Surface Soils

 Potentially toxic elements (PTEs) contamination levels were estimated by using profound methods such as contamination factor, degree of contamination and index of geo-accumulation.  Assessment of non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks for children and adults were investigated in the study region.  Principal component analysis of potentially toxic elements were studied and also generated their spatial distribution maps in the investigated region.

The study aimed at assessing the elemental concentrations of heavy metal that are potentially harmful to the people and the environment in the soils along major highways within Azare metropolis. The heavy metals concentration Cadmium, Chromium, Lead, Zinc in the soils samples were analyzed using atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS). Azare is located in Bauchi State in Northern Nigeria, with coordinates 11°40'27″N and 10°11'28″E at an elevation of 436 meters. This study revealed that Cadmium concentration varied from 0.11-0.93 mg/kg with a mean value of 0.57 mg/kg, Chromium (Cr) concentration ranged from 37.14-110.48 mg/kg with a mean of 76.79 mg/kg while Lead (Pb) 29.23-95.27 mg/kg with an average value of 56.67 mg/kg. Zinc (Zn) concentration ranged from 15.43-60.6 mg/kg with an average of 36.95 mg/kg. These concentrations are in following order: Cd < Zn < Pb <Cr. The mean value concentrations of all the heavy metals studied were below the permissible limit recommended by WHO (1996). Pollution indices which are contamination factor (CF) and pollution load index were also computed from measured concentration of heavy metals. The results revealed that based on the CF classification, all the studied were ranked as having low contamination levels because the pollution load index (PLI) for all soils studied showed no sign of pollution, PLI <1) and that the study area was not contaminated with regard to the selected heavy metals.

The community's residents have traditionally exploited the fresh water of the Kaani River for home and agricultural uses. Surface sediment samples were taken from four stations: Maa di Binnise Igbara water side (station 1), Mann stream (station 2), Woman stream (station 3), and Nwii ke ma kor stream (station 4). The samples were then digested and subjected to an atomic absorption spectrophotometric method to determine the concentrations of certain heavy metals. The order of metal concentrations were iron (Fe) > zinc (Zn) > lead (Pb) > chromium (Cr) > nickel (Ni) > copper (Cu) > manganese (Mn) > arsenic (As) > cadmium (Cd), according to the obtained data. Fe was [124.981±2.673]mg/kg, Zn was [36.356±1.593]mg/kg, Pb was [7.647±0.081]mg/kg, Cr was [6.361±0.074]mg/kg, Ni was [5.734±0.024]mg/kg, Cu was [5.541±0.071]mg/kg, Mn was [4.000±0.021]mg/kg, As was [0.182±0.002]mg/kg, and Cd was [0.049±0.002] mg/Kg, according to their respective mean values. A few model indices (contamination factor, ecological risk factor, possible ecological risk index, and enrichment factor) were used to further assess the results. The sediments were found to be somewhat contaminated, according to an examination of sediment contamination factors. According to an ecological risk assessment, the metals are safe for the ecosystem at the current quantities. All of the metals, with the exception of Cd in Nwii ke Ma Kor Stream (station 4) and Fe at Mann Stream (station 2), had considerable anthropogenic enrichment at the various stations, according to enrichment factor analysis. Thus, it is important to implement sufficient and ongoing monitoring to stop the introduction of an increased amount of anthropogenic heavy metals into the river.

To meet the increasing requirement of ever increasing population the judicious use of available natural resources with respect to its potential of supply of nutrient and elements is soil which vital natural resource. In the current scenerio the study of soil fertility status with physico chemical properties has increased markedly because deficiency of major and micronutrient occurs frequently which might be happened due to continuous and intensive multiple cropping with the use of high yielding cultivars which may have higher demand for nutrient also use of fertilizer that have high analysis fertilizer with small amount of macro and micronutrient contamination fertilizer eg .animal manures ,crop residues ,compost also use of soils that are inherently low in nutrient reserves and induced natural and anthropogenic factors which are limited to supply the adequate plant nutrient and turns nutrient imbalance. Hence , Evaluation Of Soil Fertility Status In Hot Semi-Arid Eco-Region Of Beed District, Maharastra (India) research was undertaken to know the need of judging fertility status of Beed area. An investigation was carried out for 440 representative soil samples selected from 11 tahsils of Beed district of Maharashtra state in 2019-2020 by using method of Yadav and Khanna for collection of soil sample. Soil samples were tested for physico chemical properties i.e.pH,Ec (electrical conductivity).O.C ,(Organic carbon),Caco3 (calcium carbonate),macro nutrients N,P,K,and S,and micro nutrient Zn,Fe,Cu,Mn and B. Where the analysed values show pH range upto 7.66 with average values 6.95-8.78 i.e slightly neutral to slightly alkaline ,conductivity with range 0.35 in average of 0.09-0.99 in suitable ranges of germination,organic carbon ranges 5.25 having average of 1.0-12.4, calcium carbonate ranges 118.87 while average values 83.2-163.6 some calcarious to non calcareous soils. The soils from beed district were found very low to moderate in Zinc and Iron With 0.12-2.88 mg kg-1 and 0.05-17.54 mg kg-1 range of available Zinc and iron respectively. However available DTPA-Extractable Copper , Manganese and available Boron content observed moderate to sufficient which is in range of 0.26-13.82,0.92-17.25 and 0.08-26.73 mg kg-1 respectively. Hence here observed that zinc availability is very low depend on parent material, organic matter, the availability of Zinc reuced with increase in pH, Organic carbon and CaCO3 content From this investigation its seen that at low nutrient status different places of the Beed district also having medium to high mineral contents and at some places, to maintain fertility of soil farmes have to open eye for good land and crop yield.

