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Increase in cost of chemical fertilizers encourages the use of soil amendments such as biochar and zeolites to improve soil fertility. In this study, biochar produced from empty fruit bunch-palm oil mill effluent (EFB-POME) and clinoptilolite zeolite were used as soil amendments to improve soil fertility. The field experiment was carried out for two planting cycles to determine the effects of different rates of EFB POME biochar (0, 10, and 20 t ha -1 ), clinoptilolite zeolite (0, 1.25, and 2.5 t ha -1 ), and urea (60 and 120 kg ha -1 ) on selected soil chemical properties of Tanjung Lipat ( Typic Paleudults ). Biochar produced from EFB-POME increase soil total N, P, K, Ca, and Mg. The higher soil total N, P, K, Ca, and Mg could be related to the increase in soil pH, cation exchange capacity, and total organic carbon in soil with EFB-POME biochar but not with clinoptilolite zeolite. Thus, EFB-POME biochar was more suitable to be used in a tropical soil ( Typic Paleudults ) compared to clinoptilolite zeolite for improving the selected soil pH, CEC, TOC and available P, K, Ca and Mg.

Using value-added products such as compost in farming systems could enable optimization of nitrogen (N) fertilizers whose world-wide demand is on the increase. The objectives of this study were to: (i) produce compost through co-composting rice husk (RH) with chicken dung slurry (CDS), chicken feed, and molasses, (ii) determine the effects of optimum rate of urea and RH compost on minimizing ammonia (NH3) volatilization, and (iii) determine total N, exchangeable ammonium (NH4+), and available nitrate (NO3−) retained in soil following co-application of urea and RH compost. Compost was produced for 60 days by mixing RH, CDS, chicken feed, and molasses at a ratio of 20:1:1:1. The color of RH compost was dark brown and had significant amounts of major nutrients such as N (1.15%), phosphorus (3101 mg kg−1), potassium (2038 mg kg−1), calcium (863 mg kg−1), magnesium (276 mg kg−1), organic matter (OM) (60.67%), organic carbon (35.17%), and humic acids (5.87%). The C/N ratio of the RH compost was 30. The electrical conductivity and pH of the RH compost were 2.79 µS cm−1 and 6.55, respectively, and they were not phytotoxic because paddy seeds were successfully germinated in all of the RH compost extractants. The high cation exchange capacity (CEC) of the RH compost (100.67 cmolc kg−1) at the end of composting was one of the determinant factors that controlled NH3 loss from urea. The effectiveness of the RH compost in minimizing urea-N loss was determined using a close-dynamic air flow system. The RH compost significantly minimized NH3 volatilization because of the high affinity of the RH compost for NH4+. An attestation of this reaction was that the high negative charges due to high CEC and OM of the RH compost temporarily protected NH4+ from being transformed into NH3 gas. Further evidence is the higher soil total N and exchangeable NH4+ for the treatments with RH compost than with urea alone. High quality compost can be produced from RH to reduce urea-N from being lost from urea. For the optimum rate, co-application of 60 g RH compost and 2.9 g urea per trough is recommended to mitigate NH3 volatilization instead of the existing practice (7.3 g urea alone per trough).

High nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) is important for improving crop yield. There are many nitrogen (N) fractions in soil and their uptake by crops varies. Most of the N that is taken up by plants is not native to the soil but usually from fertilizer added to the soil. However, the unbalanced use of fertilizers is currently an important issue that needs to be addressed. The objectives of this work were to determine the effects of using the recommended chemical fertilizers together with inorganic and organic amendments on (i) soil organic and inorganic N fractions, (ii) N uptake and use efficiency, and (iii) maize (Zea mays L.) dry matter production and ear yield. A randomized complete block design field trial, using maize as a test crop, was done with seven fertilizer treatments, each replicated thrice for two crop cycles. The treatments included different combinations of urea N, clinoptilolite zeolite (CZ), rice straw compost, and paddy husk compost. The variables of the study were soil N fractions, ear yield, and N use efficiency. Generally, the combined use of the recommended chemical fertilizers with CZ and organic amendments resulted in significantly higher soil N fractions, N use efficiency, and ear yield of maize for both crops. The two treatments with a 50% reduction in recommended chemical fertilizers, CZ, and rice straw compost or paddy husk compost (treatments four and six) are recommended instead of the 100% recommended chemical fertilizer treatment (treatment one). The organic materials used for these two treatments are abundantly available and will reduce the economic and environmental costs of applying large quantities of chemical fertilizers alone.

Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR), which include isolates from genera Paraburkholderia, Burkholderia and Serratia, have received attention due to their numerous plant growth-promoting mechanisms such as their ability to solubilize insoluble phosphates and nitrogen-fixation. However, there is a dearth of information on the potential plant growth-promoting effects of these three groups of bacteria on non-legumes such as maize. This study determined the influences of the aforementioned strains on soil properties, maize growth, nutrient uptake and nutrient use efficiency. A pot trial using maize as a test crop was done using a randomized complete block design with 7 treatments each replicated 7 times. The treatments used in this study were: Control (no fertilizer), chemical fertilizer (CF), organic-chemical fertilizers combination without inoculum (OCF) and with inocula consisting of single strains [cellulolytic bacteria (TC), organic fertilizer and chemical fertilizer with N-fixing bacteria (TN), organic fertilizer and chemical fertilizer with P-solubilizing bacteria (TP)) and three-strain inocula (TCNP), respectively. The variables measured included plant growth and nutrient content, soil nutrient content and functional rhizospheric bacterial populations. Paraburkholderia nodosa NB1 and Burkholderia cepacia PB3 showed comparable effects on maize biomass and also improved N and P use efficiencies when compared to full chemical fertilization. Nitrogen-fixing rhizobacteria had a positive effect on above-ground biomass of maize. Paraburkholderia nodosa NB1 improved soil total C and organic matter contents, besides being the only bacterial treatment that improved K use efficiency compared to OCF. The results suggest that P. nodosa NB1 and B. cepacia PB3 have potential usage in bio-fertilizers. In contrast, treatments with Serratia nematodiphila C46d and consortium strains showed poorer maize nutrient uptake and use efficiency than the other single strain treatments. Bacterial treatments generally showed comparable or higher overall N and P use efficiencies than full chemical fertilization. These findings suggest that at least half the amounts of N and P fertilizers could be reduced through the use of combined fertilization together with beneficial bacteria.

Soil acidity compromises agricultural output in tropical acid soils. Highly weathered tropical acidic soils are characterized by low pH, organic matter, nutrient availability, but high aluminium and iron concentration. Hence, N availability becomes a limiting factor in such soils. To this end, these leaching and pH buffering capacity studies were conducted to determine the effects of co-application of charcoal and sago bark ash on the N leaching or retention and pH buffering capacity of acid soils. The soil leaching experiment was conducted for 30 days by spraying distilled water to each container with soil such that the leachates were collected for analysis. The rate of urea used was fixed at 100% of the recommended rate. The rates of charcoal and sago bark ash were varied by 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%, respectively, of the recommended rates. The pH buffering capacity was calculated as the negative reciprocal of the slope of the linear regression. The leaching study revealed that the combined use of charcoal, sago bark ash, and urea does not only reduce leaching of NH4+ and NO3− but the approach also improves soil pH, total C, and soil exchangeable NH4+. This effect is related to the fact that the sago bark ash deprotonates the functional groups of charcoal because of its neutralizing components such as Ca, Mg, Na, and K ions. As a result, the combined use of charcoal and sago bark ash was able to retain NH4+ in the soil. The carbonates in the sago bark ash and functional groups of charcoal improve pH buffering capacity. Thus, the combined use of charcoal and sago bark ash improved soil exchangeable NH4+, soil pH, and soil total C, but reduced exchangeable acidity and amount of NH4+ leached out from soil. This study will be further evaluated in a pot trial to confirm the results of the present findings.

