The effect of soil Ca level in four soil pH‐Mg combinations on the Ca and Mg level in sweet corn (Zea maysL.)

Abstract

Abstract The effect of soil Ca additions on the Mg and Ca level of corn (Zea mays L.) growing at pH‐Mg combinations of 5.0–230 mg Mg/pot, 4. 9–650 mg Mg/pot, 6. 8–230 mg Mg/pot and 6.3–2,080 mg Mg/pot was studied in greenhouse pot culture for a growth period of 74 days in Tifton loamy sand. Each pot contained 11.35 Kg soil, calcium additions were applied to the pots at the rate of 0, 1.49, 2.94, 5.88 and 8.82 g Ca/pot (11.35 Kg soil). Increasing soil Ca level increased root and shoot Ca at all pH‐Mg combinations. The greatest increase occurred in high pH (6.3, 6.8) soils. Tissue Mg was generally not influenced by soil Ca level except for depressed levels at the high pH‐high Mg combination. The most efficient absorption of Mg occurred when soil Mg increased within a constant pH level. Increased soil Ca increased plant height and dry weight but not the time required to reach maturity. The most pronounced growth response to increased Ca level in the soil was increased root dry weight.