Improving Soil Properties Through Use of Unburnt Local Limes in Acidic Soils of Burera District, Rwanda

Abstract: 
This study was carried out at Rwerere Research Station located in the highlands of Buberuka, Rwanda. Three local limes (Musanze, Rusizi and Karongi) were evaluated in a randomized complete block design (RCBD)) experiment established in September 2011 rainy season. Baseline information was established on soil properties and quality (CCE, Fineness factor, ECCE, Acidity and moisture) of lime materials. Soil pH, exchangeable Al and available phosphorus were monitored at 6, 12 and 16 weeks after lime application (WAP). However, nitrogen and base saturation were analysed at 16WAP. Finding showed that application of 2.8t ha-1 of Musanze unburnt local lime and agricultural burnt lime had a similar effect on soil pH. They increased soil pH by 0.62 and 0.61 units, respectively. A lime application rate of 2.8t ha-1 of agricultural burnt lime, Musanze and Rusizi unburned local limes increased soil available phosphorus by 1.72, 1.71 and 1.65 mg/kg, respectively. On the other hand, agricultural burnt lime and Musanze unburnt local lime had a similar effect on Ca saturation. The application of 1.4 and 2.8t ha-1 of agricultural burned lime and Musanze unburnt local lime increased soil nitrogen by 0.12 and 0.24%of total nitrogen, respectively.
Cette étude a été réalisée à la station de recherche de Rwerere, située dans les montagnes de Buberuka, au Rwanda. Trois variétés de chaux locales (de Musanze, Rusizi et Karongi) ont été évaluées dans une expérience de conception en blocs complets aléatoire (RCBD) établie lors de la saison des pluies de Septembre 2011. L’information de base a été établie sur les propriétés et la qualité du sol (CCE, facteur de finesse, ECCE, acidité et humidité) de matériaux en chaux. Le pH du sol, l’Al échangeable et le phosphore disponible ont été suivis à 6, 12 et 16 semaines après l’application de la chaux (WAP). Cependant, l’azote et la saturation en bases ont été analysés à 16 semaines après l’application de la chaux. Les résultats ont montré que l’application de 2,8 t ha-1 de la chaux locale non calcinée de Musanze et celle de la chaux vive agricole ont eu un effet similaire sur le pH du sol. Elles ont augmenté le pH du sol de 0,62 et 0,61 unités, respectivement. Un taux d’épandage de la chaux de 2,8 t ha-1 de la chaux vive agricole, des chaux locales non calcinées de Musanze et de Rusizi a augmenté le phosphore disponible dans le sol de 1,72, 1,71 et 1,65 mg / kg, respectivement. Par contre, la chaux vive agricole et la chaux locale non calcinée de Musanze ont eu un effet similaire sur la saturation en Ca. L’épandage de 1,4 et 2,8 t ha-1 de la chaux vive agricole et de la chaux non calcinée de Musanze ont augmenté l’azote du sol de 0,12 et 0,24% de l’azote total, respectivement.
Language: 
English
Extended abstract under Enhancing Natural Resource Management
Date of publication: 
2012
Country: 
Region Focus: 
East Africa
Collection: 
RUFORUM Conferences and Workshops
Agris Subject Categories: 
Licence conditions: 
Open Access
Form: 
Printed resource
Publisher: 
Notes: 

The 2012 RUFORUM Biennial Conference is the third in the series. The main objective of the Biennial conferences is to provide a platform for agricultural research for development stakeholders in Africa and beyond to actively exchange findings and experiences, while at the same time learning lessons towards improving performance of the agricultural sector and ultimately people’s livelihoods. The biennial conference is RUFORUM’s most comprehensive meeting for the diversity of stakeholers in agriculture. It is especially dedicated to graduate students and their supervisors, grantees in RUFORUM member universities and alumni. It is a platform for peer review, quality control, mentorship, networking and shared learning. The third Biennial Conference was attended by 657 participants. This record contains an extended abstract accepted under the theme of Enhancing Natural Resource Management.