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Phosphorus fractionation and distribution guide phosphatic fertilization and soil management approaches on Nitisols of West Shewa Zone

agricultural-science
biochemistry
plant-science
soil-science
natural-resource-management

Abstract

A greenhouse and laboratory experiment was conducted from 2021 to 2023 to investigate the fractionation and distribution of inorganic phosphorus (IP) in Nitisols collected from eight acid-affected kebeles of the West Shewa Zone, Ethiopia. Barley was grown in pot trials to assess growth responses to various phosphate fertilization strategies. Accordingly, different mineral phosphorus sources like TSP, PARP, and RP were used to represent divers’ solubility with organic fertilizer source (Vermicompost) in different combinations and sole applications in CRD design. The results indicated that the integrated application of mineral phosphorus fertilizers with organic amendments significantly improved barley growth and biomass yield compared to sole mineral or organic inputs. P fractionation revealed that total IP ranged from 252 to 425 ppm, with iron-bound P as the dominant fraction, followed by occluded P; together, these two fractions accounted for an average of 72% of total IP. In contrast, the available P content was low, ranging from 2.7 to 8 ppm, corresponding to very low to low ratings. This distribution highlights that a substantial portion of soil P is fixed in less available forms, limiting immediate plant uptake. Therefore, soil fertility management in these Nitisols should focus on strategies that mobilize fixed P pools, such as balanced fertilization, liming, organic amendments, reduced tillage, and biofertilization, to enhance P availability and crop productivity. Given the limited scope of these observations, further comprehensive phosphorus fractionation analyses and the inclusion of a broader range of soil amendments are essential to optimize phosphorus dynamics across different pools and improve sustainable soil fertility management in acidic Nitisols.
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