Dryland corn response to tillage and nitrogen fertilization. II. P,K, CA,MG

Abstract

Nitrogen fertilization and tillage practices may influence the availability and uptake of essential plant nutrients other than N. This study was conducted to assess the interactive effects of N rate and timing and tillage practices on uptake and concentration of P, K, Ca and Mg in corn grown under dryland conditions. Potassium accumulations in no till (NT) soils were greater than in conventional till (CT) near the surface and lower than CT in the subsoil. Phosphorus and Ca levels decreased with soil depth, while Mg tended to accumulate in the subsoil. Phosphorus uptake and concentration of 5‐leaf stage corn was increased as tillage intensity decreased. Nitrogen rate at planting increased 5‐leaf P uptake but reduced P concentration; however, by silking no effect of tillage or N fertilization practice on ear leaf P concentration was obtained. Increases in 5‐leaf corn K uptake and concentration as tillage intensity decreased may have reduced Mg and Ca concentrations via cation antagonism. Ear leaf Mg and Ca concentrations were increased by N rate, probably as a result of solubilization of Ca and Mg and improved crop growth. Distribution of essential elements in the soil due to tillage in combination with varying N fertilization practices can influence temporal nutrient uptake, thereby altering plant nutrient diagnosis.     

Elemental and/or cation ratio efficiency of corn hybrids grown on an infertile soil inadequate in magnesium

Abstract

Magnesium deficiency in corn (Zea mays L.) is often attributed to the low levels of Mg in soils. This study was conducted to determine elemental and/or cation balance efficiency of corn hybrids grown on a soil low in available Mg, Among the 15 hybrids tested, no differential efficiency in ear leaf concentration of P was found at two planting dates. Leaf concentrations of Zn and Fe were influenced by planting date for all hybrids but interactions between hybrids and planting date were found only for K, Ca, Mg concentrations and the sum of the Meq Ca + Mg/100 g, the Meq K + Ca + Mg/100 g, and the K/Ca and K/Ca + Mg ratios. Planting dates did not Influence the K/Mg ratio among hybrids. Large differences in efficiency of K, Ca, and Mg were found but these cations were found to have large Interactions. Data show that Ca and Mg efficient hybrids are less efficient in K than Ca and Mg inefficient hybrids. It should be possible to breed corn hybrids for better cation balance efficiency for use on infertile soils low in avallable Mg.     

Influence of soils and planting dates on mineral element efficiency of corn hybrids

Abstract

Magnesium (Mg) deficiency In corn (Zea mays L.) is a major problem in many parts of the world because of widespread soil Mg deficiency. One approach to growing corn on infertile soils is to develop hybrids by breeding for better mineral element efficiency. This study was conducted on two soils low and medium in available Mg with corn planted on different dates to determine if hybrids were consistent for differences in mineral element efficiency. Hybrids did not differ in yield at each location but differed between soils. Yield decreased from late plantings. Ear leaf concentrations were greatly affected by soils and planting dates for most elements. Hybrids differed In efficiency of all elements but P, Zn, and Mn efficiency was not consistent between soils. Iron, K, Ca, and Mg concentrations in the ear leaf were genetically consistent in relative efficiencies among hybrids on both soils. Concentrations of K, Ca, and Mg In leaf tissue appeared to be positively related to soil test. Cation sums and ratios were different among hybrids and were rather consistent between soils. Data indicate that hybrids do differ in Mg efficiency as well as other elements and cation balance. The use of genetics to manipulate hybrids for efficiency on low Mg Infertile soils should be feasible.     

Leaf position and genotype differences for mineral element concentrations in sorghum grown on tropical acid soil 1

Mineral element deficiencies and toxicities are common problems associated with sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] production on acid soils. To better understand some of the mineral element problems and the analysis of plant tissue of sorghum plants grown on acid soils, four sorghum genotypes were grown on an acid Oxisol at Carimagua, Colombia limed with dolomite at 2 and 6 Mg ha^‐1.

