Liming Potential of Composts Applied To an Acid Oxisol in Burundi

The adverse effect of soil acidity on plant growth and yield, and the scarcity of commercial agricultural lime (CaCO₃) in Burundi necessitated a search for alternative liming materials. Thus, the liming potential of locally made composts was evaluated in a greenhouse experiment, using an acid Oxisol with sorghum (Sorghum vulgaris) as a test plant. Application rates were 10 g/kg (approximately 20 ton/ha) for the composts and 0, 0.85 and 1.70 g/kg for Verrundi lime. Results showed that the application of lime increased plant growth by reducing exchangeable Al, and by increasing soil pH and available P. So did the composts, which were more effective in correcting soil acidity when they were fresh and enriched with some nutrients during the composting process. Apparently, organic molecules produced by the composts helped to chelate and/or precipitate Al, making the soil more suitable for plant growth. Specifically, an application of 20 ton/ha of composts was equivalent to 0.6 - 1.7 ton CaCO₃/ha, depending on the compost quality.     

Effect of annual applications of pelletized dolomitic lime on soil chemical properties and grass productivity

Lime in pelletized form is potentially more convenient for farmers than ground limestone, as it can be applied using conventional fertilizer‐spreading equipment. Pelletized lime is intended to maintain an optimum soil pH when applied annually at a rate of 350 kg lime/ha/yr. Interactions between lime and N fertilizer rate were examined by applying 0, 75, 150, 225 and 300 kg N/ha/yr (as calcium ammonium nitrate) in combination with 0, 175, 350 and 525 kg pelletized dolomitic lime/ha/yr over 3 yr to a permanent grassland sward used for silage production in County Down, Northern Ireland. Equal rates of ground lime, from the same source as the pelletized lime, were applied as a comparison. Effects on soil chemical properties, grass dry matter (DM) yield and herbage nutrient removal were examined. Lime maintained or slightly increased the soil pH, particularly in the top 2.5 cm of the profile, but there was no difference in the performance of pelletized lime compared to ground lime in any of the parameters measured. Lime had no significant effect on grass DM yield or grass quality; however, there was a significant (P < 0.05) reduction in yield at the first cut, particularly in year 2, when the highest lime rate (525 kg lime/ha/yr) was applied in the absence of N fertilizer. The dolomitic nature of the lime (11% Mg) resulted in significant (P < 0.001) increases in soil and herbage magnesium levels, and this could be beneficial for reducing the incidence of grass tetany in grazing animals. The P content of the herbage was also significantly higher in plots receiving lime, which suggests that lime may have enhanced the mineralization of P or stimulated root growth.     

Reduction in nitrate accumulation by molybdenum in spinach grown at low pH

Abstract

Spinach was grown in the greenhouse in soil with the pH adjusted to 5.0, 5.5, 6.0, 6.5, and 7.0, N fertilizer rates of 0, 50 and 200 mg N/Kg soil, and Mo fertilizer rates of 0, 0.3 and 1.2 mg Mo/Kg soil. The NO₃‐N concentration of the tissue increased with fertilizer N or a rise in pH from 5.0 to 7.0. The addition of Mo at either rate reduced the NO₃ concentration of spinach grown at pH 5.0 and 5.5 but had no effect on plants grown at pH 6.5 or 7.0. At pH 6.0 the 1.2 mg Mo/Kg soil rate was effective at the 50 and 200 mg N/Kg soil fertilizer rates but had no effect on spinach grown without a N application. At the same pH, the 0.3 mg Mo/Kg soil rate had no effect on NO₃ content of spinach grown with the 50 mg N/Kg rate but did reduce the NO₃ content of spinach grown without N added or with the 200 mg N/Kg soil. The 1.2 mg Mo/Kg soil rate was more effective than 0.3 mg Mo/Kg rate in reducing NO₃ content of spinach grown with 200 mg N/Kg soil at pH 5.0–6.5 inclusive but gave variable results when no N or 50 mg N/Kg soil was added. Molybdenum did not affect the total N or NO₂ concentrations of the plants.     

