Effects of ferromagnetic minerals on plant growth and soil remineralization.
This study was aimed at evaluating the soil remineralization potential of ferromagnetic minerals (FM) on the growth and yield of maize (Zea mays). The study consisted of determining the physicochemical properties of FM, measuring the effects of FM on yield and soil fertility, and evaluating the soil remineralization potential of the ferromagnetic amendments. The study was conducted at the Experimental Laboratory of Soil and Water (LECASA) located at EARTH University, Las Mercedes, Guácimo, Limón, Costa Rica. Fieldwork and greenhouse studies were preceded by exploratory tests and laboratory physicochemical soil analysis. Five treatments were used and replicated three and four times for field and greenhouse trials, respectively. Treatments were T1: (100 % synthetic fertilizer), T2: (100 % synthetic fertilizer + 70 % lime + 30% FM), T3: (100 % synthetic fertilizer + 100 % FM), T4: (70 % synthetic fertilizer + 70 % lime + 30 % FM) and T5: (70 % synthetic fertilizer + 100 % FM). The results presented in this study show that FM can be used as a source of macro- and micronutrients for the soil, based on their chemical properties. Data revealed that FM have a significant effect on long-term soil remineralization due to their progressive nutrient release. The combination of FM with dolomite and inorganic fertilizer was the best agronomic option for remineralizing the soil and increasing maize yield, as compared to other combinations used. This is because, in addition to the reduction of soil acidity, raising pH, and adding calcium and magnesium to the soil, it also reduced the usage of synthetic fertilizer by 30 %, which eventually lowers the cost of production. Ferromagnetic minerals have positive effects on crop yield and soil fertility parameters, and they can be used as a natural soil amendment.
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| Format: | info:eu-repo/semantics/bachelorThesis biblioteca |
| Language: | eng |
| Published: |
Universidad EARTH
2022-12
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| Subjects: | ENMIENDAS DEL SUELO, MINERALES, FERTILIDAD DEL SUELO, PROPIEDADES FISICOQUIMICAS, MAIZ, ZEA MAYS, https://purl.org/pe-repo/ocde/ford#4.01.04, |
| Online Access: | https://repositorio.earth.ac.cr/handle/UEARTH/154 |
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