Fertilization and carbon sequestration

DOI:10.15414/afz.2015.18.03.56–62Received 20. February 2015 ǀ Accepted 6. May 2015 ǀ Available online 14. October 2015The effect of fertilization on the dynamic change of soil organic matter (SOM) in loamy Haplic Luvisol was studied. In 2008-2011, soil samples were taken from following treatments: 1. C– non-fertilized, 2. PR+NPK – plant residues together with NPK fertilizers, and 3. NPK – NPK fertilizers. The results showed that the content of soil organic carbon in water-stable micro-aggregates (SOC in WSAmi) increased by 11% and by 13% in PR+NPK and NPK treatments, respectively. The ratios of SOC in WSAmi/SOC in bulk soil in the NPK fertilized treatment and in PR+NPK were 14% and 4% higher than in the non-fertilized treatment, respectively. Overall the ratios of SOM in WSA/SOM in bulk soil were higher in macro-aggregates than micro-aggregates. In fertilized treatments, the statistical significant changes in dynamics of labile carbon in water-stable macro-aggregates (CL in WSAma) and in WSAma 0.5-3 mm were observed. In fertilized treatments (PR+NPK and NPK) there were observed significant decrease of the CL in WSAma. The ratios CL in WSAmi also WSAma/CL in bulk soil decreased due to ploughed plant residues together with NPK fertilizers, the ratio of CL in WSAma/CL in soil decreased due to added only NPK fertilizers also

Short communication to the determination of soil structure

DOI: 10.15414/afz.2014.17.01.01-05Received 16. January 2014 ǀ Accepted 14. February 2014 ǀ Available online 8. April 2014Soil structure can be evaluated and assessed a number of ways; therefore, sometimes it is very difficult to compare these results. The aim of this study was to examine the water repellency of soil structure in different soils two different ways: 1. Baksheev method and 2. using the AS 200 device. Obtained results showed large differences in size fractions of water stable aggregates dependent on method or device of determination. If we only assessed the vulnerability of soil structure, the results are comparable regardless of what method or device was used.Keywords: soil structure, water stable aggregates, vulnerability of soil structur

Differences in soil organic matter and humus of sandy soil after application of biochar substrates and combination of biochar substrates with mineral fertilizers

Article Details: Received: 2020-04-13 | Accepted: 2020-05-18 | Available online: 2020-09-30 https://doi.org/10.15414/afz.2020.23.03.117-124The effort to achieve the sustainable farming system in arable soil led to the intensive search for a new solution but an inspiration can also be found in the application of traditional methods of soil fertility improvement as it is shown in numerous examples in history. Recently many scientific teams have focused their attention on the evaluation of biochar effects on soil properties and crop yields. Since there are a lot of knowledge gaps, especially in explanations how biochar can affect soil organic matter (SOM) and humus substances, we aimed this study at the solution of these questions. Therefore, the objective of the experiment was to evaluate the impact of two biochar substrates (B1 – biochar blended with sheep manure, and B2 – biochar blended with sheep manure and the residue from the biogas station) at two rates (10 and 20 t ha-1) applied alone or in combination with mineral fertilizers (Urea was applied in 2018, at rate 100 kg ha-1, and Urea at rate 100 kg ha-1 + AMOFOS NP 12-52 at 100 kg ha-1 were applied in 2019) on the quantity and quality of SOM and humus of sandy soil (Arenosol, Dolná Streda, Slovakia). The results showed that application of the biochar substrates together with mineral fertilizers (MF) had more pronounced effect on the organic matter mineralization in the sandy soil which resulted in low accumulation of soil organic carbon (Corg) and labile carbon compared to biochar substrates treatments without MF. The share of humic substances in Corg significantly decreased by 16, 50, 16 and 24% in B1 at 10 t ha-1, B1 at 20 t ha-1, B2 at 10 t ha-1 and B2 at 20 t ha-1 treatments, respectively, compared to the control. A similar tendency was observed for biochar substrates treatments + MF, compared to MF control. The carbon content of humic substances (CHS) was equal to 4.40 – 5.80 g kg-1 and the biochar substrates had statistically significant influence on CHS content. On average, there was a smaller decrease of CHS in B1 at rate 10 t ha-1 than at rate 20 t ha-1 and no effect of B2 compared to control. The carbon content of fulvic acid (CFA) was 9% higher in B1 at 10 t ha-1, and 20 t ha-1, 47% higher in B2 at 10 t ha-1 and 17% higher in B2 at 20 t ha-1 compared to control. As a result of biochar substrates + MF application, the reduction in CFA was observed. The results showed a decrease of CHA : CFA ratio with association to biochar substrates alone application compared to control on one hand, and a wider of CHA : CFA ratio in biochar substrates + MF treatments in comparison to MF control on the other hand. Humus stability was increased in biochar substrates alone treatments compared to control, on the other hand, compared to MF control, the application of biochar substrates + MF resulted in a lower humus stability.Keywords: carbon sequestration, humus quality, Arenosol, biochar, EffecoReferencesBALASHOV, E. and BUCHKINA, N. (2011). Impact of shortand long-term agricultural use of chernozem on its quality indicators. International Agrophysics, 25(1), 1–5.BRADY, B. G. and WEIL, R. R. (1999). The Nature and Properties of Soils. 12 ed. New Jersey: Prentice – Hall, Inc. Simons and & Schuster A viacon Company.BUCHKINA, N. P. et al. (2017). Changes in biological and physical parameters of soils with different texture after biochar application. 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IMPACT OF TILLAGE, FERTILIZATION AND PREVIOUS CROP ON CHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF LUVISOL UNDER BARLEY FARMING SYSTEM

