Abstract
Objective: This work deals with the improvement of the productivity of sandy and acid soils of the city of Kinshasa (DRC) by the use of lime and biomass of castor leaves (Ricinus comminus). The okra crop was used to assess the performance of the applied amendments.
Methodology and results: To evaluate the combined effect of lime and different doses of castor leaves in the sandy soil of Kinshasa, an experiment was conducted at the Pôle Expérimental Horticole of the Faculty of Agronomic Sciences, within the campus of the University of Kinshasa.
The combined effects of lime and castor leaf biomass on edaphic parameters are evaluated in comparison with those of the control soil (lime) during two cropping seasons.
The results of this study showed that the combined application of lime and castor leaves positively influenced the soil response, the increase in soil organic matter content, the Cation Exchange Capacity and consequently the growth and production of okra in the first cropping season. In the second cropping season, a decrease in cation exchange capacity and soil organic matter content was observed for all treatments. The control (lime) showed the closest pH to neutrality.
Conclusion and recommendation: This study shows that lime cannot be used alone for production. Apart from its role in correcting acidity and increasing cation exchange capacity, it does not provide primary mineral elements such as N, P, K except calcium in the soil which the plant does not use in large quantities. The results of these investigations showed that the residual effects are not evident on the growth and yield of okra. We recommend the following: when applying lime, it should be accompanied by either chemical or organic fertilizers to improve soil productivity and crop yield.
Keywords : Lime, castor leaves, pH, Organic matter, CEC, sandy and acidic soil, Okra.
Author: Jeancy Ntuka Luta, Blaise Lunjwire Ntwali, Alasca Ekuya Lombolu, Paul Mafuka Mbe-Mpie
© 2022 The Author(s). Published in RUFSO Journal Article, Volume 34
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