The available forms of nutrients governs the fertility of soil and controls the productivity of crops but this is influenced by pH, EC, organic carbon and CaCO3 status of soil. A study was conducted to assess available nutrient status and their relationship with chemical properties of soils of Jalgaon district by GIS technique. Studies were conducted to know the status of available micronutrient in relation to chemical properties in soils of 15 tehsils of Jalgaon district. From each tehsil, five villages were selected and from each village, six farmer fields were randomly selected during the year 2019-20. In a total of 450 georeferenced surfaces (0-22.5 cm), soil samples were collected from the Jalgaon district by using a systematic sampling methodology based on GPS. The data show that these soils were slightly acidic to moderately alkaline in reaction, safe in EC, very low to very high in organic carbon, and low to very high calcareous in nature. Considering soil nutrient index value these soils were low in Fe and Zn and high in respect to Mn and Cu. The pH of the soil was non-significantly and negatively correlated with DTPA extractable Fe (r =-0.011), Mn (r =-0.010), Zn (r =-0.092) and Cu (r =-0.002). EC of the soil was highly significantly and positively correlated with Mn (r=0.283) and Cu (r = 0.224) and negatively significantly correlated with Zn (r =-0.224). The EC was negatively as well as non-significantly correlated with available Fe (r =-0.043). Organic carbon showed a positive non-significantly correlation with available Cu (0.001). However, non-significantly and negatively correlated with Fe (-0.024) and Zn (r =-0.053), and highly non-significantly and negatively correlated with available Mn (r =-0.001). The value of CaCO3 showed a positive but non-significant correlation with available Mn (0.002), while negative as well as non-significant relation with available Fe (-0.013), Zn (-0.012) and Cu (-0.026).

During the 1960s, radioactive waste containing small amounts of plutonium (Pu) and americium (Am) was disposed in shallow trenches at the Little Forest Burial Ground (LFBG), located near the southern suburbs of Sydney, Australia. Because of periodic saturation and overflowing of the former disposal trenches, Pu and Am have been transferred from the buried wastes into the surrounding surface soils. The presence of readily detected amounts of Pu and Am in the trench waters provides a unique opportunity to study their aqueous speciation under environmentally relevant conditions. This study aims to comprehensively investigate the chemical speciation of Pu and Am in the trench water by combining fluoride coprecipitation, solvent extraction, particle size fractionation, and thermochemical modeling. The predominant oxidation states of dissolved Pu and Am species were found to be Pu(IV) and Am(III), and large proportions of both actinides (Pu, 97.7%; Am, 86.8%) were associated with mobile colloids in the submicron size range. On the basis of this information, possible management options are assessed.

Biological processes, including microbial degradation, have been identified as critical mechanisms for attenuating organic contaminants during transit through the vadose zone to the groundwater. On-site soil remedial measures using biological processes can reduce or eliminate groundwater contamination, thus reducing the need for extensive groundwater monitoring and treatment requirements. On-site remedial systems that utilize the soil as the treatment system accomplish treatment by using naturally occurring microorganisms to treat the contaminants. Treatment often may be enhanced by a variety of physical/chemical methods, such as fertilization, tilling, soil pH adjustment, moisture control, etc. The development of a bioremediation program for a specific contaminated soil system includes: (1) a thorough site/soil/waste characterization; (2) treatability studies; and (3) design and implementation of the bioremediation plan. Biological remediation of soils contaminated with organic che...

A study was conducted to quantify the extent of micronutrient deficiency in soils of Nashik and Kolhapur districts of Maharashtra (India). Surface soil samples were collected from farmer’s fields representing 25 villages from selected two taluka’s of Nashik and Kolhapur district of Maharashtra state following sampling procedure of multistage statistical approach. The processed soil samples were analyzed for AB-DTPA extractable Cu, Zn, Mn and Fe using ICP-OES instrument. The result showed that mean value of AB-DTPA Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn were 1.14, 7.68, 3.83 and 2.18 mg/kg, respectively for Nashik district. Similarly, an average value of 1.15, 11.63, 4.10 and 1.54 mg/kg for ABDTPA Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn, respectively were observed for Kolhapur district. The data also revealed that all the soil samples analysed for the mean AB-DTPA extractable Cu were well above the critical limits (&gt;0.2 mg/kg) for both Nashik and Kolhapur district. The AB-DTPA extractable micronutrients were relatively hig...

The efficient (site-specific) management of soil nutrients is possible by understanding the spatial variability in distribution of phyto-available nutrients (here after called available nutrients) and identifying the soil management zones (MZs) of agricultural landscapes. There is need for delineating soil MZs of agricultural landscapes of the world for efficient management of soil nutrients in order to obtain sustainability in crop yield. The present study was, therefore, undertaken to understand the spatial distribution pattern of available micronutrients (zinc (Zn), boron (B), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn) and copper (Cu)), available sulphur (S), and soil properties (soil acidity (pH), electrical conductivity (EC) and organic carbon (SOC) content) in soils of intensively cultivated Indo-Gangetic Plain (IGP) of India and to delineate soil MZs for efficient management of soil nutrients. Totally, 55101 soil samples from 0-15 cm depth were obtained from 167 districts of IGP during 2014 to 2017 and were analysed for different soil parameters. Soil pH, EC and SOC content varied from 4.44 to 9.80, 0.02 to 2.13 dS m-1 and 0.10 to 1.99%, respectively. The concentration of available Zn, B, Fe, Mn, Cu and S varied from 0.01 to 3.27, 0.01 to 3.51, 0.19 to 55.7, 0.05 to 49.0, 0.01 to 5.29 and 1.01 to 108 mg kg-1 , respectively. Geostatistical analysis resulted in varied distribution pattern of studied soil parameters with moderate to strong spatial dependence. The extent (% area) of nutrient deficiencies in IGP followed the order: S > Zn > B > Mn > Cu > Fe. Principal component analysis and fuzzy c-means clustering produced six distinctly different soil MZs of IGP for implementation of zone-specific soil nutrient management strategies for attaining sustainability in crop yield. The developed MZ maps could also be utilized for prioritization and rationalization of nutrients supply in IGP of India.

The agricultural land of Attock district falls in Pothwar area of the Punjab Pakistan which is mostly rainfed (barani) and agriculture in the area depends on rainfall which is erratic and scanty. Therefore, soil health becomes more crucial for crop growth while application of micronutrients is negligible in this area. During the years from 2016 to2018, 15,337 soil samples were collected from the district Attock to determine micronutrient status of the soil. These soil samples were analyzed for Zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), Iron (Fe) and Manganse (Mn) using DTPA extraction method while dilute HCl method for Boron (B). The results indicated that nutrient index value of plant available Zn was in the marginal category (1.84) with 30.7% soil samples falling in low, 54.1% in marginal and 15.2% in adequate category. Nutrient index value of plant available Cu was in the adequate category (2.18) with 16.9 % soil samples in low, 47.9% in marginal and 35.2% in adequate category. Nutrient index value of plant available Fe was 1.46 (low) where 76.8% soil samples were found to be low and 23.2% adequate. Nutrient index value of plant available Mn was 1.11 (very low) where 89.3% soil samples were low, 9.9% marginal and only 0.8% adequate. Nutrient index value of plant available B was also in very low category (1.25) with 74.2% soil samples low and 25.8% marginal. The results indicated depletion and low concentration of micronutrient in most soil of Attock district which ultimately urges the use of balanced fertilizer for higher crop yield.

