Academic Level at Time of Presentation
Graduate
Major
Dr. Iin Handayani, PHD
List all Project Mentors & Advisor(s)
Dr. Iin Handayani, PHD
Presentation Format
Poster Presentation
Abstract/Description
The physical and chemical properties of soil are important markers of ecosystem resilience and soil quality. Crop rotation, tillage, and cultivation are examples of land management techniques that impact organic matter content, porosity, and structure of soil. This study aimed to compare selected physical and chemical properties of soils from maize-cultivated (MC) and fallow grassland (FG) fields in Murray, Kentucky. Undisturbed and disturbed soil samples of 24 each were collected from (MC) and (FG) fields across Pullen, West, and North farms. Undisturbed soil samples were used to determine bulk density (BD), porosity, macroporosity, soil water holding capacity (SWHC), and water holding field capacity (SWFC). Disturbed samples were utilized to measure for soil pH, soil organic matter (SOM) & soil organic carbon (SOC). The data were analyzed using Excel and a single-factor analysis of variance (ANOVA) at the p value. The analysis revealed a significant difference in (SOC) between the MC and FG, with a p-value of 0.03, whereas pH, SWFC, SWHC, and microporosity were not significantly different. Results showed higher (SOM)5.22% and porosity44.90% with lower (BD)1.44 g/cm³ in the North FG compared to the cultivated sites (SOM)4.01 %, (BD)1.58 g/cm³. (SWHC)32.98% and (SWFC)27.64% were also greater in the fallow soils, indicating improved water retention. The study showed that fallow grassland soils had better fertility, structure, and water retention than cultivated soils. The findings can assist farmers, showing that maintaining fallow or grass-covered areas enhanced soil health, restored degraded lands, and supported long-term productivity.
Fall Scholars Week 2025
Research Poster Competition and Presentations, Soil/Crop Management (Agriculture) and Sustainability
SOIL HEALTH COMPARISION BETWEEN MAIZE-CULTIVATED AND FALLOW GRASSLAND FIELDS IN MURRAY, KENTUCKY
The physical and chemical properties of soil are important markers of ecosystem resilience and soil quality. Crop rotation, tillage, and cultivation are examples of land management techniques that impact organic matter content, porosity, and structure of soil. This study aimed to compare selected physical and chemical properties of soils from maize-cultivated (MC) and fallow grassland (FG) fields in Murray, Kentucky. Undisturbed and disturbed soil samples of 24 each were collected from (MC) and (FG) fields across Pullen, West, and North farms. Undisturbed soil samples were used to determine bulk density (BD), porosity, macroporosity, soil water holding capacity (SWHC), and water holding field capacity (SWFC). Disturbed samples were utilized to measure for soil pH, soil organic matter (SOM) & soil organic carbon (SOC). The data were analyzed using Excel and a single-factor analysis of variance (ANOVA) at the p value. The analysis revealed a significant difference in (SOC) between the MC and FG, with a p-value of 0.03, whereas pH, SWFC, SWHC, and microporosity were not significantly different. Results showed higher (SOM)5.22% and porosity44.90% with lower (BD)1.44 g/cm³ in the North FG compared to the cultivated sites (SOM)4.01 %, (BD)1.58 g/cm³. (SWHC)32.98% and (SWFC)27.64% were also greater in the fallow soils, indicating improved water retention. The study showed that fallow grassland soils had better fertility, structure, and water retention than cultivated soils. The findings can assist farmers, showing that maintaining fallow or grass-covered areas enhanced soil health, restored degraded lands, and supported long-term productivity.