Yield,quality and K/(Ca+Mg) ratio of tall fescue breeding lines on amended and nonamended minesoil

Abstract

Surface mineable coal is abundant beneath many farmland areas in Missouri. Presently, 90% of the electricity generated in the state is by coal powered plants. Surface strip‐mining laws now require reclamation of these lands after drastic disturbance. Tall fescue (Festuca arundinancea Schreb) cultivars and breeding lines have been evaluated for yield, nutrient composition and quality on undisturbed lands, but not for these qualities and for adaptability to revegetate drastically disturbed lands.

Six breeding lines and 2 cultivars of tall fescue were evaluated for yield, nutrient composition, crude protein and IVDMD on limed and unlisted minesoils in west‐central Missouri. The experimental design was a randomized split‐block with lime treatment the split‐block, 3‐replications, with individual plots 1.21 × 3.05 m. Agriculture lime with ENM index of 291 at rate of 19 mt/ha was incorporated, fescue seeded and the experimental area mulched during August‐September, 1978. The 1979 harvest samples were composited for crude protein, nutrient and IVDMD analyses and the 1980 harvest samples were analyzed for individual plots.

The 1979 yield was not significantly different between genetic materials, but mean yield from limed minesoil was significantly higher than from unlimed minesoil. Yield data evaluation suggest Kenny, WG3B, HMR to yield highest on unlimed minesoil and WG2B, LMR and HMR highest on limed minesoil, with MO‐96 lowest in yield limed or unlimed. The calculated K/(Ca+Mg) ratio of HMR and Kenhy was interpreted to be borderline for potential occurrence of grass tetany under limed environment. Differential divalent cation accumulation capacities of the breeding lines LMR and HMR was expressed on both the limed and unlimed minesoil. Potassium was not judged to reach a sufficiently high or Mg sufficiently low level to suggest potential problem of hypomagnesaema.

Lime increased IVDMD, but not crude protein. Crude protein varied by year, but IVDMD remained nearly constant. The genetic materials MO‐96 and H‐I accumulated higher quantities of Mg upon liming, but had lower IVDMD. Differences in yield were not significantly related to cation accumulation or forage quality on this minesoil, limed or unlimed.     

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.     

Growth of apple seedlings on sludge‐amended soils in the greenhouse

Abstract

Open pollinated ‘York Imperial’ apple (Malus domestica Borkh.) seeds were germinated and grown for a period of 7 months in: (1) sand with complete nutrient solutions added; (2) limed and unlimed soil, (3) limed and unlimed soil amended with two different sewage sludges at rates of 25, 50 or 100 dry kg ha^‐1. A third composted, lime stabilized sludge was added either sieved or non‐sieved (to remove wood chips) at the same rates. The sludge materials used were: (1) a high metal, composted sludge from Baltimore, MD (BALT); (2) a high Cd sewage sludge (CITY) and (3) a low metal, composted sewage sludge from Washington, D.C. (DC).

Germination was unaffected by treatments. After 7 months, the best growth was obtained from the sand plus nutrient solution media. Two of the three sludge materials increased seedling growth over that of the soil, either limed or unlimed. The BALT compost treated soils produced the lowest growth, particularly when unlimed. Elevated tissue metal levels indicated that Mn, Zn, Cu and Ni were the probable causes of reduced growth noted from the BALT compost treatment. The use of soil with or without low metal sludges as media for early apple seedling growth when compared to standard sand culture is not recommended.     

