Eggshells Improve Soil pH and P Availability in Sandy Loam and Sandy Clay Loamy Soil
The current effective method of mitigating soil acidity is the application of lime. However, the costs associated with acquiring lime make it challenging for small-scale farmers in South Africa. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the liming potential of ground eggshells relative to agl...
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MDPI AG
2024-10-01
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| author | Leon Karabo Sebonela Dimpho Elvis Elephant Nkanyiso Justice Sithole |
| author_facet | Leon Karabo Sebonela Dimpho Elvis Elephant Nkanyiso Justice Sithole |
| author_sort | Leon Karabo Sebonela |
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| description | The current effective method of mitigating soil acidity is the application of lime. However, the costs associated with acquiring lime make it challenging for small-scale farmers in South Africa. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the liming potential of ground eggshells relative to aglime and its effect on P availability in two acidic soils differing in textural classes, and its subsequent effect on the growth of Swiss chard (<i>Beta vulgaris</i> L.). Two soils used in the study were sandy clay loam, which had an initial pH of 4.52, and sandy loam with an initial pH of 5.23. Both lime sources were applied at a rate of 0, 1, 2.5, and 5 t/ha through incubation for 120 days. Our results indicated that applying eggshells and aglime significantly increased soil pH within 7 days (<i>p</i> < 0.05) compared to the 0-rate application across all application rates in both soil types. There were no differences (<i>p</i> > 0.05) in pH between the two applied lime sources. Plant-available P was not significantly different between the applied lime sources at all application rates and the 0-rate application; however, the two lime sources increased plant-available phosphorus above 25 ppm, which is the minimum health level of plant-available phosphorus. The results of plant yield showed no differences (<i>p</i> > 0.05) between the plant dry weights. However, Swiss chard growing at the 0-rate application in the sandy clay loam showed poor and stunted growth while Swiss chard growing at the 0-rate application in the sandy loam did not exhibit poor and stunted growth. According to the study’s results, eggshells have a similar liming effect as aglime and their dissolution rate is similar; therefore, eggshells can be used as a substitute of aglime to increase soil pH. Using eggshells as a substitute for aglime could offer substantial benefits to small-scale farmers by reducing input costs and providing a locally sourced, sustainable alternative. This approach can also enhance economic sustainability in rural communities by promoting the recycling of agricultural by-products and making essential soil amendments more affordable and accessible. |
| format | Article |
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| institution | Kabale University |
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| language | English |
| publishDate | 2024-10-01 |
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| spelling | doaj-art-fb97b93730f6415a831065eb83dcdc8a2024-11-26T17:44:22ZengMDPI AGAgronomy2073-43952024-10-011411253910.3390/agronomy14112539Eggshells Improve Soil pH and P Availability in Sandy Loam and Sandy Clay Loamy SoilLeon Karabo Sebonela0Dimpho Elvis Elephant1Nkanyiso Justice Sithole2Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Science, Crop Science Department, North-West University, Private Bag X 2046, Mmabatho 2035, South AfricaDepartment of Agronomy, University of Fort Hare, Private Bag X1314, Alice 5700, South AfricaFaculty of Natural and Agricultural Science, Crop Science Department, North-West University, Private Bag X 2046, Mmabatho 2035, South AfricaThe current effective method of mitigating soil acidity is the application of lime. However, the costs associated with acquiring lime make it challenging for small-scale farmers in South Africa. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the liming potential of ground eggshells relative to aglime and its effect on P availability in two acidic soils differing in textural classes, and its subsequent effect on the growth of Swiss chard (<i>Beta vulgaris</i> L.). Two soils used in the study were sandy clay loam, which had an initial pH of 4.52, and sandy loam with an initial pH of 5.23. Both lime sources were applied at a rate of 0, 1, 2.5, and 5 t/ha through incubation for 120 days. Our results indicated that applying eggshells and aglime significantly increased soil pH within 7 days (<i>p</i> < 0.05) compared to the 0-rate application across all application rates in both soil types. There were no differences (<i>p</i> > 0.05) in pH between the two applied lime sources. Plant-available P was not significantly different between the applied lime sources at all application rates and the 0-rate application; however, the two lime sources increased plant-available phosphorus above 25 ppm, which is the minimum health level of plant-available phosphorus. The results of plant yield showed no differences (<i>p</i> > 0.05) between the plant dry weights. However, Swiss chard growing at the 0-rate application in the sandy clay loam showed poor and stunted growth while Swiss chard growing at the 0-rate application in the sandy loam did not exhibit poor and stunted growth. According to the study’s results, eggshells have a similar liming effect as aglime and their dissolution rate is similar; therefore, eggshells can be used as a substitute of aglime to increase soil pH. Using eggshells as a substitute for aglime could offer substantial benefits to small-scale farmers by reducing input costs and providing a locally sourced, sustainable alternative. This approach can also enhance economic sustainability in rural communities by promoting the recycling of agricultural by-products and making essential soil amendments more affordable and accessible.https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4395/14/11/2539acidicaglimecalcium carbonateground eggshellsoil texture |
| spellingShingle | Leon Karabo Sebonela Dimpho Elvis Elephant Nkanyiso Justice Sithole Eggshells Improve Soil pH and P Availability in Sandy Loam and Sandy Clay Loamy Soil Agronomy acidic aglime calcium carbonate ground eggshell soil texture |
| title | Eggshells Improve Soil pH and P Availability in Sandy Loam and Sandy Clay Loamy Soil |
| title_full | Eggshells Improve Soil pH and P Availability in Sandy Loam and Sandy Clay Loamy Soil |
| title_fullStr | Eggshells Improve Soil pH and P Availability in Sandy Loam and Sandy Clay Loamy Soil |
| title_full_unstemmed | Eggshells Improve Soil pH and P Availability in Sandy Loam and Sandy Clay Loamy Soil |
| title_short | Eggshells Improve Soil pH and P Availability in Sandy Loam and Sandy Clay Loamy Soil |
| title_sort | eggshells improve soil ph and p availability in sandy loam and sandy clay loamy soil |
| topic | acidic aglime calcium carbonate ground eggshell soil texture |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4395/14/11/2539 |
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