李营养累积、分布及叶片养分动态研究

基于保障生态和果品安全以及合理实施果园养分管理的前提,对大石早生李树体各部位营养元素积累、分布以及各营养元素的周年变化规律进行了分析.结果表明:①营养元素在各个器官的相对含量,除K、Zn在果实中含量最高外,N、P、Ca、Mg均以叶片中含量为最高,以叶片做营养诊断是适宜的.②大石早生李树体营养元素N、P、K、Ca、Mg、Fe、Zn的元素比值为10.00:1.26:6.42:12.57:2.46:1.87:0.14.⑧100 kg鲜果的养分吸收量分别为:N 772.47g,P74.25 g,K 730.33g,Ca874.16 g,Mg 169.82 g,Fe 66.05 g,Zn 7.53 g,N:P:K的比例为1.00:0.10:0.95.④N、P、K、Ca、Mg、Fe、Zn、Mn、Cu的含量随物侯期呈规律性变化.生长季初期,N、P、K、Zn、Cu的含量迅速下降,Fe、Mn、Ca、Mg呈逐渐上升的趋势;中期这9种元素总体变化幅度较小;后期Fe,Cu.N、P、K的含量呈下降趋势,Mn、Zn、Ca,Mg依然上升.本结果既丰富了国内李营养理论,同时又为制定合理的施肥措施及建立绿色优质果品科技示范基地提供了理论依据.     

Fate of Microelements Applied to a Tropical Peat Soil: Column Experiment

Lack of microelements is a major problem in crop production in tropical peatland. For their efficient application, the fate of copper (Cu), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), and zinc (Zn) in a Histosol was investigated in a 3-month column experiment. Leaching of Cu, Fe, Mn, and Zn accounted for 2, –2 to 7, 28 to 32, and 21 to 23% of the amounts applied, respectively, in both the flooded and upland soils. The microelement application enhanced the leaching of calcium (Ca), potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), sodium (Na), and phosphorus (P). Replacement of exchangeable cations by the microelements was suggested in the successive extraction of elements from the soils after incubation. Under the upland conditions, 31–33% of the Cu and Fe increased in soil was extracted with diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid?/?triethanolamine (bound to humus), whereas 26–31% of the Mn and Zn increased was exchangeable. Extractability was smaller under the flooded conditions for all the microelements, suggesting that fertilization in the dry season is more effective.     

不同种植年限葡萄园根区土壤养分变化及对再植葡萄生长的影响

研究了种植葡萄30年重茬3次和种植葡萄3年新建葡萄园的根区土壤养分变化,结合盆栽试验,分析了不同葡萄园根区土壤对再植葡萄生长发育的影响。结果表明,连作葡萄园土壤有机质及大量元素N、P、K、水溶性Ca、Mg含量并未减少,表现出显著增加趋势,而微量元素变化较为复杂,随着葡萄种植时间延长,Fe、Mn含量减少,Zn、Cu含量增加,Zn/Mn、Zn/Fe、N/Fe、P/Fe、Zn/K等比例失调,其中Zn/Mn、Zn/Fe比例失调最为严重。与新植园土盆栽葡萄相比,连作园根区土盆栽葡萄的株高、茎粗、地上鲜重、地下鲜重、叶绿素含量和根系活力均较低,分别比新植园土盆栽葡萄降低39.80%、5.82%、47.97%、30.17%、30.36%和21.22%,表现出明显的重茬障碍症状。连作土壤中Fe含量减少,Zn/Mn、Zn/Fe比例失调可能是葡萄连作障碍产生的重要原因之一。     

间作五指毛桃土壤和根主要中微量元素含量及其相关性

为了解在成龄胶园间作的五指毛桃根际与非根际土壤及其根中主要中、微量元素含量情况，测定了实验区根际与非根际土壤各30个和对应五指毛桃根的钙、镁、铁、锰、铜和锌含量，分析了两者之间的关系，并评价了根际与非根际土壤中、微量元素丰缺状况。结果表明，非根际土壤钙、镁、铁、锰含量的平均值都高于根际土壤的，而铜、锌含量的平均值都低于根际土壤的。土壤钙、镁含量80%以上处于缺水平，而铁、锰含量处于丰或很丰水平，铜和锌含量处于适中水平。五指毛桃根际与非根际土壤中、微量元素存在空间上的广泛变异。五指毛桃根中、微量元素的平均值从大到小的排序是钙>镁>锰>铁>锌>铜。土壤中、微量元素与五指毛桃根中相对应的中、微量元素的相关性不强，且表现复杂。本研究结果揭示，在成龄胶园间作五指毛桃应当适量施用钙肥、镁肥和喷施一些铜元素叶面肥，并实行科学施肥，减少养分淋失。     

