Effects of integrated application of inorganic and organic fertilizer on properties of soil planted with rice

Abstract

Fertilizer application is essential in the improvement of soil quality and crop yield; it was therefore necessary to investigate the effects of integrated application of inorganic and organic base fertilizer on the soil chemical and physical properties. This experiment was conducted at the Ambrose Alli University Teaching and Research Farm, Ekpoma, Nigeria. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with seven treatments, replicated three times; the treatments were; control (zero application), Indorama granular urea (GU), prilled urea (PU), full dose of P&K+75% Indorama granular urea (GUPK), full dose of P&K+75% prilled urea (PUPK), full dose of P&K+75% Indorama granular urea + 25% FYM (GUP&K+FYM), and full dose of P&K+75% prilled urea + 25% FYM (PUP&K+FYM). The rice variety cultivated was FARO 59. The initial results of the soil analyses showed that the soil was low in nutrient below critical values, the combine application of organic and inorganic fertilizer significantly (p<0.05) improved soil nutrient status compared to the other treatments. The combined application of inorganic and organic fertilizer increased soil pH value from 5.64 in control to 6.92. There was a significant (p< 0.05) improvement of the macro and micronutrient from the integrated application of inorganic and organic based fertilizers compared to other treatments. The application of GUP&K+FYM and PUP&K+FYM significant (p< 0.05) improved the Aggregate stability of the soil. The integrated applications of organic and inorganic fertilizer (GUP&K+FYM and PUP&K+FYM) will significantly (p< 0.05) improve the chemical and physical properties of soil.