil solution. These effects were most pronounced with layer manure and greater at the higher rate of application. The manure-induced decrease in exchangeable AI, but increase in total AI, in soil solution was attributed to soluble salts, originating from the manure, displacing exchangeable Al into solution where it was subsequently complexed by soluble organic matter. Analysis of subsoil layers (5-15, 15-25, 25-35 and 35-45 cm) at the conclusion of the experiment showed that surface applications of poultry manure decreased concentrations of exchangeable Al in the subsoil but had no effect on pHKCl and depressed values for pHwater. It was suggested that manure-derived urea leached into the subsoil and was then hydrolysed causing an increase in pH and precipitation of exchangeable Al as insoluble hydroxy-AI oxides. Towards the conclusion of the experiment nitrification began to proceed, causing subsoil pHKCl values to decrease back to their original values. Analysis of the inorganic-N content of leachates and soil layers provided circumstantial evidence for this mechanism. High concentrations of soluble salts in the subsoil layers (caused by leaching from the manure) resulted in displacement of exchangeable A13+ and W into soil solution so that the electrical conductivity and concentrations of total and monomeric Al were elevated and pHwater was depressed in the subsoil (15-45 cm) of poultry manure-treated columns. It was concluded that the results underline the opposing effects that poultry manure applications have on (i) raising soil pH and lowering exchangeable Al but at the same time (ii) greatly increasing soluble salt concentrations and thus displacing At3+ and H+ back into soil solution. They also have suggested the importance of the release of N during manure decomposition in influencing soil pH (through the processes of ammonification, urea hydrolysis and nitrification) and therefore other soil chemical properties. It is, however, clear that the long-term effect of surface applications of poultry manure is generally to ameliorate subsoil acidity by raising subsoil pH and lowering exchangeable Al concentrations.
Effects of the land disposal of water treatment sludge on soil physical quality.
(2001) Moodley, Magandaran.; Johnston, M. A.
An essential step in producing "drinking" water is to precipitate the suspended and dissolved colloids through the addition of flocculents such as lime, ferric chloride, aluminium sulphate and/or poly-electrolytes. The by-product of this process is termed water treatment sludge (WTS) and contains mainly silt, clay and some organic matter. Previously this material was disposed of in landfill but more recently, alternative methods for its disposal are being evaluated. A potential disposal option is land treatment. In this system of waste disposal the inherent properties of the soil are used to assimilate the waste. Although the effect of the land disposal of WTS on soil chemical quality is gaining increasing research attention, few studies have investigated the effects on soil physical quality. This study was originally commissioned by a local water utility to evaluate the effects of the land disposal of sludge produced at their works, on soil quality. At this plant organic polymers are used to both flocculate the material and to thicken the sludge in the water recovery process. Fresh sludge has a consistence approaching that of slurry but dries to angular shaped aggregates of extremely high strength. Nevertheless, sludge aggregates comprise a network of micro-pores and channels and are therefore porous. Because of these properties, the potential use of WTS as a soil conditioner was considered.. Since lime, gypsum and polyacrylamide are wellrecognised soil conditioners, these were included as reference treatments in the study. Two field trials (Brookdale and Ukulinga) and laboratory experiments were designed to investigate the influence of WTS on soil in terms of water retention, hydraulic conductivity, evaporation, aeration, aggregation and strength. Seven rates of WTS are represented at the . Brookdale trial but research efforts were concentrated on the 0, 80, 320 and 1280 Mg ha' treatments. WTS was also applied as a mulch (without incorporation into the soil) at the 320, 640 and 1280 Mg ha" level. Gypsum was applied at rates of 5 and 10 Mg ha", lime at 2 and 10 Mg ha' and anionic polyacrylamide at 15 and 30 kg ha'. At the Ukulinga trial, WTS was mixed with the upper 0.2 m of the soil at