Effects of lime and phosphorous application on chemical properties of soil, dry matter yield, and phosphorus concentration of barley (Hordeum vulgare) grown on Nitosols of Emdibir, Southern Ethiopia

The effects of lime and P fertilizer application on chemical properties of acid soil, and dry matter yield (DMY) and phosphorus concentration of barley were investigated in a greenhouse experiment in 2013. The experimental soil was collected from Emdibir, South-Western Ethiopia. Five lime levels (CaCO3) (0, 6093, 12186, 18280, and 24373 mg CaCO3 kg-1 soil) in a factorial combination with five phosphorus (TSP) rates (0, 300, 600, 900 and 1600 mg kg-1) were used. The treatments were replicated three times. Barley, variety HB-1307, was used as a test crop. All the soil and plant analysis was conducted following standard laboratory procedures. The soil chemical properties, except Mg, were significantly (P≤0.05) affected by increasing rates of lime and/or P addition. The highest lime rate resulted in an increase in soil pH, exchangeable Ca and Cu, and a decrease in the levels of exchangeable acidity and Al, Fe, Mn, and Zn. The DMY and plant P of barley were increased with the lime rate. The lime and P interaction effects were significant (P≤0.05) on exchangeable Ca, Al, and DMY. Optimum lime (12186 mg kg-1) application has a decreasing effect on P fixation by Fe and Al. While the optimum lime rate in combination with the highest rate of P enhanced fixation by Ca. The change in soil chemical properties and DMY might encourage better barley growth on this soil. In conclusion, lime application beyond 18280 mg CaCO3 kg-1 soil may not be beneficial for the soil chemical properties and barley DMY.