施肥结构对砂质潮土中微量营养元素空间变化的影响

本文通过长期定位施肥试验 ,分析了不同施肥结构对砂质潮土交换性钙、镁及有效硫、锌、锰、铜、铁等在 0～ 1 2 0cm土体中空间分布变化的影响 .结果表明 ,磷肥明显提高土壤交换性钙的含量 ,而有机肥与氮肥对土壤钙含量无明显影响 .但有机肥显著增加土壤交换性镁含量 ,各层镁含量与有机肥用量呈显著或极显著正相关 ,磷肥同样对土壤镁有提高作用 ,但氮肥无论是否与有机肥配施均降低了土壤各层交换性镁含量 .土壤 0～ 4 0cm有效锌、锰、铁均随有机肥增加而增加 ,并与有机肥用量呈极显著正相关 .而化肥无论是否与有机肥配施均降低土壤有效锌含量 ,但却增加了有效铁含量 .氮肥单施降低土壤有效锰含量 .在无有机肥情况下 ,施磷提高土壤有效铁含量 ,而在施有机肥条件下磷肥则降低耕层有效铁含量 .磷肥只在单施化肥时增加土壤有效锰含量     

控释肥对苹果根域环境的影响

采用苹果专用控释肥,设计不同试验处理,研究控释肥对果园土壤微生物,有机质,pH值和N、P、K、Ca、Mg、Cu、Fe、Zn、Mn等矿质元素含量的影响。结果表明,与普通复合肥相比,控释肥提高了果园土壤微生物量氮、微生物量碳和pH值,对有机质含量影响差异不明显;增加了土壤碱解氮、Fe和Zn含量,降低了土壤速效磷、交换性Ca、交换性Mg和Mn的含量,不同试验点速效钾和Cu的含量结果不一致;不同控释肥处理间大部分指标差异不明显。     

Chemical composition of cabbage (Brassica oleracea L. var. capitata) grown on acid sulfate soils

The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of soil geochemistry on the concentrations of Ca, K, Mg, P, Co, Ni, Zn, Mn, Cu, and Fe in cabbage (Brassica oleracea L. var. capitata) grown on acid sulfate (AS) soils in Western Finland. A total of 11 topsoil (0–20 cm) and corresponding cabbage samples and three whole‐soil profiles (≈ 0–260 cm) were collected on three agricultural fields. The concentrations of Co and Zn in cabbage were correlated with the NH₄Ac‐extractable (easily available) concentrations in the topsoil, indicating that the uptake of these elements in cabbage is largely governed by soil geochemistry. Yet, the concentrations of Co and Zn in cabbage were not in general elevated relative to that of Finnish average values, although some AS soils showed enriched concentrations of these metals in the soil and cabbage. Significant geochemical differences (e.g., oxidation depth, organic‐matter and S content, pH) were observed among the studied AS soils, while, on the other hand, the concentrations of Ca, K, Mg, P, Ni, Mn, Cu, and Fe in cabbage were relatively similar. The hydroxylamine‐extractable concentrations of these elements in the topsoil were not correlated to those in cabbage, suggesting that uptake is not governed by the oxide‐bound fraction of these elements in the soil. Similarly, the easily available concentrations of Ca, P, Ni, Mn, Cu, and Fe in the topsoil were not correlated to those in cabbage, indicating that uptake is independent of the easily available concentrations in the soil. Hence, it is suggested that cabbage can regulate and thus optimize its concentrations of Ca, P, Ni, Mn, Cu, and Fe. Oxidation depth affected neither the easily available concentrations of Co, Ni, Zn, and Mn in the topsoil nor the concentrations in cabbage. However, the subsoil with a lower oxidation depth, which is to a smaller extent affected by leaching, may partly be enriched in these metals. Nevertheless, these showed no increased concentrations in cabbage. Based on these findings, it is suggested that the large amounts of metals mobilized in AS soils are easily lost to drains, subsequently contaminating nearby waterways and estuaries whereas they are only partly enriched in cabbage and other previously studied crops (oat).     