rates of 0, 80, 320 and 1280 Mgha'. Only the high rates of gypsum, lime and anionic polyacrylamide being tested at the Brookdale trial are represented at the Ukulinga trial. All treatments in this study were maintained fallow. The laboratory study features an additional two soils to those from the field experiments, chosen to produce a range in clay contents. WTS influenced several soil physical properties. Soil bulk density decreased following the addition of sludge to soil. This caused an increase in porosity (particularly macro-porosity) and therefore water retained at saturation, but only of statistical significance at the 1280 Mg ha" level. Equally an increase in water retention at the wilting point (-1500 kPa matric potential) also occurred, owing to the high microporosity of sludge aggregates. Despite these effects very little change in both the plant available and readily available water content occurred. Neither, gypsum nor lime caused any significant change in water retention. Aslight improvement was noted on the polyacrylamide treatment at the Brookdale site but this effect did not persist for very long after the trial was established. Although in situ field measurements were influenced strongly by natural spatial variability, WTScaused a marked increase in the saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ks). The reasons for this relate to the higher porosity and the inherently stable nature of the sludge aggregates, which imparts a more open structure to the soil and reduces the extent of pore blockage. This finding was corroborated in a laboratory study in which strong positive correlations between sludge content and Ks was found. The water retention curve and saturated hydraulic conductivity was used to predict the unsaturated hydraulic conductivity function (Kw)using the RETe computer model of van Genuchten et al., 1991. The results showed a decrease in Kw on the sludgeamended treatments the extent of which increased with sludge content. This finding was tested in an evaporation study conducted under controlled environmental conditions. More water was conserved on the sludge-amended treatments than the control, because of its lower Kw. The application of the sludge as a mulch was more effective in conserving water than incorporating the sludge with soil. The air-filled porosity at field capacity (-10 kPa matric potential) of the sludge-amended soil remained within a favourable aeration range of 10-15%, which suggests that aeration should not be a limiting factor for plant growth. Air-permeability nevertheless improved substantially. Attempts at using the size distribution of dry soil aggregates to evaluate the influence of the sludge on aggregation proved unsuccessful. Saturated soil paste extracts for selected soil depths beneath the mulch layers at the Brookdale trial, nevertheless, showed significant increases in Ca2+ and Mt+ concentrations, which is encouraging from a soil stability perspective. Due to the inherently strongly aggregated nature of this soil, no meaningful change in aggregate stability, however, was measured. Significant improvements in soil stability were, nevertheless, found when fresh sludge was mixed with soil. If the sludge is not allowed to dry fully beforehand the polymer that it contains remains active and available for bonding of the soil particles together. Upon drying, these polymers become irreversibly attached to the soil substrate and win not become reactivated even upon re-wetting of the soil. This also explains why sludge aggregates found below only a few centimetres of the soil surface maintained their strongly aggregated nature. This suggests that although WTS consists of mainly silt and clay, the risk of this constituent fraction becoming released and clogging water conductive soil pores are, at present, low. Despite the high strength of the sludge aggregates the penetrometer soil . strength (PSS)within the tilled layer was non-significantly different from the control treatment. Below the tilled layer, however, the PSS on the sludge-amended treatments were lower owing mainly to wetter soil conditions. The research completed to date suggests that land treatment as an environmentally acceptable disposal option for water treatment sludge shows promise since soil conditions tend to be improved.
Bioremediation of Atrazine- and BTX-contaminated soils : insights through molecular/physiological characterization.
(2001) Ralebitso, Theresia Komang.; Van Verseveld, Henk W.
