Effective Calcium Carbonate Equivalent Research Articles

Determination of Calcium Carbonate Equivalent of Rice Husk Ash

Rice husk ash is one of the widely available agricultural wastes in rice producing countries, with potential to replace limestone and also supply some of the nutrients which are beneficial for crop growth. This study was conducted to determine the effective calcium carbonate equivalent (ECCE) of rice husk ash added to an acid soil. The design used in this study was completely randomized block design with 12 treatments and 3 replications. An incubation experiment was carried out in the post graduate laboratory of Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, during Feb – March 2022.The incubation experiment was conducted for 4 weeks with eight levels of reagent grade CaCO3 (0.0, 0.5,1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 3.0, 4.0 and 5.0g kg-1 soil) and four levels of rice husk ash equivalent to 2.0, 3.0, 4.0 and 5.0 g CaCO3 kg-1 soil and analysed for pH at weekly interval. Results showed that soil pH increased in all the treatments received CaCO3 or rice husk ash with advancement of incubation period. Application of CaCO3 5.0 g kg-1 soil recorded significantly highest soil pH at all stages of incubation followed by CaCO3 4.0 g kg-1 soil and RHA 48.5 g kg-1 soil which were statistically on par. The TCCE (determined by titration method) and ECCE (determined by incubation with the soil) of rice husk ash used in this experiment were 10.3% and 6.41% respectively. Results of the present study showed that rice husk ash can be used as an amendment for acid soil reclamation.

Characterization and Liming Effect of Wood Ash Generated from a Biomass-Fueled Commercial Power Plant

ABSTRACTLaboratory and greenhouse experiments were carried out to characterize and examine wood ash from a biomass-fueled commercial power plant as a lime. Experimental treatments include wood ash and two commercial limes applied at six application rates. The effective calcium carbonate equivalence (ECCE) of wood ash ranged from 22 to 49%. Wood ash increased soil pH by 0.31–3.18 over unlimed soils, and these changes in pH were similar to the effect of commercial limes. The soil pH at three weeks after wood ash application was constant through week seventeen. Wood ash increased electrical conductivity by 0.13–0.63 dS m−1 compared to unlimed soils at three weeks after liming; however, a 39–69% decreased was observed by week seventeen. Common bermudagrass did not respond to the application of wood ash and commercial limes. The results of this study suggest that wood ash from the biomass-fueled commercial power plant with low ECCE could be a liming material.

Surface lime and silicate application and crop production system effects on physical characteristics of a Brazilian Oxisol

This work aimed to evaluate the effects of crop rotations and soil acidity amelioration on soil physical properties of an Oxisol (Rhodic Ferralsol or Red Ferrosol in the Australian Soil Classification) from October 2006 to September 2011 in Botucatu, SP, Brazil. Treatments consisted of four soybean (Glycine max)–maize (Zea mays)–rice (Oryza sativa) rotations that differed in their off-season crop, either a signal grass (Urochloa ruziziensis) forage crop, a second crop, a cover crop, or fallow. Two acid-neutralising materials, dolomitic lime (effective calcium carbonate equivalent (ECCE) = 90%) and calcium-magnesium silicate (ECCE = 80%), were surface applied to raise the soil’s base saturation to 70%. Selected soil physical characteristics were evaluated at three depths (0–0.1, 0.1–0.2, and 0.2–0.4 m). In the top 0.1 m, soil bulk density was lowest (P < 0.05) and macroporosity and aggregate stability index were greatest (P < 0.05) in the forage crop compared with all other production systems. Also, bulk density was lower (P < 0.05) and macroporosity was greater (P < 0.05) in the acid-neutralising-amended than the unamended control soil. In the 0.1–0.2-m interval, mean weight diameter and mean geometric diameter were greater (P < 0.05) in the forage crop compared with all other production systems. All soil properties evaluated in this study in the 0.2–0.4-m interval were unaffected by production system or soil amendment after five complete cropping cycles. Results of this study demonstrated that certain soil physical properties can be improved in a no-tillage soybean–maize–rice rotation using a forage crop in the off-season and with the addition of acid-neutralising soil amendments. Any soil and crop management practices that improve soil physical properties will likely contribute to sustaining long-term soil and crop productivity in areas with highly weathered, organic matter-depleted, acidic Oxisols.

