Effects of lime and phosphorus application on soil properties and barley ( Hordeum vulgare L.) yields in acidic soils of Sidama region, Ethiopia

Abstract Soils provide vital services for agricultural productivity, carbon sequestration, biodiversity conservation, and environmental sustainability. However, soil acidity poses a major threat to soil quality and sustainable food production globally, including in Ethiopia. Therefore, implementing integrated soil fertility management is necessary to restore soil health in acidic environments. This study aims to assess the effects of combined lime and phosphorus (P) fertilization on soil properties and barley ( Hordeum vulgare L) productivity at two sites (Gorche and Hula) characterized by soil acidity. The trials followed a randomized complete block design with three replications. The treatments included three lime rates—0 t ha − 1 , 1.52 t ha − 1 (50% of the lime requirement [LR]), and 3.04 t ha − 1 (100% LR) at Gorche, and 0, 1.64, and 3.28 t ha − 1 at Hula—as well as three P rates (0, 10, and 20 kg P ha − 1 ). Statistical analyses were performed using SAS 9.4. The findings revealed that applying lime (at 100% LR) together with P fertilizer (at 20 kg P ha − 1 ) significantly ( p < 0.05) improved soil chemical properties and barley agronomic traits at both locations. An acceptable marginal rate of return (MRR) of 1228.9% was obtained from applying 3.04 t ha − 1 of lime at the Gorche site, whereas a higher MRR value (1953.6%) was obtained from applying 1.64 t ha − 1 of lime with 20 kg P ha − 1 at the Hula site. In conclusion, the separate application (3.04 t ha − 1 lime) and the combined application (1.64 t ha − 1 lime + 20 kg P ha − 1 ) are economically viable options for acidic soils. However, the long‐term effects of these treatments should be evaluated.