Author(s): V. S. Devi, O. K. Swadija, Geetha, K. and R. Mathew

Abstract: The experiment was carried out during 2014 in acid sulphate soils (Vaikom Kari) in Kottayam district with the objective of ameliorating soil acidity and enhancing rice yield. Kari soil of Kuttanad the rice bowl of Kerala, is a problem soil affected by severe acidity and periodic saline water inundation with consequent accumulation of soluble salts which results in a lower yield. The study consisted of seven treatments with lime @ 600 kg ha-1, dolomite @ 500 kg ha-1 and rice husk ash (RHA) @ 500 kg ha-1 at two different times of application i.e.; as basal and at 30 days after sowing (DAS) or as basal and one week before third dose of fertilizer application (panicle initiation (PI) stage) along with a control without ameliorants. The application of lime, dolomite as well as RHA had a significant influence on grain yield and higher yield was obtained when applied as basal and 30 DAS. The number of panicles was higher and the sterility percentage was lower for dolomite and RHA applied as basal and 30 DAS. The benefit cost ratio was also the highest for dolomite applied as basal and 30 DAS but was on par with lime applied similarly and both treatments of RHA. The soil pH, increased by the application of ameliorants at both stages had a positive influence on available P. Lime and dolomite application increased soil available Ca and available Mg content was raised by applying dolomite.

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