Showing papers in "Canadian Journal of Soil Science in 2016"
TL;DR: In this paper, the benefits of biochar coapplied with synthetic fertilizers (SFs) on soil fertility are not well-known for tropical acidic soils; however, they are well documented for tropical acid soils.
Abstract: Fertility enhancement with biochar application is well documented for tropical acidic soils; however, benefits of biochar coapplied with synthetic fertilizers (SFs) on soil fertility are not well d...
54 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors investigated the impact of biochar amendment on chemical properties and corn nutrient uptake in a sandy Podzol soil and found that biochar (0, 5, 10, 15, and 15 grams) was more effective than other biochar types.
Abstract: A study was conducted to investigate the impact of biochar amendment on chemical properties and corn nutrient uptake in a sandy Podzol soil. Four rates of biochar (0, 5, 10, and 15 g kg−1) and two ...
53 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the use efficiency of N fertilizers can potentially better sustain agriculture by reducing N2O emissions from soils, but little is known about its impact on soil CO2 emissions.
Abstract: Improvement in use efficiency of N fertilizers can potentially better sustain agriculture by reducing N2O emissions from soils, but little is known about its impact on soil CO2 emissions. A study, ...
31 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the role of organic carbon (SOC) as a component of a common functional unit in soil from analysis within a single field and over multiple fields is addressed.
Abstract: Soil organic matter, comprising ∼58% soil organic carbon (SOC), is attributed with increased water holding capacity in the surface horizon of agricultural soil. This paper addresses the role of SOC as a component of a common functional unit in soil from analysis within a single field and over multiple fields. Soil data measured on the fields during the SMAPVEX12 satellite prelaunch algorithm development campaign exhibited high correlation among SOC, field-mean soil water content (SWC), bulk density, and soil texture. The analysis extended over a wide range of soil texture and wetness in the top 5 cm of soil over 50 agricultural fields covering ∼400 km2 of southern Manitoba. Data collected over a much smaller area from Ontario silt loam soils at the Elora Research Centre demonstrated a similar correlation between SOC and SWC in intensive field sampling. This intercorrelation of SOC and SWC is examined with partial least-squares regression, principal component analysis, and geostatistical semivariograms. A ...
31 citations
TL;DR: In this article, low-molecular-weight organic acids (LMWOAs) from plant roots were used to enhance phosphorus (P) acquisition from soil, either by dissolving P fixed in secondary minerals or by reducing P sorption.
Abstract: Exudation of low-molecular-weight organic acids (LMWOAs) from plant roots enhances phosphorus (P) acquisition from soil, either by dissolving P fixed in secondary minerals or by reducing P sorption...
29 citations
TL;DR: It is concluded that the area under the coffee plantation caused a reduction in the richness of AMF species and promoted a dominance of a single family AMF compared with the pasture area.
Abstract: This study aimed to assess the impact of different land uses on the spore density and richness of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) in a Red Latosol of a tropical savanna biome in Brazil (“Cerrado...
28 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the influence of winter conditions, soil type, and fall manuring on GHG emissions in cold agricultural regions was investigated in a cold agricultural region, but the influence was not considered.
Abstract: Nongrowing season (NGS) greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions may be significant in cold agricultural regions, but the influence of winter conditions, soil type, and fall manuring must be better documente...
28 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors conducted a study at 12-site yr in Quebec to assess the effect of N rate and soil surface textural groups [clay, loam, sandy belonging to the gleysolic soil order (Sg), and sandy belonging in the podzolic soil ordering (Sp)] on corn grain yield, stover yield, total N uptake (TNU), nitrogen uptake efficiency (NUE), thousand kernel weight (TKW), test weight, and chlorophyll meter readings (CMR).
Abstract: Information on how soil texture and related soil properties affect corn (Zea mays L.) nitrogen (N) response is needed to improve N management in corn production. We conducted a study at 12-site yr in Quebec to assess the effect of N rate (0–250 kg N ha−1) and soil surface textural groups [clay, loam, sandy belonging to the gleysolic soil order (Sg), and sandy belonging to the podzolic soil order (Sp)] on corn grain yield, stover yield, total N uptake (TNU), nitrogen uptake efficiency (NUE), thousand kernel weight (TKW), test weight, and chlorophyll meter readings (CMR). Corn was more responsive to N rate in the clay soil textural group for most of the parameters due to lower soil N supply, and least responsive in the Sp group, except for test weight and CMR, due to possibly greater leaching in this group. The CMR at flowering accounted for 87%, 87%, 82%, and 25% of the variation in grain yield, TNU, TKW, and test weight, respectively. This study suggests that soil surface texture has a major influence on ...