Effects of soil acidity and phosphorus on the yield and chemical composition of tall fescue

Abstract

Tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea) is assuming increasing importance as a pasture species in South Africa. Many of the soils on which fescue is grown are inherently high in exchangeable Al and are characterized by high P‐immobilization capacities. The responses of fescue to dolomitic lime and P were examined in a factorial field trial on a red clay (Kandiustalfic Eustrustox) having a pH(KCl) and acid saturation [100(Al+H)/(Al+H+Ca+Mg+K)] in the unlimed state of 4.1 and 48%, respectively. A significant, though very limited, dry‐matter yield response to lime was evident (yields in the absence of lime were approximately 80% of the yields obtained at high lime levels). This pattern in the response to lime remained consistent over the three seasons of experimentation, despite soil acidity levels being substantially increased through the periodic use of ammonium sulphate as the N source in the trial. A significant response to P was evident at the first harvest after establishment; thereafter, P treatments had no effect on yield. The lime and P response data obtained in this investigation indicate that tall fescue is much more tolerant of soil acidity and has substantially lower soil P requirements than other important crop and pasture species in this country, such as maize (Zea mays) and Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum). Lime significantly increased herbage Mg levels yet, in general, did not influence Ca levels in the herbage. Concentrations of Mg in the herbage exceeded Ca concentrations at all lime rates. Luxury uptake of K resulted in the K/(Ca+Mg) equivalents ratio in the herbage frequently exceeding the tetany hazard threshold of 2.2.     

Mineral composition of kenhy tall fescue as affected by nutrient solution concentrations of Mg and K

Four greenhouse sand culture experiments were conducted with Kenhy tall fescue, a Lolium multiflorum X Festuca arundinacea hybrid derivative. These experiments were conducted to characterize mg accumulation and the chemical composition of Kenhy under various combinations of Mg, K, and N solution concentrations. Of primary interest was the shape and magnitude of response of tissue Mg concentration to solution K levels and potential for Mg accumulation that exists in Kenhy under low solution K levels. Analyses were made for Mg, K, Ca, Na, N, and nitrate.

Increased Kg concentrations were observed with increased solution Mg. Increased solution K was in all cases associated with lower concentrations of Mg. Under conditions of low solution K (0.125 mM) and adequate Mg (0.25 mM), Mg accumulation exceeded 1.0%. Increased solution N was associated with decreased Mg concentrations. Both the linear and quadratic components of Mg solution concentration contributed significantly to increased tissue Mg. Hawever, the linear component of K solution concentration was sufficient to account for decreased tissue Mg. The reduction of tissue Mg to solution K was greater at higher concentrations of K.

Potassium accumulation significantly increased with increased solution K. Increased solution Mg was associated with lower tissue K in which the greatest reduction in K accumulation occurred with the first Mg addition.

Calcium accumulation decreased with increased solution K. Higher solution Mg was associated with lower tissue Ca levels while higher levels of N were associated with increased tissue Ca. Sodium accumulation was significantly reduced by increased K concentrations but neither Mg nor N was effective in consistently altering tissue Na concentrations.

From these experiments it is evident that Kenhy tall fescue has the absorptive capability for high levels of Mg under conditions of low levels of solution K. However, even small increments of solution K were shown to be capable of substantially reducing the Mg content, Thus, the selection of forage grasses for Mg absorptive capability must be conducted under conditions of high solution K, if large improvements on present forage materials are to be obtained. In addition, the inverse relationship between Mg and K present in Kenhy seedlings confirms the need to consider K fertilization recommendations in attempting to increase forage Mg durirg the grass tetany period.     

Influence of dolomitic limestone and N:P:K: Fertilization on the mineral composition of coastal bermudagrass grown under very acid soil conditions

Abstract

The influence of limestone and N:P:K fertilizer rates on elemental composition of Coastal bermudagrass forage was determined to evaluate causes for high yield responses to dolomitic limestone at high N:P:K rates, as well as severe stand loss, and chlorosis of bermudagrass in the unlimed treatments. Increasing N:P:K fertilization resulted in severe Mg deficiency. Maximum yields (when limed with dolomitic limestone) were associated with Mg concentrations of 1.0 g/kg plant tops. Magnesium lost to plant removal, Mg loss to enhanced leaching under N fertilization, and K interference associated with excess K accumulation at high rates of NK inputs all contributed to Mg deficiency. However, the accumulation of excess K, which interfered with Mg uptake when high rates of N and K were applied, was considered to be the primary cause of the observed Mg deficiency.     