Erratum: Chemical composition of cabbage (Brassica oleracea L. var. capitata) grown on acid sulfate soils

The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of soil geochemistry on the concentrations of Ca, K, Mg, P, Co, Ni, Zn, Mn, Cu, and Fe in cabbage (Brassica oleracea L. var. capitata) grown on acid sulfate (AS) soils in Western Finland. A total of 11 topsoil (0–20 cm) and corresponding cabbage samples and three whole‐soil profiles (≈ 0–260 cm) were collected on three agricultural fields. The concentrations of Co and Zn in cabbage were correlated with the NH₄Ac‐extractable (easily available) concentrations in the topsoil, indicating that the uptake of these elements in cabbage is largely governed by soil geochemistry. Yet, the concentrations of Co and Zn in cabbage were not in general elevated relative to that of Finnish average values, although some AS soils showed enriched concentrations of these metals in the soil and cabbage. Significant geochemical differences (e.g., oxidation depth, organic‐matter and S content, pH) were observed among the studied AS soils, while, on the other hand, the concentrations of Ca, K, Mg, P, Ni, Mn, Cu, and Fe in cabbage were relatively similar. The hydroxylamine‐extractable concentrations of these elements in the topsoil were not correlated to those in cabbage, suggesting that uptake is not governed by the oxide‐bound fraction of these elements in the soil. Similarly, the easily available concentrations of Ca, P, Ni, Mn, Cu, and Fe in the topsoil were not correlated to those in cabbage, indicating that uptake is independent of the easily available concentrations in the soil. Hence, it is suggested that cabbage can regulate and thus optimize its concentrations of Ca, P, Ni, Mn, Cu, and Fe. Oxidation depth affected neither the easily available concentrations of Co, Ni, Zn, and Mn in the topsoil nor the concentrations in cabbage. However, the subsoil with a lower oxidation depth, which is to a smaller extent affected by leaching, may partly be enriched in these metals. Nevertheless, these showed no increased concentrations in cabbage. Based on these findings, it is suggested that the large amounts of metals mobilized in AS soils are easily lost to drains, subsequently contaminating nearby waterways and estuaries whereas they are only partly enriched in cabbage and other previously studied crops (oat).     

Application of High Copper and Zinc Compost and Its Effects on Soil Properties and Growth of Barley

Abstract

A compost of high copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) content was added to soil, and the growth of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) was evaluated. Four treatments were established, based on the addition of increasing quantities of compost (0, 2, 5, and 10% w/w). Germination, plant growth, biomass production, and element [nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), sodium (Na), magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe), Cu, manganese (Mn), and Zn] contents of soil and barley were determined following a 16‐week growing period. Following harvesting of the barley, analysis of the different mixtures of soil and compost was performed. Micronutrient contents in soils as affected by compost additions were determined with diethylene–triamine–pentaacetic acid (DTPA) (Cu, Mn, Fe, and Zn) or ammonium acetate [Ca, Na, Mg, K, cation exchange capacity (CEC)] extractions, and soils levels were compared to plant uptake where appropriate. Increasing rates of compost had no affect on Ca, Mg, or K concentration in barley. Levels of Cu, Zn, Mn, and Na, however, increased with compost application. High correlations were found for DTPA‐extractable Cu and Zn with barley head and shoot content and for Mn‐DTPA and shoot Mn content. Ammonium acetate–extractable Na was highly correlated with Na content in the shoot. High levels of electrical conductivity (EC), Cu, Zn, and Na may limit utilization of the compost.     