Present soil survey in Ajang village of Dhule tehsil of Dhule district (Maharashtra.) India was carried out during 2017 by using Global Positioning System (GPS) and Geographical Information System (GIS). Study was conducted to know the status of Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, B and Mo and their relationship with soil properties. Total 129 surface soil samples were collected and analyzed to evaluate fertility status of soil and developed maps of Ajang village on the basis of nutrient status by using GIS. The results revealed that the study area soils were slightly too moderately alkaline in reaction and non-saline in nature. The organic carbon and calcium carbonate ranged from 0.75 to 6.00 g kg-1 and 0.63-10 per cent, repectively. The soils were very low to moderate in organic carbon and low too high in calcium carbonate content. The available micronutrients Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, B and Mo ranged from 1.56 to 6.54, 2.01 to5.32, 0.31 to 1.76, 0.78 to 3.94, 0.26 to 0.68 and 0.068 to 0.372 mg kg-1 with mean of 4.35, 3.42, 0.65, 2.18, 0.50 and 0.157 mg kg-1 , respectively. The soils of Ajang village were deficient in available iron (41.08%), available zinc (42.64%) and available boron (43.41%). The available Fe and Zn showed negative significant correlation with pH and positive significant correlation with molybdenum. Available B showed positive significant correlation with organic carbon. Available Fe and B showed negative significant correlation with calcium carbonate content.

Present soil survey in Ajang village of Dhule tehsil of Dhule district (Maharashtra.) India was carried out during 2017 by using Global Positioning System (GPS) and Geographical Information System (GIS). Study was conducted to know the status of Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, B and Mo and their relationship with soil properties. Total 129 surface soil samples were collected and analyzed to evaluate fertility status of soil and developed maps of Ajang village on the basis of nutrient status by using GIS. The results revealed that the study area soils were slightly too moderately alkaline in reaction and non-saline in nature. The organic carbon and calcium carbonate ranged from 0.75 to 6.00 g kg and 0.63-10 per cent, repectively. The soils were very low to moderate in organic carbon and low too high in calcium carbonate content. The available micronutrients Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, B and Mo ranged from 1.56 to 6.54, 2.01 to5.32, 0.31 to 1.76, 0.78 to 3.94, 0.26 to 0.68 and 0.068 to 0.372 mg kg with mean of 4...

A study was conducted to quantify the extent of micronutrient deficiency in soils of Nashik and Kolhapur districts of Maharashtra (India). Surface soil samples were collected from farmer’s fields representing 25 villages from selected two taluka’s of Nashik and Kolhapur district of Maharashtra state following sampling procedure of multistage statistical approach. The processed soil samples were analyzed for AB-DTPA extractable Cu, Zn, Mn and Fe using ICP-OES instrument. The result showed that mean value of AB-DTPA Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn were 1.14, 7.68, 3.83 and 2.18 mg/kg, respectively for Nashik district. Similarly, an average value of 1.15, 11.63, 4.10 and 1.54 mg/kg for ABDTPA Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn, respectively were observed for Kolhapur district. The data also revealed that all the soil samples analysed for the mean AB-DTPA extractable Cu were well above the critical limits (&gt;0.2 mg/kg) for both Nashik and Kolhapur district. The AB-DTPA extractable micronutrients were relatively hig...

Through their involvement in various enzymes and other physiologically active molecules, these micro-nutrients are important for gene expression, biosynthesis of proteins, nucleic acids, growth substances, chlorophyll and secondary metabolites, metabolism of carbohydrates and lipids, stress tolerance, etc.

Through their involvement in various enzymes and other physiologically active molecules, these micro-nutrients are important for gene expression, biosynthesis of proteins, nucleic acids, growth substances, chlorophyll and secondary metabolites, metabolism of carbohydrates and lipids, stress tolerance, etc.

In order to study the micro nutrient status of maize growing soils of Tehsil Handwara, twenty composite soil surface samples (0-25 cm) were collected from the area. The soil samples were studied for various physico-chemical properties and available nutrient contents. The soils are neutral in pH, normal electrical conductivity and were non-calcareous. The soils were high in organic carbon content. The micro-nutrient cations viz.; zinc, copper, iron and manganese were in sufficient range in these soils. A significantly negative correlation was obtained between pH and, zinc, copper, manganese, iron, and also between calcium carbonate.

The present investigation was carried out for evaluation of the status of DTPA-Zn, Fe, Mn, and Cu in relation with physico-chemical properties in soils of Birbhum district, West Bengal. Total 90 surface soil samples were collected from three different blocks namely Md. Bazar, Nalhati and Bolpur. Collected soil samples were analyzed for pH, electrical conductivity, organic carbon, textural class, Available P and DTPA-extractable micronutrients using standard analytical methods. In general, textural class ranged from sandy loam to sandy clay loam. Soils were strong to moderately acidic in reaction. Electrical conductivity was found in normal range. Soil organic carbon status ranged from 0.24 to 0.81% and was low in available P status. The status of available Zn was sufficient to high level while status of available Fe, Mn and Cu was high. The DTPA-extractable zinc content in the surface soils under study varied from 0.37 to 1.28 mg kg-1 with an average value 0.856 mg kg-1. The available iron, manganese and copper contents in soils ranged from 36.8-45.1, 15.1-17.9 and 2.5-3.2 mg kg-1 respectively. From the correlation study it was found that soil pH significantly and negatively correlated with available zinc (r=-0.233*), iron(r=-0.42**) and manganese(r=-0.324*) whereas non-significantly with available copper (r=-0.132) content. Soil organic carbon showed significant and positive correlation with all the micronutrients except copper content. Non-significant and negative correlation was found between electrical conductivity and available micronutrients. Clay content correlated significantly and negatively with available Mn (r=-0.172*) and positively with available Zn (r=0.535**). Significant and negative correlation showed between available P with available Zn and Fe.

