Effect of Calcium Source from Golden Apple Snail’s Shell on Soil Nutrient and pH

Abstract

This study explores a sustainable approach to utilize golden apple snail shells as a soil amendment. Calcination process at 600°C created calcium carbonate (CaCO₃), while further increasing the temperature to 900°C produced calcium oxide (CaO). Microscopic (SEM) and spectroscopic (FTIR) analyses proved structural changes during calcination process. Both calcined shells were then applied to soil at various concentrations (2.50%, 5.00% and 7.50%). Based on the findings, CaO when applied at 5.00% concentration helps in improving soil pH, and at the same time increased nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium) availability. Mixing 5.00% CaO in soil led to the highest levels of nitrogen on day 14. The same result was obtained for phosphorus and potassium, where the highest levels were obtained in the soil treated with CaO, compared to CaCO3, dolomite, and the control. These findings highlight the potential of calcined shells, especially CaO as a promising and eco-friendly alternatives of liming materials which not only manage golden apple snail’s invasion but also contribute to enhanced soil fertility.