Most natural products and xenobiotic molecules, irrespective of their molecular or structural complexity, are degradable by some microbial species/associations within particular environments. Atrazine- and selected petroleum hydrocarbon (benzene, toluen~ and 0-, m- and p-xylene (BTX))-degrading associations were enriched and isolated"trom atrazine- and petroleum hydrocarbon (PHC)-contaminated KwaZuluNatal loamy and sandy soils, respectively. In total, eight pesticide- and forty BTXcatabolizing associations were isolated. Electron microscopy revealed that, numerically, rods constituted the majority of the populations responsible for both atrazine and PHC catabolism. Cocci and, possibly, spores or fungal reproductive bodies were observed also. For the BTX-catabolizing associations, the population profiles appeared to be dependent on the enrichment pH and the molecule concentration. After combining selected associations, to ensure that all the isolated species were present, batch cultures were made to determine the optimum pH and temperature for growth; With an atrazine concentration of 30 mgr1, the highest specific growth rates, as determined by biomass (OD) changes, were recorded at 30DC and pH 4 although the rate§ at 25DC and pH 5 were comparable. For the BTX (50 mgr1)-catabolizing associations, the highest growth rates were recorded at pH 4 for the four temperatures (15, 20, 25 and 30DC) examined. The sole exception was p-xylene with the highest specific growth rate recorded at pH 5 and 30De. Batch and continuous (retentostat) cultivations in the presence/absence of methanol and under C- and N-limited conditions were used to investigate the impacts of the solvent and the catabolic potentials of a combined atrazine-catabolizing culture (KRA30). In general, different degradation rates were recorded for the culture in response to element limitation. Addition of citrate as the primary carbon source / effected atrazine (100 mg!"l) degradation rates comparable to that of Pseudomonas sp. strain ADP while succinate addition effected herbicide co-metabolism. Carbon supplementation may, therefore, be considered for site amelioration practices. To complement conventional culture-based microbiological procedures, molecular techniques were employed to explore the diversities and analyze the structures of the microbial communities. In parallel, anaerobic microbial associations which targeted atrazine were also characterized. The soil DNA isolation/characterization protocol adopted consisted of a clean-up step followed by the polymerase chain reaction (peR) and 16S rDNA fingerprinting by denaturing-gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE). The preliminary results suggested that despite different, but chemically similar, petroleum hydrocarbon molecules, the common selection pressures of the primary enrichments effected the isolation of similar and complex aerobic microbial associations. Some similar numerically-dominant bands characterized the aerobic and anaerobic atrazine-catabolizing associations although distinct differences were also recorded on the basis of the enrichment/isolation pH value and the concentration of the herbicide. Cloning and sequencing were then used to identify some of the numerically-dominant and non-dominant association members. Community-level physiological profiling (CLPP) for physiological fingerprinting was made with Biolog EcoPlates and highlighted the differences in the isolated aerobic atrazine-catabolizing associations depending on the enrichment pH and molecule concentration. Logarithmic-phase cultures of the combined atrazine- and BTX-catabolizing associations were used to explore the association profiles following pH and temperaiure optImIzation. Although some common numerically-dominant components were maintained, differences in numerical and, possibly, activity dominance were observed in the 16S rDNA profiles in response to changes in pH and temperature. This indicated that environmental parameter optimization and characterization of catabolic association structure must precede bioaugmentation so that control of key variables will facilitate maintenance of the dominant site-specific species. Following KRA30 cultivation in the presence/absence of methanol and under carbon and nitrogen-limited conditions, the population fingerprints showed that the presence of methanol effected shifts in species numerical dominance and, possibly, changes in atrazine catabolic capacity. Also, Coulter counter results, optical density readings and 16S rDNA characterization by DGGE indicated that degradation rate changes were accompanied by shifts in species numerical/activity dominance within the association. Although N-limitation effected the highest rates of herbicide catabolism, a potential versatility of the combined association for bioaugmented and/or biosupplemented remediation with acceptable rates regardless of any elemental limitation was recorded. To determine if the contaminated and pristine source soils contained comparable catabolic populations and, thus, offered potential for intrinsic bioremediation, PCRDGGE was used to characterize the populations in comparison with the enriched/isolated associations. Some similar dominant bands characterized the contaminated soils and the enriched/isolated associations. The significance of this, in relation to a possible correlation between numerical and activity dominance in the component species, is discussed with respect to the use of PCR-DGGE to identify natural attenuation potential and monitor sustained intrinsic and enhanced (bioaugmented and biosupplemented) bioremediation.
