The Ameliorative Effects of Lime and Vermicompost on Yield and Yield Components of Barley (Hordeum vulgar L.) and Soil Properties in Acidic Soil of Northwestern Ethiopia

Abstract

Soil acidity and fertility depletion are the major challenges to crop production in the northwestern highlands of Ethiopia. In response to this problem, this study was conducted on acidic soils of Banja district of northwestern Ethiopia to evaluate the main and interaction effects of different rates of lime and vermicompost application on soil properties, and yield and yield components of barley during 2020 main cropping season. The factorial combinations of four rates of lime (0, 50, 100, and 150%) or (0, 0.93, 1.86, and 2.79 t/ha-1) with three rates of vermicompost (0, 2.5 and 5 t ha-1) were laid out in randomized complete block design with three replications. Soil samples were taken at a depth of 0-15 cm before the application of treatments and after harvesting. The results revealed that the interaction effects of lime (2.79 t ha-1) with VC (5 t ha-1) significantly increased soil pH (5.55), exchangeable calcium (14.36%), and exchangeable sodium (0.58%). Similarly organic carbon (3.17%), and exchangeable magnesium (1.49%) increased at the application of lime (1.86 t ha-1) with vermicompost (5 t ha-1). The main effects also increased total nitrogen, available phosphorus, cation exchangeable capacity, and potassium, whereas significantly decreased exchangeable acidity and aluminum. The main and interaction effects of lime and vermicompost significantly improved yield and yield components of barley. The highest grain yield of 5097 kg ha-1 was recorded from the combined application of lime 1.86 t ha-1 and vermicompost 5 t ha-1. Whereas, the lowest grain yield of 3635 kg ha-1 was recorded from the control. Overall, the combined application of organic fertilizer and lime amendments could be recommended to amend soil acidity and improve the availability of nutrients and crop yield. However, further research is needed to evaluate the long-term effects of both organic and lime amendments.