Academic Level at Time of Presentation
Graduate
Major
Master of Science in Sustainable Agriculture
List all Project Mentors & Advisor(s)
Iin P. Handayani
Presentation Format
Poster Presentation
Abstract/Description
Comparing Soil Quality Changes in Forest and Cropland Systems of Western Kentucky
Abinash Dhungana
Mentor: Dr. Iin P. Handayani, Ph.D.
Hutson School of Agriculture, Murray State University, Kentucky, USA
Abstract
Soil pH, soil organic carbon (SOC), and soil water at field capacity are critical indicators of soil quality, influencing nutrient availability, microbial activity, and water retention. Cropping practices play a crucial role in modifying these properties and determining overall soil functionality and its long-term sustainability. This study was conducted in 2025 in Calloway County, Western Kentucky, to investigate the effects of forest and cropland systems on these soil properties. Four sites, comprising two cropland and two forested areas were selected with six replications per site. Soil samples were collected at a depth of 7 cm and analyzed using standard laboratory procedures. Data were processed in Microsoft Excel and analyzed using a single-factor ANOVA at a 5% significance level. Results indicated that soil pH did not differ significantly between land use systems, however, forest soil showed slightly higher values. In contrast, SOC was significantly greater in forest soil (4.06%) compared to cropland soil (2.87%). Similarly, soil water at field capacity was significantly higher under forest systems, reflecting enhanced moisture retention associated with greater organic matter content. Overall, the results demonstrate that cropland fields had the lowest soil carbon storage and water retention capacity, highlighting the importance of forest or wood ecosystems to improve soil C sequestration and the ability of soil to hold water. This research provides better knowledge of how various land uses in western KY affected soil properties.
Keywords: Cropland, Soil acidity, Soil organic carbon, Soil quality, Soil water retention capacity,
Spring Scholars Week 2026
Sigma Xi Poster Competition
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Comparing Soil Quality Changes in Forest and Cropland Systems of Western Kentucky
Comparing Soil Quality Changes in Forest and Cropland Systems of Western Kentucky
Abinash Dhungana
Mentor: Dr. Iin P. Handayani, Ph.D.
Hutson School of Agriculture, Murray State University, Kentucky, USA
Abstract
Soil pH, soil organic carbon (SOC), and soil water at field capacity are critical indicators of soil quality, influencing nutrient availability, microbial activity, and water retention. Cropping practices play a crucial role in modifying these properties and determining overall soil functionality and its long-term sustainability. This study was conducted in 2025 in Calloway County, Western Kentucky, to investigate the effects of forest and cropland systems on these soil properties. Four sites, comprising two cropland and two forested areas were selected with six replications per site. Soil samples were collected at a depth of 7 cm and analyzed using standard laboratory procedures. Data were processed in Microsoft Excel and analyzed using a single-factor ANOVA at a 5% significance level. Results indicated that soil pH did not differ significantly between land use systems, however, forest soil showed slightly higher values. In contrast, SOC was significantly greater in forest soil (4.06%) compared to cropland soil (2.87%). Similarly, soil water at field capacity was significantly higher under forest systems, reflecting enhanced moisture retention associated with greater organic matter content. Overall, the results demonstrate that cropland fields had the lowest soil carbon storage and water retention capacity, highlighting the importance of forest or wood ecosystems to improve soil C sequestration and the ability of soil to hold water. This research provides better knowledge of how various land uses in western KY affected soil properties.
Keywords: Cropland, Soil acidity, Soil organic carbon, Soil quality, Soil water retention capacity,