Comparative effects of ground calcium carbonate and marble dust on morphological and Yield responses of corn (Zea mays) in acidic soils

Abstract

Acidic soil hinders crop production by limiting nutrient availability and plant growth; marble dust, a byproduct of the marble processing industry, can be a sustainable soil amendment. This study evaluated Ground Calcium Carbonate (GCC) and Marble Dust (MD) as soil amendments to improve soil pH and enhance corn growth. GCC, refined from MD using a ball mill roller, and MD, directly sourced from marble processing waste, were applied at five levels: 0g (control), 125g, 250g, 375g, and 500g per pot. Conducted in a screenhouse using a split-plot completely randomized design, the study assessed stalk diameter, plant height, corn weight, and soil pH. ANOVA and Tukey’s HSD tests revealed significant improvements across treatments, with 250g and 375g applications achieving optimal results. Soil pH increased from 5.3 to over 8.0, and corn yield improved notably. However, higher application rates (500g) offered no additional benefits, indicating diminishing returns. GCC consistently outperformed MD in enhancing growth. Both materials effectively ameliorate acidic soils, with optimal application rates between 250g and 375g per pot. Further field trials are recommended to validate these results on a larger scale.