Physi-Chemical Property Research of Polysaccharides from Pomegranate Flowers

Pomegranate flowers as row materials were used for extraction of polysaccharides by water-extraction and alcohol-precipitation method. After purification, the physical and chemical properties, structure, monosaccharide composition and molecular weight were studied. The results showed that the polysaccharides from pomegranate flowers mainly contained two kinds of water soluble acidic polysaccharides, and monosaccharide composition were arabinose and galactose, both contained hydroxyl, carboxyl, amino, hydroxyl radical, sulfate, beta glycosidic bond and alpha glycosidic bond structure. The molecular weight of PP1 and PP2 were 6.16 × 104 (±6.6%) and 9.01 × 104 (±3.2%), respectively. The results of this study laid the foundation for further development and application of polysaccharides from pomegranate flowers.

Preparation and Characterization of Activated Carbons from Palm Nut Shells: Effects of Calcination Temperature on Porosity and Chemical Properties

Activated carbons (ACs) calcined at 400˚C, 500˚C, and 600˚C (AC-400, AC-500, and AC-600) were prepared using palm nut shells from Gabon as raw material and zinc chloride (ZnCl2) as a chemical activating agent. Prepared ACs were characterized by physisorption of nitrogen (N2), determination of diode and methylene blue numbers for studies of porosity and by quantification and determination of surface functional groups and pH at point of zero charge (pHpzc) respectively, for studies of chemical properties of prepared ACs. Then, effects of calcination temperature (Tcal) on porosity and chemical properties of prepared ACs were studied. The results obtained showed that when the calcination temperature increases from 500˚C to 600˚C, the porosity and chemical properties of prepared ACs are modified. Indeed, the methylene blue and iodine numbers determined for activated carbons AC-400 (460 and 7.94 mg·g−1, respectively) and AC-500 (680 and 8.90 mg·g−1, respectively) are higher than those obtained for AC-600 (360 and 5.75 mg·g−1, respectively). Compared to the AC-500 adsorbent, specific surface areas (SBET) and microporous volume losses for AC-600 were estimated to 44.7% and 45.8%, respectively. Moreover, in our experimental conditions, the effect of Tcal on the quantities of acidic and basic functional groups on the surface of the ACs appears negligible. In addition, results of the pHpzc of prepared ACs showed that as Tcal increases, the pH of the adsorbents increases and tends towards neutrality. Indeed, a stronger acidity was determined on AC-400 (pHpzc = 5.60) compared to those on AC-500 and AC-600 (pHpzc = 6.85 and 6.70, respectively). Also according to the results of porosity and chemical characterizations, adsorption being a surface phenomenon, 500˚C appears to be the optimal calcination temperature for the preparation of activated carbons from palm nut shells in our experimental conditions.

Study of Potential Edaphic Chemical Factors in the Prevalence of Swollen Shoot Disease of Cocoa in the Marahoué Region (Côte d’Ivoire)

This study looks at the prevalence of swollen shoot disease in cocoa plantations in the Marahoué region of Côte d’Ivoire, a key cocoa-producing area. Cocoa accounts for around a third of the country’s export earnings, but production is under threat from the swollen shoot virus, which is causing major yield reductions. The aim of the study is to establish a link between the chemical properties of the soil and the presence of the disease, in particular the levels of carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, calcium and acidity (pH) in the soil. Specifically, soils from healthy plots were compared with soils from infested plots in six plantations in the Bouaflé and Kononfla sub-prefectures. The results show that soils from infested plots have lower phosphorus levels and near-neutral acidity in the 20 - 40 cm soil layer, while soils from healthy plots are slightly acidic and contain more calcium and phosphorus. These chemical differences seem to influence the prevalence of the virus. Low phosphorus levels appear to be a key factor in the vulnerability of cocoa trees to the disease. The study therefore suggests that any strategy to combat swollen shoot should include better soil management, incorporating factors such as soil depth and the availability of essential nutrients. In addition, an assessment of the micro-organisms present in the soil could provide further information on the interactions between the soil and the disease.

