Improving Soil Properties Through Use of Unburnt Local Limes in Acidic Soils of Burera District, Rwanda
Abstract
192 words
This study was carried out at Rwerere Research Station located
in the highlands of Buberuka, Rwanda. Three local limes
(Musanze, Rusizi and Karongi) were evaluated in a randomized
complete block design (RCBD)) experiment established in
September 2011 rainy season. Baseline information was
established on soil properties and quality (CCE, Fineness factor,
ECCE, Acidity and moisture) of lime materials. Soil pH,
exchangeable Al and available phosphorus were monitored at
6, 12 and 16 weeks after lime application (WAP). However,
nitrogen and base saturation were analysed at 16WAP. Finding
showed that application of 2.8t ha-1 of Musanze unburnt local
lime and agricultural burnt lime had a similar effect on soil pH.
They increased soil pH by 0.62 and 0.61 units, respectively. A
lime application rate of 2.8t ha-1 of agricultural burnt lime,
Musanze and Rusizi unburned local limes increased soil
available phosphorus by 1.72, 1.71 and 1.65 mg/kg, respectively.
On the other hand, agricultural burnt lime and Musanze unburnt
local lime had a similar effect on Ca saturation. The application
of 1.4 and 2.8t ha-1 of agricultural burned lime and Musanze
unburnt local lime increased soil nitrogen by 0.12 and 0.24%of total nitrogen, respectively.
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