Sulphur (S) deficiency is widespread in Indian soils, and it has been emerging as a major problem in rice-growing lateritic soils of West Bengal. The vertical distribution of S forms and their relationships with soil physicochemical properties were examined in 50 rice-growing locations of lateritic soils of West Bengal, India, for the current study. For this a total of one hundred fifty representative soil samples were collected from three depths and fifty representative locations of rice-based cropping systems of lateritic belt of West Bengal and analyzed for different fractions of S and important physicochemical properties using standard methodology. Most soils were sandy clay loam to clay loam, with low to medium levels of organic carbon, and strongly acidic to moderately acidic. A decrease in organic carbon across the depths was evident. Among the sulphur forms, organic S was dominant, and the contribution of water-soluble S was least throughout the soil Original Research Article

wise composite soil samples were collected from 0 to 30, 30 to 45 and 45 to 60 cm. The textural classes of the soils varied from sandy loam to loamy sand. The calcium carbonate content in soils showed increasing trend with depth and it increased significantly with increased in sand, available calcium, pH and magnesium. The soils of study areas were non-saline in nature and EC values decreased with the increase of soil depth. The organic carbon content in soils was found to be low. Amongst micronutrients, available Fe, Zn and B contents in soils of most of the orchards had been found deficient while, Cu and Mn were found deficient to medium.

The soils of Ganges River Floodplain (GRFP), an important crop growing zone of the country, are known to be widely deficient in micronutrients. The study was conducted to relate the distribution and the fate of soil micronutrients in relation to land type, soil properties and cropping practices in GRFP. A total of 52 locations were selected for sample collection from across GRFP, varied in land type, soil series and cropping pattern, and analysed for DTPA extractable iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn) and hot water soluble boron (B). Most of the samples were found deficient in Zn and B, while a moderate number of samples were Fedeficient. The major reason of micronutrient deficiency was found to be high soil pH. Among the four soil series studied, Ghior series was most deficient in Zn and B, implying pedogenic differences among the soils. Significant effect of contrasting land types on the distribution of soil micronutrients was observed although the effect was not consistent. The rice-rice cropping pattern was found to have slightly higher contents of Mn, Zn and B compared to rice-non-rice pattern which might be due to longer submergence period in the soils under rice-rice pattern.

The efficient (site-specific) management of soil nutrients is possible by understanding the spatial variability in distribution of phyto-available nutrients (here after called available nutrients) and identifying the soil management zones (MZs) of agricultural landscapes. There is need for delineating soil MZs of agricultural landscapes of the world for efficient management of soil nutrients in order to obtain sustainability in crop yield. The present study was, therefore, undertaken to understand the spatial distribution pattern of available micronutrients (zinc (Zn), boron (B), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn) and copper (Cu)), available sulphur (S), and soil properties (soil acidity (pH), electrical conductivity (EC) and organic carbon (SOC) content) in soils of intensively cultivated Indo-Gangetic Plain (IGP) of India and to delineate soil MZs for efficient management of soil nutrients. Totally, 55101 soil samples from 0-15 cm depth were obtained from 167 districts of IGP during 2014 to 2017 and were analysed for different soil parameters. Soil pH, EC and SOC content varied from 4.44 to 9.80, 0.02 to 2.13 dS m-1 and 0.10 to 1.99%, respectively. The concentration of available Zn, B, Fe, Mn, Cu and S varied from 0.01 to 3.27, 0.01 to 3.51, 0.19 to 55.7, 0.05 to 49.0, 0.01 to 5.29 and 1.01 to 108 mg kg-1 , respectively. Geostatistical analysis resulted in varied distribution pattern of studied soil parameters with moderate to strong spatial dependence. The extent (% area) of nutrient deficiencies in IGP followed the order: S > Zn > B > Mn > Cu > Fe. Principal component analysis and fuzzy c-means clustering produced six distinctly different soil MZs of IGP for implementation of zone-specific soil nutrient management strategies for attaining sustainability in crop yield. The developed MZ maps could also be utilized for prioritization and rationalization of nutrients supply in IGP of India.

The levels of heavy metals (Mn, Ni, Pb, Cr, Zn and Fe in mg/kg) in roadside soils from two main motor parks (Gombe Terminus and Tashan Dukku) in Gombe, Nigeria were assessed with respect to distance from the motor parks. The metals concentrations were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry.  The results show that iron had the highest concentration in all the soils and can be represented in the following order: Fe &gt; Zn &gt; Pb &gt; Ni &gt; Mn &gt; Cr. The heavy metals concentrations were found to be higher in the roadside soils as compared with the control samples. Thus, the metals concentrations decrease with increase in distance away from the parks.

Bioavailability and mobility of lead (Pb) in soils depend upon their partitioning between solution-solid phases and their further fractionation and redistribution among different solid-phase components. However, the dynamics of Pb in salt-affected (saline-sodic) Pb-contaminated (polluted) paddy soil need more exploration particularly under the influence of application of amendments at varying hydrological regimes and residence time. In this context, an incubation study was conducted to investigate the effect of application of three inorganic amendments (gypsum, rock phosphate and diammonium phosphate) on Pb fractions at two soil moisture regimes (flooding regime and 75% field capacity) and two incubation times (after 2 and 30 days) successively in non-saline/sodic and saline-sodic Pb-polluted paddy soils. After applied treatments, the concentration of Pb in five, i.e., exchangeable (F1), carbonate (F2), Fe-Mn oxide (F3), organic matter and sulfide bound (F4) and residual (F5) fractions, was assessed by sequential extraction. The results showed that the Pb spiked in the soils was significantly (P ≤ 0.05) transformed from easily extractable (exchangeable and carbonate) fractions into less labile (Fe-Mn oxide, OM-S bound and residual) fractions. Among tested amendments, gypsum performed better in reducing the lability of Pb followed by DAP.