Effects of Different Application Amounts of Potassium Fulvate on Yield and Quality of Tomato and Soil Physical and Chemical Properties

This study was conducted to study the optimum dosage of potassium ful- vate （PF） on greenhouse tomato, the effects of different amounts of PF on yield and quality of greenhouse tomato and soil physical and chemical properties were investigated by a field plot experiment. The results showed that the bottom applica- tion of PF increased tomato yield, plant dry matter weight and root dry matter weight by 14.0%, 14.4 and 50.6%, respectively; Vc and soluble sugar content of tomato increased by 1＆5% and 10.0%, respectively; and soil bulk density de- creased by 3.6%, and CEC increased by 5.0%. All the indexes increased with the increase of PF application amount, and reached the maximum value when the PF application rate was 4 500 kg/hm2. In consideration of the cost of fertilizer and all indexes, the optimum dosaqe of PF fertilizer was 4 500 kg/hm2.

Changing Rules of Physical and Chemical Properties of Eucalyptus uraphylla spp. Forest at Different Ages in Southwest Yunnan Province

[Objective] The aim was to study on changing rules of physical and chemical properties of Eucalyptus uraphylla spp. forest at different ages in Southwest of Yunnan Province. [Method] In the research, field survey and laboratory analysis were adopted to study on physical and chemical properties of soils for the Eucalyptus uraphylla spp. at the first cutting ages in Lancang County. [Result] With the increasing of forest ages, for physical properties of soils, soil bulk density was increasing, and soil structure became poor; water contents in soils and capillary porosity were improving, but total soil porosity and non-capillary porosity were decreasing. For chemical properties, pH of soil dropped, but soil acidity improved; organic matter, total N, hydrolysable nitrogen, available phosphorus, and available potassium all declined; exchangeable Ca and Mg were improving due to fertilization and Ca and Mg lower consumption. The results showed that plays important roles in water absorption of soils and vegetation growth were improved with age increase by Eucalyptus uraphylla spp. forest, but ventilation and fertility declined accordingly. [Conclusion] The research indicated that dry branches and fallen leaves should be preserved and nutrient cycling should be protected during introduction and management of Eucalyptus uraphylla spp. to guarantee the nutrients in dry branches and leaves are back to soils, providing theoretical references for management of forest plantation and environment protection.

State of the art review on physiochemical and engineering characteristics of fly ash and its applications

The focus of this study is to critically review the physiochemical and engineering properties of the fly ash and its applications in various fields.The utilization of fly ash has become a widespread area,but the amount of utilization is still a serious issue.It has many beneficial qualities(such as pozzolanic property,fineness,spherical shape,lightweight,etc.),which enhance its properties and make it suitable for its utilization as a new construction material.For the bulk utilization of fly ash,it should be employed in the areas independent of any other parameters.So that,the disposal problem can be reduced significantly.The knowledge of its physiochemical characteristic helps in the judgment of appropriate fly ash for any particular type of work.Fly ash can be utilized in other areas such as asphalt concrete,geopolymer concrete,ground improvement,agricultural sector,roller compacted concrete,brick,etc.that will reduce the existing ashes,and also the disposal problem can be solved appreciably.The implementation of fly ash must be avoided below the natural ground water level and below 4°C temperature conditions.

Property changes of anchor grout calcined ginger nuts admixed with fly ash and quartz sand after accelerated ageing tests

Calcined ginger nuts admixed by fly ash and quartz sand (CGN-(F+S)) has been validated to be basically compatible to earthen sites as an anchor grout. Accelerated ageing tests including water stability test, temperature and humidity cycling test, soundness test and alkali resistance test are conducted with the objective to further research the property changes of CGN-(F+S) grout. Density, surface hardness, water penetration capacity, water permeability capacity, soluble salt, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images and energy dispersive spectrometry (EDS) spectrum of these samples have been tested after accelerated ageing tests. The results show that densities of samples decrease, surface hardness, water penetration capacity and water permeability capacity of samples increase generally. Besides, soluble salt analysis, SEM and EDS results well corroborate the changes. Based on the results it can be concluded that property changes are most serious after temperature and humidity cycling test, followed by water stability, soundness and alkali resistance test in sequence. But in general, CGN-(F+S) still has good durability.

