Increasing phosphorus uptake and sweet corn yield through Azolla pinnata compost and lime application in Ultisols
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Abstract
Azolla compost significantly increased total soil organic carbon (TSOC) by 27% and soil pH by 20.6% at 15 tons/ha compared to unfertilized soil, but comparable with 10 ton/ha. Phosphorus uptake by sweet corn was more than doubled with the application of Azolla compost at 10 tons/ha as compared to unfertilized soil, accompanied by increases in shoot dry weight and unhusked ear weight by 1.23 times and 81.9%, respectively. In general, the application of Azolla compost at a rate of 10 ton/ha is sufficient to increase productivity of sweet corn in Ultisols. While calcium carbonate application significantly improved soil pH and P tissue concentration, it had no effect on TSOC, phosphorus uptake, shoot weight, or unhusked ear weight. These findings provide valuable insights for optimizing sweet corn fertilization in Ultisols.
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References
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