The New Calabar River is an important commercial river in Rivers State. Surface sediment samples were collected from four stations and analyzed for some heavy metals concentrations. The results obtained revealed that the concentrations of the metals were iron (Fe) > zinc (Zn) > nickel (Ni) > chromium (Cr) > copper (Cu) > lead (Pb) > cadmium (Cd) > arsenic (As). Their respective mean values were; Fe, 147.84±90.13; Zn, 5.49±2.01; Ni, 3.50±1.48; Cr, 3.42±1.00; Cu, 2.48±1.11; Pb, 2.42±1.09; Cd, 0.089±0.12 and As, 0.006±0.005 mg/Kg. The results were further evaluated with some model indices (contamination factor, ecological risk and enrichment factor assessments. Sediment contamination factor analysis showed that the sediments were slightly contaminated. Ecological risk assessment revealed that the metals at the present concentrations are not harmful or cannot cause risk to the environment. However, enrichment factor analysis indicated that all the metals had significant anthropogenic enrichment at the various stations except As at Aluu, Choba and Iwofe and Cd at Aluu. Therefore, adequate and continuous monitoring should be put in place to prevent upsurge of anthropogenic heavy metals input into the river.

The soils of Ganges River Floodplain (GRFP), an important crop growing zone of the country, are known to be widely deficient in micronutrients. The study was conducted to relate the distribution and the fate of soil micronutrients in relation to land type, soil properties and cropping practices in GRFP. A total of 52 locations were selected for sample collection from across GRFP, varied in land type, soil series and cropping pattern, and analysed for DTPA extractable iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn) and hot water soluble boron (B). Most of the samples were found deficient in Zn and B, while a moderate number of samples were Fedeficient. The major reason of micronutrient deficiency was found to be high soil pH. Among the four soil series studied, Ghior series was most deficient in Zn and B, implying pedogenic differences among the soils. Significant effect of contrasting land types on the distribution of soil micronutrients was observed although the effect was not consistent. The rice-rice cropping pattern was found to have slightly higher contents of Mn, Zn and B compared to rice-non-rice pattern which might be due to longer submergence period in the soils under rice-rice pattern.

The soils of Ganges River Floodplain (GRFP), an important crop growing zone of the country, are known to be widely deficient in micronutrients. The study was conducted to relate the distribution and the fate of soil micronutrients in relation to land type, soil properties and cropping practices in GRFP. A total of 52 locations were selected for sample collection from across GRFP, varied in land type, soil series and cropping pattern, and analysed for DTPA extractable iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn) and hot water soluble boron (B). Most of the samples were found deficient in Zn and B, while a moderate number of samples were Fedeficient. The major reason of micronutrient deficiency was found to be high soil pH. Among the four soil series studied, Ghior series was most deficient in Zn and B, implying pedogenic differences among the soils. Significant effect of contrasting land types on the distribution of soil micronutrients was observed although the effect was not consistent. The rice-rice cropping pattern was found to have slightly higher contents of Mn, Zn and B compared to rice-non-rice pattern which might be due to longer submergence period in the soils under rice-rice pattern.

A study was conducted to evaluate the status of DTPA extractable micronutrients of Kishtwar district soils and generate their prediction maps. The Kishtwar district of Jammu and Kashmir covers an area of 7737 sq. km. and falls in the temperate zone of the state. It is an upland valley in the northeast corner of the Jammu region. A total of 167 soil samples were collected from the entire Kishtwar district in a stratified random manner. The digitization and generation of maps were carried out with ArcGIS 10.0 software following Inverse distance weight (IDW). DTPA-Zn content of soils of Kishtwar varied widely as low as 0.13 mg Zn kg-1 and as high as 1.6 mg Zn kg-1 with a mean value of 0.64 mg Zn kg-1. DTPA ranged from 0.11 mg Cu kg-1 to 2.3 mg Cu kg-1 with a mean value of 0.77 mg Cu kg-1. DTPA-Fe ranged from 5.40 mg Fe kg-1 to 42.4 mg Fe kg-1, with a mean value of 22.05 mg Fe kg-1. DTPA- Mn ranged from 7.4 mg Mn kg-1 to 36.2 mg Mn kg-1 with a mean value of 18.59 mg Mn kg-1. Available b...

The levels of heavy metals (Mn, Ni, Pb, Cr, Zn and Fe in mg/kg) in roadside soils from two main motor parks (Gombe Terminus and Tashan Dukku) in Gombe, Nigeria were assessed with respect to distance from the motor parks. The metals concentrations were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry.  The results show that iron had the highest concentration in all the soils and can be represented in the following order: Fe &gt; Zn &gt; Pb &gt; Ni &gt; Mn &gt; Cr. The heavy metals concentrations were found to be higher in the roadside soils as compared with the control samples. Thus, the metals concentrations decrease with increase in distance away from the parks.

The Indus Basin Irrigation Network (IBIN) plays a vital role in the agricultural system of Pakistan, irrigating seventeen million hectares of cultivated areas. Rapid urbanization, industrialization, and agricultural activities along the Indus basin have influenced the soil quality and human health; it is, therefore, critical to know its pollution characteristics. Soil samples from Indus basin, i.e., Abbottabad (ABT), Haripur (HRP), Attock (ATC), and Islamabad (ISB) have been analyzed for the total contents of potentially toxic metal(loid)s (PTMs) in the top layer. The topsoil samples from 0 to 10 cm depth have been further investigated using different pollution indices and human health risk assessment models. The contamination degree of soil pollution was highest in ISB (33.75), followed by ABT (25.30) and ATC (23.57). The assessment of the daily intake of PTMs by children and adults through different pathways revealed ingestion as the significant exposure pathway. Cr was found to be the major element posing non-carcinogenic health risks to children at ATC whereas the non-carcinogenic risks posed by all other PTMs were within the safe limit. Furthermore, lifetime carcinogenic risks for Ni followed by Cr and Cd were greatly exceeded at all locations and As at ATC and ISB for both age groups, but comparatively children were found to be at a higher risk of carcinogenicity. Hence, efficient remediation strategies are needed to reduce the increasing content and health risks of PTMs in the Indus basin.