Samples for mineral element analyses were obtained from leaves at different positions on the four genotypes. Concentrations of P and Mg were highest in the flag leaf (Leaf No. 1) and decreased as the position on the plant declined from the top of the plant for plants grown at 2 Mg lime ha^‐1. Similar decreases in P, Mg, K, and Zn concentrations occurred in plants grown with 6 Mg lime ha^‐1. Concentrations of Ca, S, Si, Mn, Fe, Cu, and Al increased as leaf position declined from the flag leaf for plants grown at 2 and 6 Mg lime ha^‐1. The higher lime supply enhanced Ca and reduced Mn and Fe concentrations in leaves. Differences in mineral element concentrations for the four genotypes used were fairly extensive. The elements to show the greatest range among genotypes were Al and Si and the elements to show the least range among genotypes were P, K, and S. Care should be used in collecting leaf samples for plant analysis and genotypic differences for accumulation of mineral elements should be considered in interpretation of results.     

A comparison of the chemical composition of the corn leaf and the grain sorghum leaf

Abstract

Leaf samples were taken from corn and grain sorghum being grown in adjacent fields with the same soil type and with the same cultural practices insofar as possible. The samples were analyzed for N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Zn and Mn. Results show that the nutrient composition of the leaves of corn and grain sorghum were consistently different for most nutrients. The differences were sufficiently great and consistent to strongly suggest that critical nutrient levels need to be established for grain sorghum instead of using diagnostic criteria established for corn.     

Effects of phosphate,nitrate and chloride on calcium,magnesium and manganese content of cigar‐wrapper tobacco

Abstract

Nutrient solutions containing three levels of phosphate, nitrate, and chloride were applied to cigar‐wrapper tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) plants growing in sand culture for a period of 18 days. Concentrations of other nutrient elements in the nutrient solutions were held constant and the solutions were applied to pots as needed to maintain favorable moisture conditions for plant growth. Plants were in the two leaf stage when transplanted and were maintained on a single nutrient solution for 38 days before treatments were started. At the end of an eight weeks growing period, plant leaves were harvested and analyzed for Ca, Mg, and Mn. Dry matter yield was significantly (P=0.01) increased when 2 mM/1 of Ca(NO₃)₂ replaced an equivalent amount of Ca(H₂PO₄)₂ or CaCl₂ in the nutrient solution. Nitrate significantly (P=0.05) increased Ca and Mg content and decreased Mn concentration in leaf tissue in comparison to chloride. Calcium and Mg content were significantly (P=0.05) decreased and Mn content of tobacco leaves was increased by phosphate in comparison to nitrate and chloride.     

Leaf mineral element concentrations and growth of sweet sorghum subjected to acid soil stress

Abstract

The nutritional profile of sweet sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] cultivars grown under acid soil field stress conditions is a critical consideration when developing plants which are adapted to these infertile soils. Uptake and accumulation of macro‐ and micronutrients vary among genotypes and ultimately Influence plant growth and development. This study compared fourteen sweet sorghum germplasm lines and varieties for their Individual patterns of leaf nutrient concentrations and productivity when grown under acid soil field conditions (pH 4.45 to pH 4.85) at three locations over a two‐year period. Significant year x location interactions were found for Fe, K, and Ca concentrations at both Blairsville and Calhoun and for Mn and P levels at Blairsville and Calhoun, respectively. Data from Calhoun on plant height, dry weight, visual stress ratings, and rainfall indicate a possible association between drought tolerance and acid soil tolerance in sorghum. No significant differences in A1 concentrations were found among these sweet sorghum lines and varieties, which indicate that their acid soil tolerance mechanisms are probably not related to A1. MN 1054 accumulated the highest levels of Mn in the three acid soils. The highest concentrations of Mg and P were found in Brandes. MN 960 had the highest visual stress ratings (highest susceptibility) while Brandes, Ramada, Roma, and Wray were the most tolerant. All fourteen cultivars apparently have some tolerance to acid soil stress conditions.     