Ameliorating acidity of an extensively‐managed permanent pasture soil

Acid soil amelioration was measured annually over an 11 year experiment. Lime, and superphosphate were surface‐applied under combinations of three rates of lime, viz. nil, lime to raise pH_{C a} of 0–10 cm to 5.0 (low rate) and 5.5 (high rate) respectively, two rates of superphosphate (125 kg/ha every 2 to 3 yr, 250 kg/ha/yr) and two sheep stocking rates. Soils were sampled at 0–2.5, 2.5–5, 5–7.5, 7.5–10, 10–15 and 15–20 cm. Soil pH stratification developed after lime application. By 11 yr lime had not raised pH_{C a} to either 5.0 or 5.5 in the 5–10 cm profile. However, pH_{C a} >5.0 or >5.5 were observed in the 0–5 cm profile. Under high P, low lime application, soil pH_{C a} was higher in the 0–2.5 cm profile at low stocking rate. Effects of applied lime on pH_{C a} declined with time and depth under low lime and the relationship with Al_ex which increased as pH_{C a} declined, was modelled. A rarely reported relationship showed that as soil C increased the apparent solubility of Al decreased. At the lowest pH_{C a} considered, there was a strong negative association between Al_ex and total C, becoming weaker with positive pH_{C a} increments. Higher P rates increased pH_{C a} under low lime contrasting with lesser effects on pH_{C a} under low P at the same lime rate. Slow and limited lime movement means that farmers growing acid sensitive plants must apply lime early enough and at rates and frequencies sufficient to ensure downward movement.     

Increased Concentration of Molybdenum in Sown Wheat Seed Decreases Grain Yield Responses to Applied Molybdenum Fertilizer in Naturally Acidic Sandplain Soils

Spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is the major crop in southwestern Australia where 75% of the 18 million hectares comprise sandy duplex and deep sandy soils, including uniform yellow sandplain soils. Some of the sandplain soils in the lower rainfall (< 350 mm annual average) eastern region are naturally very acidic (soil pH, as measured in 1:5 soil:0.01 M calcium chloride, 3.7–4.5) in soil horizons explored by wheat roots so molybdenum (Mo) deficiency and aluminium (Al) toxicity adversely affects grain production of wheat. Liming is not an economic option to ameliorate Mo deficiency and Al toxicity in these soils because uneconomical large amounts are required. However, despite Al toxicity, applying Mo fertilizer produces profitable grain yield. The fertilizer also increases Mo concentration in grain, and if this grain was used to sow the next crop, it may reduce the amount of Mo fertilizer required by the subsequent crop. To test this hypothesis we grew wheat in an experiment on naturally acidic sandplain soil (pH 4.5) when either 0 or 160 g/ha fertilizer Mo was applied. The grain harvested at the end of the growing season had Mo concentrations of 0.07 mg/kg when no Mo was applied (low Mo seed) and 0.27 mg/kg when Mo was applied (high Mo seed). In two further field experiments on naturally acidic sandplain soil (pH 4.3 and 4.4) we sowed low and high Mo seed of the same size (36.4 ± 0.2 mg per seed) when 4 rates of Mo fertilizer (0, 35, 70, and 140 g/ha Mo) was applied to soil. Grain yield responses to the Mo fertilizer were 59% for low Mo seed and 55 g/ha fertilizer Mo was required to produce 90% of the maximum grain yield. Corresponding values for high Mo seed were 15% response and 15 g/ha fertilizer Mo. Rather than sowing wheat seed harvested from acidic soils to sow wheat crops on the acidic sandplain soils, we instead recommend seed harvested from alkaline soils with larger concentrations of Mo in the seed be used reducing the rate of fertilizer Mo required for that crop.

The concentration of Mo in the youngest emerged leaf blades (YEB) that was related to 90% of the maximum grain yield (critical prognostic tissue test value for grain production) was about 0.08–0.09 mg/kg at tillering (Gs24) and at emergence of wheat heads (Gs59).     

