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).     

Nitrogen requirements associated with improved conservation tillage for corn production

Abstract

Excessive soil erosion and use of nitrogen fertilizer are costly to the Atlantic Coastal Plain corn (zea mays L., ’Funks G 4507') producer and both may serve to create environmental hazards. An in‐row chisel (36 cm deep) tillage method was compared with the standard 5 cm fluted coulter method for planting corn in premature wheat (Triticim aestivum L.) residues grown on an Orangeburg sandy loam (Typic Paleudult). Five orthogonal N levels ranging up to 440 kg of N/ha were used to determine an economic N optimum for each tillage method.

The in‐row chisel tillage method provides a possible yield advantage in the Atlantic Coastal Plain because of observed restricting soil layers within the normal corn rooting zone. The estimated profit‐maximizing quantities of N fertilizer were 262 and 295 kg of N/ha (234 and 263 1b of N/acre) for the fluted coulter and in‐row tillage procedures, respectively. Corn grain yields associated with these inputs were 9.6 × 10³ and 12.6 × 10³ kg/ha (153 and 200 bu/acre), respectively. The yield increase associated with in‐row chiseling through a 2.5 metric ton mulched surface is attributed to potentially improved rooting and more efficient water storage and use.     

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.     

Tomato response to long‐term potassium and lime application on a sandy ultisol high in non‐exchangeable potassium

In a ten‐year study of potassium (K) and lime application to a Kalmia sandy loam (fine‐loamy, siliceous, thermic Typic Hapludult), a soil high in nonexchangeable K, corn (Zea mays L.) and soybean [Glycine max (L.) Herr.] have not responded to applied K. The objectives of this study were to determine if a high K‐requiring crop such as tomato (Lycocersicon esculentum Mill. cv. Redpak) would respond to KCl fertilizer rate or lime type (dolomitic, calcitic, and mixed) and rate on such a soil. Potassium was applied at 0, 56, and 112 kg K/ha every year for ten years. Lime was applied at 0, 2, and 9 Mg/ha in calcitic, mixed, and dolomitic forms twice in ten years (1970 and 1973). In 1980, the tenth year of the study, tomato fruit was harvested by hand once‐over to simulate machine harvest and divided into four maturity groups by color. Soil pH was higher with dolomitic than calcitic lime. Soil K saturation was not influenced by lime rate or type. Fruit yield and leaf phosphorus (P), calcium (Ca), and magnesium (Mg) concentrations increased with increasing lime rates. Leaf K, manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), boron (B), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), barium (Ba), strontium (Sr), and aluminum (Al) concentrations decreased with increasing lime rate. Leaf Mn, Ba, and Sr concentrations were lower with dolomitic than with calcitic lime. Lime type had no effect on tomato yield. Wide ranges in basic cation saturation ratios had little effect on yield. Soil K saturation and leaf K, Zn, and Ba concentrations increased with increasing K rate. Soil Ca and leaf Ca, Mg, and Al concentrations decreased with increasing K rate. Applied K had no effect on total yield but onceover marketable yield increased linearly with increasing K rate. Marketable yield increased 14% with an increase in K rate from 0 to 56 kg/ha. Thus, fruit maturity was apparently hastened by K fertilization.     

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.     

Effect of Integrated Nutrient Management on Soil Physical Properties and Crop Productivity under a Maize (Zea mays)–Mustard (Brassica campestris) Cropping Sequence in Acidic Soils of Northeast India

