Integrated evaluation of soil quality after the incorporation of organic matter and microorganisms

Abstract

The soil quality was evaluated following the addition of organic matter and microorganisms to a clay loam soil collected in Aranjuez (Madrid) under controlled conditions of temperature and moisture, and over a period of three months. The following treatments were carried out: soil (control); soil + 50 t/ha of animal manure (E50); soil + 50 t/ha of animal manure + 30l/ha of effective microorganisms (E50EM); soil + 30 t/ha of combination of various green crop residues and weeds (RC30) and soil + 30 t/ha of combination of various green crop residues and weeds + 30l/ha of effective microorganisms (RC30EM). The soil samples were taken before and after the incubation and analysed using physical, chemical and microbiological parameters. A significant increase in the production of polysaccharides and alkaline phosphatase and esterase enzymes in the treatments E50EM and RC30EM was observed, being in direct correlation with the humification of the organic matter, with the water retention at field capacity, and with the cationic exchange capacity (CEC). It can be concluded that the incorporation of microorganisms EM potentialized the soil biological activity and improved physicochemical soil properties, contributing to a quick humification of fresh organic matter. Those findings were proved by microbiological activities of exopolysaccharides by alcaline phosphatase and esterase enzymes, which can be used as earlier and integral soil health indicators.

Renewable energy scenario and environmental aspects of soil emission measurements

“…Experimental tests have been conducted through integrated evaluation of soil quality after the incorporation of organic matter and microorganisms [133] this is illustrated in Fig. 10.…”

“…Determination of total microbial activity ðmgCO 2 -CÞ in sample of soil mixed with different types of organic matter, incubated at 251C[133].…”

Soil Biological Activity in Relation to Organic and Bio-fertilizer Application

“…It is considered an important source of nutrients usable by microorganisms for improving the cumulative CO 2 -C released. Whenever, EM solution was used with organic materials, it enhanced the microbial population density and hence, production of CO 2 -C. Valarini et al (2002) who found that the higher percentage increase in cumulative C released when EM was applied to soil (44%) and commercial compost + EM (38%) compared to Kraal manure + EM (21%) and lawn clippings + EM (8%). This gives an indication of the potentials of EM application to stimulate the mineralization of the more recalcitrant C in the stabile organic matter pool of the soil and commercial compost.…”

Determination of soil chemical attributes with terra preta nova experiment

“…ABE soils due their attributes favorable to agricultural use, are, in many cases, used by local communities in family agriculture, but agricultural use of ABE soils is not desirable, since it is Brazil's historical heritage. The knowledge of ABE soils for agriculture, their limitations of use and process of soil formation, promoted the development of Terra Preta Nova experiment, in which aimed to replicate ABE soils using organic residues from sawmills, slaughterhouses, and charcoal (MONTEIRO et al, 2006), promoting greater soil biological activity (LEONCIO et al, 2011), contributing in improvement of soil quality resulting from increased humification of fresh organic matter, increasing the macro and micronutrients contents in soil and availability to plants (VALARINI et al, 2002).…”