Effect of organic and clay material amendment on physical properties of degraded sandy soil for sugarcane production

Abstract

Degraded sandy soil in Northeast of Thailand is a main problem for crop production due to low water holding capacity, low organic matter, low cation exchange capacity and poor soil fertility. The present experiment was established to identify the type and rate of amending materials for improving physical soil properties in Korat soil serie (Kt, Oxic Paleustults) at Kuchinarai district, Kalasin province. The trial was done with completely randomized design with 4 replications and planted with K 88–92 variety. Soil samples were collected in 0–30 cm and 30–60 cm depths before land preparation and at harvest with undisturbed and composite disturbed samples. It was found (1) cattle manure @ 25 tons/ha decreased bulk density in both soil depth (P<0.01), aggregate stability did not differ and increased clay particle content at 0–30 cm depth (P<0.05). (2) Filter cake @ 50 tons/ha, bagasse @ 12.5 tons/ha, clay soil @ 25 tons/ha, conventional chemical fertilizer and control treatments showed non significant effect on bulk density, aggregate stability and particle size distribution. (3) Application of clay soil @ 50 tons/ha did not significantly change the soil bulk density and particle size distribution but significantly increased aggregate stability at 30–60 cm depth (P<0.01). (4) Application of clay soil @ 75 tons/ha significantly decreased bulk density in both soil depths (P<0.01) but showed no significant effect on aggregate stability and particle size distribution. We recommended that the most appropriate methods to improve soil for cane production was through application of cattle manure @ 25 tons/ha or clay soil @ 50 and @ 75 tons/ha.