Role of calcium peroxide as a soil conditioner and oxygen fertilizer

Authors

  • M.K. Magunda Namulonge Research Station, Uganda
  • F. Callebaut Laboratory of Soil Physics, Faulty of Agricultural Sciences. State University of Ghent, Ghent, Belgium
  • M. De Boodt Laboratory of Soil Physics, Faulty of Agricultural Sciences. State University of Ghent, Ghent, Belgium
  • D. Gabriels National Science Research Funds, Brussels, Belgium

Keywords:

Soils, Calcium peroxide, Fertilizers, Oxygenation

Abstract

The role of calcium peroxide as an oxygen fertilizer and conditioner is reported for an Oxisol. The soil used in this study was found liable to slacking and consequently, to crust formation, thereby exhibiting low oxygen diffusion rates. The shortage of organic matter as a natural binding agent of the soil particles results in low cohesion and low aggregate stability. From a physical point of view the soil was rated as poor. Addition of calcium peroxide to the soil had favourable effects on sugar beet germination and emergence. It also had favourable effects on gaseous diffusion. Conditioning soil aggregates with CaO2 resulted in a higher aggregation percentage and enhance aggregate stability.

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Issue

Volume 61 Number 4

Section

Research Papers