Effect of Land–Use Changes on Nitrogen Distribution in Soil Profile in Northeast Thailand

Authors

  • Benjapon Kunlanit Department of Agricultural Technology, Faculty of Technology, Mahasarakham University, Maha Sarakham 44150, Thailand, Soil Organic Matter Management Research Group, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand
  • Laksanara Khwanchum School of Engineering and Technology, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat 80160, Thailand
  • Darika Bunphan Department of Agricultural Technology, Faculty of Technology, Mahasarakham University, Maha Sarakham 44150, Thailand
  • Patma Vityakon Soil Organic Matter Management Research Group, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand, Department of Soil Science and Environment, Faculty of Agriculture, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand

Keywords:

Land–use changes, Nitrogen distribution, Soil profile, Northeast Thailand

Abstract

Nitrogen (N) is an important element for crop production. Conversion from forest to agricultural lands can affect soil total N (TN) status in soil. The objective of this study was to investigate amounts of TN in the soil profile as influenced by changes in land use. Soil samples were collected from five soil depths, i.e. 0–20, 20–40, 40–60, 60–80, and 80–100 cm in four adjacent land uses, including forest, cassava, sugarcane and paddy lands located in six locations of Maha Sarakham Province in northeast Thailand. The air–dried soil samples were analyzed for TN using the micro Kjeldahl method. The results showed that TN stocks in topsoil (0–20 cm) in all land uses from six locations were lower than in subsoil (20–100 cm). Total N stock in the whole soil profile (0–100 cm) was highest in Kantharawichai district, but it was lowest in Muang district. Conversion from forest to agricultural lands without appropriate management led to low amounts of TN in agricultural land uses, and the reductions in TN ranged from 5 to 23% compared to the original forest land. However, the same agricultural land use with different management practices led to different amounts of TN stored in soil profiles.

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Published

2020-12-24

How to Cite

Kunlanit, B. ., Khwanchum, L. ., Bunphan, D. ., & Vityakon, P. . (2020). Effect of Land–Use Changes on Nitrogen Distribution in Soil Profile in Northeast Thailand. Science & Technology Asia, 25(4), 150–162. Retrieved from https://ph02.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/SciTechAsia/article/view/202195

Issue

Vol.25 No.4 (October - December 2020)

Section

Biological sciences