Yearly variation of root distribution with depth in relation to nutrient uptake and corn yield

Abstract

Root length and root distribution in the soil profile is important in determining the amount of nutrients and water taken up by the plant. Data about year to year variation of corn (Zea mays L.) root growth and its relation to nutrient uptake are limited. An evaluation of the importance of root system size and distribution on P and K uptake and corn yield was made from samples taken annually from a long‐term fertility experiment on Raub silt loam, fine silty, mixed, mesic Aquic Argiudolls. Root density varied with soil depth among years, whereas P and K fertilizer treatment had no measureable influence on total root length. Ear leaf P concentration was highly correlated with the amount of roots in the 0 to 15 cm layer which contained most of the available P. Since P was not appreciably limiting corn yield, no significant relation was found between yield and P content of the ear leaf. Yields on K deficient plots were positively correlated with root density in the topsoil. Correlations of root densities in the deeper soil layers with both yield and ear leaf nutrient concentration became increasingly smaller with depth in the soil profile. The results indicate that root length plus root distribution in the soil may influence year to year variation in yield particularily on soils having low available nutrient levels. This variation in root growth may be responsible for differences among years in the response of crops to applied P and/or K.     

Nutrient status of apple orchards in Canterbury,New Zealand. 1. Levels in soil,leaves and fruit and the prevalence of storage disorders

Abstract

The nutrient status (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, K, Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu) of 26 Cox's Orange Pippin and 20 Braeburn apple orchard sites in the Canterbury region of New Zealand was evaluated by soil, leaf and fruit analysis. Concentrations of available nutrients in soils ranged widely but those in leaves and fruit were generally confined to a relatively narrow range. Concentrations of leaf N were high in the study area, as were levels of extractable soil P, and it is suggested that reductions in fertilizer additions of these nutrients would generally be appropriate.

Soil, leaf and fruit nutrient contents were generally not well correlated with one another. The only highly significant correlations (P≤0.001) were between leaf and fruit Ca for Cox's and soil and fruit Mg for Braeburn. The poor correlations were attributed to the empirical nature of soil tests, the presence of large nutrient reserves within the tree framework and the effects of cultural and environmental factors on nutrient uptake and translocation by the trees.

The storage disorders bitter pit and senescent breakdown in Cox's and lenticel blotch pit in Braeburn were observed in apples harvested from some of the study sites. Such disorders were generally associated with low concentrations of Ca (≤.2.5 mg/100 g) in samples of cortical plugs taken from fruit at harvest.     

Nutrient concentration of corn as effected by poultry manure

Abstract

The elemental composition of corn was evaluated during the 1973 growing season in an experiment with various rates of poultry manure. In general, the nutrient concentration of plant tissue reflected poultry manure applications with the exception of Mg which declined and Ca, Fe and Na which appeared to be largely unaffected. The elemental concentrations in the corn tissue were not in a toxic range however, the nutrient balance was changed by poultry manure application. Sampling of corn early in the growing season can be quite valuable with respect to predicting nutrient concentration of more mature corn for Mg, Mn, B and Zn, but it leaves much to be desired for the other elements tested.     

Erosional impacts on soil properties and corn yield on Alfisols in central Ohio

Accelerated soil erosion can impact upon agronomic productivity by reducing topsoil depth (TSD), decreasing plant available water capacity and creating nutrient imbalance in soil and within plant. Research information on soil‐specific cause – effect relationship is needed to develop management strategies for restoring productivity of eroded soils. Therefore, two field experiments were established on Alfisols in central Ohio to quantify erosion‐induced changes in soil properties and assess their effects on corn growth and yield. Experiment 1 involved studying the effects of past erosion on soil properties and corn yield on field runoff plots where soil was severely eroded and comparing it with that on adjacent slightly eroded soil. In addition, soil properties and corn grain yield in runoff plots were compared on side‐slopes with that on toe‐slopes or depositional sites. Experiment 2 involved relating corn growth and yield to topsoil depth on a sloping land. With recommended rates of fertilizer application, corn grain yield did not differ among erosional phases. Fertilizer application masked the adverse effects of erosion on corn yield. Corn grain yield on depositional sites was about 50 per cent more than that on side‐slope position. Corn plants on the side‐slope positions exhibited symptoms of nutrient deficiency, and the ear leaves contained significantly lower concentrations of P and Mg and higher concentrations of Mn and K than those grown on depositional sites. Corn grain yield in experiment 2 was positively correlated with the TSD. Soil in the depositional site contained significantly more sand and silt and less clay than that on the side‐slope position. There were also differences in soil properties among erosional phases. The soil organic carbon (SOC) content was 19\7 g kg⁻¹ in slightly eroded compared with 15\1 g kg⁻¹ in severely eroded sites. Aggregate stability and the mean weight diameter (MWD) were also significantly more in slightly eroded than severely eroded soils. Adverse effects of severe erosion on soil quality were related to reduction in soil water retention, and decrease in soil concentration of N and P, and increase in those of K, Ca and Mg. Severe erosion increased leaf nutrient contents of K, Mn and Fe and decreased those of Ca and Mg. Corn grain yield was positively correlated with aggregation, silt and soil N contents. It was also negatively correlated with leaf content of Fe. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Corn response to two fertilization rates under Sw Spain conditions