27 citations
TL;DR: Soils in plantations of Cryptomeria japonica in Japan have ∼threefold more exchangeable Ca compared with soils in other types of forest vegetation even in a Ca-poor environment.
Abstract: Soils in plantations of Cryptomeria japonica in Japan have ∼threefold more exchangeable Ca compared with soils in other types of forest vegetation even in a Ca-poor environment. To explain mechanis...
25 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors evaluated the impact of tailings from an old mining site on heavy metals in soil contamination with heavy metals is a serious concern to food production and human health.
Abstract: Soil contamination with heavy metals is a serious concern to food production and human health. The present study was conducted to evaluate the impact of tailings from an old mining site on heavy me...
23 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors identify appropriate soil matric potential (ψ) irrigation set points for cranberry production using a three-step process to evaluate the set points and combine them with a hydrological model.
Abstract: Cranberry production requires accurate irrigation management to optimize crop yield and reduce water use. However, irrigation guidelines for that crop are scarce and empirical. The objective of this study was to identify appropriate soil matric potential (ψ) irrigation set points for cranberry production. A three-step process was used to evaluate the set points. Crop water requirements were first evaluated in the field and, second, combined to soil physical properties with a hydrological model to estimate irrigation set points. Third, experimental measurements were carried out in a growth cabinet and in the field to validate the set point estimates from independent observations. Irrigation set point estimates obtained from yield response curves, photosynthesis and transpiration measurements, and soil physical properties were all consistent and suggest that soil matric potential be maintained between −4.0 and −7.0 kPa to ensure an adequate water supply to the crop and optimal fruit yield. Yield responses s...
TL;DR: In this article, the relationship among soil erosion, soil quality, soil resilience, and legacy effects of organic amendments have not been adequately quantified, and topsoil was mechanically removed (cuts) to simul...
Abstract: Inter-relationships among soil erosion, soil quality, soil resilience, and legacy effects of organic amendments have not been adequately quantified. Topsoil was mechanically removed (cuts) to simul...
TL;DR: In this article, the Ontario N Index is used to identify nitrogen leaching from soil into surface and ground waters in humid areas of Canada, which is a concern in humid regions of Canada.
Abstract: Nitrogen (N) leaching from soil into surface and ground waters is a concern in humid areas of Canada. As a result, N management protocols, including the Ontario N Index, are widely used to identify...
TL;DR: In this paper, soil salinity caused by oil-production-water (brine) contamination is a major issue in regions of oil and gas development and rapid site assessment tools such as soil-to-water suspension elec...
Abstract: Soil salinity caused by oil-production-water (brine) contamination is a major issue in regions of oil and gas development. However, rapid site assessment tools such as soil-to-water suspension elec...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors found no significant differences in average mineral soil C stocks among treatments, and a post hoc power analysis indicated that the probability of detecting a significant treatment effect was only 6%.
Abstract: Concerns about climate change have increased interest in ways to maximize carbon (C) storage in forests through the use of alternative forest management strategies. However, the influence of these strategies on soil C pools is unclear. The primary objective of this study was to test for differences in mineral soil C stocks among various silvicultural and harvesting treatments that were initiated in the 1950s and have been maintained since on the Penobscot Experimental Forest in central Maine, USA. Five mineral soil cores below the surface organic horizon to a depth of 1 m were collected from each replicate (n = 2) of selection, shelterwood, and commercial clearcut treatments. For these treatments, the mean mineral soil C stock was 47.7 ± 16.4 Mg ha-1 (mean ± SD). We found no significant differences in average mineral soil C stocks among treatments. However, a post hoc power analysis indicated that the probability of detecting a significant treatment effect was only 6%. We determined that 98 stan...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examined nutrient supply rate using ion-exchange resins as a measure of ecosystem function in two oil sands reclaimed soils, viz. peat mineral mix (PMM) and forest floor mineral mix, and measured fertilization effect on nutrient supply rates in these soils for three consecutive years contrasted with young-fire-disturbed and mature forest stands.