Blending fertilizer with biochar followed by densification to make it into a tablet can enhance the adsorption of fertilizer on the biochar surface and reduce the nutrient loss during handling. However, the nutrient release and ammonia volatilization from biochar-blended fertilizer with and without densification are not well understood. The objectives of this study were to determine the nutrient release and ammonia volatilization from an acid soil applied with biochar-blended NPK fertilizer with and without densification. The nutrient release of biochar-blended NPK was determined using water incubation for 30 days, whereas daily loss of ammonia was measured using a closed dynamic air flow system for 10 days. The densified biochar-blended NPK caused stronger physical binding of the nutrients within the tablet in addition to stronger chemical bondings between the nutrients with the biochar’s functional groups. As a result, nutrient release in the water incubation from the biochar-blended NPK fertilizer tablet was slower. However, blending the biochar with the NPK fertilizer increased soil ammonia volatilization relative to the NPK fertilizer alone. This demonstrates that the biochar-blended fertilizer tablet has the potential to serve as a slow release fertilizer for crop cultivation.

The highly weathered, acidic tropical soils are generally less fertile because of their low pH, high exchangeable acidity, and Al, Fe, and Mn saturations. Using soil amendments to solve the aforementioned problems is essential. To this end, Calciprill and sodium silicate are worth considering because of their high neutralizing value and dissolution to suppress exchangeable acidity and Al, Fe, and Mn hydrolysis, while at the same time increasing soil pH to improve the availability of inorganic N, available P, exchangeable base cations, and Effective Cation Exchange Capacity (ECEC). An incubation study was conducted to determine the right combination of Calciprill and sodium silicate to reduce exchangeable acidity and Al and Fe hydrolysis to improve inorganic N, available P, exchangeable base cations availability, and ECEC. Bekenu series (Typic Paleudults) was incubated with a combined use of Calciprill at 80%, 90%, and 100% Ca saturations and sodium silicate at 90, 105, 120, 135, and 150 kg ha−1 for 40, 80, and 120 days, respectively. The laboratory incubation study was carried out using a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with triplicates to determine the aforementioned treatment effects of the combined use of Calciprill and sodium silicate on soil pH, exchangeable, Al, inorganic N, available P, electrical conductivity, exchangeable cations (K, Ca, Mg, Na, Fe, and Mn), and ECEC using standard procedures. Soils with both amendments significantly increased soil inorganic N, available P, electrical conductivity, exchangeable base cations (K, Ca, Mg, and Na), and ECEC. This was because the amendments increased soil pH by suppressing exchangeable acidity. Moreover, they transformed Al, Fe, and Mn ions into insoluble compounds such as Al and Fe hydroxides and Mn oxides because of their high inherent exchangeable cations, especially Ca and Na. This suggests that the combined use of Calciprill and sodium silicate can enhance soil productivity. The most suitable combination is 7.80 g Calciprill and 9.26 g sodium silicate (C3S5) per one kilogram soil. Additionally, the findings provide fundamental information for future greenhouse and field trials to determine the effects of the suitable combination of the amendments uncovered by this present study on soil health and crop productivity.

Nutrients are essential for normal physiological processes in plants, and they play important roles in defence mechanisms against pathogens. Oil palms cultivated on peat are more prone to nutrient deficiency, especially micronutrients, and this may affect their susceptibility to Ganoderma species, the major threat to the sustainability of oil palm throughout South-East Asia. This study was conducted to investigate the association of copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) in mature oil palm to the spatial distribution of Ganoderma species in the plantations on peat. Foliar samples (frond 17) of oil palm from two plantations (Betong and Miri) on peat in Sarawak, Malaysia, were collected based on the spatial distribution pattern of Ganoderma, and total Cu and Zn were quantified spectrometrically. The experiment was conducted twice at a 1-year interval. The concentrations of Cu and Zn were significantly lower in oil palms from infected areas in contrast to those from uninfected areas. In addition, oil palms in infected areas in Miri suffered Cu and Zn deficiencies. Furthermore, Cu and Zn were significantly lower in the oil palms in Miri that had higher Ganoderma occurrence, as compared to those in Betong, which had significantly higher Cu and Zn but lower Ganoderma occurrence.

