Yield, Nutrient Uptake, and Changes in Soil Chemical Properties as Influenced by Liming and Iron Application in Common Bean in a No-Tillage System

Abstract

Soil acidity is the principal limiting factor in crop production in Oxisols, and deficiency of micronutrients has increased in recent years because of intensive cropping. A field experiment was conducted over three consecutive years to assess response of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) to lime and iron (Fe) applications on an Oxisol in a no-tillage system. Changes in selected soil chemical properties in the soil profile (0- to 10- and 10- to 20-cm depths) with liming were also determined. Lime rates used were 0, 12, and 24 Mg ha–1, and Fe application rates were 0, 50, 100, 150 200, and 400 kg ha–1. Both lime and Fe were applied as broadcast and incorporated in the soil. Grain yields of common bean were significantly increased with the application of lime. Iron application, however, did not influence bean yield. There were significant changes in soil profile (0- to 10-cm and 10- to 20-cm depths) in pH, calcium (Ca2+), magnesium (Mg2+), hydrogen + aluminum (H+ + Al3+), base saturation, acidity saturation, cation exchange capacity (CEC), Ca2+ saturation, Mg2+ saturation, potassium (K+) saturation, and ratios of Ca/Mg, Ca/K, and Mg/K. These soil chemical properties had significant positive association with common bean grain yield. Averaged across two depths and three crops, common bean produced maximum grain yield at pHw 6.3, Ca2+ 3.8 cmolc kg–1, Mg2+ 1.1 cmolc kg–1, 3.5 H+ + Al3+ cmolc kg–1, acidity saturation 41.8%, CEC 7.5 cmolc kg–1, base saturation 57.4%, Ca saturation 45.2%, Mg saturation 14.2%, K saturation 9.1%, Ca/Mg ratio 3.1, Ca/K ratio 22.6, and Mg/K ratio 6.7.