A five-year (2001/02–2006/07) field experiment was carried out on acidic clay loam soil classified as Typic Hapludalf with a maize–mustard crop sequence to study the effect of continuous application of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK) fertilizers alone and in combination with lime, farmyard manure (FYM), and biofertilizers on soil physical properties, soil organic carbon (SOC), soil microbial biomass carbon (SMBC), and crop yields on the hilly ecosystem of Meghalaya. Significant improvement in the soil physical conditions of the soil was observed under integrated application of organic manure and inorganic fertilizers. Addition of NPK fertilizers along with organic manure, lime, and biofertilizers increased soil organic carbon (SOC) content, aggregate stability, moisture-retention capacity, and infiltration rate of the soil while reducing bulk density. The SOC content under the treatment of 100% NPK + lime + biofertilizer + FYM was significantly greater (68.58%) than in control plots. Maize and mustard crop yields also significantly increased (4.73- and 21.09-folds, respectively) with continuous application of balanced inorganic (100% NPK) + lime + biofertilizer + FYM as compared to the control plots. However, crop yields drastically reduced under application of integrated nutrients without FYM as compared to the treatment with FYM application. Thus, the results suggest that integrated use of a balanced inorganic fertilizer in combination with lime and organic manure sustains a soil physical environment that is better for achieving higher crop productivity under intensive cropping systems in the hilly ecosystem of northeastern India.     

Soil acidity and aluminium toxicity as affected by surface liming and cover oat residues under a no-till system

A 3-year field trial examined in a long-term no-till system the effects of surface-applied lime and cover black oat ( Avena strigosa Schreb) residues on soil chemical attributes, root growth and grain yield of corn ( Zea mays L.) and soybean ( Glycine max L. Merrill) on a loamy, kaolinitic, thermic Typic Hapludox in Paraná State, Brazil. The treatments consisted of dolomitic lime broadcast on the soil surface at 0 or 12 t/ha, with and without cover of black oat residues. Corn and soybeans were grown without rainfall limitation. Applying lime on the surface improved soil acidity and decreased aluminium (Al) toxicity to a 10-cm depth 1 year after application. Surface liming increased pH and the content of exchangeable Ca²⁺ to a 20-cm depth, and decreased Al toxicity to a 40- to 60-cm depth, 3 years after application, indicating that the surface-applied lime moved deeper. Cover black oat residues did not favour the mobility of surface-applied lime to alleviate subsoil acidity and an increase in the Al³⁺ saturation level at the soil surface was found in unlimed plots with black oat residues. Root growth and grain yields of corn and soybean were not influenced by surface liming with or without cover black oat residue. Despite the soil acidity level, root length of corn and soybean ranged from 55 to 60% at 0- to 10-cm depth. The results suggest that Al toxicity is low in no-till systems during cropping seasons with adequate and well-distributed rainfall, but this effect is not related to the presence of cover oat residues.     

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.     

磷石膏改良强酸性黄壤的效应研究

采用盆栽试验,以耐铝能力弱的高粱和强酸性黄壤为研究对象,探讨了磷石膏对强酸性环境高粱生长、养分平衡以及对土壤有效养分和交换铝的影响。结果表明,在强酸性黄壤上,由于铝毒作用,即使施足氮磷钾肥,高粱也生长不良;施用磷石膏和石灰的高粱生长正常,各生物学性状均极显著优于对照,施磷石膏高粱长势更优于施石灰者,高粱干重与磷石膏、石灰的施用量呈二次曲线变化(回归方程分别为:y=6.88 11.92x-1.65x2,R=0.983;y=6.88 6.39x-0.72x2,R=0.996),高粱株高和根长与磷石膏、石灰的施用量也呈二次曲线变化;磷石膏降低酸性黄壤铝毒、提高植物钙含量的效果略逊于石灰,在提高植物营养三要素(特别是磷、钾元素)的作用方面优于石灰,施磷石膏高粱磷、钾含量较石灰处理分别提高117.0%~200.0%和13.0%~14.8%;施磷石膏生长良好的高粱植株氮/磷、氮/钾、钾/磷比分别为6.8~7.1,1.2~1.3和5.4~5.6,比值适中、变幅小,氮/铝、磷/铝、钾/铝、钙/铝比分别是对照植株的1.9~2.0倍,5.8~6.3倍,1.8~2.1倍和2.0~2.5倍,改善和调节了高粱体内氮、磷、钾、钙养分的平衡;施磷石膏的土壤有效氮、磷、钾、钙较对照极显著增加,土壤有效磷、钾分别比施石灰提高41.8%~114.2%和59.4%~67.5%,施石灰的土壤有效磷、钾与对照差异不显著。     

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.     

