Effect of Bottom Sediment Supplement to Light Soil on the Content and Uptake of Macroelements by Maize

Abstract

The aim of study was an assessment of supplement of a bottom sediment with grain size composition of clay to light soil on the concentrations and uptake of macroelements by maize. Bottom sediment applied as a supplement improving light soil properties was extracted from the Besko Reservoir (Sieniawskie Lake) in the Podkarpackie province. The bottom sediments were added to the soil in the 1 year of the investigations in the amount of 5, 10, 30 and 50 % of air-dried sediment in relation to dry soil mass. Bottom sediment added to soil had a positive influence on maize shoots biomass but only when applied in the smallest dose, ie 5 %. Applied bottom sediment positively affected maize chemical composition increasing the content and uptake of nitrogen, potassium, magnesium and calcium by maize. While utilizing bottom sediment in plant cultivation, one should take into consideration a necessity of application of supplementary PK fertilization due to low content of these elements both in the bottom sediment. Because of a high proportion of clay particles in its composition and alkaline reaction, bottom sediment may be applied as a supplement to light and acid soils to improve their properties, but only in small doses to 5 %. Bigger doses may be used for reclamation as a structure and soil forming material on soil-less grounds.