Abstract

Corn cv. PRISMA response (growth, plant composition, and yield) was studied in relation to two fertilizer treatments: the high rate used in irrigated fields in SW Spain (1000 kg/ha 15–15–15 fertilizer plus two applications of 400 kg urea (46%N)/ha); and the same reduced to one‐third. Plant height (～ 290 cm), specific leaf area (0.018 m²/g), ear weight (～210 g), kernel weight per ear (～185 g), and estimated yield (～16 Mg/ha) were similar with both treatments. Plant nutrient contents were similar in the leaf level, with both treatments, although the N content of stalk and kernel (at harvest) were higher (P<0.05) when the high fertilization dose was applied. DRIS indices presented N and S as the more balanced nutrients, and in general the P and Mg contents were comparatively low, and Ca and K comparatively high. Amounts of N and P removed by corn (above‐ground part) were higher than those fertilized at the lower rate. Removed K was considerably higher than the loaded amount, whichever rate of fertilization was considered. When fertilized with a comparatively low rate (for irrigated regimes in SW Spain), the natural reserves of the previously fertilized sandy loam soil used in the assay contributed to achieve a high yield with a high‐yielding corn crop.     

Variation within sunflower cultivars and inbred lines in leaf chemical composition

Abstract

Plant species, as well as cultivars within species, have been shown to vary in response to soil nutrient levels due to variation in tissue requirements and variation in ability to absorb nutrients from the soil. In order to study this latter aspect in sunflowers (Helianthus annuus L.), two field trials were conducted in which nutrient concentrations in the topmost nature leaf were determined. At two growth stages, 16 cultivars differed significantly in leaf nutrient levels of N, K, Ca, Mg, Mn, Cu, Zn, and B. Seed yields were highly significantly correlated with leaf nutrient levels, variation in nutrient concentrations accounting for 43% of the observed variation in seed yield. On this soil which was low in B, variation in B concentration alone accounted for 28% of the variation in seed yield in spite of 2 kg B/ha having been applied. Marked differences were observed in the leaf nutrient concentrations of 40 inbred lines tested.     

Phosphorus nutrition of white rose potato in relation to growth and minerals of leaf and root tissues

Abstract

White Rose potato plants (Solanum tuberosum, L.) were grown outdoors, without tuber formation, in a modified Hoagland's nutrient solution with 9 treatments of KH₂PO₄ ranging from 0 to 4.0 mmoles per liter. Deficiency symptoms ranged from very severe to none at harvest after 27 days of growth. Growth of the potato plants increased with increased P supply and was associated with an increased P content of the plant tissues. The critical H₂PO₄‐P concentration at a 10% reduction of top growth, based on a second leaf analysis, was about 1,000 ppm for the petiole and terminal bladelet and about 1,200 ppm for the lateral bladelet, dry weight basis.

Phosphorus nutrition had only a slight effect on the K, Na, Mg and NO₃‐N concentrations of the root tissues but Ca increased as phosphate increased which suggests a calcium phosphate precipitation. Phosphorus stress lowered the K, Na, Ca, Mg and NO₃‐N concentrations of the petiole tissues of the recently matured leaf which suggests that P increases salt accumulation. Phosphorus nutrition had only a slight effect on the concentrations of K, Na, Mg and Ca of the blade tissues of the recently matured leaf but NO₃‐N increased greatly with P supply.     