Effect of gypsum on soil potassium and magnesium status and growth of alfalfa

Abstract

Though surface‐applied gypsum has been shown to be useful in reducing the subsoil acidity syndrome, excessive application could reduce the availability of other essential cations in soil. This study was conducted to determine the effects of surface‐applied gypsum on the availability of potassium (K) and magnesium (Mg) in field soils. Field experiments were conducted on Davidson and Tifton series soils in the southeastern United States with 6 main ameliorant treatments (0, 2, 5, and 10 t gypsum/ha, soil profile mixed to 1 m without lime incorporation and, mixed with lime to 1‐m depth), and 2 levels of Mg (0 and 100 kg Mg/ha) and 4 levels of K (0, 125, 250, and 375 kg K/ha) in a split‐split plot configuration. Alfalfa was grown on the Tifton soil and sorghum on the Davidson soil. Yields of alfalfa and sorghum increased with 2 t gypsum/ha but were adversely affected above 5 t gypsum/ha. Gypsum amendment at 2 t/ha reduced topsoil exchangeable Mg and K in both soils. In the soil profile study, exchangeable Mg was reduced throughout the upper 52.5‐cm depth, while no reduction of K was observed below the 22.5‐cm depth in either soil. The study indicates that Mg is more susceptible to leaching loss than K after surface application of gypsum. It is also suggested that surface‐applied gypsum be used as a soil ameliorant along with proper management of Mg and K fertilizers.     

Growth and nutrient interrelationships of three vegetable crops with different sensitivities to soil pH as affected by lime and fertilizer treatments

Abstract

In seeking reasons for differences in sensitivity among vegetables to low soil pH and the roles of lime and fertilizers, an experiment was conducted in 1984 with 3 crops: snapbeans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), tomatoes (Lycopersicon esculentum L.), and red beets (Beta vulgaris L.). The lime treatments, check, calcitic lime, and dolomitic lime, were applied in 1979 and resulted in soil pH levels of 5.5, 6.9 and 6.7, respectively, at the time of planting. Banded fertilizer treatments were randomized in each lime plot. These were: check, NP, N, NPK, NPCa, and NPMg for snapbeans while with tomatoes and beets, K was added to the N, NPCa and NPMg treatments. Leaf samples from each plot were analyzed for 11 elements.

Growth responses of the 3 crops were related to the plant sensitivity to acid soils. When grown on soil with pH 5.5, snapbean vine weights and pod yields were not affected, tomato yields tended to be lower, and red beet yields were substantially reduced. Leaf Mn levels increased with the greater sensitivity to acid soils. Both calcitic and dolomitic limes had little effect on snapbean yields, moderate effects on tomato yields, and more than doubled yields of red beets. Lime types affected primarily leaf Ca and Mg. The NPK fertilizer treatment increased yields of tomatoes and red beets but increased only vine weights of snapbeans. Leaf Mn was increased substantially in the NPK treatment. When gypsum or Epsom salts was added, yields were not affected.

The sensitivity of red beets and to a lesser extent tomatoes could not be explained on the basis of manganese toxicity or poor uptake of calcium or magnesium. The results did suggest that poor phosphorus uptake could be a primary cause.     

Use of velvet bean to improve soil fertility and weed control in corn production in northern belize