Neubauer seedling technique to determine availability of nutrient elements for wheat from selected South African soils

Abstract

The quantity of plant nutrient elements removed from soil by wheat (Triticum aestivum) seedlings were compared with the results of soil tests. Four soils were selected to represent the major parent material and climatic factors responsible for the formation of important agricultural soils in the central eastern Cape Province of South Africa. Acid‐washed sand was used as control. Seedlings were grown for 21 days and nutrient element content in both plant material and soil were determined. Soils derived from dolerite rocks had significantly (P<0.05) higher calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), potassium (K), sodium (Na), and phosphorus (P) than those derived from sedimentary rocks. However, iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), and copper (Cu) were higher in soils derived from sedimentary rocks compared to those from dolerite rocks. The differences are attributed to elemental composition of minerals in the two parent rock materials. Within each rock group, soils derived from sites with higher temperature and low rainfall (semi‐arid climate) had significantly (p<0.05) higher nutrient element content than those from sites with lower temperatures and higher rainfall (humid climate). As far as plant growth is concerned, all the soils were well supplied with Ca, Mg, K, Na, and zinc (Zn), but were deficient in P, Fe, and Mn. The trend in uptake of soil nutrient elements by wheat seedlings mirrored their concentration in the soils. Estimates of plant‐available nutrient elements as determined by soil tests and their uptake as determined by tissue concentration were highly correlated for some nutrient elements (r²=0.83, 0.79, 0.94, 0.54, 0.69, and 0.61 for Ca, Mg, K, P, Na, and Zn, respectively) and weak for others (r²=0.47, 0.35, and 0.37 for Fe, Mn, and Cu, respectively). Notwithstanding the shortcomings of extrapolating pot derived results to field conditions, it is concluded that the Neubauer technique may offer a rapid and relatively inexpensive way of relating extractable nutrient elements with plant uptake and growth. Further in country correlation studies are, however, recommended.     

Effects of cement production on the elemental composition of soils in the neighborhood of two cement factories

The effects of cement production on the elemental composition of soils in the neighborhood of two cement factories in Nigeria have been investigated using the XRF and PIXE/RBS techniques. The concentration of 21 elements viz:-Mg, Al, Si, P, S, K, Ca, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Sr, Pb, As, Zr, Rb and Br, were determined in about 30 samples. Calcium, P, S, Cr, Ni, Cu and Zn, were found to be relatively enriched in the soils of the cement factory premises. Calcium, a cement marker element, was found to be well correlated with Mg, S, Fe, Ni and Cu in the soils, and inversely proportional to the Si and Ti concentrations. From Ca/Si ratios and enrichment factors of the marker elements, it was found that soil contamination due to cement drops sharply with distance from the factories, and with increasing depth from the surface.     

Mineral acquisition by arbuscular mycorrhizal plants

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) benefit plants by allowing them to grow and produce in relatively harsh mineral stress environments. This has been attributed extensively to ability of AMF to expand the volume of soil for which mineral nutrients are made available to plants compared to what roots themselves would contact. This article reviews the effects of AMF on enhancing/reducing acquisition of phosphorus (P), nitrogen (N), sulfur (S), boron (B), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), sodium (Na), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), aluminum (Al), silicon (Si), and some trace elements in plants. The nutrients enhanced most in host plants grown in many soils (e.g., high and low soil pH) are P, N, Zn, and Cu, but K, Ca, and Mg are enhanced when plants are grown in acidic soils. Many AMF have also the ability to ameliorate Al and Mn toxicities for plants are grown in acidic soil.     

人参连作土壤元素含量分析

采用电感耦合等离子体原子发射光谱法测定人参生茬土与三年重茬土中铁、锰、锌、铜、钾、硼、钙、镁、钠和硅元素含量。结果显示人参三年重茬土中铁、锰、锌、铜、钾和硼含量明显低于生茬土中这些元素的含量,镁和硅的含量差异不明显,但钠和钙的含量在重茬土中反而明显偏高,在解决人参连作障碍问题中值得注意。     

板栗土壤中微量营养元素地球化学特征

同时采用有效态和欧共体BCR(the Community Bureau of Reference)三步提取法对0-20 cm和20-40 cm土层中Ca,Mg,Fe,Zn,Cu,Mn进行形态分析,探索燕山山区板栗土壤中微量营养元索活性、形态分布特征和迁移能力.结果表明.栗粮间作会影响板栗对营养元素的吸收,且两层土壤中各元素活性相差不大;板栗纯林中0-20 cm土层的Cu,Zn活性明显高于20-40 cm土层;淋溶褐土和褐土性土两种土壤亚类,不同栽培制度对微量营养元素在板栗土壤中的形态分布特征影响不大.Cu,Zn,Fe主要以残渣态存在,Mn主要以可还原态和残渣态存在.且弱酸提取态高于其它元素.板栗土壤中元素的迁移能力排序为:Ca>Mg>Mn>Cu>Zn>Fe.     

