Influence of UREA and NPK Fertilizers on Selected Soil Properties that Could Control Nutrient Uptake in Local Maize Variety in a Semi-Arid Area of Tanzania

Abstract

The decline in agricultural production in different regions of the globe has necessitated the use of fertilizers. However, inorganic fertilizers are blamed to affect soil properties consequently affecting crop performance. This paper aimed to investigate the influence of UREA and NPK fertilizers on soil properties that could control nutrient uptake in regional maize variety in Tanzania using appropriate standard methods. Differences in soil properties on application of UREA, NPK and control (no fertilizer) were observed before and after growing maize. Data obtained in UREA, NPK and Control were Soil pH (8.48 ± 0 – 8.22 ± 0.08), (8.48 ± 0 – 7.3 ± 0.25), (8.48 ± 0 – 8.72 ± 0.09); Bulk density (1.39 ± 0.014 – 1.40 ± 0.008), (1.39 ± 0.029 – 0.04 ± 0.010), (1.38 ± 0.035 – 0.21 ± 0.035);  Soil moisture content (15.25 ± 0.30 – 10.86 ± 1.12), (15.27 ± 0.39 – 2.67 ± 0.89), (15.14 ± 0.87 – 17.19 ± 3.41); Water holding capacity (0.27 ± 0.02 – 1.13 ± 0.09), (0.28 ± 0.02 – 1.11 ± 0.27), (0.28 ± 0.02 – 1.60 ± 0.17); Porosity (38.45 ± 2.07 – 45.64 ± 0.34), (39.67 ± 1.26 – 97.11 ± 3.12), (38.68 ± 0.34 – 91.38 ± 1.45) respectively. NPK application improved aeration, lowered soil pH and compaction but promoted dryness. On the other hand, the use of UREA resulted in compaction of the soil, lowered aeration and water holding capacity. This is an indicative of interference with water, nutrient and air availability. Revisitation of formulations of UREA and NPK fertilizers is recommended considering the global soil water shortage.