Evaluation of agronomic effectiveness of phosphate rocks for aluminum‐tolerant soybean cultivar

Abstract

The effect of liming on the agronomic effectiveness of three phosphate rocks (PRs) Pesca and Huila from Colombia and Sechura from Peru as compared with TSP was evaluated in a greenhouse experiment for an Al‐tolerant soybean cultivar grown on an acid Ultisol. On both unlimed (pH 4.4) and limed (pH 5.0) soils, the agronomic effectiveness of P sources in terms of increasing seed yield followed the order of TSP > Sechura PR > Huila PR > Pesca PR > check, an order similar to that of solubility of P sources. Liming slightly decreased the effectiveness of Pesca PR, whereas liming had no effect on Huila PR. A significant increase in agronomic effectiveness was observed upon liming for Sechura PR and TSP. Soil‐available P as extracted by the Pi method was closely related to the amount of N fixed by soybean crop that, in turn, was related to the soybean seed yield. Values of relative agronomic effectiveness (RAE) of PRs with respect to TSP were calculated by assuming the check = 0% and TSP = 100%. On unlimed soil, the RAE values of PRs were: Pesca PR = 31%, Huila PR = 42%, Sechura PR = 84%. On the limed soil, the RAE values were: Pesca PR = 8%, Huila PR = 24%, Sechura PR = 66%. It can be concluded that the use of PR with respect to that of TSP for soybean crop is more favorable in the unlimed soil than in the limed soil, provided that the soybean plant is relatively Al‐tolerant.     

Magnesium fixation—a possible cause of negative yield responses to lime applications

Abstract

Negative yield responses are common when highly leached soils are limed to neutrality. A number of explanations have been proposed, but very few have been experimentally verified or are entirely acceptable. In this paper the problem is re‐examined and a new possible causal mechanism is proposed.

Data assembled from the literature are used to demonstrate that a consistently observed reduction in Mg uptake by plants when soils are limed to neutrality is often accompanied by a generally ignored reduction in exchangeable soil Mg. Using data for soils of North American and African origin, it is demonstrated that when the soils were limed with pure Ca sources, the level of exchangeable soil Mg was reduced between 36 and 93%. Furthermore, after treatment with a Mg containing liming material, initial increases in the level of exchangeable Mg were followed by similarly large decreases when the soil pH approaches neutrality.

The applicability of known Mg fixation mechanisms is briefly discussed and the suggestion is made that Mg fixation may offer an acceptable explanation for some of the yield depressions observed on liming to neutrality. Research is currently in progress to gather sufficient data to answer the many questions raised.     

Alternative procedure for total phosphorus determination in plant tissue

Abstract

Surface liming will prevent the formation of an ‘acid roof’ on the surface of soil cropped in no‐till corn (Zea mays L.). A study was begun in 1985 to determine the effectiveness of unincorporated liming in raising pH in no‐till soil which had developed significant acidity throughout the upper 15 cm. Lime was applied at 0, 3.36, 6.72 and 10.08 Mg ha^‐1. All lime was applied on 26 April 1985 and was not incorporated. The pre‐liming pH at 0‐5 cm below the surface was 4.5; after two months the pH was raised to 5.6, 5.8, and 6.0 by 3.36, 6.72 and 10.08 Mg ha^‐1 of lime, respectively. After 19 months soil‐pH was raised to 6.0, 6.4 and 6.6 by liming at 3.36, 6.72 and 10.08 Mg ha^‐1 respectively. Soil‐pH below 5 cm was not affected by any rate of lime during the first 19 months after liming. Tissue analysis of corn ear leaves indicated that calcium uptake was increased significantly by lime in 1985, while manganese uptake was significantly reduced. In 1986, increases in calcium were greater than in 1985 and addtional significant reduction in manganese uptake was accompanied by significantly reduced zinc and copper uptake. In both 1985 and 1986, a trend toward lower average corn grain yield in unlimed plots than in limed plots was noted, but the yield increases due to lime were not statistically significant in either year. This study will be continued as a long term investigation of lime penetration into no‐till soil and response of corn to soil‐pH changes.     