Georeferenced surface soil samples representing three major maize growing blocks viz. Umerkote, Raigarh and Jharigaon of Nabarangpur district of Odisha were collected from 154 sites using global positioning system (GPS). The soils are strongly to moderately acidic in soil reaction. The soil samples were analyzed for micronutrients viz. Zn, Cu, Fe, Mn and B and a secondary nutrient i.e. S. The DTPA Zn, Cu, Fe and Mn in soils varied from 0.06 to 7.8 mg kg-1, 0.07 2.4 mg kg-1, 10.7 266.7 mg kg-1 and 5.9 155.3 mg kg-1, respectively. The hot water extractable B and 0.15% CaCl2 extractable S in soils ranged from 0.045 20.53 mg kg-1 and 0.39 22.3 mg kg-1, respectively. The availability of Fe and Mn are sufficient enough to sustain crop productivity barring few soil samples are in toxic level. Cu deficiency (3.8%) although not so acute but requires due attention. The deficiency of B (33%) and S (94%) besides acidity are emerging as the major constraints of productivity in soils of Nabrangap...

A total of 528 surface soil (0–15 cm) samples, collected from eighty-eight representative villages of all the five blocks of Jharsuguda district in Odisha, were analyzed for distribution of DTPA-extractable Zn, Cu, Fe, Mn and water soluble Boron and to establish their relationship with some soil properties. Based on fertility ratings, pH of soil samples were recorded as extremely acidic to slightly acidic in soil reaction (4.1 – 6.7). Electrical conductivity of the entire study area was found to be normal (&lt; 1 dSm-1). The soil organic carbon was recorded as very low to high (0.09 -1.87%). As per the prescribed critical limits (4.5 mg Fe kg -1), (2 mg Mn kg -1), (0.2 mg Cu kg -1), (0.6 mg Zn kg -1) and (0.5 mg B kg -1 of soil), all the soil samples were found to be adequate in Fe (14.32 – 391.06 mg kg -1), Mn (16.12 – 389.80 mg kg -1) and Cu (0.24 – 4.80 mg kg -1) except 16.85% and 73.1% of them were recorded as deficient in Zn (0.28 – 6.94 mg kg -1) and B (0.13 – 1.06 mg kg -1) c...

The agricultural land of Attock district falls in Pothwar area of the Punjab Pakistan which is mostly rainfed (barani) and agriculture in the area depends on rainfall which is erratic and scanty. Therefore, soil health becomes more crucial for crop growth while application of micronutrients is negligible in this area. During the years from 2016 to2018, 15,337 soil samples were collected from the district Attack to determine micronutrient status of the soil. These soil samples were analyzed for Zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), Iron (Fe) and Manganse (Mn) using DTPA extraction method while dilute HCl method for Boron (B). The results indicated that nutrient index value of plant available Zn was in the marginal category (1.84) with 30.7% soil samples falling in low, 54.1% in marginal and 15.2% in adequate category. Nutrient index value of plant available Cu was in the adequate category (2.18) with 16.9 % soil samples in low, 47.9% in marginal and 35.2% in adequate category. Nutrient index value...

Georeferenced surface soil samples representing three major maize growing blocks viz. Umerkote, Raigarh and Jharigaon of Nabarangpur district of Odisha were collected from 154 sites using global positioning system (GPS). The soils are strongly to moderately acidic in soil reaction. The soil samples were analyzed for micronutrients viz. Zn, Cu, Fe, Mn and B and a secondary nutrient i.e. S. The DTPA Zn, Cu, Fe and Mn in soils varied from 0.06 to 7.8 mg kg-1, 0.07 2.4 mg kg-1, 10.7 266.7 mg kg-1 and 5.9 155.3 mg kg-1, respectively. The hot water extractable B and 0.15% CaCl2 extractable S in soils ranged from 0.045 20.53 mg kg-1 and 0.39 22.3 mg kg-1, respectively. The availability of Fe and Mn are sufficient enough to sustain crop productivity barring few soil samples are in toxic level. Cu deficiency (3.8%) although not so acute but requires due attention. The deficiency of B (33%) and S (94%) besides acidity are emerging as the major constraints of productivity in soils of Nabrangap...

The soils of Ganges River Floodplain (GRFP), an important crop growing zone of the country, are known to be widely deficient in micronutrients. The study was conducted to relate the distribution and the fate of soil micronutrients in relation to land type, soil properties and cropping practices in GRFP. A total of 52 locations were selected for sample collection from across GRFP, varied in land type, soil series and cropping pattern, and analysed for DTPA extractable iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn) and hot water soluble boron (B). Most of the samples were found deficient in Zn and B, while a moderate number of samples were Fedeficient. The major reason of micronutrient deficiency was found to be high soil pH. Among the four soil series studied, Ghior series was most deficient in Zn and B, implying pedogenic differences among the soils. Significant effect of contrasting land types on the distribution of soil micronutrients was observed although the effect was not consistent. The rice-rice cropping pattern was found to have slightly higher contents of Mn, Zn and B compared to rice-non-rice pattern which might be due to longer submergence period in the soils under rice-rice pattern.

Vertical distribution of DTPA-extractable micronutrient cations (Fe, Cu, Mn and Zn) and its correlation with several physico-chemical properties of soils in fifteen orange orchards of Tamenglong district, Manipur was studied. Most of the upper soil layer had higher DTPA-extractable micronutrient cations (Fe, Cu, Mn and Zn) content than the lower horizons. In the profiles, the value of DTPA-extractable micronutrients (Fe, Cu, Mn and Zn) ranged from 18.62 to 45.12 mg kg-1 , 0.12 to 1.26 mg kg-1 , 3.42 to 44.33 mg kg-1 and 0.16 to 1.36 mg kg-1 , respectively. The DTPA-extractable Fe and Mn were found to be sufficiently available in all the profiles whereas, Cu was found adequate in most of the surface horizon (0-20cm) in most of the soil samples. However, Zn deficiency occurred in 55.56 % of the soil sample. Multiple regression analysis showed that the DTPAextractable micronutrient cations (Fe, Cu, Mn and Zn) content in the soils were influenced by pH, OC, EC, Mg, silt, K and clay to the degree of 50.1, 25.7 and 60.5 % in the surface horizon but their influenced were significant only by soil OC and silt.