Effects of irrigation-induced salinity and sodicity on soil chemical and microbial properties and sugarcane yield.
(2001) Rietz, Diana Nicolle.; Haynes, Richard John.
The effects of irrigation-induced salinity and/or sodicity on sugarcane yield, and two growth parameters, namely stalk height and number of nodes per stalk , were investigated on a sugarcane estate in the Zimbabwean lowveld. The effects of soil salinity and/or sodicity on the size, activity and metabolic efficiency of the soil microbial community was also studied. Furrow-irrigated fields which had a gradient in soil salinity and/or sodicity which increased from the upper to lower ends of the fields were selected for this study. This gradient was recognized by decreasing sugarcane growth down from the upper to the lower ends and the appearance of salt on the soil surface at the lower ends of fields. Sugarcane growth was classified as either dead, poor, satisfactory or good; and soil samples (0-0 .15 m, 0.15-0 .3 m, 0.3-0 .6 m and 0.6-0.9 m) were taken from each of these areas. Soils from under adjacent areas of undisturbed veld were also sampled. Sugarcane growth and yields in micro-plots of the various areas of the fields were measured. Foliar samples of sugarcane were taken at 22 weeks of age and analysed for nutrient content. Soil salinity and sodicity were quantified by measuring pH(water), electrical conductivity (ECe) and cation content of saturation paste extracts and the exchangeable cation content. From this information, the sodium adsorption ratio (SARe)and exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP) were also calculated. The calcareous, vertic soils in the study area under undisturbed veld were found to have high pH values (8 to 9.5), very high exchangeable Ca and Mg concentrations and there was evidence of accumulation of soluble salts in the surface 0.15 m. Under sugarcane production, irrigation induced salinity and sodicity had developed. Under poor and dead sugarcane, high values for ECe, SARe, and ESP were generally encountered in the surface 0-0 .3 m of the profile. In addition, the pH values under sugarcane were often between 9 and 10 particularly in profiles where sugarcane grew poorly or had died. As expected, pH was positively related to ESP and SARe, but negatively related to ECe. Measurements of aggregate stability by wet sieving, the Emerson dispersion test and the Loveday dispersion score all showed that soils from the study sited tended to disperse and that dispersion was most apparent where high ESP and SARe values occurred in association with elevated pH values and relatively low ECe values. These measurements confirmed observations at the sites of low infiltration rates and restricted drainage particularly on the lower ends of fields where sugarcane had died. In addition to the above measurements it was also observed that there was a rise in the watertable under furrow irrigation and that the watertable was nearest to the surface at the lower ends of the fields. In some cases the watertable was observed to be only 0.2 to 0.3 m from the surface. Thus, death of roots due to anaerobic conditions could be occurring to a greater extent at the lower ends of the fields. Another consequence of the high watertable was that these vertic soils were observed to remain in a permanently swollen state. This limits air and water movement in the soil profile as such soils need to be allowed to dry out and crack regularly so that macroporosity can be restored. Sugarcane yield, stalk height and number of nodes per stalk were not significantly related to ECe. Sugarcane yields were, however, significantly correlated with ESP and pH while stalk height and number of nodes were negatively correlated with ESP, SARe and pH. These results suggested that sodicity was a more limiting factor for sugarcane growth than salinity. Foliar analysis of leaf tissue did not reveal substantial differences in macro- or micro-nutrient content between good and poorly-growing sugarcane. It was concluded that the gradient of decreasing sugarcane growth down the furrow-irrigated fields, with crop death at the lower ends, was the result of a combination of factors. That is, the watertable had risen due to over-irrigation and it was nearer the surface at the lower ends of the fields. Due to capillary rise of salts, this resulted in sodic and sometimes saline-sodic conditions in the