Division of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, 110012.
1Present address: Central Soil and Water Conservation Research and Training Institute, 218, Kaulagarh Road, Dehradun, Uttaranchal, 248195.
Effect of different levels of lime and P application on tbe available P and phosphate potential in three acid saline soils viz. Kari, Kayal and Karappadom soils of Kuttanad, Kerala were studied. A consistent difference in pH was observed among the lime levels throughout tbe rice crop season in Kari and Kayal soils whereas the was less conspicious in Karappadom soils. Liming and flooding of the soil resulted in a decline in available P content of soil initially and later on increased up to 60 days after transplanting (DAT). Lime levels and application of P influenced the P availability in soil at 30 DAT but only the latter influenced P availability at 60 DAT. The effects levelled off at the harvesting stage. Phosphate potential of soil at 30 DAT and at harvesting stage conformed to the trend observed to that of the available P at these stages. On drainage of the soil before harvesting, a drop in pH was observed in all the treatments accompanied by a concomitant reduction in available P of the soil.
Liming, acid saline soils, available P, phosphate potential
