Phosphorus availability and exchangeable aluminum response to phosphate rock and organic inputs in the Central Highlands of Kenya

Abstract

Soil acidity and phosphorus deficiency are some of the constraints hampering agricultural production in tropical regions. The prevalence of soil acidity is associated with phosphorus (P) insufficiency and aluminum saturation. We conducted a two-seasons experiment to evaluate soil phosphorus availability and exchangeable aluminum in response to phosphate rock and organic inputs in acidic humic nitisols. The field experiment was installed in Tharaka Nithi County in the Central Highlands of Kenya. The experimental design was a randomized complete block design with treatments replicated thrice. The treatments were: Green manure (Tithonia diversifolia Hemsl.) (60 kg P ha 1), phosphate rock (60 kg P ha 1), goat manure (60 kg P ha 1), Tithonia diversifolia (20 kg P ha 1) combined with phosphate rock (40 kg P ha 1), manure (20 kg P ha 1) combined with phosphate rock (40 kg P ha 1), Triple Super Phosphate combined with Calcium Ammonium Nitrate (TSP þ CAN) (60 kg P ha 1) and a control (no input). During the long rains of the 2018 season (LR2018), Tithonia diversifolia þ phosphate rock had a significantly higher reduction (67%) of exchangeable aluminum than the sole use of Tithonia diversifolia. Grain yield under TSP þ CAN was the highest, followed by the sole organics during the LR2018. Tithonia diversifolia þ phosphate rock resulted in a 99% and a 90% increase in NaHCO3-Pi compared to sole phosphate rock and sole Tithonia diversifolia, respectively. Tithonia diversifolia led to 14% and 62% higher resin-Pi and NaOH-Pi, respectively, compared to manure in the short rains of 2017 (SR2017). The increase in NaOH-Po after the two seasons was statistically significant in sole TSP þ CAN. Based on the observed reduced exchangeable aluminum and additional nutrients like Ca, Mg, and K in the soil, sole organic inputs or in combination with phosphate rock treatments are feasible alternatives for sustaining soil phosphorus. Our findings underscore an integrated approach utilizing organic amendments combined with phosphate rock in acidic humic nitisols' phosphorus nutrient management.