Effects of liming on yield,forage cation composition,and tetany potential of wheat in Kansas

Abstract

We studied the effects of liming on dry matter production, nutrient composition, and grain yields of wheat in field experiments conducted on two soil types at three locations during the 1976–77 and 1977–78 growing seasons. Lime sources were commercial agricultural lime, finely divided stack dust, and dolomitic limestone (which contained 10.6% Mg). Lime applied at 2,800 kg/ha in the 1976–77 and 10,750 kg/ha in the 1977–78 experiments provided Mg from the dolomite at rates of 300 and 1,140 kg/ha, respectively.

Soil pH was significantly increased by liming, but Mg saturation percentages were significantly greater only at the 1,140 kg/ha rate. Forage dry matter and grain yields were not increased by lime applied at the lower rate, but significant increases were found in dry‐matter production in the late fall and spring samplings of the 1977–78 experiment. Those increases in plant growth and dry matter production were probably due to reductions in the soluble Mn and Al concentrations in the soil. Forage N and P concentrations were generally not influenced by liming. Potassium concentrations in forage from the limed plots were usually equal to or greater than those in forage from unlimed plots. Calcitic limestone sources generally increased forage Ca concentrations, but liming with dolomite more often than not depressed Ca concentrations below levels found in the check plots. Dolomite, when applied at the 1,140 kg/ha rate, effectively increased the forage Mg concentration, although the concentration exceeded 0.2% only during the early growth stages. Liming generally showed no significant reduction in the tetany potential of the wheat forage as predicted by the equivalent ratio K/(Ca + Mg).     

Yield response of corn to lime and urea application on an acidic tropical soil

Abstract

The effects of liming (7 500 kg CaCO₃/ha) and rate of urea application (0,50,100, and 200 kg N/ha) and its placement at the surface or at 5 cm depth on grain yield and nutrient uptake by corn grown on an acidic tropical soil (Fluventic Eutropept) were studied. Liming significantly increased grain yield, N uptake, and P and K uptake although Ca and Mg uptake, generally, were unaffected. Sub‐surface application of urea increased N uptake only. Yield response to applied N was observed up to 50 kg N/ha when limed but at all rates in the absence of liming. It therefore, reduced the fertilizer N requirement for optimum grain yield. Liming the acidic soil also reduced exchangeable Al but increased nitrification rate and available P in the soil profile (at least up to 0.6 m depth).     

Response of eleven forage species to treatment of acid soil with calcitic and dolomitic lime

Abstract

The cost and difficulty of applying lime on hilly pastures or small forage fields makes it appropriate to devote attention to efficiency of lime utilization. This study evaluated effects of calcitic and dolomitic lime on yield and mineral composition of 11 forage species grown on soil with a low base status of 0.46 cmol_c as Ca and 0.18 cmol_c as Mg kg^‐1. Both lime types increased dry matter production, but only Lolium multiflorum responded more positively to dolomitic lime. The low Mg level in the soil was not a major factor limiting yield. Increase in yield was mainly attributed to the increase in pH with the concurrent decrease in Al level and to an increased Ca availability to plants. The species ranked as follows according to the magnitude of yield increase due to calcitic liming: Trifolium fragiferum > Trifolium pratense > Vicia sativa > Vicia villosa > Trifolium repens > Lolium perenne > Lolium multiflorum > Festuca arundinaceae = Lolium (multiflorum x perenne x perenne) > Trifolium subterraneum > Dactylis glomerata. The most responsive, Trifolium fragiferum, did not grow without lime. The least responsive, Dactylis glomerata, showed a yield increase of 36%. A similar ranking was obtained when all species were evaluated for Al tolerance using a 48 hour root elongation bioassay. In both unlimed soil and soil limed with calcitic lime, Mg concentrations of all species were relatively low. Although they were generally not low enough to have an effect on yield, they barely met the Mg nutritional requirement of cattle. By adding dolomitic lime, Mg content increased in grasses an average of 3.7 fold and in legumes by 2.4 fold. Grasses were similar in Ca, Mg, and K concentrations within a soil treatment. Legumes showed a greater range with the two vetches having the lowest Ca and Mg concentrations and red clover the highest.     