石灰用量对酸性土壤pH值及有效养分含量的影响

采用室内培养法,设置不施生石灰和生石灰用量0.3、0.9、1.8、2.4、4.8 g/kg,共6个用量梯度,研究不同生石灰用量对酸性土壤pH值动态变化、有效养分含量的影响及土壤pH值与有效养分含量之间的相关性。结果表明,生石灰的施入,可以显著提高土壤pH值,改善土壤酸度。培养到第90 d,生石灰用量4.8、2.4、1.8g/kg处理较对照分别提高了2.88、1.16和0.74个pH单位。施用生石灰对土壤全氮含量影响不大,但对土壤无机氮影响显著。生石灰用量在0~2.4 g/kg范围内,土壤硝态氮含量随生石灰用量的增加而显著增加,增幅为12.4%~146.8%,当生石灰用量2.4 g/kg时,土壤硝态氮含量显著降低。土壤铵态氮的变化趋势则刚好相反,随着生石灰用量的增加而减少;土壤有效磷含量随着生石灰用量的增加先升高后降低;对于土壤速效钾来说,当生石灰用量0.9 g/kg,其含量随着石灰用量的增加而显著降低,降幅为2.9%~21.7%。施用生石灰可以显著提高土壤有效Ca含量,且随生石灰用量的增加而显著增加,增幅为32.3%~543.0%。生石灰的施用显著降低了土壤有效Fe、Mn、Cu、Zn的含量,且当生石灰用量≥2.4 g/kg时,土壤有效Mn、Zn含量均已处于极其缺乏的状况。土壤pH值与土壤全氮、铵态氮、速效钾、有效Fe、Mn、Cu、Zn呈显著线性负相关,与有效Ca呈极显著线性正相关,与土壤硝态氮、有效磷和有效Mg则符合二次函数,各相关系数均达到极显著水平。土壤养分与土壤酸度有着较好的相关性,在施用石灰改良酸性土壤时,要特别注意其施用量及土壤有效Mn、Zn等微量元素的及时补充。     

Effect of lime,P, and Mg on growth and elemental concentrations of mugwort

Abstract

There is evidence that mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris L.) may have potential for use as a livestock forage. This study was undertaken to determine mugwort growth response to lime, P, and Mg, and their effect on elemental concentration of plant material.

Factorial combinations of 0, 5.6, and 11.2 mt lime/ha; 0, 112, and 224 kg P/ha; and 0, 224, and 448 kg Mg/ha were applied to low pH soil in greenhouse pots and planted to mugwort. In the absence of lime and Mg, growth was very poor. Lime was the most effective treatment in promoting mugwort growth. Growth response to Mg was greatest in the absence of lime, and response to P was dependent on lime and/or Mg application. Macronutrient concentrations of mugwort plants were considered adequate for use as forage for non‐lactating beef cows. Concentrations of several of the micronutrients were very high, especially at low lime and Mg. Copper was high at all treatments.     

Preliminary studies on triticale,wheat, barley,and rye responses to lime and N.

Abstract

The lime and N requirements for triticale (X Triticosecale Wittmack) have not been established because of the relatively short history of the crop. This study was designed to evaluate the effects of lime and high N rates on triticale, wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), barley (Hordeum vulgare L.), and rye (Secale cereale L.) on Dickson silt loam (Typic Paleudult) and Decatur silty clay loam (Rhodic Paleudult) in 1974–1976. The soils had pH values of 4.9 and 5.5 with no lime and 5.4 and 5.8, respectively, when limed as recommended. The fertilizer rates were 112, 140, and 170 kg N/ha. Yields and N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Mn, Fe, Al, Zn, Cu, and B were determined in straw and grain. Liming the Dickson soil increased the straw yields of barley at 112 kg N/ha and grain yields of the cultivars generally at the 170 kg N/ha rate. Liming the Decatur soil did not have consistent effects on straw yields but increased the grain yields of the wheat and rye cultivars. Increasing N rate increased the straw yields of wheat on Dickson but decreased the grain yields of barley in the same soil with no lime. Nitrogen fertilization did not have consistent effects on the Decatur soil. The N, P, K, Ca, Mg, and Mn compositions suggested that more differences occured at the species level than at the cultivar level.     