Abstract: Comparing functional similarity in reconstructed ecosystems with natural benchmarks can provide ecologically meaningful information to measure reclamation success. We examined nutrient supply rate using ion-exchange resins as a measure of ecosystem function in two oil sands reclaimed soils, viz. peat mineral mix (PMM) and forest floor mineral mix (FFMM), and measured fertilization effect on nutrient supply rates in these soils for three consecutive years contrasted with young-fire-disturbed and mature forest stands. Results indicated that nutrient profiles of reclaimed soils were significantly different than natural benchmarks. Phosphorus and potassium supply rates in reclaimed soils were up to 91% lower, whereas S, Ca, and Mg were, respectively, up to 95%, 62%, and 74% higher than in benchmark soils. The expected nutrient flush postfertilization was only apparent in N and P, but the transient effect levelled off the year after fertilization in most cases. Fertilization aligned the temporal trajectory of ...
TL;DR: For example, this article found that 64% of universities and 37% of colleges offer undergraduate soil science courses as part of degrees or diplomas in which knowledge of soil science is important (e.g., agriculture and resource management).
Abstract: Global declines in postsecondary enrollment in soil science programs over the last several decades have been mainly attributed to an overemphasis on the connection with agronomy and production agriculture but recent enrollment increases in the USA suggest change is afoot. To determine if similar trends are occurring in Canada, we inventoried undergraduate soil science course offerings at postsecondary institutions and conducted a survey to assess the status and projected trends in soil science education. We found that 64% of universities and 37% of colleges offer undergraduate soil science courses as part of degrees or diplomas in which knowledge of soil science is important (e.g., agriculture and resource management). In Canada, there are 149 undergraduate soil science courses taught in universities and 58 at colleges. On average, there are 3.2 courses taught at each university and 1.9 at each college that offer soil science courses. Soil science programs at the University of British Columbia, University...
TL;DR: There is growing interest among commercial wine grape (Vitis vinifera L.) growers in reducing water and fertilizer consumption, but little information exists on how best to combine conservative irr...
Abstract: There is growing interest among commercial wine grape (Vitis vinifera L.) growers in reducing water and fertilizer consumption, but little information exists on how best to combine conservative irr...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors measured Miscanthus-derived carbon (C) in rhizomes, roots, and 0-100 cm soil under three 16-yr-old stands established on sandy soils at two experimental sites in Denmark.
Abstract: Compared with annual crops, dedicated perennial bioenergy crops are ascribed additional benefits in terms of reduced greenhouse gas emissions; these benefits include increased carbon (C) storage in soil. We measured Miscanthus-derived C in rhizomes, roots, and 0–100 cm soil beneath three 16-yr-old stands established on sandy soils at two experimental sites in Denmark. Miscanthus C in soil was estimated from changes in the natural abundance of 13C. In the 0–20 cm depth, soil C derived from Miscanthus made up to 15–18% of the soil total C. In the 20–50 cm and 50–100 cm depth, Miscanthus C accounted for less than 7% and 5% of the soil total C, respectively. After 16 yr, the total quantity of Miscanthus C in 0–20 cm ranged from 11.9 to 18.2 Mg C ha−1, of which 23–34% was in rhizomes and roots, substantiating their crucial contribution to soil C storage. Future studies should prioritize the seasonal and annual dynamics of C stored in rhizomes and roots, and the fate of these C pools following termination of Mi...
TL;DR: In this article, a better understanding of the depth distribution of soil mineralizable nitrogen (N) pools is proposed to improve prediction of net soil N mineralization, however, their understanding is limited.
Abstract: A better understanding of the depth distribution of soil mineralizable nitrogen (N) pools is important to improve prediction of net soil N mineralization. However, our understanding of the depth di...
TL;DR: The filter paper technique consists of obtaining the equilibrium water content of a filter paper that is either in direct contact with a soil sample or inside an airtight container together with th....