In this paper, we report on the results of our investigation into the effects of different tillage, fertilization and previous crop on the chemical properties of loamy soil under spring barley and winter barley. We observed an increase of humus quality. More marked changes were in CT (r = 0.663, P < 0.05) than in RT (0.648, P < 0.05) and N fertilization (r = 0.678, P < 0.05) and SB (r = 0.761, P < 0.01) as well. A higher amount of TOC positively affected on parameters of soil sorptive complex in CT as well as in N and in SM treatments. A higher amount of TOC positively effected the portion of Ca2+ under CT (r= 0.795, P < 0.05), but also increased exchangeable Na+ (r= 0.830, P < 0.05) and K+ (r= 0.881, P < 0.01) in RT and N treatments

Effect of biochar on soil structure – review

Received: 2018-02-08    |    Accepted: 2018-02-21    |    Available online: 2018-03-31https://doi.org/10.15414/afz.2018.21.01.11-19Soil structure and organic matter are important indicators of soil quality. In the literature it states that there is a linear relation between soil structure and the organic matter. Mechanisms of formation and stabilization of aggregates have also been described in the literature, but it is evident that not every mechanism is applicable to various soil-climatic conditions. Recently, the modern but not the new term has become a biochar. It is anticipated that biochar is a significant source of C, and its application to the soil will improve the aggregation process in the soil. Lately we have been working in this area and we wanted to provide an overview of this issue through this review. The aim of this review was to collate and synthesize available information on soil structure and SOM. The emphasis of this review is on biochar and its combination with other organic and mineral fertilizers in relation to soil structure.Keywords: biochar, soil organic matter, aggregation, aggregate stabilityReferencesABEL, S. et al. (2013) Impact of biochar and hydrochar addition on water retention and water repellency of sandy soil. In Geoderma., vol. 202–203, pp. 183–191. DOI: https://doi. org/10.1016/j.geoderma.2013.03.003 ABROL, V. et al. (2016) Biochar effects on soil water infiltration and erosion under seal formation conditions: rainfall simulation experiment. In Journal of Soil and Sediments, vol. 16, pp. 2709– 2719. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11368-016-1448-8 AGEGNEHU, G. et al. (2016) Benefits of biochar, compost and biochar-compost for soil quality, maize yield and greenhouse gas emission in a tropical agricultural soil. In Science on The Total Environment, vol. 543, pp. 295–306. DOI: https://doi. org/10.1016/j.scitoenv.2015.11.054 AHMAD, M. et al. 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(2011) Chaper three – Biochar application to soil: Agronomic and environmental benefits and unitended consequences. In Agronomy, vol. 112, pp. 103–143. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-385538-1-00003-2 LAGHARI, M, et al. (2015) Effects of biochar application rate on sandy desert soil properties and sorghum growth. In Catena, vol. 135, pp. 313, 320. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j. catena.2015.08.013 LAIRD, D. et al. (2010) Biochar impact on nutrient leachting from a Midwestern agricultural soil. In Geoderma, vol. 158, pp. 436–442. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geoderma.2010.05.012 LEHMANN, J. and JOSEPH, S. (2009) Biochar for environmental management. Science, technology and implementation. New York: Routledge, 2 Park Square, Milton Park, Abirgdon, 2009. 907 p. ISBN 978-1-84407-658-1. LEHMANN, J. et al. (2011) Biochar effects on soil biota – A review. In Soil Biology and Biochemistry, vol. 43, pp. 1812– 1836. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.soilbio.2011.04.022 LI, G. and FAN, H. (2014) Effect of freze-thaw on water stability of aggregates in a  black soil of northest China. In Pedosphere, vol. 24, pp. 285–290. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/ S1002-0160(14)60015-1 LI, Y. et al. (2012) In situ preparation of biochar coated silica material from rice husk. In Colloids and Surfaces, vol. 395, pp. 157–160. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.colsurfa.2011.12.023 LIMA, I. and MARSHALL, W. (2005) Utilization of tenkey manure as granular activated carbon: Physical, chemical and adsorptive properties. In Waste Management, vol. 25, pp. 726– 732. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wasman.2004.12.019 LIN, Y. et al. (2012) Water extractable organic carbon is untreated and chemical treated biochars. In Chemosphere, vol. 17, pp. 151–157. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j. chemosphere.2011.12.007LIU, Y. et al. (2011) Reducing CH4 and CO2 emission from water logged paddy soil with biochar. In Journal of Soils and Sediments, vol. 11, pp. 930–939. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/ s11368-011-0376-x LIU, Z. et al. (2017) Biochar particle size, shape, and porosity act together to influence soil water properties. In Plos one, vol. 12. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0179079 MA, N. et al. (2015) Biochar improves soil aggregate stability and water availability in a Mollisol after three years of field application. In Pedoshere, vol. 25, pp. 713–719. DOI: https://doi. org/10.1016/S1002-0160(15) 30052-7 MUKHERJEE, A. and LAL, R. (2013) Biochar impacts on soil physical properties and greenhouse gas emissions. In Agronomy, vol. 3, pp. 313–339. DOI: https://doi.10.3390/agronomy3020313 MUKHERJEE, A. et al. (2014) Effects of biochar and other amendments on the physical properties and greenhouse gas emissions of an artificially degraded soil. In Science of The Total Environment, vol. 487, pp. 26–36. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j. scitotenv.2014.03.141 MUKHOLM, L. J. et al. (2002) Tensile strength of soil cores in relation to aggregation strength, soil fragmentation and pore characteristic. In Soil and Tillage Research, vol. 64, pp. 125–135. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/S0167-1987(01)00250-1 MUKOME, F. N. D. et al. (2013) The effects of walnut shell and wood feedstock biochar amendments on greenhouse gas emission from a fertile soil. In Geoderma, vol. 200–201, pp. 90– 98. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geoderma.2013.02.004 NEIRA, J. et al. (2015) Oxygen diffusion in soils: Understanding the factors and process needed for modeling. In Journal of Agricultural Research, vol. 75. DOI: https://dx.doi. org/10.4067/S0718-583920150003000005 NORTHON, J. B. et al. (2012) Loss and recovery of soil organic carbon and nitrogen in a semiarid agroecosystem. In Soil Sci. Soc. Am. J., vol. 76, pp. 505–514. DOI: https://doi.org/10.213/ sssaj.2011.0284 NOVAK, J. M. et al. (2012) Biochar impact on soil-moisture storage in an Ultisol nad two Aridisols. In Soil Science, vol. 177, pp. 310–320. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1097/SS.0b013e31824e5593 OADES, J. M. and WATERS, A. G. (1991) Aggregate hierarchy in soil. In Australian Journal of Soil Research, vol. 29, pp. 815–828. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1071/SR9910815 OBIA, A. et al. (2016) In situ effects of biochar on aggregation, water retention and porosity in light-textured tropical soils. In Soil and Tillage Research, vol. 155, pp. 35–44. DOI: https://doi. org/10.1016/j.still.2015.08.002 OLESZCZUK, P. et al. (2014) Microbial, biochemical and ecotoxicological evaluation of soils in the area of biochar production in relation to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon content. In Geoderma, vol. 213, pp. 502–511. DOI: https://doi. org/10.1016/j.geoderma.2013.08.027 ORAM, N, J. et al. (2014) Soil amendment witch biochar increases the competetive ability of legumes via increased potassium availability. In Agriculture, Ecosystems and Environment, vol. 191, pp. 92–98. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j. agee.2014.03.031 PARADELO, R. et al. (2013) Water-dispersible clay in bare fallow soil after 80 years of continuos fertilizer addition. In Geoderma, vol. 200–201, pp. 40–44. DOI: https://doi. org/10.1016/j.geoderma.2013.01.014PICCOLO, A. and MBAGWO, J. S. C. (1999) Role of hydrophobic components of soil organic matter in soil aggregate stability. In American Society of Agronomy, vol. 63, pp. 1801–1810. DOI: https://doi. org/10.2136/sssaj/1999. 9361801x PIETIKAINEN, J. et al. (2000) Does short-term heating of forest humus change its properties os a substrate for microbes?  In Soil Biology and Biochemistry, vol. 32, pp. 277–288. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/S0038-0717(99)00164-9 POLLÁKOVÁ, N. et al. (2017) The influence of soil organic matter fractions on aggregates stabilization in agricultural and forest soil of selected Slovak and Czech hilly lands. In Journal of Soil Sediments, vol. 13, pp. 1–11. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/ s11368-017-1842-x PROVENZANO, M. R. et al. (2014) Chemical and spectroscopic characterization of organic matter during the anaerobic digestion and successive composting of pig slurry. In Waste Management, vol. 34, pp. 653–660. DOI: https://doi. org/10.1016/j.wasman.2013.12.001 RAHMAN, M. T. et al. (2017) The roles of organic amendments and microbial community in the improvement of soil structure of a Vertisol. In Applied Soil Ecology, vol. 111, pp. 84–93. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apsoil.2016.11.018 RAJKOVICH, S. et al. (2012) Corn growth and nitrogen nutrition after additions of biochars with varying properties to a temperature soil. In Biology and Fertility of Soil, vol. 48, pp. 271–284. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/S00374-011-0624-7 SANTOS, D. et al. (1997) Uniform separatis of concentric surface layers from soil aggregates. In Soil Science of America Journal Abstract, vol. 61, pp. 720–724. STEFANIUK, M. and OLESTCZUK, P. (2015) Characterization of biochars produced from residues from biogas production. In Journal of Analytical and Applied Pyrolysis, vol. 115, pp. 157– 165. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaap.2015.07.011SZOMBATOVÁ, N. (1999) Comparison of soil carbon surceptibility to oxidation by KNMO4 in different farming system in Slovakia. In Humic Substances in The Enviroment, vol. 1, pp. 35–39. ŠIMANSKÝ, V. et al. (2017) Biochar and biochar with N fertilizer as a  potential tool for improving soil sorption of nutrients. In Journal of Soil and Sediments, pp. 1–9. DOI: https:// doi.org/10.1007/s11368-017-1886-y ŠIMANSKÝ, V. (2016) Effects of biochar and biochar with nitrogen on soil organic matter and soil structure in Haplic Luvisol. In Acta fytotechnica et zootechnica, vol. 19, pp. 129–138. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15414/afz.2016.19.04.129-138 ŠIMANSKÝ, V. (2017) Is the period of 18 years sufficient for an evaluation of changes in soil organic carbon under a variety of different soil management practices? In Communications in Soil Science and Plant Analysis, vol. 48, pp.37–42. DOI: https:// doi.org/10.1080/00103624.2016.1253717 ŠIMANSKÝ, V. and BAJČAN, D. (2014) Stability of soil aggregates and their ability of carbon sequestration. In Soil and Water Res., vol. 9, pp. 111–118 ŠIMANSKÝ, V. and POLLÁKOVÁ, N. (2014) Soil organic matter and sorption capacity under different soil management practices in a  productive vineyard. In Archives of Agronomy and Soil Science, vol. 59, pp. 1145– 1154. DOI: https://doi.org/10.108003650340.865837 ŠIMANSKÝ, V. and POLLÁKOVÁ, N. (2016) The effects of soil management particles on soil organic matter changes within a productive vineyard in the Nitra viticulture area (Slovakia). In Agriculture, vol. 61, pp. 28–40. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1515/ agri-2016-0001 ŠIMANSKÝ, V. et al. (2013) The effect of organic matter on aggregation under different soil management practices in a vineyard in an extremely humid year. In Catena, vol. 101, pp. 108–113. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.catena.2012.10.011 ŠIMANSKÝ, V. et al. (2016) How dose of biochar and biochar with nitrogen can improve the parameters of soil organic matter and soil structure? In Biologia, vol. 71 (9), pp. 989–995. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1515/biolog-2016-0122 ŠIMANSKÝ, V. et al. (2017a) Carbon sequestration in waterstable aggregates under biochar and biochar with nitrogen fertilization. In Bulgrian Journal of Agricultural Research, vol. 23, no. 3, pp. 429–435. USMAN, A. R. et al. (2015) Biochar production from date palm waste: Charring temperature induced changes in composition and surface chemistry. In Journal of Analytical and Applied Pyrolysis, vol. 115, pp. 392–400. DOI: https://doi. org/10.1016/j.jaap.2015.08.016WANG, K. and XING, B. (2005) Structural and sorption characteristics of adsorped humid acid on clay minerals. In American Society of Agronomy, vol. 31, pp. 342–349. DOI: https://doi.org/10.2134/jeg2005.0342 YEBOAH, E. et al. (2009) Improving soil productivity through biochar amendments to soil. In African Journal of Environmental Science and Technology, vol. 3, pp. 34–41. ZHANG, A. et al. (2010) Effect of biochar amendment on yield and methane and nitrous oxide emission from rice paddy from Tai Lake plain, China. In Agriculture, Ecosystems and Environment, vol. 139, pp. 469–475. DOI: https://doi. org/10.1016/j.agee.2010.09.003 ZIELIŃSKA, A. et al. (2015) Effect of sewage sludge properties on the biochar characteristic. In Journal of Analytical and Applied Pyrolysi