A study was conducted to quantify the extent of micronutrient deficiency in soils of Nashik and Kolhapur districts of Maharashtra (India). Surface soil samples were collected from farmer’s fields representing 25 villages from selected two taluka’s of Nashik and Kolhapur district of Maharashtra state following sampling procedure of multistage statistical approach. The processed soil samples were analyzed for AB-DTPA extractable Cu, Zn, Mn and Fe using ICP-OES instrument. The result showed that mean value of AB-DTPA Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn were 1.14, 7.68, 3.83 and 2.18 mg/kg, respectively for Nashik district. Similarly, an average value of 1.15, 11.63, 4.10 and 1.54 mg/kg for ABDTPA Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn, respectively were observed for Kolhapur district. The data also revealed that all the soil samples analysed for the mean AB-DTPA extractable Cu were well above the critical limits (&gt;0.2 mg/kg) for both Nashik and Kolhapur district. The AB-DTPA extractable micronutrients were relatively hig...

The Indus Basin Irrigation Network (IBIN) plays a vital role in the agricultural system of Pakistan, irrigating seventeen million hectares of cultivated areas. Rapid urbanization, industrialization, and agricultural activities along the Indus basin have influenced the soil quality and human health; it is, therefore, critical to know its pollution characteristics. Soil samples from Indus basin, i.e., Abbottabad (ABT), Haripur (HRP), Attock (ATC), and Islamabad (ISB) have been analyzed for the total contents of potentially toxic metal(loid)s (PTMs) in the top layer. The topsoil samples from 0 to 10 cm depth have been further investigated using different pollution indices and human health risk assessment models. The contamination degree of soil pollution was highest in ISB (33.75), followed by ABT (25.30) and ATC (23.57). The assessment of the daily intake of PTMs by children and adults through different pathways revealed ingestion as the significant exposure pathway. Cr was found to be the major element posing non-carcinogenic health risks to children at ATC whereas the non-carcinogenic risks posed by all other PTMs were within the safe limit. Furthermore, lifetime carcinogenic risks for Ni followed by Cr and Cd were greatly exceeded at all locations and As at ATC and ISB for both age groups, but comparatively children were found to be at a higher risk of carcinogenicity. Hence, efficient remediation strategies are needed to reduce the increasing content and health risks of PTMs in the Indus basin.

Thematic maps were prepared for S and micronutrients viz., Zn, Fe, Mn, Cu and B by considering the panchayat village fertility status, fertility rating based on nutrient index values and spatial variability maps prepared based on soil analytical data. Locations of soil samples which was marked on base maps at 1: 50,000 scales prepared from State Revenue Maps and digitized using Arc-info GIS. The total area estimated for the Ramanathapuram district was 411238.2 ha comprising 11 blocks. Considering the critical limits of soil micronutrients, all soil associations were not adequately supplied with DTPA extractable micronutrients at panchayat village level. Thematic maps were generated to show the extent of micronutrients deficiency or sufficiency based on micronutrient status at panchyat village level. The present study revealed that there is wide variation in soil fertility status of soils developed on various land forms in Ramanathapuram district.

The Indus Basin Irrigation Network (IBIN) plays a vital role in the agricultural system of Pakistan, irrigating seventeen million hectares of cultivated areas. Rapid urbanization, industrialization, and agricultural activities along the Indus basin have influenced the soil quality and human health; it is, therefore, critical to know its pollution characteristics. Soil samples from Indus basin, i.e., Abbottabad (ABT), Haripur (HRP), Attock (ATC), and Islamabad (ISB) have been analyzed for the total contents of potentially toxic metal(loid)s (PTMs) in the top layer. The topsoil samples from 0 to 10 cm depth have been further investigated using different pollution indices and human health risk assessment models. The contamination degree of soil pollution was highest in ISB (33.75), followed by ABT (25.30) and ATC (23.57). The assessment of the daily intake of PTMs by children and adults through different pathways revealed ingestion as the significant exposure pathway. Cr was found to be the major element posing non-carcinogenic health risks to children at ATC whereas the non-carcinogenic risks posed by all other PTMs were within the safe limit. Furthermore, lifetime carcinogenic risks for Ni followed by Cr and Cd were greatly exceeded at all locations and As at ATC and ISB for both age groups, but comparatively children were found to be at a higher risk of carcinogenicity. Hence, efficient remediation strategies are needed to reduce the increasing content and health risks of PTMs in the Indus basin.

Soil pH and the availability of essential micronutrients is a deciding factor for vegetable production. Major nutrients i.e. nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, micronutrients are critical elements in enhancing vegetable growth and productivity. The present study focused on the micronutrient status of a vegetable growing area i.e. Shanshahpur village of Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India. Spatial variability maps were prepared from 50 samples collected from individual vegetable intercropping system from farmer’s field for all the micronutrient element i.e. Fe, Mn, Zn & Cu respectively. Most of the soils of the vegetable growing area of Shanshahpur were alkaline (7.99-8.72) in nature and lies within a safe range of electrical conductivity (&lt;0.20 dSm-1). However, a medium range of soil organic carbon (0.50-0.75%) status was observed throughout the area. According to the variability map for micronutrient status there was a medium to high status for available Cu (0.81 mgkg-1) but in contras...

The level of some heavy metals: Lead, Cadmium, Chro mium, Iron, and Zinc (Pb, Cd, Cr, Fe & Zn ) in “ga rri” sold along a busy road was investigated. Station road, w ithin Port Harcourt metropolis, was chosen as sampl ing point. For comparison purpose, garri sample protected from the prevailing environmental conditions was also a nalyzed for the above metals. AAES procedure according to A STM (2000) standard methods was used. Results obtai ned were compared with FAO / WHO (2001) dietary allowan ce for trace metals in foods. Accumulation factor (of each of the metals was calculated by a ratio of the values of the concentration of metals in the test samples and reference values. The garri samples were slightly c ontaminated by Pb (0.13), excessively polluted by C d (26.0) and Cr (93.0) and slightly polluted by Zn(1.31) and Fe (1.65). The presence of the heavy metals in the une xposed garri could be traceable to the soil. The elevated levels of the metals in the exposed garri, could how...