Abstract: The filter paper technique consists of obtaining the equilibrium water content of a filter paper that is either in direct contact with a soil sample or inside an airtight container together with th...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors used static chambers over two years to quantify the emissions of nitrous oxide (N2O-N) from manure applied to annual crop (AC) and perennial forage (PF) for the Canadian Prairie Region.
Abstract: Emissions of nitrous oxide (N2O-N) from manure applied to annual crop (AC) and perennial forage (PF) are poorly quantified for the Canadian Prairie Region. This study used static chambers over two ...
TL;DR: In this article, no direct comparison has been made on the effect of liquid pig manure (LPM) and solid pig manure on soil properties, to the best of our knowledge.
Abstract: Pig (Sus scrofa) manure is added to the soil to supply nutrients and improve soil properties. To our knowledge, no direct comparison has been made on the effect of liquid pig manure (LPM) and solid...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors described the extent of the carbon reserve on the agricultural prairie landscape and discussed the importance of knowledge of their extent to atmospheric carbon mitigation strategies in the agricultural landscape.
Abstract: Shelterbelts represent a significant carbon reserve on the agricultural prairie landscape, and knowledge of their extent can be of importance to atmospheric carbon mitigation strategies. We describ...
TL;DR: The nitrogen index for humid temperate southern Ontario, Canada (Ontario N index) incorporates previous and current crop type, fertilizer and manure management, and hydrologic soil group as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: The nitrogen (N) index for humid temperate southern Ontario, Canada (Ontario N index) incorporates previous and current crop type, fertilizer and (or) manure management, and hydrologic soil group (...
TL;DR: β-glucosidase activity was a more sensitive and consistent biological indicator of crop residue effects, and perhaps soil health, than MBC or bacterial physiological diversity.
Abstract: Crop residue decomposition not only is mainly driven by, but also affects, soil microorganisms. However, soil microbial responses to legume crops are usually studied only in one subsequent crop. We...
TL;DR: In this paper, the objectives of this paper were to qua, qua and qua the objectives in the work of the authors were to find a solution to the problem of climate change mitigation.
Abstract: Shelterbelts sequester and store atmospheric carbon as a direct result of the growth of trees and thus present an opportunity for climate change mitigation. The objectives of this paper were to qua...
TL;DR: The commercial production of cranberries relies on abundant water resources for frost protection, soil moisture management, and harvesting and winter flooding as mentioned in this paper, and given water resource demands and regulat...
Abstract: The commercial production of cranberries relies on abundant water resources for frost protection, soil moisture management, and harvest and winter flooding. Given water resource demands and regulat...
TL;DR: In this article, the effects of different tillage systems (TSs), nitrogen fertilization, and maize stubble management (SM) on subsequent wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) crop and soil properties were evaluated.
Abstract: In continuous cereal-based crop rotation, inappropriate residue management such as burning and removing may deteriorate soil properties and crop productivity. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of different tillage systems (TSs), nitrogen fertilization, and maize (Zea mays L.) stubble management (SM) on subsequent wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) crop and soil properties. The experiment consisted of three TSs, i.e., shallowing with rotavator (0–10 cm), conventional (0–20 cm), and deep tillage (0–30 cm) as main plots, whereas the subplots were SM (removal, burning, or incorporation) with or without 120 kg N ha-1 as urea. The treatments were laid out in a split-plot fashion with whole-plot factor in a randomized complete block design. Shallow tillage (ST) increased wheat yield and soil moisture retention, soil mineral N, total N, and organic carbon. Similarly, stubble incorporation with N fertilization enhanced grain yield and soil properties as compared with the stubble removed or burning treatments. Synergetic effects were noted between ST and residue incorporation with N fertilization for grain yield and soil N response. We conclude that in a cereal-based cropping system, ST and maize stubble incorporation accompanied by N fertilization can improve soil properties and productivity of subsequent wheat crop in existing soil conditions.
TL;DR: In this article, controlled-release N fertilizers have the potential to reduce nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions from silage corn (Zea mays L. ).
Abstract: Little is known about nitrous oxide (N2O) emission from silage corn (Zea mays L.). Studies have shown that controlled-release N fertilizers have the potential to reduce N2O emissions, compared with...