Path of Science: International Electronic Scientific Journal

The effects of dust from basalt, dolomite, and granite at an application rate of 15 t/ha and a particle size of < 63 µm on the mineralisation of loamy sand soil were investigated using an integrated geo-mineral detector and a conventional laboratory procedure over a 90-day incubation period. The researchers incubated rock dust in soil samples and recorded phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), cation exchange capacity (CEC), and pH on Day 1 and Day 90. They analysed and interpreted the data using comparative statistics, Pearson correlation analysis, regression analysis, and probability testing (P < 0.05). The incorporation of basalt and dolomite significantly improved soil chemical properties compared to granite. After 90 days of incubation, pH increased to 5.20–5.60 with basalt, 5.40–6.00 with dolomite, and 5.10–5.30 with granite. Phosphorus concentrations also increased to 9.80–10.90 mg/kg with basalt, 9.00–9.90 mg/kg with dolomite, and 8.10–9.00 mg/kg with granite. Exchangeable potassium, calcium, and magnesium increased consistently, with dolomite dust producing the highest calcium (5.20–7.40 cmol/kg) and magnesium (3.10–4.00 cmol/kg) values. Basalt produced a more balanced nutrient release. In addition, cation exchange capacity increased to 9.40–10.40 cmol/kg with basalt, 11.30–13.20 cmol/kg with dolomite, and 10.50–10.90 cmol/kg with granite. The correlation between the geo-mineral detector readings and the laboratory assessments was strong, positive, and statistically significant, particularly for phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, and pH (p < 0.05). The CEC values showed slight variation. This study revealed the effectiveness of basalt and dolomite dust as a slow, consistent source of mineral release to agricultural soils. Also, the study demonstrated the possibility of replacing conventional laboratory procedures with an integrated geo-mineral detector for determining soil fertility and recommended its usage in precision agriculture. 

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