Lime,molybdenum, and cultivar effects on molybdenum deficiency of poinsettia

Poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima Willd. ex Klotz) cultivars ‘Annette Hegg Brilliant Diamond’ (AH), ‘Gutbier V‐14 Glory’ (GG), and ‘Eckespoint C‐1 Red’ (ER) were grown in a peat‐perlite potting medium to study lime and Mo effects on the occurrence of Mo deficiency. Two rates of dolomitic limestone, 0 and 3 kg/m³of growing medium, and weekly applications of micronutrient solutions containing 0.0 or 1.0 ppm Mo were made in factorial combination. Lime, Mo, or both prevented Mo deficiency symptoms in all cultivars. Without both lime and Mo, Mo deficiency symptoms appeared on AH and GG, but not on ER. Lime and/or Mo reduced NO₃‐N content, increased Mo content and increased nitrate reductase enzyme activity (NRA) in the upper recently matured leaves of all cultivars. Lime and Mo interacted to affect these parameters in all cultivars. Comparing the three cultivars without both lime and Mo, NO‐‐N content was lowest and NRA highest in ER. However, the Mo content of ER leaves was equal to or less than that of AG and GG which showed Mo deficiency symptoms.     

Effects of HC1 acid and lime amendments on soil ph and extractable Ca and Mg in a sandy soil

Abstract

High vater table sandy soils present special problems when establishing soil pH variables under field conditions. In order to examine the response of a coarse‐textured soil to lime and HC1 acid treatments, data are reported for soil pH and extractable Ca and Mg for a field experiment where Mn treatments on soybeans was the primary objective. Three treatments included HC1 acid, control, and lime. Acid (742 liters/ha 3N HC1) was added only at the beginning of the experiment but dolomitic lime treatments were added each year (2240, 2740, and 2900 kg/ha). The lime and acid were applied to the soil surface and incorporated to a depth of 10 to 13 cm. Soil samples were taken every 2 to 3 months at 3 depths (0 to 15, 15 to 30, and 30 to 45 cm) and analyzed for pH and extractable Ca and Mg. Acid treatment decreased the pH by 0.2 units below the untreated soil at the 0 to 30 cm depth and the effect lasted the entire 3 years of the study. Calcium values were lowered only slightly by the acid treatment. Lime additions caused steady increases in soil Ca. Magnesium values increased several months after each of the first and second lime applications. Lime raised the subsoil (30 to 45 cm) pH after 4 to 6 months. Seasonal variations in pH were very wide with the untreated soil pH varying from 6.1 to 6.8. The high pH level of 7.0 was not maintained for an entire season until the third year of the experiment. Soil pH as well as extractable Ca and Mg showed fluctuations that were the result of seasonal variations and soil moisture content at the time of sampling. Soil pH variables on a sandy soil should be established at least a year in advance of starting an experiment and must be closely monitored in order to maintain the desired pH levels.     

A trial to determine the lime requirement for reseeded grassland on a peaty hill soil

Abstract. Lime was applied in summer 1981 at rates up to 201 ha⁻¹ prior to reseeding an unimproved peaty hill soil. A marked pH gradient with depth developed showing that 3 years after application lime had very little effect below a depth of 5 cm. Soil pH values for 0–7.5 cm samples were: nil lime-4.2; 1 t ha⁻¹-pH 4.3; 2 tha⁻¹-pH 4.6; 4 t ha⁻¹-pH 5.0; 6 t ha⁻¹-pH 5.6. In the 0–2.5 cm layer pH values were much higher.
In all years at least 80% of maximum yield was achieved from an initial application of 21 ha⁻¹ lime. Botanical analysis showed that maximum persistence of sown species, perennial ryegrass and timothy, occurred from 2 t ha⁻¹ lime; 6 t ha⁻¹ lime was necessary for maximum persistence of clover. Lime application had only small effects on the mineral composition of the herbage.     

