Effects of Integrated Soil Acidity Reclamation Measures on Soil Properties and Barley (Hurdium vulgarae) yield in the Central Highlands of Ethiopia

Abstract

Soil acidity is a major constraint in the Ethiopian highlands, affecting about 43% of the farmlands is severely limiting barley yields. The study assessed the effects of agricultural lime, compost, and chemical fertilizers on soil properties and barley yield in Jeldu district. Six soil reclamation treatments, combining lime, compost, and chemical fertilizers were tested along with no-input and conventional practice controls. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design with three replicates. Results demonstrated that combining lime (7 t ha⁻¹) and compost (2.5 t ha⁻¹), as well as the integration of lime with mineral fertilizers, boosted barley grain and biomass yields by three to four times higher compared to conventional mineral fertilizers alone. These improvements were linked to enhanced soil properties, including increased soil porosity, available water content, pH, available phosphorus, organic carbon, total nitrogen, cation exchange capacity, and exchangeable calcium and magnesium. The treatments improved soil properties by up to 202%, while reducing bulk density and exchangeable acidity by up to 70% and 97%, respectively. The benefits of these integrated practices were several times greater compared to the control treatment with no inputs. In conclusion, these findings highlight that combining lime along with compost and chemical fertilizers is the most effective strategy for reclaiming acid soils and improving barley production. By addressing the pressing issue of soil acidity through sustainable practices, this study underscores the importance of integrated nutrient management for achieving long-term agricultural resilience and food security in the Ethiopian highlands.