Influence of Lime and Gypsum on Growth and Yield of Upland Rice and Changes in Soil Chemical Properties

Abstract

Upland rice is an important crop in the cropping systems of South America, including Brazil. Two greenhouse experiments were conducted to determine influence of lime and gypsum on yield and yield components of upland rice and changes in the chemical properties of an Oxisol. The lime rates used were 0, 0.71, 1.42, 2.14, 2.85, and 4.28 g kg−1 soil. The gypsum rates were 0, 0.28, 0.57, 1.14, 1.71, and 2.28 g kg−1. Lime as well as gypsum significantly increased plant height, straw and grain yield, and panicle density in a quadratic fashion. Adequate lime and gypsum rates for maximum grain yield were 1.11 g kg−1 and 1.13 g kg−1, respectively. Plant height, straw yield, and panicle density were positively related to grain yield. Lime as well as gypsum application significantly changed extractable calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), hydrogen (H)+aluminum (Al), base saturation, and effective cation exchange capacity. In addition, liming also significantly increased pH, extractable phosphorus (P) and potassium (K), calcium saturation, magnesium saturation, and potassium saturation. Optimum acidity indices for the grain yield of upland rice were pH 6.0, Ca 1.7 cmolc kg−1, base saturation 60%, and calcium saturation 47%. In addition, upland rice can tolerate 42% of acidity saturation.