Evaluation of soil quality following phosphate fertilization on leguminous crops in the Mitidja region, Algeria

The present research proposes an assessment of soil quality in the Mitidja region of Algeria, focusing on the application of phosphate fertilization on legume crops. The study aims to analyze the physico-chemical properties of the soil before and after the cultivation of broad bean (Vicia faba L.), using different phosphate fertilization methods. Parameters assessed include levels of total nitrogen (N), assimilable phosphorus (P), and exchangeable potassium (K) in the soil. A randomized complete block design with four replications was chosen in our experiment. The specific quantities of phosphate fertilizer applied to each elementary plot were: T0 (control) without adding phosphate fertilizer, T1 with 60 units of P2O5/ha of super triple phosphate (TSP) applied to the soil before sowing, T2 with 5 l/ha of "Agriphos" type foliar fertilizer applied in two fractions, and T3 with a combined treatment of T1 and T2. Results showed that soil nitrogen levels were almost similar between treatments, while phosphorus amendment had variable effects on soil assimilable available phosphorus. The combined treatment showed a slight increase in soil exchangeable potassium content. This study provides crucial information for improving crop management and optimizing phosphate fertilization practices in the Mitidja region, a part of the Mediterranean region. The results are relevant for understanding the physico-chemical characteristics of agricultural soils in Algeria.