Field Spectra of Suaeda salsa in Response to Changes of Soil Chemical Properties

[Objective] This study was to investigate the Suaeda salsa community characteristics,further getting the soil chemical properties.[Method] The paired-data of field spectra and corresponding soil physical-chemical property of seventeen samples was used to reveal the relationship between soil chemical property and field spectra（visible and near infra-red spectra）of S.salsa.[Result] The second derivative spectrum of S.salsa at 1 121 nm could reflect the changes of soil organic matter and soil total nitrogen,and that at 1 208 nm could commendably indicate changes of soil total phosphorus and at 724 nm could indicate changes of soil pH.The first derivative spectrum of S.salsa at 353 nm can indicate changes of soil available potassium,and that at 950 nm could commendably reflect the changes of soil salt content.[Conclusion] Our results laid basis for monitoring chemical property of soil covered with S.salsa using remote sensing technology.

Soil Physical and Chemical Properties of Five Subtropical Forests in Lingao of Hainan

With 5 types of typical forests as research object, the physical and chemical properties of different types of forests were analyzed by sample plot investigation method. The results showed that： the soil total porosity was the highest in the Casuarina equisetifolia forest （46.168%）, but the lowest in the Encalyptus robusta forest （39.46%）. The soil capillary porosity was the highest in the Acacia mangium forest （22.57%）, but the lowest in the secondary forest （18.95%）. The soil water content was the highest in the C. equisetifolia forest, with a mean value of 27.85%, but the lowest in the secondary forest, with a mean value of 4.34%. The soil pH values were in the range of 4.81-6.59, the soils in the A. mangium forest, C. equisetifolia forest and E. robusta forest were strongly acidic （pH 4.5-5.5）, and the soils in the secondary forest and C. nucifera forest were weakly acidic. The soils had organic matter contents in the range of 0.34-28.68 g/kg, and showed an order of A. mangium forest〉C. equisetifolia forest〉E. robusta forest〉secondary forest〉C. nucifera forest, with a decreasing trend with the soil depth increasing. The soil total N contents were in the range of 0.10-1.63 g/kg, the A. mangium forest showed the highest soil total N contents, while the C. nucifera forest exhibited the lowest soil total N contents; the soil total P contents were in the range of 0.21-1.74 g/kg, and the E. robusta forest had the highest soil total P contents; and the soil total K contents were in the range of 0.16-2.15 g/kg, and the A. mangium forest exhibited the highest soil total K contents. The soil available P contents were in the range of 0.98-132.46 mg/kg; and the secondary forests had the highest soil available P contents; and the soil rapidly available K contents were in the range of 3.03-27.35 mg/kg, and the C. nucifera forest exhibited the highest soil rapidly available K contents. The soil ammonium N contents were in the range of 1.38-5.15 mg/kg, and the nitrate N contents were in the range were in the range of 0.56 -3.51 mg/kg. The A. mangium forest showed the highest soil nitrate N contents （with a mean value of 2.29 mg/kg） and ammonium N contents （with a mean value of 3.93 mg/kg）. For the same forest type, with the increase of soil depth, the nitrate nitrogen and ammonium nitrogen content also showed a decreasing trend.

Classification and Distribution of Common Aroma Components in Tobacco Leaf Based on Their Physical and Chemical Properties

[Objective] This study was aimed to find a new method for the classification of common aroma components in tobacco leaves. [Method] Sixty-four common aroma components in tobacco leaves were classified by cluster analysis based on their relative molecular weight. The contents and distribution of aroma components in another 71 C3F and 64 B2F tobacco leaf samples were analyzed by using the new method. [Result] The 64 common aroma components were divided into three categories trough the cluster analysis based on their molecular weight. CategoryⅠ consisted of 12 aroma components which had high molecular weight（281.308±21.536on average） and high boiling point（371.311±29.904 ℃ on average）. Category Ⅱ included 27 components which had low molecular weight（103.722 ± 13.115 on average） and low boiling point（176.132±42.342 ℃ on average）. Category Ⅲ included 25components which had middle molecular weight（175.393 ± 24.906 on average） and middle boiling point（250.562±45.431 ℃ on average）. The content of high-molecularweight aroma components in middle leaves（547.344±224.391 μg/g） was much higher than that in upper leaves（477.549±182.066 μg/g）. The content of low-molecularweight aroma component in middle leaves（17.468±3.459 μg/g） was also significantly higher than that in upper leaves（15.936±3.456 μg/g）. The content of middle-molecular-weight aroma component in middle leaves（44.931 ±8.953 μg/g） was extremely significantly higher than that in upper leaves（37.997±6.042 μg/g）. [Conclusion] This study proposed a new way to classify the aroma components in flue-cured tobacco leaves using the relative molecular weight as the index, which will provide theoretical reference for developing special tobacco leaves.