Effect of fertilization and harvest frequency on yield and quality of tall fescue and smooth bromegrass

Abstract

Fertilization and harvest frequency affect yield and quality of forages. The purposes of this experiment were to determine (i) the effects of fertilization and frequent harvesting on yield and quality of tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) and smooth bromegrass (Bromus inermis Leyss.) and (ii) the efficiency of N in animal waste as compared with inorganic N fertilizer for forage production of these cool season grasses. ‘Fawn’ tall fescue and ‘Southland’ smooth bromegrass were grown in the greenhouse on Pullman clay loam topsoil (fine, mixed thermic Torrertic Paleustoll) under eleven fertilizer treatments and two harvest regimes. Nitrogen fertilizer increased yields, N and K concentrations and K/(Ca + Mg) ratios and decreased P, Ca, and Mg concentrations. Phosphorus and K fertilizers did not affect yields but applied P increased P and tended to decrease N and Ca concentrations. Applied K tended to increase Ca concentrations. Recovery of N from feedlot manure ranged from 0.8 to 14%, whereas, recovery from NH₄NO₃ averaged 64%. Harvesting at 3‐week rather than at 6‐week intervals reduced yields 25%; however, N and P removal were higher under the 3‐week harvest regime. Even though forage production was reduced under heavy utilization, the grasses required more N fertilizer under heavy than under lighter utilization. The two grasses produced similar yields under the 3‐week cutting regime and at N rates through 340 kg/ha under the 6‐week cutting regime. Tall fescue yields were higher with the higher N rates under the 6‐week cutting regime. Smooth bromegrass forage was higher than tall fescue forage in N, K, and Ca, whereas tall fescue forage was higher in P and Mg.     

Long‐term root uptake of radiocesium by several crops

Abstract

A greenhouse study was conducted to evaluate the long‐term availability of radiocesium (Cs‐137) to various crops grown on contaminated soil that were limed to pH 6.8 (LIME) or were limed and Zn‐ and Mn‐EDTA chelates added (LIME + CHELATE). Crops were grown either continuously or followed a cropping sequence. Continuously grown clover and bahiagrass accumulated the most Cs‐137 with levels exceeding 2,000 pCi/g dry weight in bahiagrass. Uptake of Cs‐137 was depressed by both the LIME and LIME + CHELATE treatments. Uptake was usually greatest during the first three years but only in unlimed soil. Cesium‐137 is about 3 to 8 times higher in soybean beans than in wheat grain. Uptake of Cs‐137 by plants from contaminated soil can be expected to be high in acidic soils, especially in the absence of lime treatment.     

Growth and magnesium uptake of tall fescue clones with varying root diameters

Abstract

A cool season perennial grass with a root system capable of penetrating hardpans and which can accumulate adequate Mg to prevent deficiencies in forage is needed in the Coastal Plain region. A greenhouse experiment was conducted to determine the effects of magnesium (Mg) concentration in nutrient solution and root diameter on Mg uptake and growth of tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.). Propagules of two fescue clones with large root diameter (LDR >1 mm), two clones with small root diameter (SDR <0.8 mm), and a single clone from ‘Kentucky 31’ (Ky‐31) were transferred into 12‐liter tanks containing Mg concentrations of 3, 21, 42, 125, 250, and 500 μM as MgSO₄ and grown for 39 or 70 days. Leaf Mg concentration was increased linearly with Mg solution concentration in LDR clones for a 39‐day growth period (Harvest 1), but increased according to a cubic equation in the SDR clones and the Ky‐31. Predicted leaf Mg concentration as a function of solution Mg followed a cubic equation for a 70‐day growth period (Harvest 2) in all clones. Predicted root Mg concentration was linearly related to Mg solution concentration for the LDR clones and the Ky‐31, but followed a cubic equation for the SDR clones for the first growth period. For the second growth period, the root Mg concentration of the SDR clones and the Ky‐31 was increased linearly, while the LDR clones followed a quadratic equation. Magnesium uptake followed a cubic equation with Mg solution concentration for both growth periods on all tall fescue clones. This nonlinear variation of Mg uptake and plant Mg concentration with respect to solution Mg concentration strongly suggests that a dual uptake mechanism might have been present in tall fescue clones. Root volume was greater in the SDR than LDR clones or Ky‐31 for both growth periods. The Ky‐31 had the greatest leaf and root dry weight for both growth periods, while the LDR clones had the lowest.     

