Calla Lily Extract for Acid Soil Abatement and Its Effect on Some Soil Properties

Abstract

The study was conducted to determine some chemical properties of fermented calla lily extract; its effect as a liming material; and to determine the effects of fermented calla lily extract on some soil chemical properties. The study was conducted in a Puguis gravelly loam with an initial pH of 3.9 classified as extremely acidic with no crop tested. After 30 days of fermentation, the calla lily extract contained 0.04% total nitrogen, 0.24% total potassium, 0.01% calcium oxide and 0.01% magnesium oxide. The extract was applied into the soil at 100, 200, 300, 400 L/ha. Results showed that application of calla lily extract as a liming material significantly increased the soil pH, organic matter and exchangeable potassium content of the soil after 28 days from application. The application of 400 L/ha effected the highest increase in the soil pH although not enough to meet the pH requirement of most crops. Application of calla lily extract also significantly decreased the aluminum content of the soil. The results imply that calla lily extract can be used to abate soil acidity. However, higher than 400 L/ha is needed to be studied to bring acid soil to the desired pH level (5.5 – 6.5) for most crops.