Academic Level at Time of Presentation
Graduate
Major
Agriculture
2nd Student Academic Level at Time of Presentation
Graduate
2nd Student Major
Master of Science in Agriculture
List all Project Mentors & Advisor(s)
Dr. Iin P. Handayani
Presentation Format
Poster Presentation
Abstract/Description
Soil health is shaped by its physical and chemical properties which are largely influenced by land use, affecting structure, fertility and water retention. The objective of this study was to determine key soil properties, and to evaluate their interrelationships in cultivated and forested areas of Western Kentucky. For this study, two representatives cultivated and two forested sites were selected with 6 replications each on September, 2025 in Murray, Kentucky. A total of 48 soil samples (24 disturbed and 24 undisturbed) were collected from the 0–7 cm soil layer. Disturbed soil samples were used to measure organic matter (OM) content in soil, while the undisturbed samples were used to measure bulk density (BD) and soil water holding capacity (SWHC). Data were analyzed using a single-factor analysis of variance (ANOVA) at a 5% significance level and regression analysis. Results showed significantly higher OM content (6.99%) and slightly higher SWHC (28.67%) in forested soils than in cropland (4.95% and 24.80% respectively), whereas BD was significantly higher in cropland (1.54 g/cm3) than forest soils (1.39 g/cm3). Regression analysis revealed strong negative correlations between BD and WHC, stronger in forest (R2 =0.78) than in cropland (R2= 0.64). Multiple regression confirmed BD as the dominant controlling factor, while OM was significant only in cropland (β = 4.98, p = 0.026) and not in forest (β = 0.44, p = 0.389). Overall, forest soils showed superior soil properties and stronger interrelationships among properties compared to cultivated soils, reflecting better soil health and hydrological properties in forested soils.
Spring Scholars Week 2026
Sigma Xi Poster Competition
Included in
Evaluation of Soil Properties under Forested and Cropland Areas in Murray, Kentucky
Soil health is shaped by its physical and chemical properties which are largely influenced by land use, affecting structure, fertility and water retention. The objective of this study was to determine key soil properties, and to evaluate their interrelationships in cultivated and forested areas of Western Kentucky. For this study, two representatives cultivated and two forested sites were selected with 6 replications each on September, 2025 in Murray, Kentucky. A total of 48 soil samples (24 disturbed and 24 undisturbed) were collected from the 0–7 cm soil layer. Disturbed soil samples were used to measure organic matter (OM) content in soil, while the undisturbed samples were used to measure bulk density (BD) and soil water holding capacity (SWHC). Data were analyzed using a single-factor analysis of variance (ANOVA) at a 5% significance level and regression analysis. Results showed significantly higher OM content (6.99%) and slightly higher SWHC (28.67%) in forested soils than in cropland (4.95% and 24.80% respectively), whereas BD was significantly higher in cropland (1.54 g/cm3) than forest soils (1.39 g/cm3). Regression analysis revealed strong negative correlations between BD and WHC, stronger in forest (R2 =0.78) than in cropland (R2= 0.64). Multiple regression confirmed BD as the dominant controlling factor, while OM was significant only in cropland (β = 4.98, p = 0.026) and not in forest (β = 0.44, p = 0.389). Overall, forest soils showed superior soil properties and stronger interrelationships among properties compared to cultivated soils, reflecting better soil health and hydrological properties in forested soils.