Effects of Green Manure Mixed Cropping Patterns on Physical and Chemical Properties of Soil and Economic Characters of Flue-cured Tobacco

[Objective] The aim was to clear the suitable green manure cropping pat- terns in Xiangxi tobacco-planting areas. [Method] 8 treatments were set to study the effects of the monoculture and mixed cropping of common vetch （Vicia gigantea Bge.）, perennial ryegrass （Lofium） and rapeseed （Brassica campestris L.） on physi- cal and chemical properties of soil and economic characters of flue-cured tobacco. [Result] （1） Green manure turnover can reduce soil bulk density by 1.08%-8.62%, and the effect of green manure mixed cropping pattern was the best. （2） Green manure turnover also can increase the soil nutrient, soil organic matter, total nitro- gen （N）, total phosphorus （P）, total potassium （K）, alkali-hydrolyzale N, rapidly available P and rapidly available K by 1.44%-6.10%, 0.01-0.12 g/kg, 1.89%- 11.32%, 0.12%-3.56%, 1.06%-11.76%, 0.04%-18.93% and 0.98%-23.12%, respec- tively, and the effect of the monoculture of common vetch was the best.（3） The overall change of soil pH was not obvious.（4）Green manure turnover can increase the yield and output of flue-cured tobacco, and the effect of the monoculture of common vetch was the best. [Conclusion] The monoculture of common vetch can be generalized in the dry land of Xiangxi tobacco-planting areas.

Electrical Conductivity in Soil Extracts: Chemical Factors and Their Intensity

The electrical conductivity （EC） of 1：5 soil-water extract （EC1：5） was studied utilizing path coefficient analysis. The study focused on revealing the main chemical factors contributing to EC of soil extracts and their relative importance. Results showed that the most important factors influencing the EC1：5 of coastal salt-affected soils were the concentration of salt in 1：5 soil-water extract （So）, Cl^-, and the sodium adsorption ratio （SAR）, while effects of pH, CO3^2-, HCO3^, soluble sodium percentage （SSP）, and sodium dianion ratio （SDR） were very weak. Though the direct path coefficients between EC1：5 and SO4^2- , Ca^2＋, Mg^2＋, K^＋, or Na^＋ were not high, influence of other chemical factors caused the coefficients to increase, making the summation of their direct and indirect path coefficients relatively high. Evidences showed that multiple regression relations between EC1：5 and most of the primary factors （So, Cl^-, and SAR） had sound reliability and very good accuracy.

Effects of Crude Oil Contamination on Soil Physical and Chemical Properties in Momoge Wetland of China

Large oilfields are often coincidentally located in major river deltas and wetlands,and potentially damage the structure,function and ecosystem service values of wetlands during oil exploration.In the present study,the effects of crude oil contamination during oil exploration on soil physical and chemical properties were investigated in marshes of the Momoge National Nature Reserve in Jilin Province,China.The concentrations of total petroleum hydrocarbons in the marsh soil near the oil wells are significantly higher than those in the adjacent control marsh.Soil water contents in oil-contaminated marshes are negatively correlated with soil temperature and are significantly lower than those in the control area,especially in fall.Crude oil contamination significantly increases the soil pH up to8.0,and reduces available phosphorus concentrations in the soil.The concentrations of total organic carbon are significantly different among sampling sites.Therefore,crude oil contamination could potentially alkalinize marsh soils,adversely affect soil fertility and physical properties,and cause deterioration of the marshes in the Momoge National Nature Reserve.Phyto-remediation by planting Calamagrostis angustifolia has the potential to simultaneously restore and remediate the petroleum hydrocarbon-contaminated wetlands.Crude oil contamination affects the soil physical and chemical properties,so developing an effective restoration program in the Momoge wetland is neccesary.

