Impact of biomass burning activities on physicochemical properties of nitisol in Southwestern Ethiopia
Journal Title: Journal of Biodiversity and Environmental Sciences (JBES) - Year 2011, Vol 1, Issue 6
Abstract
Burning of biomass for charcoal production and land preparation is common in Ethiopia. However, the analysis of the impacts of these practices on soil physical and chemical properties is seldom examined. Therefore to investigate the impact of biomass burning on selected soil properties, composite and core soil samples were collected at a depth of 0–20cm from cultivated land, a charcoal production site, and farmlands where crop residues are burned for land preparation. The study showed while burning of biomass significantly (P<0.01) decreased bulk density and clay percentage while the sand fraction was increased significantly (P<0.01). However, the differences in silt percentage and water holding capacity were non-significant (P>0.05). Burning also increased pH, electrical conductivity, available phosphorous, CEC (cation exchange capacity), and exchangeable bases significantly (P<0.01) as compared to those in cultivated land. Furthermore, charcoal production significantly (P<0.01) increased organic carbon and total nitrogen, but burning of crop residues for land preparation reduced them significantly (P<0.01). The formation of ash and charred biomass due to burning might improve most soil properties. But this causes environmental pollution and therefore it is useful to study the long term impact of biomass burning on soil properties. Moreover, it is important to consider a biochar strategy in order to mitigate global warming and enhance soil productivity.
Authors and Affiliations
Abebe Nigussie, Endalkachew Kissi
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP37207
- DOI -
- Views 205
- Downloads 0
Potential of mangrove rehabilitation using different silvicultural treatments at Southeastern Coast of Egypt
Mangrove ecosystem has important ecological and socio-economic values in Egypt as it represents the primary natural forest on a country dominated by deserts. Large attentions have been paid for restoration and rehabilita...
Essential Oil Variation within and between Stachys inflata Benth. and Stachys lavandulifolia Vahl. Populations from Iran
Although several species of Stachys possess characteristic essential oils, only a few published studies have described within and between populations of their volatile constituents. The aim of the present study was to ev...
Examining temperature effect on the adsorption and desorption of cadmium from soil surfaces and the best adsorption equation
In recent years, due to their simplicity, being relatively low price and also being reasonable and effective in the removal of heavy metal ions from wastewater, adsorption-based methods are of most interest. The objecti...
Investigation of structural distribution of gold mineralization in “Sefidsang” area (SE-Zahedan, Iran)
Sefidsang area is located 70 km to south east of Zahedan. This area is located in the eastern Iran flysch zone. It has been composed of Ophiolithic rocks and Flysch sediments. Zahedan granitoides of Oligocene age have...
Sugar and anthocyanin characterization of four Iranian pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) varieties using HPLC System
Among all types of fruit, pomegranate has been known as an excellent fruit due to its high valued nutraceutical components; i.e. anthocyanins, phenolic compounds and organic acids. This research aimed to measure anthoc...