Sulfate Status and Wheat Yield Response to Sulfur Fertilizer in Acidic Soils of Tsegede Highlands, Northern Ethiopia | Chapter 5 | Soil Acidity Characterization and Effects of Liming and Chemical Fertilization on Microbial Growth, Nutrient Uptake and Yield of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.): The Case of Acidic Soils in Tsegede District, Northern Ethiopia, Edition 1

A soil survey and two greenhouse experiments were conducted in acidic soils of the Tsegede District, Tigray Region, Ethiopia to determine available sulfur (SO₄-S) status in three land use types across three sites and wheat yield response to different sulfur (S) fertilizer levels applied in the form of gypsum (CaSO₄.2H₂O) and potassium sulfate (K₂SO₄) along with and without lime. Composite soil samples were collected and analyzed following the standard procedures. Two experiments were conducted following the randomized complete block design with ten treatment combinations: two levels of lime (with and without lime) and five levels of S (0, 25, 50, 75, and 100 kg ha^-1 S), one using CaSO₄.2H₂O and the other using K₂SO₄ as increasing of SO4 replicated three times. The results revealed significant (P ≤ 0.01) changes in soil SO4-S status with the change in site and land use type. Its content in the forest land soils was significantly higher by about 162 and 160% over the cultivated and grazing land soils, respectively; the results showed a positive correlation (r = 0.773**) with soil pH and a negative correlation with exchangeable acidity (r = -0.786**) and Al (r = -0.806**). Grain yield and S use efficiency of wheat crop was significantly (P ≤ 0.05) affected by the application of S in the form of K2SO4 than gypsum. Successive increasing of S fertilizers in the form of K2SO4 up to the level of 50 kg ha^-1 S has been observed to increase biomass and grain yield of wheat considerably. Furthermore, soils treated with S fertilizer along with lime achieved significantly higher yields than those without lime. The findings indicate that due consideration of the impact of land use transformation on soil sulfate status and application of S fertilizers in the form of K₂SO₄ along with lime could improve wheat crop production in the S-deficient acidic soils of the Tsegede highlands.

 

Author (s) Details

Abreha Kidanemariam Hadera
Haramaya University, Ethiopia.

 

Please see the book here:- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/mono/978-93-48006-81-3/CH5

A Comparative Study of the Effectiveness of Different Bio-enzyme on Acidic Soil | Chapter 4 | Contemporary Research and Perspectives in Biological Science Vol. 6

The growing population puts pressure on agricultural production to fulfill the increasing demand for food. To fulfill the food demands, more quantity of synthetic fertilizers are used.  An increase in global population increases the demand for food sources, which creates pressure on agriculture. As a result, more synthetic fertilizers are used. Because of the inevitable use of synthetic fertilizer, which in turn degrades soil quality. This study explores the efficacy of bio-enzymes derived from citrus and mixed fruit and vegetable peels as sustainable alternatives to synthetic fertilizer for improving the micro and macronutrients of acidic soil. Bio-enzyme works as a stimulator that stimulates the plant growth. It is cost-effective and helps in breaking down the complex compound into simple ones. Acidic soil from Palghar, Maharashtra, was treated with different concentrations of bio-enzyme and organic fertilizer. The test is done in six samples such as control (C), BE1(C), BE1(D), BE2(C), BE2(D), and OF (Organic fertilizer). After the treatment, the pH of the soil increases from 4.5 to 6.5. The NPK value of soil also increases Kg/acre in 40 days. The organic carbon (OC) content of the soil increases from 0.4 to 0.9%. Bio-enzymes also enhance moisture retention in the soil, fostering a better environment for plant growth. Adding the bio enzyme into the acidic soil helps to maintain the pH of acidic soil between 6.2 to 6.8 for proper growth of plants. These findings suggest that bio-enzymes not only restore the pH balance of acidic soils but also improve nutrient content and organic carbon, making them a promising eco-friendly option for sustainable agriculture.

 

Author (s) Details

 

Jyoti Jayprakash Mishra
Department of Zoology, M.M. College of Arts, N.M. Institute of Science, H.R.J. College of Commerce, Bhavan’s College (Autonomous), Andheri (w), Mumbai-400058, India.

 

B.M. Gore
Department of Zoology, M.M. College of Arts, N.M. Institute of Science, H.R.J. College of Commerce, Bhavan’s College (Autonomous), Andheri (w), Mumbai-400058, India.

 

Please see the book here:- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/crpbs/v6/3140