Effects of reclaimed water irrigation and nitrogen fertilization on the chemical properties and microbial community of soil

The ecological effect of reclaimed water irrigation and fertilizer application on the soil environment is receiving more attention.Soil microbial activity and nitrogen（N）levels are important indicators of the effect of reclaimed water irrigation on environment.This study evaluated soil physicochemical properties and microbial community structure in soils irrigated with reclaimed water and receiving varied amounts of N fertilizer.The results indicated that the reclaimed water irrigation increased soil electrical conductivity（EC）and soil water content（SWC）.The N treatment has highly significant effect on the ACE,Chao,Shannon（H）and Coverage indices.Based on a 16S ribosomal RNA（16S rRNA）sequence analysis,the Proteobacteria,Gemmatimonadetes and Bacteroidetes were more abundant in soil irrigated with reclaimed water than in soil irrigated with clean water.Stronger clustering of microbial communities using either clean or reclaimed water for irrigation indicated that the type of irrigation water may have a greater influence on the structure of soil microbial community than N fertilizer treatment.Based on a canonical correspondence analysis（CCA）between the species of soil microbes and the chemical properties of the soil,which indicated that nitrate N（NO3-–-N）and total phosphorus（TP）had significant impact on abundance of Verrucomicrobia and Gemmatimonadetes,meanwhile the p H and organic matter（OM）had impact on abundance of Firmicutes and Actinobacteria significantly.It was beneficial to the improvement of soil bacterial activity and fertility under 120 mg kg^-1 N with reclaimed water irrigation.

Effect of fire severity on physical and biochemical soil properties in Zagros oak(Quercus brantii Lindl.)forests in Iran

Fire affects the physical and chemical properties and soil biological activity of natural ecosystems. This study was conducted in the Miyan Tang region, Ilam Province in western Iran. The study site was 110 hectares, where we sampled soils in areas that were classified by fire severity： low （LS）, high （HS） and medium severity （MS）, and unburned （UB）, which served as the control. In each severity class, 25 transect points were randomly selected for measurement. Around each transect plot center, 3 soil samples were selected randomly and soils collected from the 0 to 20 cm depth were combined into a composite sample that was used in laboratory analysis to represent conditions at that point. Plots in the UB and LS fire classes had similar soil conditions and had higher values of factors such as saturated moisture, organic carbon, carbon dioxide, and silt and clay content. In contrast, plots in the HS and MS fire severity classes were clustered in the positive direction along the first axis that represented gradients in soil acidity, electrical conductivity, cation exchange capacity, accessible phosphorus, accessible potassium, bulk density, and sand. Soil attributes were similar in areas of HS and MS fire severity classes, whereas soil conditions in the LS class and UB controls were most similar. Fire in the LS areas either did not significantly alter the physicalchemical soil properties and microbial basal respiration, or soils were able to recover quickly after being burned.

Spatial heterogeneity of soil chemical properties between Haloxylon persicum and Haloxylon ammodendron populations

Spatial heterogeneity is a ubiquitous feature in natural ecosystems, especially in arid regions. Different species and their discontinuous distribution, accompanied by varied topographic characteristics, result in soil resources distributed differently in different locations, and present significant spatial heterogeneity in desert ecosystems. In this study, conventional and geostatistical methods were used to identify the heterogeneity of soil chemical properties in two desert populations, Haloxylon persicum Bunge ex Boss., which dominates on the slopes and tops of sand dunes and Haloxylon ammodendron (C. A. Mey.) Bunge, which inhabits interdunes in the Gurbantunggut Desert of Xinjiang, China. The results showed that soil pH, electrical conductivity (EC), soil organic carbon (SOC), available nitrogen (AN) and available phosphorus (AP) were significantly higher in H. ammodendron populations than that in H. persicum. The coefficient of variation (CV) indicated that (1) most parameters presented a moderate degree of variability (10% 【 CV 【 100%) except pH in both plots, (2) the variability of soil pH, EC and AP in H. ammodendron populations was higher than that in H. persicum populations, and (3) SOC and AN in H. ammodendron populations were lower than that in H. persicum populations. Geostatistical analysis revealed a strong spatial dependence (C0/(C0+C) 【 25%) within the distance of ranges for all tested parameters in both plots. The Kriging-interpolated figures showed that the soil spatial distribution was correlated with the vegetation distribution, individual size of plants, and the topographic features, especially with the plants nearest to sampling points and the topographic features. In each plot, soil EC, SOC, AN and AP presented similar distributions, and fertile islands and salt islands occurred in both plots but did not affect every individual plant, since the sampling distance was larger than the size of such fertile islands. The results of topographic effects on soil heterogeneity suggested significant differences between the interdunes and dune-tops. Different topographic characteristics (physical factors) between plots result in the differences in SOC, AN and AP, while the heterogeneity of soil pH and EC arise from plant species and their distribution (biotic factor). Such biotic and physical factors did not occur in isolation, but worked together on soil heterogeneity, and played important parts in improving the soil properties. Hence these factors were ecologically valuable in the highly resource-stressed arid study area.