Tropical soils such as Ultisols fix phosphorus (P) because of their characteristically high contents of aluminium and iron. Organic amendments could be used to mitigate P fixation. This study aimed to: i) improve soil P availability, nutrients uptake, and yield of Zea mays L. using biochar and pineapple leaf residues compost; and ii) determine if the use of biochar and pineapple leaf residues compost could exert a residual effect on P. Two cycles of field trials were carried out and the test crop used was Zea mays L. hybrid F1. At harvest, the plants were harvested, partitioned into leaves and stems, and analysed. Soil samples were also collected and analysed. The results suggest that the soil total P, available P, inorganic P, and organic P recovered from the treatments with the organic amendments were higher compared with the nonorganic amendments. The availability of soil macro-nutrients in the soils and Zea mays L. yield were higher in the treatments with the organic amendments in the first and second field trials. Amending chemical fertilisers with organic amendments have a larger residual effect than chemical fertilisers only and can be used to ameliorate P fixation of acid soils to improve maize production on acid soils.

Problem statement: The isolation of Humic Acids (HA) from coal is labo rious, costly and time consuming. The extraction and fractionation pe riods of HA vary from 4 h to 7 days. Fractionation period ranges from 12-24 h. However, most studies u se 24 h as extraction period and also 24 h as fractionation period. This study was conducted to i nvestigate whether the isolation period for HA of coals could be reduced. Approach: Different extraction periods using 0.1 M NaOH (4, 8, 12, 16, 20 and 24 h) were tested. Samples were centrifuged (16 ,211 G for 15 min) at the end of each extraction period. The dark-colored supernatant liquor contain ing HA was decanted and the pH of solution was adjusted to 1.0 using 6 M HCl. After acidification, the fractionation periods evaluated were 4, 8, 12, 16, 20 and 24 h. The samples were transferred to a polyethylene bottle and centrifuged (16, 211 G for 10 min) after each fractionation period. The HA pur ification was done by suspending them in 50 mL distilled water and centrifuged (16,211 G for 1 0 min). HA samples were dried in an oven at 40°C to a constant weight. Standard procedures were used to characterized the HA (total carbon, E 4/E 6, phenolic OH, carboxylic COOH and total acidity). Results: There was significant effect of both extraction and fractionation periods on the isolati on of HA from coal. The optimum period for Na ions to saturate the exchange complex of HA during the e xtraction process was 8 h while the optimum period for the exchanges sites of the HA to be satu rated with H ions during the fractionation process was 20 h. The distilled water used in this study wa s able to purify HA within 1 h because it served as Bronsted-Lowry acid. Additionally, carbon, E 4/E 6, phenolic OH, carboxylic COOH and total acidity of the HA were typical of those reported in the litera ture, suggesting that that the isolation process of the HA was successful. Conclusion: The isolation period of HA from coal can be reduce d to 29 h (8 h extraction, 20 h fractionation period and 1 h purif ication period) instead of the existing range of 2- 7 days.

Problem statement: Exchangeable ammonium (NH4+) could be recovered by humic and fulvic acids from humic substances. The ability of these acids in fixing or retaining NH4+ has been demonstrated in many findings and reports. Both acids could affect the plant growth, nutrients uptake by enhancing photosynthesis rate and root growth among others. Thus, in this study, the effect of both acids (in liquid form) on soil exchangeable NH4+, dry matter production and available nitrate (NO3-) was investigated. Approach: Humic molecules were isolated using standard procedures, followed by liquid organic N fertilizers formulation. Organic based N fertilizers were applied to soil in pots at 10 Days After Planting (DAP) and 28 DAP. Treated soils and plant parts were sampled at 54 DAP or at tasselling stage. Soil samples were analyzed for pH, ammonium and nitrate content. The plant samples were weighed to assess dry matter production. Results: Under acid condition, organic based liquid N fertilizers (fulvic acid or both, humic and fulvic acids) increased accumulation of NH4+in soil. The presence of carboxylic groups in humic molecules increased NH4+ retention with increasing soil's stock labile carbon. However, low percentage of these acids reduced their full effect on dry matter production. The availability of nitrate was not statistically different for all treatments. Low soil pH could had reduced nitrification processes and simultaneously soil NO3- content. Conclusion: Liquid form of humic and/or fulvic acids could play an important role in enhancing urea efficiency. However, their contribution needs to be studied in detail in relation to humic molecules characteristics. This study had a potential in the development of liquid and foliar organic fertilizers.

