February 2020

Optimization of the analytical method for the determination of organic matter

Soil organic matter represents the remains of roots, plant materials, dead organisms in varies stages of decomposition and synthesis and is variable in composition. Walkley-Black method for the determination of organic matter is the most common method; however, it requires a lot of reagents and chemicals including potassium dichromate which is toxic especially when it is in a hexavalent form. It is very important to be...

Author(s): Zeyede Aregahegn  

March 2020

Soil moisture retention and rainfed wheat yield variations by the addition of gypsum and green manure

In rainfed tract, the success of agriculture depends on conservation and efficient use of soil moisture and nutrients availability that directly linked with the presence of moisture in soil. The moisture can be conserved through several means including green manures and gypsum addition. The experiment was conducted to investigate the integrated effect of green manures and gypsum for moisture conservation and their...

Author(s): Rahina Kausar, Muhammad Imran Akram, Muhammad Iqbal Choudhary, Ayesha Malik, Abdur Rashid Zahid and Basharat Ali  

March 2020

Use of charcoal (biochar) to enhance tropical soil fertility: A case of Masako in Democratic Republic of Congo

Soil fertility transience in the region of Masako in Democratic Republic (RD) of Congo remains a major challenge to sustainable agricultural production. Recently, biochar application as soil amendment has attracted attention of the people across the world owing to its potential to improve soil physicochemical properties, crop yield and carbon sequestration into the soil. A study was conducted in Masako to analyze the...

Author(s): Tanzito G, Ibanda P. A., Ocan D., and Lejoly J.  

March 2020

Effects of long term sugarcane production on soils physicochemical properties at Finchaa sugar Estate

In Ethiopia, where sugarcane has been cultivated for over 20 years, changes in soil physicochemical properties are expected to occur albeit information on the extent of change is scanty. A study was conducted in 2015 at Finchaa Sugar Estate with the objective of assessing the status of selected soil properties under long term mechanized sugarcane cultivation. Disturbed composite and undisturbed soil samples from 0-30...

Author(s): Tesfaye Wakgari, Kibebew Kibret, Bobe Bedadi, Melesse Temesgen and Teklu Erkossa