Abstract

The objective of this research was to mesasure the effect of intercropping corn (Zea mays L.) with velvet bean (Mucuna pruriens) oil corn yields, soil fertility, and weed control in northern Belize. Two soils were used which are widespread in the area. These soils are high in clay (simectitc) and are well supplied with bases. One soil, the Louisville, has a black surface horizon overlying light gray to white calcareous weathered coral. The other soil was Xaibe which consists of a reddish‐brown clay over hard limestone “cap rock”; at 30–40 cm. Both soils had a relatively high organic carbon (C) and total nitrogen (N) content. We classified the Louisville as Calciustert and the Xaibe as a Ustropept. The treatments used (carried out annually in 1990, 1991, and 1992) were residue burn (B), bum plus fertilizer (BF), a velvet bean intercrop (G), and a velvet bean intercrop plus fertilizer (GF). Velvet bean intercropping did not have a positive effect on corn yields on these soils. For adequate yields to be maintained, it appears that fertilization with N, phosphorus (P), potassium (K) and certain micronutrients are required. We did obtain some indication that velvet bean intercropping will reduce weed population, including a serious infestation of cogongrass (Jmperata cylindrica). Velvet bean did not maintain the soil N content Corn yields decreased on the Louisville soil at San Victor from a range of 2,804 kg/ha to 3,181 kg/ha in 1990 to 1,783 kg/ha to 2,065 kg/ha in 1992. There were no significant treatment effects in any year. With the Xaibe soil, no yields were obtained in 1990 because of weed competition. In 1991, yields ranged from 555 kg/ha to 1,146 kg/ha (no significant treatment effects). In 1992, the fertilized plots, BF and GF, had corn yields of 1,391 kg/ha and 1,592 kg/ha, respectively. The unfertilized plots, B and G, had corn yields of 751 kg/ha and 699 kg/ha, respectively. We did obtain sufficient information valuable for persons making fertilizer recommendations on similar types of soil. The Mehlich 3 and the ammonium bicarbonate‐DTPA extractant (the latter extractant similar to that used in Belize) did not give good correlations between P and K leaf levels and corn yields. Where soil test P and K were often adequate, corn ear leaf levels were deficient (and presumably yields were reduced because of this metabolic deficiency). We concluded from both soil tests and leaf analyses that the micronutrients copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), and molybdenum (Mo) are seldom, if ever, limiting plant growth and grain yield, although there appears to be seasonal differences. With both soils, soil tests were not good indicators of zinc (Zn) concentrations in the leaf. In 1992, soil tests indicated adequacy of this element, although leaf Zn was deficient in all plots on the Louisville soil in 1990, most plots in 1992, and several plots on the Xaibe soil in both years.     

Lime effect on forage legume growth and mineral composition in an acid subsoil

Abstract

Six legume species and several varieties within the species were grown in a greenhouse pot experiment using the Bt horizon of a Lily (Typic Hapludult) soil. Lime treatments were 0 and 2.2 g Ca(OH)₂/kg soil. Liming increased the soil pH from 4.6 to 6.2. The species and varieties responded differentially to lime. Both shoot and root growth of legumes showed a significant species and lime interaction effect. Based on tolerance index groups for shoot growth, alfalfa varieties were classified as very sensitive, red clovers and white clovers as sensitive and Essex soybean and Carroll birdsfoot trefoil as tolerant to the acid soil. The remaining legumes were grouped as moderately tolerant to the acid soil. Liming increased shoot concentrations of Ca in all the legumes and reduced concentration of Mg, K, and Zn. Species and varieties within species differed significantly in concentrations of all mineral elements studied except Mg. Further significant differences in elemental composition were observed due to both lime and lime species interactions. In the limed soil, the Ca concentration of the shoots increased as the tolerance index decreased.     

浙江中部红壤施用石灰对土壤交换性钙、镁及土壤酸度的影响

为了确定红壤施用石灰后钙、镁移动和土壤酸化速率,监测了耕层（10～20ｃｍ）和底土（20～60ｃｍ）的ｐＨ和交换性Ca2+、Mg2+、Al2+的长期变化。结果表明,耕层交换性Ca2+在施用石灰后的一年半时间达到最高值,此后随着时间的推移而急剧减少;而底土的交换性Ca2+随石灰用量的增加和施用石灰后时间的推移而增加。镁在土壤剖面中的移动比钙快;施用石灰后耕层和底土酸度的降低与交换性Ca2+的增加基本同步。在本试验条件下,不论施用石灰与否都存在着复酸化过程,但施用石灰后复酸化作用更强。     