Problem Statement: Ammonia loss significantly reduces urea-N use efficiency in crop production. Efforts to reduce ammonia loss are laboratory oriented, as such limited in reflecting actual field conditions. This paper reports the effects of urea amended with triple superphosphate (TSP) and zeolite (Clinoptilolite) on soil pH, soil nitrate, soil exchangeable ammonium, dry matter production, N uptake, fresh cob production and urea-N uptake efficiency in maize (Zea mays) cultivation on an acid soil in actual field conditions. Approach: The treatments evaluated were: (i) Normal N, P, K application (74.34 g urea, 27.36 g TSP, 24.12 g KCl) (T1), (ii) Urea-TSP mixture (74.34 g urea+27.36 g TSP)+24.12 g KCl (T2), (iii) 74.34 g urea+27.36 g TSP+9.0 g zeolite (T3), (iv) 74.34 g urea+27.36 g TSP+13.5 g zeolite (T4) and (v) No fertilization (T5). Note, the same amount of 24.12 g KCl was used in T3 and T4 plots. Standard procedures were used to determine the selected chemical properties of zeolite, soil, TSP and urea. The pH of the urea, zeolite, soil and TSP were determined in a 1:2.5 soil: distilled water suspension and/or 0.01 N CaCl2 using a glass electrode. The CEC of the zeolite was determined by the CsCl method. Soil CEC was determined by leaching with 1 N ammonium acetate buffer adjusted to pH 7.0 followed by steam distillation. Soil samples at harvest were analyzed for pH using the method previously outlined. Exchangeable ammonium and nitrate at harvest were extracted from the soil samples by the method of Keeney and Nelson and the amount determined using a LACHAT Autoanalyzer. Total N of the plant tissues (stem and leaf) was determined by the Micro-Kjeldhal method. Results: Urea amended with TSP and zeolite treatments and Urea only (urea without additives) did not have long term effect on soil pH and accumulation of soil exchangeable ammonium and nitrate. Treatments with higher amounts of TSP and zeolite significantly increased the dry matter (stem and leaf) production of Swan (test crop). All the treatments had no significant effect on urea-N concentration in the leaf and stem of the test crop. In terms of urea-N uptake in the leaf and stem tissues of Swan, only the treatment with the highest amount of TSP and zeolite significantly increased urea-N uptake in the leaf of the test crop. Irrespective of treatment, fresh cob production was statistically not different. However, all the treatments with additives improved Urea-N uptake efficiency compared to urea without additives or amendment. Conclusion: Urea amended with TSP and zeolite has a potential of reducing ammonia loss from surface-applied urea.

Problem Statement: Tropical rainforests cover about 19.37 million ha (60%) of Malaysia's total area and about 8.71 million ha can be found in Sarawak, Malaysia. Excessive logging, mining and shifting cultivation contribute to deforestation in Sarawak. The objectives of this study were to: (i) Quantify soil Organic Matter (SOM), Soil Organic Carbon (SOC) and Humic Acids (HA) in rehabilitated and secondary forest soils and (ii) Compare SOM, SOC and HA sequestrations of both forests. Approach: Soil samples were collected from a 16 year old rehabilitated forest and a secondary forest at Universiti Putra Malaysia, Bintulu Campus. Fifteen samples were taken at random with a soil auger at 0-20 cm and 20-40 cm depths. The bulk densities at these depths were determined by the coring method. The bulk density method was used to quantify the total C (TC), Total Organic Carbon (TOC), Organic Matter (OM), Humic Acids (HA) and total N at the stated sampling depths. Results: Regardless of forest soil type and depth, the amount of SOM of the two forests was similar. Except for 20-40 cm of the secondary forest soil whereby the quantity of total C sequestered was significantly lower than that of the rehabilitated forest soil, C sequestration was similar irrespective of forest type and depth. Nevertheless, stable C (organic carbon) sequestered in HA was generally higher in the rehabilitated forest soil compared with the secondary forest soil. This was attributed to higher yield of HA in the rehabilitated forest soil partly due to better humification at 20-40 cm in the rehabilitated forest soil. Conclusion: Hence, the findings suggest that organic C in HA realistically reflects C sequestration in the soils of the two forests investigated.