Green fallow soil vs. intensive soil cultivation – a study of soil structure along the slope gradient affected by erosion process

Article Details: Received: 2019-09-19 | Accepted: 2019-10-01 | Available online: 2019-09-30https://doi.org/10.15414/afz.2019.22.03.76-83 The type of slope and its interaction with soil management practices are one of the most important factors affecting soil structure along the slope gradient. In this study, the effects of fallow in greening and intensive soil cultivation both located on slopes on changes soil properties especially soil structure were evaluated. Soil samples were collected from two fields (neighbouring fields) between Trakovice and Bučany villages (Slovakia). The terrain of both fields was sloping with a WN – ES orientation and a slope of <8°. Field 1 is used as arable land with intensive cultivation of crops (IC). In field 2, the fallow in greening (G) was established in 2012 and in 2018 soil samples were taken in five zones of both slopes as follows: on the summit slope, shoulder, back slope, toe slope and flat. Results showed that structure coefficient (K) was strongly affected by both land use (p = 0.0000) and slope position (p = 0.0206)as well as by the interaction of land use and slope position (p = 0.0010). The statistically significantly highest structure coefficient of water-stable aggregates (Kwsa) and opposite the lowest macro-aggregate destruction (PAD) were found for G compared to IC. In G, the index of crusting (Ic) increased by 9% compared to IC. The critical level of soil organic matter (St) was strongly affected by both land use (p = 0.0114) and slope position (p = 0.0000). The values of St were statistically significantly influenced by interaction of land use and slope position. When land use and slope position were assessed together, positive significant correlations were observed between silt and carbonate contents and Ic. On the other hand, the St values were strong effected soil organic matter (SOM) quantity and quality. In IC, positive correlations between CL (r = 0.773, P <0.01) and K were observed. Ic correlated with silt (r = 0.650, P <0.05), carbonates (r = 0.704, P <0.05) and lower humus stability. A higher silt and carbonate contents as well as highercontent of SOM and better humus quality resulted in higher St values. In G, the K values positive correlated with silt and carbonate contents. Higher humus quality and stability improved soil structure evaluated on the base of Kwsa.Keywords: intensive cultvation, greening, fallow, slope gradient, soil structure ReferencesAMÉZKETA, E. (1999) Soil aggregate stability: a review. In J. of Sustain. Agric., vol. 14, no. 2–3, pp. 83–151. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1300/J064v14n02_08BA, L.T. et al. (2016) Effect of cropping system on physical properties of clay soil under intensive rice cultivation. In Land Degrad. Dev., vol. 27, pp. 973–982. doi: https://doi.org/10.1002/ldr.2321BARTLOVÁ, J. et al. (2015) Water stability of soil aggregates in different systems of tillage. In Soil & Water Res., vol. 10, pp. 147–154.BORRELLI, P. et al. (2015) Modelling post-tree-harvesting soil erosion and sediment deposition potential in the Turano river basin (Italian central Apennine). In Land Degrad. Dev., vol. 26, pp. 356–366. doi: https://doi.org/10.1002/ldr.2214BRONICK, C.J. and LAL, R. (2005) Soil structure and management: a review. In Geoderma, vol. 124, pp. 3–22. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.geoderma.2004.03.005BURDUKOVSKII, M. et al. (2019) Impact of different fallow durations on soil aggregate structure and humus status parameters. In Soil and Water Research (in press).COUGHLAN, K.J. et al. (1991) Measurement of soil structure: Some practical initiatives. In Aust. J. Soil Res., vol. 29, no. 6, pp. 869–889. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/SR9910869CZACHOR, H. et al. (2015) Impact of long-term mineral and organic fertilizer application on the water stability, wettability and porosity of aggregates obtained from two loamy soils. In Eur. J. Soil Sci., vol. 66, pp. 1–12. doi: https://doi.org/10.1111/ejss.12242DZIADOWIEC, H. and GONET, S. S. (1999) Methodical guidebook for soil organic matter studies. Prace Komisji Naukowych Polskiego Towarzystwa Gleboznawczego, N. 120, Komisja chemii gleb, Zespół Materii Organicznej Gleb, N II/16 (in Polish).EFTHIMIOU N. (2018) The importance of soil data availability on erosion modeling. In Catena, vol. 165, pp. 551–566. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.catena.2018.03.002FOTH, H.D. (1990) Fundamentals of soil science. New York: John Wiley and Sons, pp. 360. ISBN 0-471-52279-1.FULAJTÁR, E. (2006) Physical properties of soil (in Slovak). Bratislava: VÚPOP, pp.142. ISBN 80-89128-20-3.FULAJTÁR, E. and SAKSA, M. (2018) Loess soils of the Trnava Hilly Land. In ŚWITONIAK, M. and CHARZYŃSKI, P. Soil Sequences Atlas IV. Toruń: Nicolaus Copernicus University, pp. 123–137. ISBN 978-83-951878-2-7.HRIVŇAKOVÁ, K. et al. (2011) Uniform methods of soil analyses (in Slovak) VUPOP: Bratislava.KOBZA, J. et al. (2017) Current state and development of land degradation processes based on soil monitoring in Slovakia. In Agriculture (Poľnohospodárstvo), vol. 63, no. 2, pp. 74–85. doi: https://doi.org/10.1515/agri-2017-0007KÖRSCHNER M. et al. (1990) Heisswasserlőslicher C und N im Boden als Kriterium fűr das N-Nachliferungsvermőgen. In Mikrobiologie, vol. 145, pp. 305–311.LAL, R. and SHUKLA, M.K. (2004) Principles of soil physics. New York: Marcel Dekker. ISBN 0-8247-5324-0.LOGINOW, W. et al. (1987) Fractionation of organic carbon based on susceptibility to oxidation. In Pol. J. Soil Sci., vol. 20, pp. 47–52.MAÏGA-YALEU, S. et al. (2013) Soil crusting impact on soil organic carbon losses by water erosion. In Catena, vol. 107, pp. 26–34. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.catena.2013.03.006MONTGOMERY, D.R. (2007) Soil erosion and agricultural sustainability. In PNAS, vol. 104, pp. 13268–13272. doi: https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.0611508104MORENO-RAMÓN, H. et al. (2014) Coffee husk mulch on soil erosion and runoff: experiences under rainfall simulation experiment. In Solid Earth, vol. 5, pp. 851–862. doi: https://doi.org/10.5194/se-5-851-2014MORGAN, R.P.C. (2005) Soil Erosion and Conservation. 3rd ed. London: Blackwell Publishing, pp. 299.NOVÁK, P. and VALLA, M. (2002) Other degradation forms of soil. In Pedologické dny, 2002, pp. 137–142.PANAGOS, P. et al. (2015) Rainfall erosivity in Europe. In Sci. Total Environ., vol. 511, pp. 801–814. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2015.01.008PARADELO, R. et al. (2013) Water-dispersible clay in bare fallow soils after 80 years of continuous fertilizer addition. In Geoderma, vol. 200–201, pp. 40–44. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geoderma.2013.01.014PIERI, C. (1992) Fertility of Soils: A Future for Farming in the West African Savannah. Berlin: Springer-Verlag, pp. 347. ISBN 978-3-642-84322-8.PIRES, L.P. et al. (2017) Soil structure changes induced by tillage systems. In Soil Tilage Research, vol. 165, pp. 66–79. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.still.2016.07.010SHEIN, E. V. (2005) Course of Soil Physics. Moscow: MGU, pp. 432. ISBN 5-211-05021-5 (in Russian).SIX, J. et al. (2004) A history of research on the link between (micro)aggregates, soil biota, and soil organic matter dynamics. In Soil Till Res., vol. 79, pp. 7–31. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.still.2004.03.008ŠIMANSKÝ, V. (2011) Soil structure of Haplic Luvisol as influenced by tillage and crop residues ploughing. In Acta fytotechnica et zootechnica, vol. 14, no 1, pp. 27–29.ŠIMANSKÝ, V. and JONCZAK, J. (2016) Water-stable aggregates as a key element in the stabilization of soil organic matter in the Chernozems. In Carpathian Journal of Earth and Environmental Sciences, vol. 11(2), pp. 511–517.ŠIMANSKÝ, V. et al. (2008) Soil tillage and fertilization of Orthic Luvisol and their influence on chemical properties, soil structure stability and carbon distribution in water-stable macro-aggregates. In Soil Till. Res., vol. 100, no. 1–2, pp. 125–132. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.still.2008.05.008ŠIMANSKÝ, V. et al. (2014) Soil crust in agricultural land. In Acta fytotechnica et zootechnica, vol. 17, no 4, pp. 109–114. doi: https://doi.org/10.15414/afz.2014.17.04.109–114ŠIMANSKÝ V. (2018) Can soil properties of Fluvisols be influenced by river flow gradient? In Acta fytotechnica et zootechnica, vol. 21, no 2, pp. 63–76. doi: https://doi.org/10.15414/afz.2018.21.02.63-76ŠIMANSKÝ, V. et al. (2018). Soil Science. Nitra: SPU, pp. 399. ISNB 978-80-552-1878-6 (in Slovak).ŠIMANSKÝ, V. et al. (2019) How relationships between soil organic matter parameters and soil structure characteristics are affected by the long-term fertilization of a sandy soil. In Geoderma, vol. 342, pp. 75–84. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geoderma.2019.02.020ŠIMANSKÝ, V. et al. (2019a) Slope position and management practices as factors influencing selected properties of topsoil. In Soil Science Annual (in press).ŠPIČKA, A. et al. (1964) Soil properties and processing. Praha: SZN (in Czech).VADJUNINA, A.F. and KORCHAGINA, Z.A. (1986) Methods of Study of Soil Physical Properties. Moscow: Agropromizdat (inRussian).WIESMEIER, M. et al. (2012) Aggregate stability and physical protection of soil organic carbon in semi-arid steppe soils. In European Journal of Soil Science, vol. 63, pp. 22–31. doi: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2389.2011.01418.xZHANG, B. and HORN, H. (2001) Mechanisms of aggregate stabilization in Ultisols from subtropical China. In Geoderma, vol. 99, pp. 123–145. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/S0016-7061(00)00069-