Response of rice to basic slag,lime, and leaching in two saline-acid sulfate soils in pot experiments

Pot experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of basic slag (6 to 18 t/ha), lime (CaCO₃: 3 to 9 t/ha), lime (3 t/ha) plus MnO₂ (100 mg/kg), and leaching (1.8 L/kg soils) on the growth, yield, and nutrition of rice plants grown on two saline-acid sulfate soils. The Sulfic Fluvaquent (Chakaria series) and Typic Sulfaquent (Badarkhali series) respectively showed low pH (4, 4.3); high electrical conductivity (16.2, 14.2 mS/cm), sodium adsorption ratio (13.6, 12.8), and water soluble SO₄2^? (4.6, 4.9 cmol/kg). The growth and yield response of rice to the treatments were found better in Chakaria than in Badarkhali soil. The leaching treatment was found to be the best to produce the maximum straw, and grain yield (869% increase over the control) and the highest dose of basic slag (18 t/ha) was ranked second (728%) in Badarkhali soil. But in Chakaria soil, the best response (928%) was determined with the highest dose of lime (6 t/ha) followed by the leaching (900%) treatment. The additional application of Mn0₂ (100 mg/kg) with lime (3 t/ha) significantly increased the straw and grain yields of rice by 42–47% compared with the lime 3 t/ha in both the soils. Similar effects were observed for N, P, and K concentrations in plant straw at maturity. Leaching, basic slag, and lime treatments exerted significant decrease of the Fe, Mn, Zn, and S concentrations in plants, increase of soil solution pH and optimization of some element concentrations in the plants and soil solutions.     

Calibration of the single‐ and double‐buffer SMP lime requirement methods by root elongation bioassay

Abstract

Chemical and biological lime requirement (LR) reference values of 154 soils were obtained by six months of incubation of each soil with five levels of calcium carbonate (CaCO₃). Levels of CaCO₃ addition differed among soils according to their characteristics. Chemical LR values were based on the individual neutralization curves to achieve a desired pH (pH_d) value of 5.5, 6.0, and 6.5 in water or 5.0, 5.5, and 6.0 in 0.01M calcium chloride (CaCl₂). Biological LR values were estimated to achieve 90% relative root elongation on each soil after a growth period of 48 h using wheat cv Abe. Chemical values of LR suggest that SMP method is valid for a wide range of mineral soils from different geographic regions. However, the proportion of soil acidity reacting with the buffer is not constant. Results indicate that values obtained with the routine methods need to be calibrated with equations different from the originals. The use of curvilinear models to adjust one single pH of the soil‐buffer system improved substantially its accuracy, allowing the single‐buffer (SB) results to be comparable to the more time consuming and labourious double‐buffer (DB) technique. No advantage was noticed with the use of curvilinear equations for DB technique. The adoption of pH_d in 0.01M CaCl₂ leads to an increase of precision of the predicted LR. Regression equations are provided for calculating LR rates to different pH_d values. Accuracy is high (r²=0.887) even for pH values (5.0 in 0.01M CaCl₂) lower than normally considered in methods based on buffer solutions. An overestimation of biological LR values was observed with both SMP methods. Notwithstanding, a calibration can be also made with the root bioassay, adjusting the chemical values to lime rates based on biological constraints related with aluminum (Al) toxicity. Regression equations are provided. Once more, the use of quadratic model for SB method allows an accuracy (r²=0.836) comparable with the DB technique (r²=0.850).     

Factors associated with annual ryegrass yield response to limestone

Abstract

Quantifying the effects of soil acidity on plant growth remains a challenging research topic as numerous soil and plant growth factors are influenced by pH and lime. In the field, annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam. ‘Marshall') responded positively to the application of 3.8 Mg lime/ha on a strongly acid (pH 4.7) Lilbert loamy fine sand (loamy, siliceous, thermic, arenic Plinthic Paleudult) over three growing seasons. Dry matter yield in some cuttings, however, was better correlated with soil Al, P, Ca, Mg, and K than with pH. A greenhouse study was undertaken to quantitatively determine the effects of these five minerals plus Mo on ryegrass yield in limed and unlimed Lilbert soil material. Three ryegrass cuttings were obtained from unlimed (pH 4.8) or limed (1000 mg CaCO₃/kg) Lilbert soil which was also amended with five rates of Ca, K, Mg, Al, P, and Mo in combinations stipulated by central composite design methodology. Response surface models that fit yield to the applied treatments and soil test data were complex because all factors and many interactions were significant. Furthermore, the models were transformed as the plants matured and element availability changed due to mineral uptake. Most yield improvement derived from liming occurred as a result of the elimination of exchangeable Al with a concomitant increase in P efficiency. Applied Ca did not alleviate Al toxicity in unlimed soil. Chlorotic plants developed in all pots where Mg was excluded. Yield was increased by applied Mg and Mo in unlimed soil, but not in limed soil. Applied K improved yield only in limed soil. Although regression accounted for a large portion of the yield variability (R² values ranged from 0.75 to 0.95), these models were unable to accurately predict yield in control treatments.     