Problem statement: Application of urea as a source of nitrogen fertilizer has an adverse effect on ammoniacal loss to the environment. This study was conducted to reduce ammonia loss from urea by mixing with Humic Acids (HA) isolated from Saprists peat. Approach: The effects of urea amended with four different amounts of humic acids, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75 and 1.00 g were evaluated in laboratory conditions using a closed dynamic air flow system. The mineral soil that was used as medium for the study was Bekenu series (typic paleudults). Amnonia loss, soil pH, exchangeable ammonium, available nitrate, exchangeable K, Ca, Mg and Na were determined using standard procedures. Results: All the treatments with HA significantly reduced ammoinia loss compared to urea alone. Increasing the amount of HA also significantly retained soil exchangeable ammonium and available nitrate. Treatments with HA had no significant effect on the concentrations of Mg, K and Ca, except for Na. The effect of HA in the mixtures on ammonia loss was related to their effect on the formation of ammonium over ammonia. Conclusion: Surface-applied urea fertilizer efficiency could be increased when coated with 1.00 g of HA.

Problem statement: Ammonia volatilization is a major pathway for nitrogen loss from surface applied urea. While all top-dressed ammonia and ammonium based N fertilizers can volatilize, the potential loss is greatest with urea and fluids containing urea. As much as 20-50% of N applied to soils is lost through volatilization alone. Thus, the objective of this laboratory study was to reduce ammonia loss from urea via mixing with humic and fulvic acids isolated from coal. Approach: This study compared four different types of treatments which were urea without additives (T1), urea with humic acid-powdered form (T2), urea with fulvic acid-liquid form (T3) and urea with humic and fulvic acids-liquid form (T4). Comparisons were made based on ammonia loss, soil NH4 and NO3- contents as well as exchangeable cations in the treated soils. Soil samples from typic paleudults (Bekenu series) were used. Humic substances were isolated using standard procedures. Daily ammonia loss from soil was measured using a modified closed-dynamic air flow system method. Results: All of the treatments with humic substances significantly reduced ammonia loss ranging between 13 and 25% compared to urea alone. The treatment with both humic and fulvic acids (T4) showed pronounced ammonia loss reduction. All treatments with humic substances significantly increased NH4+ and NO3- content in soil samples compared to urea alone except for treatment having humic acid alone (T2). Treatments with fulvic acid (T3 and T4) also showed significant increase in exchangeable K+ and Na+ compared to urea alone. The increase in the formation of NH4+ over NH3, soil exchangeable cations and temporary reduction of soil pH may had retarded urea hydrolysis in the immediate vicinity of the fertilizer. Conclusion: Surface applied urea fertilizer efficiency could be increased if applied together with humic and fulvic acids.

Problem statement: Ammonia volatilization from surface-applied urea may be substantial but it is possible to control it by mixing urea with acidic substances such as Humic Acids (HA) and Fulvic Acids (FA). The objective of this study was to compare the effects of urea-HA, urea-FA, urea-acidified (HA+FA) mixtures on ammonia loss, soil pH, soil exchangeable ammonium and available nitrate accumulation compared to urea alone. Approach: The effects of urea amended with or without HA and FA were evaluated in a laboratory condition using a closed-dynamic air flow system. Ammonia loss, soil pH, soil exchangeable ammonium and available nitrate were determined using standard procedures. Results: Humic acid alone was not effective in controlling ammonia volatilization even though ammonium retention was found to be significantly higher compared to urea alone. Fulvic acid significantly reduced ammonia volatilization by 50% compared to urea alone. It also caused the highest retention of soil exchangeable ammonium and available nitrate. However, there was no ammonia volatilization with acidified HA and FA. Ammonium and nitrate accumulation for FA was better than acidified HA and FA. Ammonia loss could be reduced by improving ammonium retention. It must be stressed that results obtained in the incubation experiment using an acidic (pHwater 6.32) soil of Typic Paleudults (Bekenu series) may only be applicable to similar acid soils. Conclusion: Urea amended with HA or HA and FA significantly reduced ammonia loss. The outcome of this study might be contributed to the improvement of urea N use efficiency as well as reducing environmental pollution.

