Can Phosphate Rock Boost Maize (Zea mays L.) Growth under Alkaline Soil Conditions?

Abstract

Phosphorus deficiency forms an important constraint for crop production, especially in tropical marginal countries like the Sudan. Unfortunately, the majority of soils in the Sudan are phosphate (Pi) deficient, while chemical Pi fertilizers are not affordable for resource-poor farmers. Thus, alternative fertilization strategies are urgently needed to improve yields of crops, especially on alkaline low-fertile soils. Having some novel and simple solutions can offer tremendous opportunities to protect the environment, rebuild soil fertility, and improve food security in the Sudan and similar countries. Hence, a pot experiment was conducted to study the impact of phosphate rock (PR) on Original Research Article