The Influence of Giving Lime and Fertilizer to the Water Quality of the Acid-Sulphate Agriculture Land Model

Abstract

Low pH and pyrite layer are the most frequent problems found in the acid sulphate land. It can be found in many lowland regions in South Kalimantan Province i.e Barito Kuala Regency. The value of pH, iron (Fe) and sulphate (SO4)2- concentration for the case study in barito Kuala Regency were about 4.00, 8.40 mg/l and 2100.00 mg/l, respectively. This study is done to learn more about the influence of pH, Fe and sulphate concentration before and after conducting amelioration treatment and which will be the best dosage for lowering the acidity of acid sulphate land. The research was done in the green house with the agriculture land model using acid sulphate soil. There were some variations of lime dosages i.e. 24 gram, 36 gram, 48 gram, 60 gram and 72 gram, respectively. One box was left without any treatment as a control. Fertilizing dosages were 6.00 gram of Urea, 3.24 gram of SP36 and 2.40 gram of KCl. The water height was maintained 5 cm above the soil surface. From the result, it was indicated that by giving lime (as ameliorant), it can improve the water quality significantly. The pH values changed from 4.00 to 5.50. Fe concentration has decreased from 8.40 mg/l to 0.64 mg/l. The sulphate concentration also has decreased from 2100.00 mg/l to 1401.00 mg/l. From Duncan Multiple Range Test (DMRT), it was determined that by giving 48 gram of ameliorant can improve water quality significantly.