Quantification of Soil N, P and K Balance In Peat Soils: Influence of Fluctuating Water Table

Abstract

This study intends to develop the soil N, P and K balance in peat soils by quantifying the input, internal flow and output of the nutrients under different water table conditions, with and without the pineapple crops uptake. The soil samples for each water table conditions were analyzed for total-N, mineral-N, available-P and exchangeable K. Results showed that pineapple of the variety Moris requires high input of N and K compare to P. Without crops uptake, all treatments indicate positive soil nutrient balance where the treatment with fluctuating water table between 40-80 cm depth showed highest positive balances. In contrast, negative nutrient balance occurred in the presence of uptake by pineapple, where treatment with fluctuating water table between 0-40 cm recorded the highest nutrient deficiency. It is suggested that fluctuating water table influence the soil nutrient dynamics and soil nutrient balance and in this case act as the main pathways of nutrient loss through leaching.