Soil and plant calibration for cucumbers grown in the mid‐Atlantic coastal plain

Abstract

Few soil test and plant tissue calibration data exist for cucumbers (Cucumis sativus L.). Two years of a singly‐replicated cucumber fertility study were conducted to develop soil and plant data for calibration purposes employing the Boundary Line Approach. Fertility treatments consisting of 4 K levels (as KC1), 3 Mg levels (as MgCl₂), 3 pH levels (as Calcitic limestone), and 4 N rates (as urea ammonium nitrate) were factorilly arranged and completely randomized to give 108 treatments in both 1987 and 1988. Analyses were performed upon leaf samples for N, P, K, Ca and Mg at early bloom and soil samples for Mehlich (M) 1‐ and 3‐ P, K, Ca and Mg, and pH. Cucumber yields were determined on early (two fruit pickings) and total (four fruit pickings) sampling periods. High‐yielding cucumbers were attained at soil K (Ml = 64 mg/kg) and Mg (Ml = 29 mg/kg) levels lower than currently recommended. No significant differences in correlation coefficients between either Mehlich (Ml, M3) extractant and cucumber leaf P, K, Ca and Mg concentrations were found. Co‐efficients of determination (R²) values for the relationships (in 1987, 1988) between Ml‐ and M3‐extractable P (0.53, 0.40), K (0.77, 0.64), Ca (0.81, 0.71) and Mg (0.89, 0.74) were all highly significant (P ≤ 0.01). No significant differences were noted between early and total high‐yielding cucumber leaf concentrations and ratios developed for use as preliminary sufficiency ranges and DRIS norms, respectively. A reevaluation of cucumber coastal plain soil test calibrations, especially with regard to K, appears necessary. This study provides further support for the conversion of Ml to M3 soil extraction methodology.     

Impact of time of day and time since irrigation on cotton leaf blade and petiole nutrient concentrations

Abstract

Petioles are used in weekly nutrient monitoring programs because they are more responsive to short‐term changes than leaf blades. However, this responsiveness may allow other factors, such as sampling time, to mask genuine changes in nutrient status. The objectives of this study were to measure the influence of time of day and time since irrigation on petiole and blade phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), and magnesium (Mg) concentrations and to compare petiole and blade samples in their stability and usefulness in evaluation of cotton nutrient status. Cotton was grown on a sandy soil in the Coastal Plain region of Georgia. Treatments were K application rates of 0, 55, and 110 kg K₂O/ha. In early bloom, leaf blades and petioles were sampled from the first fully expanded leaf immediately following irrigation at 13: 00 Monday through Friday and on Tuesday at 7: 00, 9: 00, 11: 00, 15: 00, 17: 00, and 19: 00. Blades were separated from petioles, and P, K, Ca, and Mg were measured. Petiole and blade nutrient levels were positively correlated for P, K, Ca, and Mg. The difference in K rates was not as well reflected in the blade K levels as in the petiole K levels. As time since irrigation increased and the soil dried out, the petiole K levels of the 55 and 110 kg K₂O/ha treatments became significantly different. Petiole and blade P and K levels declined earlier in the day than Ca and Mg levels as the moisture content of the leaves declined. Blade moisture content dropped earlier than petiole moisture content which led to increased nutrient concentrations. The large daily variation in petiole nutrient levels could result in altered fertilizer recommendations. Therefore, it is of critical importance to sample cotton petioles consistently at the same time of day and the same time in relation to irrigation scheduling in order to differentiate between these timing effects and the timing effect due to crop growth stage.     

Effects of different magnesium levels on some morphophysiological characteristics and nutrient elements uptake in Khatouni melons (cucumis melo var. inodorus)

A nutrient solution experiment was carried out to evaluate effects of different magnesium (Mg) concentrations (0, 25, 50, 75 and 100 percent of magnesium concentration of Hoagland solution) on growth and physiological characteristics of Iranian melons (Cucumis melo var. inodorus subvar. Khatouni). The experiment was done based on completely randomized design using plastic pots and sand culture. The results showed that SPAD value of leaves, plant leaf number, stem diameter, shoot fresh and dry weight, root fresh weight, chlorophyll b, carotenoids, protein, catalase and peroxidase activities were constantly increased by increasing Mg levels of nutrient solution until 75 or 100% Mg levels, while leaf area, petiole length, internodes length were highest in lower levels of Mg compared to full Mg of nutrient solution. Moreover, the leaf concentrations of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), magnesium, and iron (Fe), but not calcium (Ca), were increased by increasing magnesium concentration to full Hoagland nutrient solution Mg level.     

