Changes in pH, electrical conductivity and available phosphorus of lateritic soil under incubation study

Abstract

A 120-day incubation study was carried out in submerged lateritic soils of Konkan, Maharashtra, to examine the influence of different phosphorus (P) sources and application levels on soil pH, electrical conductivity (EC), and available P. The results revealed that fertilizer type markedly affected soil chemical properties. Rock phosphate tended to maintain a relatively higher pH, whereas KAB caused a more pronounced decline. EC responses were source-dependent, with water-soluble fertilizers showing sharper increases compared to sparingly soluble forms. Among the P sources, SSP and DAP enhanced available P most effectively during early incubation, while RP released P more gradually, contributing to sustained availability over time. These findings highlight that both the solubility characteristics of fertilizers and the incubation period play decisive roles in regulating P dynamics in submerged lateritic soils.