Soil and fertilizer phosphorus studies in Lebanon
1988
Ryan, J. (MidAmerica International Agricultural Consortium, Settat (Morocco). Aridoculture Center)
The NaHCO3 extraction procedure for available P was shown to be most appropriate for Lebanese soils, as it is for calcareous soils in general. While CaCO3 has a dominant influence on P behaviour in calcareous soils, laboratory studies showed that P adsorption may be influenced by soil iron oxides. Changes which take place after P fertilization were also identified. While most previous studies involved conventional P fertilizers, a recent series of experiments dealt with an experimental N-P fertilizer, urea phosphate. Indications are that this material may be suitable for use in drip irrigation systems; it apparently promotes greater P movement into the soil and improves water infiltration. However it may induce iron deficiency in plants. Despite the accumulated scientific data on P in Lebanon's soils, little information reaches the farmer because of an array of adverse factors: minimal and impotent extension system and no available or reliable soil testing services - problems confounded by infrastructure disruption. Notwithstanding such obstacles, crop production in Lebanon continues - a tribute to the Lebanese farmers' indomitable spirit and resilience nurtured through centuries of turmoil. Future progress in agricultural research will depend on cooperation between research institutions at the national and regional levels
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