Fermented “Alugbati” (Basella rubba Linn.) as a Liming Material in Bineng Sandy Clay

Abstract

The study was conducted to determine some chemical properties of fermented “alugbati” extract; determine the effect of the different rates of “alugbati” extract as a liming material; and, to determine the effect of fermented “alugbati” extract as a liquid liming material on some chemical properties of the soil. The study was conducted on a soil with a pH of 4.7 classified as strongly acid with no crop tested The fermented “alugbati” was to contain 0.24% total nitrogen (N), 0.02% total phosphorous (P2O5), 1.10% total potassium (K2O) and 0.04% CaO. “Alugbati” extract proved to be a liming material. As the rates of “alugbati” extract increased from 100 L/ha to 300 L/ha, however after 21 days application of 300 L/ha “alugbati” extract and after 28 days application of 200 to 300 L/ha showed a pH value (5.5 to 5.6) which is favorable for plant growth. The application of “alugbati” extract significantly increased the pH value and exchangeable Ca. Conversely, the OM and exchangeable Aluminum significantly decreased.