Problem statement: Fertilizer N use efficiency is reduced by ammonia volatilization. Under low soil CEC and high pH, N from soil solution is released to the atmosphere. Ammonia loss due to low worldwide N use efficiency (33%) has been implicated in global warming. Thus, the objectives of this laboratory study were to evaluate the effectiveness of liquid humic and fulvic acids, isolated from tropical peat soils in reducing N loss from urea fertilizer as well as to investigate the ability of these acids to retain NH4 + and NO3 ¯ or reduce soil pH. Approach: Formulated liquid N fertilizers consisting of urea and different types of humic molecules (HA or FA or mixture of both), solid and liquid urea were surface applied to 250 g of soil. A closed dynamic air flow system was used to trap NH3 loss in boric acid after which samples were titrated with 0.01 M HCl to estimate NH3 loss. After 30 days of incubation, the soil was air dried and analysed for pH, exchangeable NH4 + , available NO3 ¯ and exchangeable cations. The results were analysed using SAS and treatments means were compared using Duncan's New Multiple Range Test (DNMRT). Results: The use of humic molecules reduced NH3 loss and increased exchangeable NH4 + . The high CEC of Humic Acids (HA) made the LHA treatment the best in reducing N loss after surface application. The presence of HA and Fulvic Acids (FA) increased NH4 + recovery. Even though, the soil pH of all the treatments were high, significant reduction of N loss was observed for humic molecules treatments. Conclusion: The use of liquid organic N fertilizer has the ability to reduce NH3 volatilization in acid soil. The use of both humic and fulvic acids could be effective in promoting NH4 + retention. Thus, it can be concluding that, humic substances, in general, have great ability in controlling NH3 loss and retaining NH4 + in acid

This study was conducted to investigate whether a simple and rapid method could be developed for extracting, fractionating and purifying soil HA in forest rehabilitation programmes. Humic acids from 10 g of soil were extracted with 100 mL of 0.10 M NaOH. Different extraction periods (4, 8, 12, 16, 20 and 24 h) were tested. Samples were centrifuged (16,211 G for 15 min) at the end of each extraction period. The dark-coloured supernatant liquor containing HA was decanted and the pH of the solution adjusted to 1.0 using 6 M HCl. After acidification, the fractionation periods evaluated were 4, 8, 12, 16, 20 and 24 h. After each fractionation period, the sample was transferred to a polyethylene bottle and centrifuged (16,211 G for 10 min). The HA were purified by suspending them in 100 mL distilled water, centrifuged (16,211 G for 10 min). After repeating this procedure three times, the supernatant was analyzed for Na, Mg and K. Standard procedures were used to characterize the HA (C, E4/E6, phenolic OH, carboxylic COOH, total acidity) and soil (pH, C, organic matter). Although there was significant effect of different extraction periods on yield of HA, there was no significant relationship between fractionation period and yield of HA. There was also no significant relationship between fractionation periods and yield of HA for different extraction periods studied. In terms of purification, the distilled water used in this study was able to effectively purify HA (e.g., reduction in mineral matter such as Na+) of the soil without altering the true nature of HA as C, E4/E6, phenolic OH, carboxylic COOH, total acidity values of the acids were consistent with those reported in the literature. The significance of this work is that it enables the isolation of HA from soil within 9 h (4 h extraction period, 4 h fractionation period and 1 h purification period) instead of the existing range of 2-7 days, hence helping in facilitating the idea of producing for instance ammonium and potassium-humates from soils, a practice that could have less undesirable environmental effects.

High cation exchange capacity and organic matter content of crude humic substances from compost could be exploited to reduce ammonia loss from urea and to as well improve rice growth and soil chemical properties for efficient nutrients utilization in lowland rice cultivation. Close-dynamic air flow system was used to determine the effects of crude humic substances on ammonia volatilization. A pot experiment was conducted to determine the effects of crude humic substances on rice plant growth, nutrients uptake, nutrients recovery, and soil chemical properties using an acid soil mixed with three rates of crude humic substances (20, 40, and 60 g pot−1). Standard procedures were used to evaluate rice plant dry matter production, nutrients uptake, nutrients recovery, and soil chemical properties. Application of crude humic substances increased ammonia volatilization. However, the lowest rate of crude humic substances (20 g pot−1) significantly improved total dry matter, nutrients uptake, nutrients recovery, and soil nutrients availability compared with crude humic substances (40 and 60 g pot−1) and the normal fertilization. Apart from improving growth of rice plants, crude humic substances can be used to ameliorate acid soils in rice cultivation. The findings of this study are being validated in our ongoing field trials.