Earthworms and pH affect communities of nematodes and enchytraeids in forest soil

In northern boreal forests the occurrence of endogeic and anecic earthworms is determined by soil pH. Increasing evidence suggests that large detritivorous soil animals such as earthworms can influence the other components of the decomposer community. To study the effects of earthworms and pH on soil nematode and enchytraeid communities, a factorially designed experiment was conducted with Lumbricus rubellus and/or Aporrectodea caliginosa. Earthworms were added to "mesocosms" containing unlimed (pH 4.8) or limed (pH 6.1) coniferous mor humus with their natural biota of micro-organisms. In the absence of earthworms, nematodes were significantly more abundant in limed than in unlimed humus. Earthworms markedly decreased the numbers of nematodes both in unlimed and limed soils. Earthworm activities eliminated enchytraeids in unlimed soil, but liming improved the survival of some species. It was concluded that liming of soil, either alone or mediated by the earthworm populations, is likely to affect soil nematode and enchytraeid community and mineralisation.     

Impact of liming on utilization of 59Fe‐chelates by lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.)

A pot experiment was conducted to determine the utilization of iron (Fe) by lettuce (Lactuca sativa L. cv. Australian gelber). Iron was applied as ⁵⁹Fe in inorganic and chelated form, particularly biodegradable chelate, ⁵⁹Fe‐EDDS. Two stereoisomeric forms of ethylenediaminedisuccinate: [S,S]‐EDDS and a mixture of EDDS containing 25% [S,S]‐EDDS, 25% [R,R]‐EDDS, and 50% [S/R]/[R/S]‐EDDS, ethylenediaminetetraaceticacid (EDTA) and ethylenediimino bis(2‐hydroxyphenyl)acetic acid (EDDHA) were used as ligands. Lettuce was grown in unlimed and limed quartz sand with nitrate as the sole source of nitrogen. Liming decreased lettuce yields but had no effect on Fe concentrations, indicating that Fe concentrations were a poor indicator of Fe bioavailability within the plant. In unlimed sand, utilization of ⁵⁹Fe from all ⁵⁹Fe‐chelates was on the same level (2.8%–3.6%). In limed sand, only ⁵⁹Fe‐EDDHA maintained the ⁵⁹Fe utilization on a level (3%) comparable to that in unlimed sand. Although the utilization of ⁵⁹Fe from the other chelates decreased to 0.6%–1.1% after liming, Fe concentrations were not affected due to the increased uptake of indigenous Fe. The most biodegradable form of EDDS, namely ⁵⁹Fe‐EDDS(S,S), provided ⁵⁹Fe for lettuce as efficiently as the mixture of ⁵⁹Fe‐EDDS stereoisomers and the ⁵⁹Fe‐EDTA. Utilization of ⁵⁹Fe in inorganic form was 0.5% and 0.03% in unlimed and limed sand, respectively. This study shows that biodegradable ligands are able to serve as chelators to sustain Fe availability in calcareous environments. They may be of use especially in drip irrigation, where ligand accumulations may pose a threat to groundwater quality.     

