Effect of basic slag and dolomite on changes in soil properties and yield of rice in lateritic soil

Abstract

Soil acidity is a major constraint for rice cultivation in lateritic soils of the Konkan region, Maharashtra. A field experiment was conducted during Kharif 2024–25 at the Research Farm of AICRP on Agroforestry, Dapoli, to evaluate the effect of basic slag and dolomite as soil amendments along with recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF) on soil chemical properties, nutrient uptake, and rice yield. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Block Design with eight treatments and three replications. Results revealed that application of RDF + basic slag @ 8 t ha⁻¹ (100% LR) significantly increased grain (66.42 q ha⁻¹) and straw (92.17 q ha⁻¹) yields, followed by RDF + dolomite @ 5.75 t ha⁻¹. Nutrient uptake (N, P, K) and soil pH were also enhanced, while organic carbon improved marginally. The study indicated that integration of basic slag or dolomite with RDF is effective in improving soil fertility and sustaining rice productivity in acidic lateritic soils.