Soil fertility requirements of root chicory (Cichorium intybus var. sativum): a review

Abstract

Root chicory is mainly grown in Belgium and the Netherlands with production also elsewhere in Europe, India, and South Africa. The world’s crop is worth an estimated US$56.04 million. India and South Africa focus on supplying root chicory to the blend coffee industry. Only limited and variable information is available on the fertilizer requirements of root chicory. Most studies on nitrogen (N) report that chicory in cooler, temperate regions requires 40–75?kg?N/ha compared to 200?kg?N/ha in warmer areas. Recommended rates for phosphorus (P) range from 0 to 69?kg?P/ha. Poor responses to potassium (K) are reported with recommended rates from 0 to 190?kg?K/ha. Application rates for sulfur (S) of 10–30?kg?S/ha have been suggested. Suitable micronutrient requirements and soil acid saturation and pH values for root chicory have not been published. To establish crop norms a concerted effort is needed to quantify the fertilizer use of root chicory.     

Response to molybdenum and limestone on wheat and barley grown on podzol soils

Abstract

Molybdenum applications had no effect on the grain yield of wheat or barley. Application of limestone increased barley yield at one of the three locations and had no effect on wheat yield at any location. The Mo concentration of boot stage tissue increased with added Mo. In most cases, 0.56 kg Mo/ha applications increased the Mo concentration of boot stage tissue above 10 ppm. Increases in Mo concentration due to added Mo were generally greater at higher rates of limestone application but the Mo x limestone interaction was statistically significant only for barley at the location having the lowest pH and for wheat at the two locations with the lowest pH. Molybdenum applied as a foliar spray was found to be an effective means of increasing the Mo concentration of cereal tissues. In the case of suspected Mo deficiency in cereals, a foliar application of 0.28 kg Mo/ha should correct the problem without any ill effect from an animal nutrition standpoint.     

Effect of B,Mn and Zn on nodulation and N2‐fixation in southernpeas

Abstract

Two greenhouse studies were conducted to evaluate the effect of B, Mn and Zn on nodulation and N₂‐fixation of southernpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Halp.) cultivars ‘Freezegreen’, ‘Mississippi Silver’ and ‘Pinkeye Purple Hull’. The cultivars were grown in plastic pots with a Norfolk sandy loam (fine, loamy siliceous thermic, Typic Paleudult) soil treated with B, Mn and Zn at rates of 0, 5, 10 and 20 kg/ha each at pH levels 5.5, 6.0 and 6.5. At pH 6.5 all micronutrient treatments significantly increased nodulation and N₂‐fixation over the control (no micronutrient applied). The effects of B, Mn and Zn on nodulation and N₂‐fixation depended on the cultivar and soil pH. For plants given the 5 kg/ha B and Mn treatments, ‘Mississippi Silver’ produced the highest number of nodules and ‘Pinkeye Purple Hull’ the least. At 20 kg/ha Zn, nodulation of ‘Freezegreen’ was highest and ‘Pinkeye Purple Hull’ the lowest. As a whole, maximum nodulation was at 5 kg/ha B and Mn and 20 kg/ha for Zn. Nitrogen fixation rates responded similarly except that the optimum rate for Zn was 10 kg/ha. Seed yield of plants peaked at 5 kg/ha for B and 10 kg/ha for Zn, indicating a possible relation of N₂‐fixation to seed yield.     

