Impacts of Liming on Soil Properties and Crop Yield in Acid Soils of Madhupur

Abstract

Soil acidity is one of the major constraints which limit agricultural productivity in Bangladesh especially in the north-western region. Liming is one of the most efficient and prevailing practices to correct soil acidity and improve crop yield. To address this problem, a field trial was conducted during 5th January to 24th August, 2013 in strong acid soil containing eight upazilla (Barhatra, Purbadhala, Ghinaigati, Nalitabari, Belabo, Bhaluka, Madhupur, and Sribardi) under Madhupur Tract. The objective of the study was to quantify the effect of liming on soil pH, organic carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium and to determine the effect of liming on yields of different vegetables grown in Madhupur Tract. Soils were analyzed to determine their pH, organic carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium and magnesium before treatment application. The yield was also measured before treatment application. Lime was applied at the rates of 4.0 t/ha. The result revealed that Liming had significantly increased (p<0.05) the soil pH, organic carbon, total nitrogen, available phosphorus and the exchangeable potassium, calcium and magnesium in the study area. Among these, phosphorus availability, calcium and magnesium content were much affected by lime as lime. Yield was significantly increased (p<0.05) by the application of lime in respect of all kind of vegetables in the study area. The highest yield was found in Barhatra upazilla followed by Purbadhala, Belabo and Sribardi upazilla.