Characteristics of Iron and Aluminium Forms and Quantification of Soil Forming Processes in Chernozems in Western Slovakia

The studies on iron and aluminium forms and soil forming processes quantification in Chernozems were conducted in two localities in Western Slovakia. Two soil pits were done in a complex of arable Haplic Chernozems in Krakovany and two soil pits representing arable and forest Cambic Chernozems were done in Báb. The soils were sampled every 10 cm and analysed using standard methods. Based on analytical results, profile development indices (PDI) were calculated for each profile. Chernozems in Krakovany were characterised by 90 cm (Krakovany 1) and 80 cm (Krakovany 2) thick solums and pH increasing with depth from neutral to alkaline. The content of total organic carbon (TOC) was up to 13.70 g kg-1 in both profiles. Cambic Chernozems in Báb were characterised by a lower thickness of solum – 40 cm in arable soil (Báb 1) and 70 cm in forest soil (Báb 2). Reaction of arable soil ranged from slightly acid to alkaline, and in the case of forest soil – from strongly acid to alkaline. Arable soil contained 14.2-14.5 g kg-1, and forest soils 12.9-50.7 g kg-1 of TOC in A horizons. The content of Fet in the studied soils ranged from 21.78 to 32.48 g kg-1, free iron oxides (Fed) – from 5.74 to 11.53 g kg-1, and amorphous iron oxides (Feo) – from 0.77 to 2.94 g kg-1. Fed/Fet ratios ranged from 0.26 to 0.39. Crystalline forms predominated over amorphous ones. The values of PDI were relatively low, namely 1.50 – in the profile Krakovany 1; 1.76 – in the profile Krakovany 2; 1.15 in the profile Báb 1 and 2.12 – in the profile Báb 2

Effects of biochar and biochar with nitrogen on soil organic matter and soil structure in haplic Luvisol

Received: 2016-06-08 | Accepted: 2016-10-26 | Available online: 2016-12-22http://dx.doi.org/10.15414/afz.2016.19.04.129-138An experiment of different application rates of biochar and biochar combined with nitrogen fertilizer was conducted at the newlyestablished experimental field (spring 2014) on a Haplic Luvisol located in Nitra region of Slovakia during the growing season ofspring barley. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of biochar combined with fertilization on the soil organic matterand soil structure parameters. The treatments (3 replicates) consisted of 0, 10 and 20 t ha-1 of biochar application (B0, B10 andB20) combined with 0, 40 and 80 kg ha-1 of nitrogen fertilizer applied (N0, N40, N80). The results showed that the effect of biocharapplication without N fertilization significantly decreased the easily extractable glomalin in B10N0 and B20N0 compared to B0N0,respectively. The same effects were observed in B10N40 and B10N80. The soil organic matter (SOM) was rapidly degradable bymicro-organisms (on the base of lability index values) in B10N0 treatment and the SOM had greater stability and resistance tomicrobial degradation in B10N80 treatment. Added N fertilization in both doses together with 10 t biochar ha-1 had statisticalsignificant influence on decreasing of lability index values. The highest accumulation of carbon occurred in B20N0 treatment.The addition of biochar at 10 t ha-1 together with 80 kg ha-1 N significantly increased values of carbon pool index (24%) comparedto B10N0. Generally, the highest average content of macro-aggregates was found in the B20N0 treatment and then in B20N80 >B10N0 > B0N0 > B10N80 > B10N40 > B20N40. Treatment B10N0 showed robust increase (by 53%) for the macro-aggregates of >7 mm, but on the other hand it decreased content of macro-aggregates 3–1 mm compared to B0N0. A considerable increase ofaggregates stability was found in range of 19% in case of 20 t ha-1 of biochar application combined with 80 kg ha-1 N compared toB0N0. A positive effect on decrease of percentage of aggregate destruction was found only in case of B20N80 treatment comparedto B0N0.Keywords: biochar, N fertilization, carbon pool index, percentage of aggregate destruction, aggregate stabilityReferencesAbiven, S. et al. (2015) Biochar amendment increases maize root surface areas and branching: a shovelomics study in Zambia. In Plant Soil, vol. 342, pp. 1–11. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11104-015-2533-2Alguacil, M.M. et al. (2014) Changes in the composition and diversity of AMF communities mediated by management practices in a Mediterranean soil are related with increases in soil biological activity. In Soil Biol. Biochem., vol. 76, pp. 34–44. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.soilbio.2014.05.002Atkinson, C.J. et al. 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Contents of labile carbon and nitrogen under different soil management practices in a vineyard in an extremely humid year

