Applying Limestone or Basalt in Combination with Bio-Fertilizer to Sustain Rice Production on an Acid Sulfate Soil in Malaysia

Abstract

Abstract:A study was conducted to determine the efficacy of applying ground magnesium limestone (GML) or ground basalt in combination with bio-fertilizer to sustain rice production on an acid sulfate soil in Malaysia. Soils from Kelantan Plains, Malaysia, were treated with GML, ground basalt, bio-fertilizer, GML + bio-fertilizer, and ground basalt + bio-fertilizer (4 t¤ ha ¡1 each). Results showed that soil fertility was improved by applying the soil amendments. GML and basalt contain some Zn and Cu; thus, application of these amendments would increase their contents in the soil needed for the healthy growth of rice. Basalt applied in combination with bio-fertilizer appeared to be the best agronomic option to improve the fertility of acid sulfate soils for sustainable rice production in the long run. In addition to increasing Ca, Mg, Zn, and Cu reserves in the soil, water pH increased and precipitated Al 3+ and/or Fe 2+ . Ground basalt is cheaper than GML, but basalt dissolution in the acidic soil was slow. As such, its ameliorative effects could only be seen significantly from the second season onwards. The specially-formulated bio-fertilizer for alleviating the infertility of acid sulfate soil could also enhance rice growth. The use of the bio-fertilizer fortified with N 2 -fixing bacteria is a green technology that would help reduce NO 3 ¡ and/or NO 2 ¡ pollution and reduce the cost of rice production. The phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (PSB) present in the bio-fertilizer not only increased the available P, but also helped release organic acids that would inactivate Al 3+ and/or Fe 2+ via the process of chelation.

Effects of Biochar and Ground Magnesium Limestone Application, with or without Bio-Fertilizer Addition, on Biochemical Properties of an Acid Sulfate Soil and Rice Yield

“…Other studies conducted elsewhere in the world came out with almost similar findings [13,57,58]. Of particular interest to the agronomists in Malaysia is the fact that RHB applied on acid sulfate soil in combination with bio-fertilizer fortified with beneficial bacteria can increase plant nutrient uptake and subsequently enhance the grain yield production of rice as well as its quality [59,60].…”

Potential of Mn2+-Resistant Purple Nonsulfur Bacteria Isolated from Acid Sulfate Soils to Act as Bioremediators and Plant Growth Promoters via Mechanisms of Resistance

“…The problem is more serious in paddy fields because the threat can spread in soil and water affecting soil fertility, water quality and human health in the wider environment (Neculita and Rosa 2019). In the pursuit of sustainable agricultural development, metal-resistant microorganisms have been studied for their ability to transform metals ions and heavy metals, and to reduce metal toxicity, cations and divalent cations (Nunkaew et al 2015;Nookongbut et al 2016Nookongbut et al , 2018Panhwar et al 2016;Sakpirom et al 2017Sakpirom et al , 2019Khuong et al 2018). To our knowledge, little study has taken place of Mn 2+ -resistant PNSB for this purpose in acid paddy fields.…”

Enhancing soil fertility and lowbush blueberry (Vaccinium angustifolium) growth using bio-organic fertilizer

“…In ASSs, high concentrations of Al 3+ and Fe 2+ lead to a decline in soil health and microbial community [21]. According to Panhwar et al (2016) [9], using biofertilizers increased the levels of strongly-bound Al 3+ and Fe 2+ , resulting in fixation by the organic acids, hence, reducing the concentration of Al 3+ and Fe 2+ in soil.…”

“…There are several ways to reduce the exchangeable Al 3+ and Fe 2+ in ASS, such as the addition of biofertilizers, biochar, and liming, among others [2,5,9]. Biofertilizers are biological products that contain beneficial microorganisms and most of the required plant nutrients [10].…”

“…According to Patra et al (2021) [12], who demonstrated that biofertilizer supplementation remarkably reduced soil acidity. Moreover, treatment with biofertilizers IOP Publishing doi:10.1088/1755-1315/1087/1/012077 2 releases organic acids that precipitate exchangeable Al 3+ and Fe 2+ through a chelation process, thus, being non-phytotoxic [9].…”