Problem statement: Mixture of the right proportion of expanding and n on-expanding clays to improve plasticity (moldability) of clays used i n the pot industry of Malaysia is yet to be well investigated. In addition, little is known about th e choice of the right clay size to eliminate or red uce the content of undesirable compounds such as Fe 2O3, Al 2O3 to improve the strength of pots and roofing tiles in the country. The objective of this study w as to investigate how selected physico-chemical properties of pottery clay relate to grain size of Nyalau series ((Typic Paleudults). Approach: Soil samples were refined into 25, 20 and 63 µm using si ze grading method. The mineralogical composition of the samples was determined using X-Ray Diffraction (XRD). The chemical composition of the samples was also determined using standard procedures. Firing was done at 800°C) in a muffle furnace and the cracks of the samples recorded. Results: The clay particles with sizes 20 and 25 µm were hi gher in LOI and total C than that those of 63 µm regardl ess of grain size, the clay investigated had quartz (SiO 2), illite-montmorillonite, Anatase ((TiO 2) and kaolinite. Grading affected the concentration s of Fe, Al and Si as clays with particle sizes 20 and 25 µm had higher contents of the aforementioned elements compared with those of 63 µm. The clay with particl es 63 µm had the best strength and this was so because the clay particles had the lowest amount of Fe, Al and Si. Conclusion: The strength of Malaysian pots could be improved upon proper grading of the clay particles.

A comparative study of organic and conventional farming system at three different slope sections was conducted in Sabah Tea Plantation to determine the effect of management practices and slope section on soil nitrogen, phosphorus and pH as well as tea leaves size. Soils from two selected fields; B29 (conventional field) and NO3 (organic field) in Sabah Tea Plantation were analyzed using selected soil analysis method with UV spectrophotometer. Organic farming system resulted in significantly higher level of soil pH (4.14), leaf length (15.14 cm) and leaf width (7.33 cm) than conventional farming system soil pH (3.38), leaf length (13.19 cm) and leaf width (5.58 cm). However, conventional farming system produced higher levels of ammonium content (166.16 μg ml -1 ) than organic farming system (22.56 μg ml 1 ). No significant difference in soil Phosphorus and nitrate content were observed between two farming systems. Results also showed no significant effects of slope sections on all parameters studied. This study has provided basic knowledge on soil Nnitrogen, phosphorus as well as tea growth of organic and conventional farming in Sabah Tea Plantation.

Problem Statement: The isolation (extraction, fractionation and purification) of humic acids (HA) from soils is laborious, time consuming and expensive. The extraction, fractionation and purification periods of these substances vary from 12 h-7 days. In order to facilitate production of HA at competitive cost, this study was conducted to investigate whether a simple and rapid procedure could be developed for isolation of HA from well decomposed tropical peat soils (Saprists). Approach: A 0.1 M KOH was used to isolate HA of air dry peat soil at 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, and 24 h extraction periods after which samples (liquid obtained after centrifugation at 16,211 G for 15 min) were fractionated (using 6 M HCl) at 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, and 24 h. Samples were purified by washing them five times using distilled water instead of using HCl, HF, and an expensive process called dialysis that requires 1 to 7 days to purify HA. Each washing time was 10 min. Standard procedures were used to ascertain the purity (Ash, C, E4/E6, carboxylic, phenolic, total acidity, and K, Ca, Mg, and Na) and quantity of HA yield. Statistical Analysis System (SAS) was used for statistical analysis. Results: Although there was a linear relationship between extraction period and HA yield, there was no relationship between fractionation period and yield of HA. Distilled water used in this study was effective in purifying HA of the Saprists within 1 h without altering the true chemical nature of HA as it significantly reduced the mineral content of HA. Besides, C, E4/E6, carboxylic, phenolic, and total acidity of the isolated HA were typical of standard ones. Conclusion: The isolation of HA from peat soils can be reduced to 9 h (4 h extraction period, 4 h fractionation period and 1 h purification period) instead of the existing range of 1-7 days.