Received: 2016-09-06 | Accepted: 2016-10-19 | Available online: 2017-03-31http://dx.doi.org/10.15414/afz.2017.20.01.16-19In a productive vineyard, the influence of different soil management practices on labile carbon and nitrogen and its dynamics of Rendzin Leptosol was studied. In 2006, an experiment of the different management practices in a productive vineyard was established in the locality of Nitra-Dražovce (part of the Nitra City), which is in the Nitra wine-growing area (Slovakia). The following treatments were established: 1. control Co (grass without fertilizers application), 2. T (tillage), 3. T + FM (tillage + farmyard manure), 4. G + NPK3 (grass + NPK 120-55-19 kg ha-1), 5. G + NPK1 (grass + NPK 80-35-135 kg ha-1). Soil samples were collected every month (0-20 cm), during the year 2010. The results showed that labile carbon content (CL) fluctuated from 1820 to 2673 mg kg-1 and the soil management practices had a statistically significant influence on CL. The CL contents under T, T + FYM, G + NPK1 and G + NPK3 increased by 6  %, 11  %, 5  % and 13  %, respectively compared to Co treatment. During 2010, the dynamics of CL found no trend in all treatments. The highest Npot content was in Co treatment (90 mg kg-1) than in other soil management practices in a vineyard. On average, there was a smaller higher value of Npot in T + FM (78 mg kg-1) than in G + NPK3 (77 mg kg-1). During 2010, the dynamics of Npot found no trend in all treatments, except Co treatment. In Co, the Npot decline at an average speed of 4.18 mg kg-1 year-1. The CL: Npot ratios were different and their values were significant correlated only with Npot (r = -0.854, P < 0.001). During 2010, the dynamics of CL: Npot ratio showed an increasing trend with time in Co treatment.Keywords: labile carbon, Rendzin Leptosol, potentially mineralizable nitrogen, vineyards, fertilizers applicationReferencesBlair, G.J. et al. 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Differences in soil properties and crop yields after application of biochar blended with farmyard manure in sandy and loamy soils

Article Details: Received: 2018-07-07 | Accepted: 2018-01-18 | Available online: 2019-01-31https://doi.org/10.15414/afz.2019.22.01.21-25In recent years, the importance of biochar application in world´s soils have increased tendency mainly due to its opposite effects. Therefore, the effort of many companies is based on the development of soil amendment which together improved properties and crop productivity in a lot of soils. In this short study, we have verified the effectiveness of biochar blended with farmyard manure named Effeco on soil properties and crop yields in different textural soils (1. sandy soil in Dolná Streda and 2. loamy soil in Veľké Uľany). Our results showed that the Effeco increased soil pH in both soils. In sandy soil, the Effeco more significantly affected sorptive parameters and soil organic carbon content than in loamy soil. Water retention in capillary pores after Effeco application in sandy and loamy soils was higher by 22% and 4%, respectively compared to control. On the other hand, more significant effect of Effeco application on soil structure was observed in loamy soil. The total crop productions in sandy and loamy soils due to the Effeco application were higher by 82% and 16%, respectively, compared to control plots. All in all, we concluded that the effects of biochar blended with farmyard manure differ mainly on soil texture.Keywords: Effeco, sorptive parameters, soil organic matter, water retention, soil structure, loamy soil, sandy soilReferences:Agegnehu, G. et al. (2016) Benefits of biochar, compost and biochar-compost for soil quality, maize yield and greenhouse gas emissions in a tropical agricultural soil. Sci. Tot. Environ., 543, pp. 295–306.Ahmad , M. et al. (2014) Biochar as asorbent for contaminant management in soil and water: a review. 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