Influence of pH on growth and nutrient uptake by crop species in an Oxisol

Abstract

Crop growth in Oxisols is known to be limited by high soil acidity and low levels of basic cations. Five greenhouse experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of soil pH on the growth and nutrient uptake of upland rice (Oryza sativa L.), wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), corn (Zea mays L.), common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), and cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp.). Six levels of soil pH (4.1, 4.7, 5.3, 5.9, 6.6, and 7.0) were achieved by addition of various levels of CaCO₃. Crop species responded differently to pH, reflecting the genetic diversity among species. Higher dry matter accumulation in roots and tops of rice, corn, and cowpea was observed at acidic pH ranges indicating that these species are tolerant to soil acidity. However, increasing soil pH enhanced dry matter accumulation in roots and tops of wheat and common bean, reflecting their intolerance to soil acidity. In all of the crop species, uptake of calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) decreased with a decrease in soil pH. Overall uptake of zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), and iron (Fe) in all species increase with a decrease in soil pH. Higher pH in an Oxisol might induce micronutrient deficiencies; therefore, one has to avoid overliming. In general, increasing soil pH decreased the uptake of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) in rice, but uptake of these elements increased in wheat, corn, and common bean. In order to achieve the full genetic potential of any given species on an Oxisol, one needs to consider the species tolerance to soil acidity and its nutrient demand.