Dynamics of acidity and electrical conductivity due to seawater amelioration in total reclaimed acid sulphate soils, South Kalimantan

Abstract

The objective of our research was to determine the effect of inundation using seawater on the pH and EC of acid sulphate soils This research consisted of 2 stages, an incubation experiment carried out in the greenhouse, Indonesian Swampland Agricultural Research Institute (ISARI), Banjarbaru South Kalimantan and in the field of Handil, Maluka village, Bumi Makmur District, Tanah Laut Regency, South Kalimantan. The incubation experiment used several seawater concentrations of 0, 12.5, 25, 37.5 and 50%, with randomized complete design with 3 replications. The field experiment used a raise bed system with two treatment applications: (i) without brackish water and (ii) with brackish water. The results of the incubation experiment showed that the longer the incubation period and the higher seawater concentration caused a decrease in the soil pH while increasing EC values. Conversely, incubation of potential acid sulphate soils using well water (0% seawater) resulted in increasing soil pH and EC values. Field experiments showed that the application of brackish water on acid sulphate soil gave lower soil pH than that without brackish water. Contrary, EC values of acid sulphate soil applied with brackish water were higher than those without brackish water application.