Assessment of Two Soil Fertility Indexes to Evaluate Paddy Fields for Rice Cultivation

Abstract

Abstract:Assessing soil fertility is essential to help identify strategies with less environmental impact in order to achieve more sustainable agricultural systems. The main objective of this research was to assess two soil fertility evaluation approaches in paddy fields for rice cultivation, in order to develop a user-friendly and credible soil fertility index (SFI). The Square-Root method was used as a parametric approach, while the Joint Fuzzy Membership functions as a fuzzy method with adapted criteria definition tables, were used to compute SFI. Results indicated that both of the methods determined the major soil limiting factors for rice cultivation clearly, and soil fertility maps established using GIS (Geographic Information System) could be helpful for decision makers. The coefficients of determination (R2) for the linear regression between the two SFI values and rice yields were relatively high (0.63 and 0.61, respectively). Additionally, the two SFI were significantly correlated to each other (r = 0.68, p < 0.05). The study results demonstrated that both of the methods provide reliable and valuable information. Compared to the fuzzy method, the procedure of the parametric method is easier but may be expensive and time-consuming. However, the fuzzy method, with carefully chosen indicators, can adequately evaluate soil fertility and provide useful information for decision making.

Nodule-forming Sinorhizobium and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) improve the growth of Acacia farnesiana (Fabaceae): an alternative for the reforestation of the Cerro de la Estrella, Mexico

“…To explain the lack of specific rhizobia of A. farnesiana in the CE soil, the physicochemical characteristics of the soil were determined and only the macronutrients that estimate the degree of fertility of a soil were evaluated. It has been reported that the values of nitrogen, phosphorus and electrical conductivity are indicators of the fertility of a soil (Aprile & Lorandi 2012, Delsouz-Khaki et al 2017. Considering the values of the macronutrients, the CE soil was classified as a soil of low fertility because of its low amount of nitrogen and phosphate, and its low value of electrical conductivity.…”

Land Suitability Assessment for Cassava var. Jarak Towo, Using Determinant Factors as the Strategy Fundament in Hilly Area Jatiyoso-Indonesia

“…The low Organic-C at 400-800 masl is due to the lower altitude compared to an altitude of 1000-1400 masl [26]. High organic matter content not only provides nitrogen requirements for plants but also increases the water retention capacity of the soil and creates a favorable physical, chemical, and biological environment [27]. Soil organic matter has a very influential effect on the activity and diversity of microorganisms [28][29][30] involved in the degradation process of soil pollutants [31].…”

The Assessment of Soil Fertility Index for Evaluation of Rice Production in Karanganyar Regency

“…Assessment of Soil Fertility Index can help identify areas of problem or need appropriate special management (Bagherzadeh et al, 2018). Soil Fertility Assessment can provide information to estimate specific indicators of soil fertility to obtain the value of the soil fertility index that can be used to make a recommendation of soil fertility Management (Andrews, 2004;Khaki et al, 2017). In the soil fertility evaluation system, the weight determination of each index is a key factor that affects the accuracy of Evaluation (Plant, 2001;Mc Bratney et al, 2014;Chen et al, 2020).…”