Comparative Analysis of Soil Health Indicators Using Correlation and Regression in Maize and Fallow Land Uses
Academic Level at Time of Presentation
Graduate
Major
Agriculture Science
2nd Student Academic Level at Time of Presentation
Faculty/Staff
2nd Student Major
Agricultural science
List all Project Mentors & Advisor(s)
Iin p. Handayani
Presentation Format
Poster Presentation
Abstract/Description
Soil health is one of the essential factors that influence sustainable productivity and is also affected by land use. This study aimed to compare the important physical and chemical properties of the soil under different land uses, namely maize cultivated fields (MF) and fallow grassland fields (FG), in the Murray, Kentucky. Twenty-four soil samples each were collected using both disturbed and undisturbed methods from adjacent cultivated (maize) and fallow grassland fields across Pullen, West, and North farms. Undisturbed samples were used to obtain bulk density and porosity, while disturbed samples were used to obtain soil organic carbon and soil organic matter. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS. Results showed higher SOM (5.22%) and porosity (45.84%) with lower BD (1.44 g/cm³) in the North fallow grassland compared to the cultivated sites (SOM 4.22%, BD 1.58 g/cm³). SWHC (20.80%) and SWFC (27.64%) were also greater in the fallow soils, indicating improved water retention and soil structure. Soil porosity had a strong positive correlation with soil water at field capacity using regression analysis, with an R² value of 0.82 to 0.86. Soil organic matter had a very small correlation with pH using regression analysis, with an R² value of 0.0115. The results indicate that soil pH is governed by complex processes beyond organic matter alone. Fallow grasslands exhibited superior soil properties compared to maize-cultivated fields, highlighting the benefits of reduced disturbance. Incorporating fallow periods can significantly improve soil quality and resilience. Overall, the findings emphasize the role of natural vegetation and conservation practices in promoting sustainable soil management and long-term agricultural productivity.
Keywords: Bulk density, Porosity, Sustainable agriculture, Soil health, Soil organic matter
Spring Scholars Week 2026
Sigma Xi Poster Competition
Comparative Analysis of Soil Health Indicators Using Correlation and Regression in Maize and Fallow Land Uses
Soil health is one of the essential factors that influence sustainable productivity and is also affected by land use. This study aimed to compare the important physical and chemical properties of the soil under different land uses, namely maize cultivated fields (MF) and fallow grassland fields (FG), in the Murray, Kentucky. Twenty-four soil samples each were collected using both disturbed and undisturbed methods from adjacent cultivated (maize) and fallow grassland fields across Pullen, West, and North farms. Undisturbed samples were used to obtain bulk density and porosity, while disturbed samples were used to obtain soil organic carbon and soil organic matter. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS. Results showed higher SOM (5.22%) and porosity (45.84%) with lower BD (1.44 g/cm³) in the North fallow grassland compared to the cultivated sites (SOM 4.22%, BD 1.58 g/cm³). SWHC (20.80%) and SWFC (27.64%) were also greater in the fallow soils, indicating improved water retention and soil structure. Soil porosity had a strong positive correlation with soil water at field capacity using regression analysis, with an R² value of 0.82 to 0.86. Soil organic matter had a very small correlation with pH using regression analysis, with an R² value of 0.0115. The results indicate that soil pH is governed by complex processes beyond organic matter alone. Fallow grasslands exhibited superior soil properties compared to maize-cultivated fields, highlighting the benefits of reduced disturbance. Incorporating fallow periods can significantly improve soil quality and resilience. Overall, the findings emphasize the role of natural vegetation and conservation practices in promoting sustainable soil management and long-term agricultural productivity.
Keywords: Bulk density, Porosity, Sustainable agriculture, Soil health, Soil organic matter