Critical nutrient concentrations and antagonistic and synergistic relationships among the nutrients of NFT‐grown young tomato plants

Critical concentrations of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), and manganese (Mn) with respect to dry matter yield end antagonistic and synergistic relationships among these nutrients were studied in which tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum L.) was grown in recirculating nutrient solution (NFT). Increments of nutrient elements in the nutrient solution increased the proportional rate of the corresponding nutrient elements. Increasing levels of N negatively correlated with plant P and positively correlated with Ca, Fe, and Zn. Iron and Mn contents of the plants were increased and N, K, Ca, and Mg were decreased as a function of P applied. Increases in K in the nutrient solution caused increases in the concentrations of K, N, P, and Zn, and decreases in the concentration of Ca and Fe. Applied Ca increased the concentrations of Ca and N, and decreased the concentrations of P, Mg, Fe, Zn, and Mn. Potassium, Ca, and Fe contents of the plants were decreased and Zn increased, while N, P, and Mn were not affected by the increasing levels of external Mg. Iron suppressed the plant Mg, Zn, and Mn contents. Synergism between Zn and Fe was seen, while P, K, Ca, Mg, and Mn contents were not affected by Zn levels. Potassium, Ca, Mg, and Fe were not responsive to applied Mn, however, N and P contents of the plants were decreased at the highest levels of Mn.     

Elemental leaf content and deficiency symptoms in rabbiteye blueberries: 2. Calcium and magnesium

In separate tests, rabbiteye blueberries (Vaccinium ashei Reade) grown in sand culture were subjected to varying levels of Ca (0–81 mg/liter) and Mg (0–24 mg/liter) applied at rates of 250 ml/plant daily. Other essential nutrients were kept constant. Leaf concentrations of N, P, K, Mg, Ca, Mn, Fe, Cu, B, Zn, Co, and Al were determined. The concentration of Ca in the leaves increased linearly but that of Cu decreased in response to increasing levels of Ca fertilization. Leaf concentrations of other elements were not significantly influenced by Ca fertilization. Leaf Mg and Al concentrations increased linearly in response to increasing levels of Mg fertilization. The P content in leaves followed a quadratic curve with increased Mg fertilization. Percent P increased from the 0 to 12 mg/liter levels and then decreased from the 12 to 24 mg/liter levels of Mg. High levels of Mg fertilization resulted in reduced Cu content of leaves.

Fertilization rates of Ca or Mg had little effect on shoot dry weight except at the 0 mg/liter levels. As leaf Ca decreased below 0.20% Ca, Ca deficiency symptoms became more prevalent. Magnesium deficiency symptoms increased as leaf Mg decreased below 0.15% Mg.     

Soil‐test values after eight years of tillage research on a Norfolk loamy sand

Abstract

Long‐term effects of alternate tillage systems on soil‐test values for Coastal Plain soils were unknown. Therefore, soil pH, organic carbon, and Mehlich I extractable P, K, Ca, and Mg concentrations measured during an eight‐year tillage study on Norfolk loamy sand (fine‐loamy, silicious, thermic, Typic Paleudults) have been summarized. Yields for corn (Zea mays L.), wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), and soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] are also summarized to provide an indication of nutrient removal by the crops. Soil‐test measurements after six years showed no significant differences in Mehlich I extractable nutrient concentrations for the 0‐ to 20‐cm depth between disked (conventional) and nondlsked (conservation) tillage treatments, but for pH, P, Ca, and Mg, the tillage by depth of sampling interaction was significant at P‐0.05. Stratification did not appear to affect crop yield. Soil organic matter concentration in the Ap horizon nearly doubled after eight years of research at this site. This change occurred within both tillage treatments, apparently because high levels of management produced good crop yields, residues were not removed, and even for the disked treatment, surface tillage was not excessive. These results show that long‐term average yields for corn and soybean on Norfolk soil will not be reduced by adopting reduced or conservation tillage practices. They also show that nutrient levels can be maintained at adequate levels for crop production on Coastal Plain soils by using current soil‐test procedures and recommendations for lime and fertilizer application.