Effect of filter cake and bagasse ash application on selected chemical properties of acidic Nitisol

Abstract

The rising cost of lime, traditionally used to address soil acidity and its detrimental effects on soil fertility, has prompted the exploration of organic by-products as more affordable alternatives for mitigating soil acidity, particularly for low-income farmers. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate effects of filter cake (FC) and bagasse ash (BA) application on soil acidity under greenhouse condition. The experiment was laid out in a completely randomised design with four replications. The FC and BA were investigated separately each with six levels (0, 20, 40, 60, 80, and 100) t/ha-1. The acidic soil was collected from Imdibir area at a depth of 0-20 cm, air dried, ground and passed through 4 mm sieve. Each pot was received 4 kg of soil with respective treatment material after they were well homogenised. The laboratory analysis revealed that the soil had an initial pH of 5.1, while filter cake and bagasse ash had pH values of 8.0 and 10.2, respectively. Application of FC increased soil pH from 5.1 to 7.3, along with improvements in organic matter, nitrogen, phosphorus, sulphur, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and cation exchange capacity. Similarly, BA application raised pH from 5.1 to 7.4 and enhanced organic matter, nitrogen, phosphorus, sulphur, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and cation exchange capacity. The maximum effects for both FC and BA occurred at the highest application rate (100 t/ha-1), while iron and manganese content increased with BA application but decreased as rates increased, and copper and zinc levels were positively affected by both FC and BA applications. Overall, both FC and BA applications significantly improved soil pH and nutrient content. The findings of this study can provide practical and cost-effective solutions for improving soil fertility and crop production