Yield and mineral concentration of HiMag compared to other tall fescue cultivars grown in the southern piedmont

HiMag is an experimental cultivar derived from Missouri 96 (Mo96) and Kentucky 31 (K31) tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) parentage for increased calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), and reduced potassium (K)/ (Ca+Mg). Our objective was to determine productivity and mineral characteristics of endophyte‐free (E‐) HiMag in relation to standard tall fescue cultivars when grown in the Southern Piedmont Land Resource Area. In experiment 1, HiMag (E‐) and K31 (E‐) were grown at two levels of phosphorus (P), K, and lime additions to both severely eroded, and non‐eroded Cecil soil (clayey, kaolinitic, thermic family of Typic Hapludults). Herbage Ca and Mg were greater and K/(Ca+ Mg) and yield were less for HiMag than for K31. Phosphorus and K concentrations were not different. Herbage yields, P, Ca, and Mg concentrations were increased by P, K, and lime additions. In experiment 2, HiMag(E‐), K31(E‐), endophyte‐infected K31(E+), Mo I(E+), Mo II (E+), and AU Triumph (E‐) were planted either in a prepared seedbed or planted without tillage into the Cecil soil. HiMag yields were not different from Mo‐I, Mo‐II or K31(E±), but were less than those of AU Triumph (E‐). HiMag yield response to no‐till planting, past soil erosion, and fertilizer level was similar to that of K31 (E±). Fertilizer level, and soil condition affected the magnitude of differences in mineral levels in HiMag and K31 (E±), but K/(Ca+Mg) values were more favorable in HiMag. All tall fescue cultivars established equally well in no‐till or prepared seedbeds. Aside from a slightly lower first harvest yield there were no important effects of planting no‐till versus planting in a prepared seedbed. HiMag's agronomic attributes, while not superior to other cultivars, were sufficient to justify further testing to improve Mg nutrition of grazing animals.     

Acid soil tolerance of leucaena species in greenhouse trials

Abstract

Lines of Leucaena leucocephala (Lam.) de Wit were grown in greenhouse pots of an acid, Al‐toxic Tatum subsoil (clayey, mixed, thermic typic Hapludult) treated with 0 or 3000 ppm CaCO₃ to give final soil pH values of 4.1 and 5.3, respectively. Lines of L. leucocephala, plus those of other Leucaena species, were also tested on an acid, Monmouth soil (clayey, mixed, mesic, typic Hapludult) treated with 0 or 1500 ppm CaCO₃ to give final soil pH values of 4.8 and 6.6, respectively. The major index of acid soil tolerance used was relative root yield (unlimed/limed %).

Relative root yields of 117 L. leucocephala lines on Tatum soil ranged from 34 to 246%. Hence, liming the soil from pH 4.1 to 5.3 was highly beneficial to some lines and highly detrimental to others. Because Tatum subsoil is 89% Al saturated at pH 4.1, line tolerance to unlimed soil indicates tolerance to Al. Causes of yield depression at pH 5.3 were not determined.

On Monmouth soil, in a test involving 148 lines of 6 Leucaena species, relative root yields (unlimed/limed %) ranged from 23 to 386%. The line showing highest tolerance to the acid soil (P.I. 279578) and that showing lowest tolerance (P.I? 281636) are both L,. leucocephala. The majority of lines used on Monmouth soil (124 of a total of 148) were from this species. Average performances of the 6 species indicated that L. diversifolia Benth. (5 lines) was most tolerant to the acid Monmouth soil and liming the soil from pH 4.8 to 6.6 actually decreased root yields. The species L.. leucocephala (124 entries) and L. pulverulenta Benth. (4 lines) were intermediate, and L. lanceolata S. Wats. (3 lines) and I., retusa Benth. (1 line) appeared more sensitive to acid Monmouth soil. The Al saturation of Monmouth soil at pH 4.8 was only 23% (compared with 89% for Tatum at pH 4.1). The major growth limiting factor in acid Monmouth soil is believed to be Al toxicity, but this soil has not been as throughly characterized as has Tatum, and other factors may well be involved in explaining differential tolerances of Leucaena lines on the unlimed versus limed soil.

Results of these studies indicate that Leucaena species and lines within species differ significantly in tolerance to acid soils having high levels of exchangeable Al. Acid soil tolerant lines of Leucaena may be useful in expanding the acreage of this crop on oxisols and ultisols of the tropics and subtropics.