山东海阳地区番茄大棚土壤重金属元素分布特征

对山东省海阳地区150个不同种植年限的番茄大棚土壤重金属元素的分布特征进行了调查研究.结果表明,该地区番茄大棚土壤Fe、Zn、Cu、Mn含量平均值为18 874、80.1、27.7、467.5 mg/kg,变异系数26.7％ ～ 39.2％,具有一定的空间变异性.该地区番茄大棚土壤Cu和Zn元素含量在种植年限为1～ 10年间逐年增加,而在种植年限11 ～ 17年间呈降低的趋势,番茄大棚土壤Cu和Zn元素含量随种植年限变化的规律与大棚土壤施肥量以及土壤pH的变化有关;随着蔬菜温室使用年限的增加,土壤Mn含量有逐年降低的趋势,Fe元素含量变化趋势不明显.     

我国几种土壤中铁锰结核的元素组成和地球化学特点

The objective of this research was to isolate a dichlorvos （2,2-dichlorovinyl dimethyl phosphate）-degrading strain of Ochrobactrum sp., and determine its effectiveness in remediation of a dichlorvos-contaminated soil. A dichlorvos-degrading bacterium （strain DDV-1） was successfully isolated and identified as an Ochrobactrum sp. based on its 16S rDNA sequence analysis. Strain DDV-1 was able to utilize dichlorvos as a sole carbon source, and the optimal pH and temperature for its cell growth and degradation were 7.0 and 30 ℃, respectively. Also, the growth and degradation of strain DDV-1 showed the same response to dissolved oxygen. In addition, the soil degradation test indicated that in soil spiked with 100 mg L^-1 or 500 mg L^-1 dichlorvos and inoculated with 0.5% or 1.0% （v/v） strain DDV-1, complete degradation of dichlorvos could be achieved in 24 h. The present study showed that strain DDV-1 was a fast dichlorvos-degrading bacterium in soil. However, further research will be needed to clarify the degradation pathway and the properties of the key enzymes involved in its biodegradation.     

三峡库区土壤营养元素分布特征研究

三峡移民工程中土地资源的合理规划利用需要建立在查清区域土壤营养元素背景及分布特征的基础之上,作者利用多目标地球化学调查方法,通过野外实地调查、大面积系统性采集土壤表层样品、测试分析、数理统计,探讨了三峡库区表层土壤中N、P、K、Ca、Mg、S、B、Fe、Mn、Mo、Cl等植物生长必需元素在不同土壤类型中的含量分布特征,以紫色土为例探讨了不同分布高度、不同坡度、不同植被条件对其元素含量分布的影响。结果表明:石灰土是营养元素最丰富的土壤,黄壤是营养元素最低的土壤。母岩对土壤元素分布影响明显,灰岩母岩区土壤营养元素最丰富,砂岩母质区土壤养分元素含量最低;同为碎屑岩类的泥岩、粉砂岩、杂砂岩、砂岩母岩区的土壤相比,泥岩类母岩区的土壤养分元素含量相对较高,粉砂岩母岩区土壤养分元素含量居于泥岩与砂岩母岩区土壤之间。随紫色土分布区地形坡度变化,紫色土Ca、Mg、K元素含量无规律性变化,但随地形坡度变缓,N、S、Mo含量明显增高,Fe、Mn、P含量有增高的趋势;随海拔高度降低,紫色土P、S含量增高,Mn、Mo含量有增高的趋势,而其他元素含量无规律性变化。紫色土在相同的母质、气候及相似的地貌条件下,植被覆盖类型不同,土壤中不同元素分异特征差异明显。总体来说,土壤类型是土壤元素分布的主要控制因素,不同土壤类型的元素含量差异十分显著;不同母质来源的土壤元素差异性显著;紫色土的元素分布除受土壤类型控制外,还受地形坡度、高度、植被条件等其他因素的影响,但不同元素受影响的因素及程度不同。     