surface soil. These conditions could limit plant growth through ion toxicities, plant water stress and inhibition of root growth and function and physiological processes. These would be induced by the high pH and high salt, Na and HC03- concentrations in soil solution. Poor physical conditions associated with sodicity and the continually swollen state of the soils presumably limited infiltration and aeration in the surface soil, and probably restricted root growth. In addition, it is likely that the high watertable limited effective crop rooting depth to about 0.2 m at the lower ends of the fields. The net result was that sugarcane died at the lower ends. A negative effect of soil salinity and/or sodicity was also observed on the soil microbial population. Significant negative correlations were obtained with ECe SARe and ESP with microbial biomass C and microbial activity (as measured by FDA hydrolytic activity or arginine ammonification rate). The activity of enzymes involved in C (P-glucosidase), P (phosphatase) and S (arylsulfatase) mineralization and potential nitrogen mineralization (as determined by aerobic incubation) were also negatively correlated with these factors, with the exception of arylsulfatase activity and ESP. All the above mentioned microbial population measures were also positively correlated with soil organic C content, besides potential nitrogen mineralization. The metabolic quotient, which provides an indication of stress and efficiency of the microbial community, increased considerably with increasing salinity and sodicity and decreased with soil organic C. Thus, increasing salinity and/or sodicity resulted in a smaller, more stressed, less efficient microbial community, while the turnover rate and cycling of C, N, P and S also decreased. It was concluded that salt affected soil not only causes a decline in sugarcane yield through raising the concentration of soluble salts in soil solution, but also has a detrimental effect on microbial activity and on mineralization of soil organic C, N, Sand P.
An evaluation of conventional and no-tillage systems on soil physical conditions.
(2002) Nzeyimana, Innocent.; Haynes, Richard John.
The use of no-tillage (NT) system has increased in the past few years in South Africa, but its effects on soil physical conditions have not been adequately documented. This study was undertaken to ascertain these effects, as compared to Conventional tillage (CT) system. Several sites were selected in the Bergville and Winterton areas of the midlands of KwaZulu-Natal, and at the Cedara Agricultural Research Station. NT generally increased bulk density in the topsoil and this altered total porosity and poresize distribution. Water retention, organic C and aggregate stability were increased under NT, partly due to the maintenance of the mulch cover on the surface soil. Organic C and aggregate stability were positively correlated with each other. Differences in bulk density between tillage systems with soil depth did not clearly indicate where soil compaction had occurred. Significant differences in soil compaction between treatments were, however, illustrated by changes in soil penetration resistance (SPR), especially at the. 150 mm depth. In addition, depending on the soil type, SPR was greater in the topsoil under NT than CT. It was suggested that conversion from CT to NT was carried out when the topsoil of the CT-fields was structurally poor, due to a previous history of continuous CT. Tractor traffic under CT and repeated tillage when the soil was wet had, in some cases, resulted in the formation of a compacted layer at the depth of cultivation. In clay soils, this has resulted in subsoil compaction. The formation of compacted layers caused major changes to pore size distribution and continuity and this resulted in substantially reduced hydraulic conductivity, infiltration rate,air-filled porosity and air permeability. It was concluded that compacted subsoil layers need to be broken up prior to conversion from CT to NT, and that compaction in the surface soil under NT has occurred and, in some cases, this will be a limitation to crop production. The use of minimum tillage systems should be considered and researched in these cases.
An investigation of factors contributing to soil degradation under dairy farming in the Tsitsikamma.
(2002) Milne, Ryan McKinlay.; Haynes, Richard John.; Miles, Neil.
