Improving Selected Chemical Properties of a Paddy Soil in Sabah Amended with Calcium Silicate: A Laboratory Incubation Study

In Malaysia, the main constraints of rice yield and productivity are infertile soils poor management practices because these characterized by low pH, nutrient availability, organic matter, high exchangeable Al Fe ions, due to rainfall hot temperatures. Thus, an incubation study was conducted determine optimum amount calcium silicate (HmbG brand) improve soil electrical conductivity (EC), Al, available P, cation exchange capacity (CEC) a paddy in Sabah, Malaysia. The Kelawat series (Typic Dystrudept) incubated with at application rates 0 (T1), 1 (T2), 2 (T3), 3 t ha?1 (T4) using Completely Randomized Design (CRD) triplicates for 30, 60, 90, 120 days. used significantly improved pH release SiO44? Ca2+ which neutralized immobilized H+ ions. Furthermore, neutralizing effects amendment impeded hydrolysis up 57.4% this resulted increase P 31.26% 50.64%. increased availability also affinity desorb from minerals it is believed that can temporarily adsorb base cations such as K+, Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+. Moreover, applying CEC 54.84% compared untreated (T1) number negatively charged sites. most suitable rate found be (T4). These findings suggest agronomic efficiency farming. Greenhouse field trials necessary ascertain recommended treatments on productivity, growth, yield.