Effect of dolomitic limestone and organic fertilizers on some physical-chemical properties and the structure of a Vertisol

Abstract

The application of natural mineral and organic fertilizers can increase soil productivity. The work was carried out in Vertisols sugarcane areas on the North coast of the province of Villa Clara, municipality of Sagua la Grande, Cuba, with the objective of assessing the effect of dolomitic limestone and organic fertilizers on some physical-chemical properties of a Vertisol. An experiment was conducted with dolomitic limestone levels and combinations of organic fertilizers (4 t ha-1 compost, 15 t ha-1 sugarcane filter cake) and fertilizers (NPK). The design used was stripe blocks. The soil analysis data used at the depth of 0-20 and 20-40 cm were at 8, 19 and 36 months after application of the treatments. The following indicators were evaluated: structure factor, permeability, stable aggregates, plasticity, T value, and exchangeable cations. The Ca/Mg ratio reached a maximum value of 2.58, which shows in the effect of the treatments on the interchangeable cations. Dolomitic limestone and its combinations with organic fertilizers showed significant positive effects on soil structure and consistency, both in the surface layer and in the subsoil, with residual impact over time up to 36 months. The results obtained showed a change in the category of structural indicators from regular to excellent (permeability 1.50-2.40) and from plasticity to moderately plastic (Plastic index 36.64 -13.72)