Pasture-based dairy farming is the major land use in the Tsitsikamma region of the Eastern Cape. Permanent kikuyu grass (Pennisetum clandestinum) dominates pastures in the region. Kikuyu pastures do not, however, provide adequate year-round quality feed for dairy cows. This has led to the use of annually sown pastures with perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne) to provide winter forage. Soil degradation under this management has, however, become recognised as a major limitation. Soil quality and degradation under annual and permanent pasture in the region were evaluated in three separate studies. These were (i) an investigation of the extent of loss of soil organic matter and related soil microbial properties and aggregate stability under annual pastures, (ii) a comparison of soil physical properties under annual and permanent pastures and (iii) a survey of the nutrient status of soils and pasture herbage in the region. In the first study, four commercial dairy farms, situated on sites which represented the three main soil groups in the region were sampled, were taken from under permanent kikuyu pastures, annual ryegrass pastures and undisturbed native vegetation nearby. In comparison with undisturbed, native vegetation, soils under both annually cultivated and permanent pasture had gained soil organic matter on the sandy, low rainfall eastern end of the Tsitsikamma. By contrast, at the higher rainfall, finer-textured, western end, where the native vegetation consists of coastal forest, there was a loss of soil organic matter under both types of pasture. Despite this, soil organic C content was lower under annual ryegrass than permanent kikuyu pasture at all the sites reflecting the degrading effect of annual cultivation on soil organic matter. As a consequence, labile, K(2)S0(4) - extractable C, microbial biomass C, basal respiration, arginine ammonification, flourescein diacetate hydrolysis rates and aggregate stability were all less under annual ryegrass than permanent kikuyu pastures at all the sites. The effects of annual ryegrass and permanent kikuyu pastures on soil physical properties and root length density were compared with those of undisturbed native vegetation on the four experimental sites. Root density and the depth of rooting were much less under annual ryegrass than under kikuyu pastures or native vegetation. There was no consistent effect of improved pastures or pasture type on bulk density and total porosity or penetrometer resistance, although annual pasture soils generally had higher bulk densities and lower total porosities than those under native vegetation. There was a tendency for smaller saturated hydraulic conductivity and air permeability under ryegrass than kikuyu pastures, regardless of whether total porosity was higher or lower under ryegrass. This was attributed to annual cultivation and subsequent natural consolidation causing a decrease in pore continuity under ryegrass pastures. Penetrometer resistance values confirmed the presence of subsoil compacted layers at two annual ryegrass pasture sites. At one such site, subsoil tillage was effective in reducing penetrometer resistance and bulk density, increasing pore continuity (as evaluated by hydraulic conductivity and air permeability) and greatly increasing root density and rooting depth. The nutrient status of soil and herbage from annual ryegrass and permanent kikuyu pastures sampled from 40 dairy farms in the Tsitsikamma region were evaluated. Along with the decreased organic matter content, there was a decrease in soil pH and a loss of exchangeable cations under annual pastures. Large concentrations of extractable P and sometimes exchangeable K were measured in soils under both ryegrass and kikuyu pastures and it was concluded that the rates of applied P, and sometimes K, were often excessive (particularly under kikuyu). Various nutritional problems were also identified. These included the need for Ca supplementation, particularly under kikuyu, due to the low herbage Ca concentrations. The low Ca : P ratio measured in annual ryegrass pastures, and more particularly in kikuyu herbage, highlighted the low Ca content of herbage and also the tendency of kikuyu grass to accumulate large concentrations of P. The large K concentrations and high K : Ca +Mg ratios identified in pasture herbage suggest the potential for animal nutritional problems such as hypomagnesaemia. It was concluded that although kikuyu is an excellent pasture in terms of dry matter production it tends to be deficient in Ca (and sometimes Na) and can contain prohibitively high K levels, which are likely to induce Mg deficiencies in grazing animals. The micronutrient concentrations in herbage were generally adequate, although copper concentrations tended to be low suggesting that fertilizer applications and/or feed supplementation is required. It was concluded that annual conventional tillage results in a substantial loss of soil organic matter, soil microbial activity and aggregate stability under annual ryegrass pastures when compared to those under permanent kikuyu grass. This loss of soil organic matter can result in natural consolidation of the soil in the cultivated layer and exasperated through treading by the grazing cows. The annual cultivation can also lead to the formation of a subsoil compacted layer. Nonetheless, compaction can also occur under permanent pasture presumably due to treading damage. Careful management to avoid treading damage to pastures should be practised. In order to protect the organic matter status of annual pastures, direct drilling of such pastures should be seriously considered. In some cases, annual fertilizer P rates (and to lesser extent those of K) could be reduced considerably since the levels accumulated in the soils are excessive.

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