The New Calabar River is an important commercial river in Rivers State. Surface sediment samples were collected from four stations and analyzed for some heavy metals concentrations. The results obtained revealed that the concentrations of the metals were iron (Fe) > zinc (Zn) > nickel (Ni) > chromium (Cr) > copper (Cu) > lead (Pb) > cadmium (Cd) > arsenic (As). Their respective mean values were; Fe, 147.84±90.13; Zn, 5.49±2.01; Ni, 3.50±1.48; Cr, 3.42±1.00; Cu, 2.48±1.11; Pb, 2.42±1.09; Cd, 0.089±0.12 and As, 0.006±0.005 mg/Kg. The results were further evaluated with some model indices (contamination factor, ecological risk and enrichment factor assessments. Sediment contamination factor analysis showed that the sediments were slightly contaminated. Ecological risk assessment revealed that the metals at the present concentrations are not harmful or cannot cause risk to the environment. However, enrichment factor analysis indicated that all the metals had significant anthropogenic enrichment at the various stations except As at Aluu, Choba and Iwofe and Cd at Aluu. Therefore, adequate and continuous monitoring should be put in place to prevent upsurge of anthropogenic heavy metals input into the river.

Water samples were collected from Elelenwo River between the periods of three months (June – August year) and analyzed for heavy metal content. The concentrations of the metal observed within the period showed the order of concentration as; iron (Fe) &gt; zinc (Zn) &gt; silver (Ag) &gt; chromium (Cr) &gt; copper (Cu) &gt; cobalt (Co) &gt; lead (Pb) &gt; cadmium (Cd) &gt; nickel (Ni) &gt; Arsenic (As). The mean concentrations of the examined metals in mg/Kg within the period were Cd (0.251±0.000), Pb (0.428±0.001), Cr (0.139±0.001), Ag (1.428±0.384), Ni (0.184±0.000), Fe (5.910±0.008), As (undetected), Zn (1.324±0.320), Cu (0.781±0.003) and Co (0.672±0.002). All the examined metals were detected in the Elelenwo River except As. The concentrations of the heavy metals were all above the individual standard limits in drinking water stipulated by WHO except Zn, Cu and As. The values obtained for the different metals examined revealed that the concentrations of the metals were as a result...

This module is the eighth in a series of Extension materials designed to provide Extension agents, Certified Crop Advisers (CCAs), consultants, and producers with pertinent information on nutrient management issues. To make the learning ‘active, ’ and

The physico-chemical characteristics, available macro-and micronutrient status in the soil help in determining the soils potential to supply nutrients for crop growth. In order to provide a base line data and information the study was taken up under sugarcane-wheat cropping system of Daurala block Soil (district Meerut). The depth wise soils samples (0-15, 15-30 and 30-45 cm) in sugarcane-wheat cropping system at five different locations was analyzed for pH, EC, organic carbon, macro and micronutrients. The surface and sub surface soil were in neutral to alkaline and none of the soil was found to be saline category. The organic matter content declined with soil depth, varied from 0.12 to 1.06 % at surface and sub surface soil. The available N, P and K 141 to 223, 8.1 to 42.7 and 160 to 343 kg ha-1 at surface and sub surface soil and declined with increasing soil depth. Among the different micronutrients with exception of zinc and Fe, the availability of Cu and Mn micronutrients were in sufficient range. The availability of these micronutrients declined with increase in soil depth.

To meet the requirement of ever population the judicious use of available natural resources with respect to its potential supply of nutrients and elements from soil as vital natural resource is very important. In the current scenario the study of soil fertility status with physico chemical properties has increased markedly because deficiency of major and micronutrient occurs frequently which might be happened due to continuous and intensive multiple cropping with the use of high yielding cultivars which may have higher demand for nutrient also use of fertilizer that have high analysis fertilizer with small amount of macro and micronutrient contamination fertilizers. Less use of animal manures ,crop residues ,compost also use of soils that are inherently low in nutrient reserves and induced natural and anthropogenic factors which are limited to supply the adequate plant nutrient and turns nutrient imbalance. Hence, studies on evaluation of Soil Fertility Status in Hot Semi-Arid Eco-Region of Beed District, Maharastra (India was undertaken to know the need for assessment of fertility status of Beed area. An investigation was carried out for 440 representative soil samples selected from 11 tehsils of Beed district of Maharashtra state in 2019-2020 by using standard methodology for collection of soil sample. Soil samples were tested for physico chemical properties i.e.pH, EC.O.C, ,CaCO3, ,macro nutrients N,P,K,, S,and micro nutrients Zn,Fe,Cu,Mn and B. The analysed values showed pH range up to 7.66 with average values 6.95-8.78 i.e slightly neutral to slightly alkaline ,conductivity with range 0.35 in average of 0.09-0.99 in suitable ranges of germination, organic carbon ranges up to 5.25 having average of 1.0-12.4, calcium carbonate ranges 118.87 while average values 83.2-163.6 indicate existence of calcarious to non calcareous soils. The soils from Beed district were found very low to moderate in zinc and iron with 0.12-2.88 mg kg-1 and 0.05-17.54 mg kg-1 range , respectively. However available DTPA-Extractable copper , manganese and available boron content observed moderate to sufficient in range of 0.26-13.82,0.92-17.25 and 0.08-26.73 mg kg-1 , respectively. Hence it is observed that zinc availability is very low which depend on parent material, organic matter, and the availability of zinc decreased with increase in pH, organic carbon and CaCO3 content From this investigation it is deduced that low medium to high nutrient status was found in different sitess of the Beed district., To maintain fertility of soil, farmers have to tested their soils to obtain good crop yield.

Water samples were collected from Elelenwo River between the periods of three months (June – August year) and analyzed for heavy metal content. The concentrations of the metal observed within the period showed the order of concentration as; iron (Fe) &gt; zinc (Zn) &gt; silver (Ag) &gt; chromium (Cr) &gt; copper (Cu) &gt; cobalt (Co) &gt; lead (Pb) &gt; cadmium (Cd) &gt; nickel (Ni) &gt; Arsenic (As). The mean concentrations of the examined metals in mg/Kg within the period were Cd (0.251±0.000), Pb (0.428±0.001), Cr (0.139±0.001), Ag (1.428±0.384), Ni (0.184±0.000), Fe (5.910±0.008), As (undetected), Zn (1.324±0.320), Cu (0.781±0.003) and Co (0.672±0.002). All the examined metals were detected in the Elelenwo River except As. The concentrations of the heavy metals were all above the individual standard limits in drinking water stipulated by WHO except Zn, Cu and As. The values obtained for the different metals examined revealed that the concentrations of the metals were as a result...