Effect of Long－Term Application of Compost on Some Chemical Properties of Wheat Rhizosphere and NonRhizosphere Soils

Compost of dtherent rates was applied to artificial field plots of a low humic andosol at National Agriculture Research Center (NARC) of Japan for 15 or 28 years, and their effects on the chemical properties of wheat rhisosphere soil and nonrhizosphere soil were measured.Continuous application of compost for 28 years resulted in raise of soil C, N, P, pH and exchangeable bases. The building up of organic matter in the soil occurred slowly A residual effect of the compost on soil chemical properties was still present after 13 years of no application, but this effect was weaker in comparison with that of the continuous application treatments. In the rhizosphere soil, NaHCO3-extracted P and exchangeable Ca were higher than those in the bulk soil. The removal of free organic acid slightly affected the soil pH, especially, the rhizosphere soil pH. The raise of soil pH may result from the increase of exchangeable base by the application of compost.

Influence of Long Term Fertilization with Different Mineral Fertilizers and Farmyard Manure on Some Soil Chemical Properties and Crop Yields *1

A long term fertilization experiment was carried out in an experimental field in Lyczyn near Warsaw, Poland. Application ofmineral fertilizers, especially N fertilizers with and without farmyard manure accelerated the acidification process of the soil. Application of 1.6 t CaO ha -1 every four years was essential to maintenance of the soil pH KCl at 5.5～6.6 and base saturation degree above 60%. Application of 50 t farmyard manure ha -1 every 4 years, which contained 46 kg P and 240 kg K, was sufficient to maintain both the K and P fertility of the soil. Besides, it was beneficial to alleviating soil acidification. As a result of long term unbalanced fertilization, yield responses to N, P and K fertilizers increased significantly with time. The efficiency of N from farmyard manure was found to be comparable to that of N fertilizer during 1988～1991.

Principal Chemical Properties of Artificial Soil Composed of Fly Ash and Furfural Residue

To solve soil shortage in reclaiming subsided land of coal mines, the principal chemical properties of artificial soil formed by mixing organic furfural residue and inorganic fly ash were examined. The results indicated that the artificial soil was suitable for agriculture use after irrigation and desalination, the available nutrients in the artificial soil could satisfy the growth demand of plants, and the pH tended to the neutrality.

Effect of land-use changes on chemical and physical properties of soil in western Iran(Zagros oak forests)

The consequence of land-use change from forest to agriculture and other uses has become one of the world’s greatest concerns.The soil,one of the most important components of forests and containing all the required plant nutrients as soluble ions,is highly impacted by these changes.Because vast areas of the Zagros forests in western Iran have changed in use during the last few decades,the present study investigated the effects of landuse changes of forest area to agriculture,orchard,and agroforestry on soil chemical and physical properties.Soil was sampled at four land-use areas:less-disturbed forest areas(control)and agricultural,orchard,and agroforestry areas.Among each of the two forest-use areas(agroforestry and orchard),we selected five trees with similar-sized crowns and sampled under each tree crown at 0-15 and>15-30 cm depths.Five soil samples also were taken in agriculture area at each depth.The findings indicated that during land-use changes,soil sand particles decreased,and clay and silt particles of soil increased,resulting in a fine soil texture.Moreover,the amount of nitrogen(N),phosphorus(P),organic carbon(OC),and electrical conductivity(EC)of soil decreased at both depths due to the decrease in organic matter.Soil pH and magnesium(Mg)level rose during land-use change at both depths except at agricultural sites.Soil potassium(K)content decreased during agricultural use due to the elimination of tree cover.The level of K decreased only at the depth of 0-15 cm because of K dependency on parent materials.Generally,most soil nutrients were affected by plant removal in the conversion.Forest and agricultural soil are distinguishable by their properties,while land-uses such as agroforestry-orchard separated from the others.Soil nutrients were severely affected by the decrease and elimination of tree cover,plowing,and continuous harvesting,resulting in a decline in soil quality and fertility.