土壤-烤烟矿质营养元素相互关系的主组分分析

对云南五种植烟土壤上烤烟三个品种、六个生育期烟叶中钾、磷、硫、钙、镁、铁、锰、锌、铜、硼浓度和烟株根区土壤中ＡＢ／Ｄ联合提取的养分含量及土壤ｐＨ、有机质和碱解氮的测试数据，用主组分分析（ＰＣＡ）方法，讨论土壤─烤烟系统矿质营养元素的相互关系及交互作用。结果显示：①烟叶矿质营养元素浓度随烤烟生育期有规律的变化，受根区土壤化学性质影响的变异大于品种间的差异；②烟叶钾、磷、铜、硼表现明显的稀释效应，钙、镁表现积累效应；③烤烟钾、磷、铜、硼营养存在相互协同作用，钙对钾、磷、铜、硼营养有明显的拮抗作用。④增加土壤有机质，利用钾、磷、铜、硼的协同作用，减轻钙对钾、磷、硼的拮抗是改善烤烟营养，提高烤烟产量品质的关键之一。     

三峡库区脐橙生长元素农业地球化学研究

利用田间试验研究了三峡库区福罗斯特脐橙(Citrus.sinensis)体内营养元素(N、P、K、Ca、Mg、Zn、Mn、Cu、Fe)的分布特征及其农业地球化学行为。结果表明:大量元素中,树干(枝)Ca含量最高,花器官中K含量最高,根系与叶片中大量元素含量分布基本相同,大量元素在脐橙中的含量分配与土壤中的分配基本一致,均为脐橙强烈摄取元素;微量元素Zn、Mn、Cu为中等摄取元素,Fe为极微弱摄取元素,土壤背景为营养元素的主要控制因素。叶、花、根为大量元素与微量元素较为富集的器官,而树干、果实对各营养元素的富集程度较弱。该地区土壤具有缺N、少P、富K的特点,因此需合理调整有机、无机肥的比例,提高土壤N、P的供应量。     

Evaluation of the Mehlich 3 soil extractant for upland Malawi soils

Abstract

The Mehlich 3 (M3) universal soil extraction method was compared with the ammonium acetate (AA), Bray 1, and DPTA extraction procedures for the analysis of calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), potassium (K), phosphorus (P), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), and iron (Fe). Upland Malawi soils from 112 smallholder farmers’ fields of the Alfisol, Ultisol, and Oxisol soil orders were analyzed by the four procedures. Calcium, Mg, and K extracted by the M3 and AA procedures were highly correlated (r² = 0.98, 0.98, and 0.99 for the respective elements). The M3 extractant also correlated well with the DPTA procedure for Zn and Cu (r² = 0.88 for both elements) and the Bray 1 method for P (r² = 0.80). Amounts of Mn and Fe extracted by M3 and DPTA were poorly correlated (r² = 0.28 and 0.47, respectively), with both elements testing high in all soils. The high levels suggest that Mn and Fe deficiencies are likely to be rare, and that analysis for these elements is not generally necessary. Special precautions for Zn and Cu analyses are advised due to the low conentrations of these elements in the M3 extract and various laboratory sources of Zn contamination. The use of soil pH along with M3‐extractable Zn is recommended in the identification of potentially Zn‐deficient soils. The preference for expressing analytical results on a volume rather than weight basis is discussed. Based on a review of literature relating to the M3 extractant, the following critical M3 soil test values are tentatively recommended for maize on upland Malawi soils: Ca, 50 mg/dm³; Mg, 75 mg/dm³ and Mg:Ca ratio >0.067; K, 70 mg/dm³; P, 20 mg/dm³; Zn, 1.0 mg/dm³; and Cu, 0.5 mg/dm³. These suggested values should not preclude in‐country correlation studies. Because the M3 procedure is well correlated with the AA, DPTA, and Bray 1 methods, and because it is a rapid procedure, the M3 method can be highly recommended as a replacement for the three current procedures for Malawi upland soils. Caution is advised in extending the results to Malawi lowland soils, which are characterized by higher pH values.