Performance of Slag-Based Gypsum on Maize Yield and Available Soil Nutrients over Commercial Gypsum under Acidic and Neutral Soil

ABSTRACT

Effect of slag-based gypsum (SBG) and commercial gypsum (CG) on maize was investigated in acidic and neutral soils. A randomized complete block design (RCBD) with seven treatments consisting of three levels (150, 450, and 750 kg ha⁻¹) of SBG and CG with recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) and one control was maintained. Application of SBG @750 kg ha⁻¹ recorded significantly higher (8.61 and 8.69 t ha⁻¹, respectively) cob yield of maize compared to CG and control treatments in both soil condition. Increased levels of SBG application increased soil pH and EC in both the soils, but decreased with the application of CG. Application of 750 kg SBG ha⁻¹ recorded significantly higher soil available nutrients like phosphorus in acidic soil and potassium in neutral soil. Higher exchangeable calcium and magnesium in acidic soil and exchangeable calcium in neutral soil were recorded with the application of CG @750 kg ha⁻¹. Available sulfur was significantly higher with CG @750 kg ha⁻¹ applied treatment in both soils. CaCl₂Si content in acidic soil varied significantly and recorded higher with application of SBG, while CaCl₂Si content in neutral soil and AASi in both soils had no significant effect by application of SBG. Significantly higher DTPA extractable micronutrients in acidic and neutral soil were noticed in SBG @750 kg ha⁻¹ applied treatment. However, application of SBG had no significant effect on iron and copper content in neutral soil. Higher uptake of nutrients was recorded with 750 kg SBG ha⁻¹ compared CG applied and other treatments.

KEYWORDS:

• Slag-based gypsum
• commercial gypsum
• acidic soil
• neutral soil
• maize and soil nutrients

Acknowledgments

We are thankful to the Tata Steel Pvt. Limited, Jamshedpur, Jharkhand, India for providing the gypsum and funding support to conduct this field study. We also thank Dr. Sanjay Chandra, Chief R&D and Scientific Services, Tata Steel Pvt. Limited for providing technical suggestions.