The effect of rice and mung bean cultivation on the chemical properties of soil in the Mishkhab area - Najaf

This study was conducted in the Al-Mashkhab area of Najaf Governorate, within the site of the Rice Research Station, which plays a fundamental role in developing programs for various crops with the aim of generalizing and implementing them in the Middle Euphrates region, according to plans prepared by the Ministry of Agriculture. A semi-detailed survey of the soil series (MRS1) was conducted, which includes two main agricultural uses: rice and mung bean cultivation. Soil samples were collected for chemical analysis, with the aim ofThe study aimed to evaluate the effect of land use on some soil chemical properties, focusing on the changes that may occur before, during, and after cultivation. The study followed an analytical approach in measuring the studied chemical properties. The results showed a clear effect of the nature of agricultural use on the soil chemical properties, as follows: Acidity (pH): The acidity values in rice soil increased after cultivation compared to mung bean soil, reaching 6.5. Electrical conductivity (EC): Recorded Mung bean soil had the highest electrical conductivity values after planting, averaging 3.1 dS.m. Calcium carbonate (CaCO): was higher in mung bean soil before, during, and after planting compared to rice soil, averaging 285 gm.kg. Organic matter: Rice soil showed significantly higher organic matter values after planting compared to mung bean soil, reaching 8.71 gm.kg. Available phosphorus (P-available): Rice soil before planting recorded significantly higher values of available phosphorus (14.9 mg.kg) than mung bean soil. Total nitrogen (Total N): Its concentration was higher in rice soil before planting than mung bean soil. Soluble elements: Mung bean soil before planting showed higher concentrations of: Potassium (K): 236 mg.kg Calcium (Ca): 4.6 Meq/L Magnesium (Mg): 4.2 Meq/L Sodium (Na): 4.7 Meq/L While rice soil after planting recorded significantly higher values of chlorine (Cl) content, which reached 3.1 Meq/L compared to mung bean soil.
The results demonstrate that soil use for rice and mung bean cultivation results in significant changes in its chemical properties, with pH, electrical conductivity, organic matter, and nutrient values varying according to the type of agricultural use. These results highlight the importance of selecting appropriate agricultural management systems to maintain soil fertility and improve crop productivity in the Mishkhab area.