Improving the chemical properties of acid soils and chemical composition and yield of spring barley (hordeum vulgare l.) By use of metallurgical slag

Abstract

This paper outlines effects of the usage of metallurgical slag from a steel factory in Smederevo, Republic of Serbia (owned by U.S. Steel), through vegetative experiments, performed in semi-controlled conditions on two types of acid soils (lessivated cambisol and pseudogley). Chemical properties of soils as well as chemical composition and yield of the planted barley were studied. The aim of experiments was to compare the effect of metallurgical slag with other lime materials (ground limestone and hydrated lime) in combination without and with standard fertilizers (organics and minerals). The research was conducted in order to define elementary parameters for wide-spread usage of this secondary raw material in amelioration and fertilization of acid soils, widely spread in Republic of Serbia. All the lime materials - neutralizers of soil acidity, along with metallurgical slag, showed positive effects both on increase of barley yield and its elemental composition, and also chemical properties of experimental acid soils.