Use of flue gas desulfurization (FGD) by‐product gypsum on alfalfa

Abstract

Subsoil acidity in northeast United States has been associated with decreased yield and decreased water and fertilizer nitrogen (N) utilization by forages. Surface applications of gypsiferious products has been shown to reduce subsoil acidity largely caused by high levels of soluble aluminum (Al). Our objective was to test the effectiveness and safety of using FGD gypsum to increase dry matter (DM) yields of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.). Four and one‐half, 9, and 18 mt/ha of either commercially available agricultural gypsum or two gypsum by‐products were applied to a Rayne soil (Fine‐loamy, mixed, mesic Typic Hapludult) with a strongly acid subsoil. Agricultural and FGD gypsum increased alfalfa DM yields by as much as 21 and 14%, respectively. Correspondingly, in the subsoil, soluble Al decreased and calcium (Ca) content and Ca:Al ratio increased. Heavy metal concentrations in either the alfalfa or soils were not increased by any treatment. However, S in the alfalfa grown at the highest treatments approached concentrations that are considered to be toxic to grazing animals.     

Liming in the transition to no-till under a wheat–soybean rotation

Soil and subsoil aluminium toxicity has been one of the main limiting factors for soybean and wheat yields in tropical soils. Usually liming is the most effective way to deal with soil acidity and Al toxicity, but in no-till systems the soil is not disturbed making it impossible to incorporate lime in the arable layer, and lime has been usually applied on the soil surface. In this paper soybean and wheat responses to lime applied on the soil surface and/or incorporated in the soil arable layer were evaluated during the transition from conventional tillage to a no-till system. The experiment was conducted for 3 years in Paraná, Brazil, using a wheat–soybean rotation. Lime rates ranging from 0.0 to 9.0 t ha⁻¹ were incorporated down to 20 cm and 4.5 t ha⁻¹ were spread or not on the soil surface. Soil samples were taken down to 60 cm, 39 months after the first lime application. Soil chemical characteristics were affected by lime application down to 60 cm deep in the profile. Soybean responded to lime irrespective of application method, but the highest accumulated yield was obtained when lime was incorporated into the arable layer. For wheat, the more sensitive the cultivar, the greater was the response to lime. During the introduction of a no-till system, lime must be incorporated into the arable layer when the wheat cultivar is Al-sensitive.     

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.     

Effectiveness of some local liming materials in Nigeria as Ameliorants of soil acidity

The effectiveness of three local liming materials: basic slag (a byproduct of iron and steel industry), cement flue dust (a waste product of cement factory), and ground limestone was compared with that of imported hydrated lime in a greenhouse study using acid soils from two sites in Southern Nigeria. The soils were taken from Onne, near Port Harcourt in Rivers State and Epe near Lagos in Lagos State. The soils were classified as Typic paleudult and Typic udipsamment, respectively. The results show that the four liming materials were capable of neutralizing soil acidity. Their relative effectiveness was in the order: hydrated lime > basic slag > cement flue dust > ground limestone. Uptake of phosphorus (P), potassium (K), and calcium (Ca), and dry matter yield increased with increasing lime rates up to 500 and 1,000 mg Ca/kg soil for Epe and Onne soils, respectively. The lime requirements of the two soils are in the order of the aluminum (Al) saturation of the effective cation exchange capacity (ECEC) and are equivalent to exchangeable Al multiplied by 1.74 and 1.50, respectively. While differences among lime rates were significant for nutrient uptake and dry matter yield, there were no significant differences among the lime sources.     

Effect of nitrogen,phosphorus and potassium on yields,protein cohtents and otrient levels in soybeans,field peas and fababeans

Abstract

Soybeans, Glycine max (L.) Merr., field peas, Plsum sativum I., and fababeans, Vicia faba L., were each grown at either three or four locations. Fertilizer treatments consisted of three rates of N, three of P and three of K applied in all possible combinations.

In general fertilizers had minimal effects on yields and on the percentages of N, P, K, Ca and Mg in leaf tissue. The most consistent effect was a decrease in leaf Mg with application of increasing; rates of K.

Average yields at different locations ranged from 1735–2997 kg/ha for soybeans, 2940–3246 kg/ha for field peas and 1569—4435 kg/ha for fababeans. The results suggest, however, that factors other than soil chemical properties probably had an appreciable effect on yields.