Residual Effects of Foliar Micronutrient Application on the Chemical Properties of Saline-Calcareous Soil in an Arid Environment

Abstract

This research investigated the residual effects of foliar micronutrients applications on soil chemical properties (pH, EC, CaCO₃) in arid environment. The study was performed at the department of agricultural sciences, Mohamed Khider University, Biskra, Algeria. Applying the pot culture soil previously cultivated with wheat which improved with foliar micronutrients treatments during the growth cycle. The pH and EC results showed insignificant variation among treatments reflecting the minor effect of foliar sprays solutions on the chemical proprerties of saline calcareous soil. But, CaCO₃ results registered a significant effect which reflect the indirect influence of foliar micronutrients treatments on the soil calcium carbonate content. This alteration is may be due to rhizosphere processes activity such us root secretion, microbial activity and redox conditions around the roots which lead to dissolution or transformation of the carbonate without affecting the pH or salinity. Also, the results obtained highlight the weak connection between the dynamic carbonate alterations and pH and salinity.