Phosphorus and molybdenum interaction effects during accumulation of molybdenum by burley tobacco 1

Greenhouse experiments were conducted to study the P and Mo interactions during uptake by burley tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L., cv. ‘Ky 14') and the effect of their interactions on plant dry matter and Mo concentration. In Experiment 1, plants were grown in an intermittently irrigated gravel culture system. The nutrient variables were Mo (0–0.63 μeq/L) and P (0 to 1.8 meq/L). Experiment 2 was conducted in soil‐sand mixtures. The soil types used were Shelbyville silt loam (Mollic Hapludalf) and Baxter silt loam (Typic Paleudalf) each containing, respectively, 36 and 368 kg P/ha by the Bray 1 soil test. Treatments consisted of four rates of P (0, 84, 168, and 336 kg/ha) and five rates of Na₂MoO₄‐2H₂O (0, 0.56, 1.12, 2.24, and 4.48 kg Mo/ha).

In gravel culture a significant synergistic Mo × P interaction occurred for dry weight, but singly the effect of P was greater than Mo. Similarly, significant positive Mo × P interactions occurred for Mo concentrations in both gravel and soil culture. As contrasted to adding no P or Mo, adding the highest levels of P and Mo together increased Mo concentrations in leaves four, five, and 10 fold, respectively, in gravel culture, Shelbyville, and Baxter soils. The rate of accumulation of Mo was much greater at plant Mo concentrations above 1 μg Mo/g tissue than below, suggesting two mechanisms of Mo × P interaction were involved.     

Tillage and Lime Rate Effects on Soil Acidity and Grain Yields of a Ten-Year Corn–Soybean Rotation

Reduced tillage and no-tillage systems provide shallow incorporation of surface applied materials at best. Due to concern of over-liming the surface of agricultural soils, producers either reduce lime rates (and apply more often) or perform some sort of soil inversion to mix the lime deeper into the soil profile. The objective of the authors in this field study was to evaluate the effects of tillage, lime rate, and time of limestone application on corn and soybean growth, and assess the changes in soil acidity to an already acidic soil. Treatments consisted of a no lime check, two no-tillage systems with either a 4.5 ton ha^?1 lime application every two years or an annual application of 450 kg pelleted lime ha^?1, a continuous annual chisel tillage system with a 9.0 ton ha^?1 lime application every four years, and two inversion systems utilizing a rotary tiller (Howard Rotovator) where 9.0 ton lime ha^?1 was mixed into the soil followed by either continuous chisel tillage or continuous no-tillage. Inversions occurred in 1999, 2003, and 2007. Soil samples were collected annually in increments of 5 cm to a 30 cm depth for pH determinations. After 10 years, the continuous chisel system increased soil pH in the top 20 cm and had grain yields comparable to the no-tillage system, but not different than the no lime treatment. The no-tillage system increased the pH in the surface 15 cm of soil. The inversion treatments after soybean mixed the lime more thoroughly in the top 15 cm than inversion after corn and also increased the pH to a deeper depth. The pelleted lime had no effect on soil acidity. Soybean yields were affected by lime treatment with the no lime and pelleted lime having the lowest yields. This is most likely due to manganese (Mn) toxicity with these treatments. There was no perceived benefit of inversion of the soil with no-till or chisel systems.     

Response of greenhouse cucumber to mineral fertilizers on a high phosphorus and potassium soil

The response of greenhouse cucumber (Cucumis sativus L. cv. Lolita) to nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) fertilizers on a soil high in available P and K was studied during 1986. The greenhouses were located in the Beqa Valley, central Lebanon, and their soil chemical properties before planting were: NO₃‐N = 52 ppm, P(NaHCO₃ ext.) = 100 ppm, K (ammonium acetate ext.) = 650 ppm, ECe = 1.6 dS/m, pH = 7.5. Nitrogen at 200 kg/ha, P at 85 kg/ha and K at 150 kg/ha were applied in the following combinations: N, N+K, N+P+K and an unfertilized control. The rates were split into four equal weekly applications starting on the fourth week after transplanting the seedlings to the greenhouse. The treatments were applied through the drip irrigation system of the greenhouses. Fruit yield over the two months of harvest was highest in plants receiving N alone, which yielded 57 ton/ha. Yields of the plots receiving N+K, N+P+K and the control were 55.0, 54.0 and 39.5 ton/ha, respectively. Yield during the first month of harvest was comparable in all fertilized treatments and was substantially higher than the control.