JWSS - Journal of Water and Soil Science

In order to increase the available Phosphorous (P), chemical fertilizers are applied; however, P chemical fertilizers are transformed into low available forms over time. Organic amendments could be effective in improving the efficiency of P fertilizers. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of P fertilizers and vermicopost on the availability and fractions of P and maize (Zea Mays L.) indices in a calcareous soil. This study was performed in a factorial completely randomized design with three replicates. The experimental factors included chemical fertilizer (0 and 50 mg/kg P) and vermicopost (0 and 1 %W). After 2 months of planting in greenhouse, the shoots of maize were removed and the maize indices (P concentration, dry matter and P uptake) were determined. Then, the soil samples taken from each pot, P available, and P fractions were evaluated by a modified method developed by Hedley et al (1982). The results showed that the effect of the interaction beyween P fertilizer and vermicopost on the available P was significant. Also, the interaction of P fertilizer and vermicopost on the soluble and exchangeable P (P<0.05) and organic P (P<0.01) was significant. By applying the P fertilizer or % 1 vermicompost, all P fractions (except Ca bound P) were increased. The results, therefore, showed that the effect of the interaction between P fertilizer and vermicopost on P concentration, dry matter and P uptake was not significant (P>0.05). Vermicopost application increased the dry matter from 6.9 to 10.5 g pot^-1, while application of 50 mg kg^-1 P as fertilizer increased the dry matter from 7.7 to 9.7 g pot^-1. Also, by adding vermicopost (11.1%), the i P uptake was increased, as compared to 50 mg kg^-1. The results, therefore, indicated that the beneficial effect of vermicompost on the dry matter and P uptake in maize was more than that of the chemical fertilizer. Moreover, P fertilizer and manure could influence P fractions and P availability.