On‐Farm Evaluation of Corn and Soybean Grain Yield and Soil pH Responses to Liming

It is known that soil acidity can limit crop yield, but additional research is needed to identify more precisely optimum soil pH for corn (Zea mays L.) and soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] and the within‐field variation in yield response to liming. The objective of this study was to identify optimum soil pH for these crops by studying the variation of soil pH and grain yield response to liming within several Iowa fields. Fourteen 4‐yr strip‐trials were established in acidic Molisols from 2007 to 2009. The methodology used global positioning systems (GPS), dense soil sampling (0.12–0.18‐ha cells), yield monitors, and geographical information systems (GIS). One‐time treatments replicated two to five times were an unlimed control and limestone at 6.72 Mg ha−1 effective calcium carbonate equivalent (ECCE), incorporated into the soil in fields managed with tillage. Soil samples (15‐cm depth) were collected before liming and annually after crop harvest. The lowest initial soil pH at each site ranged from 4.75 to 5.70. Maximum pH increase was reached 1 to 3 yr after liming. Grain yield response to lime varied greatly. Corn yield responded more frequently than soybean yield but the magnitude of the response did not differ consistently. Liming seldom increased yield with pH > 6.0 in soils having a high subsoil pH (≥ 7.4) and CaCO3 within a 1‐m depth but often increased yield up to pH 6.5 with lower pH subsoil. The results provided improved criteria for site‐specific soil pH and lime management.

Evaluation of liming properties and potassium bioavailability of three Atlantic Canada wood ash sources

Sharifi, M., Cheema, M., Mahoney, K., LeBlanc, L. and Fillmore, S. 2013. Evaluation of liming properties and potassium bioavailability of three Atlantic Canada wood ash sources. Can. J. Plant Sci. 93: 1209–1216. Wood ash has the potential to enhance productivity in agricultural systems by influencing soil pH and nutrient availability. The liming properties and fertility values of wood ash from three Atlantic wood ash sources were evaluated in this study. The liming properties were tested using three wood ash sources [JD Irving (IR), New Page (NP), and Brooklyn Power (BP)] and two local lime sources in an 8-mo incubation experiment at 25°C. Soil pH was measured 14 times during the incubation. Availability of potassium (K) in wood ash was evaluated in a greenhouse setting with a K-deficient soil using annual ryegrass as the test plant. Total plant K and P uptake and Mehlich-3 extractable K and P were used as predictors of nutrient bioavailability. Wood ash application increased soil pH to the maximum level within the first 50 d after application and stabilized soil pH for 8 mo. The measured effective calcium carbonate equivalent of ashes relative to Mosher lime average among two soils were in order of BP (32)>IR (25)>NP (16). About 96, 38, and 71% of total K in IR, NP and BP ash sources, respectively, were bioavailable for ryegrass in 115 d. Although soil was not P deficient, soil P bioavailability (Mehlich III extractable P) was enhanced by 14 and 48% in NP and BP wood ash treatments, respectively, whereas P bioavailability decreased by 24% in the IR ash treatment. The results clearly demonstrate that these sources of wood ash can be considered as an effective liming agent and source of K in agricultural production systems.

Effect of Alternative Soil Acidity Amelioration Strategies on Soil pH Distribution and Wheat Agronomic Response

Agricultural lime is the recommended method for ameliorating soil acidity; however, in-furrow P fertilizer or pelletized lime are also common practices to manage low soil pH. This study evaluated the effects of broadcast incorporated agricultural lime [2.25 or 4.50 Mg effective calcium carbonate equivalent (ECCE) ha−1], banded pelletized lime (225 or 450 kg ha−1 yr−1), or banded triple-super-phosphate (28 or 56 kg P2O5 ha−1 yr−1) on bulk soil pH, exchangeable Al [potassium chloride extractable Al (AlKCl)], Al saturation (Alsat), spatial pH change in the soil profile, wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) vegetative development, and grain yield. Wheat was sown in October 2009, 2010, and 2011 in a Grant silt loam (fine-silty, mixed, superactive, thermic Udic Argiustoll) with initial soil pH of 4.9. Broadcast agricultural lime at 4.50 Mg ha−1 increased soil pH to 5.9 and decreased Alsat by 98%. Changes in soil pH caused by banded pelletized lime were restricted to a region of ∼1.27 cm surrounding the pellet, while broadcast agricultural lime increased soil pH throughout the incorporated depth. In-furrow P fertilizer increased vegetative growth and plant population homogeneity in all years of the study; broadcast lime provided similar results in 2010–2011 when low soil pH effects were more apparent due to severe drought. Grain yield was not affected by treatment due to low Alsat (<12%). Data suggest that banded pelletized lime behaves as large lime granules, only ameliorating soil pH at and around the application band; and increased vegetative growth induced by banded P fertilizer or broadcast agricultural lime might not result in increased grain yields when Alsat < 12%.

Using Ground Eggshells as a Liming Material in Corn and Soybean Production

Eggshells are a byproduct from egg breaking facilities and potentially useful as an amendment for liming soils. Ground eggshells were evaluated as a liming material at two sites in Iowa with acidic surface soil. The study compared soil pH response and corn (Zea mays L.) and soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] grain yield with multiple rates of agricultural lime (aglime) and ground eggshells (eggshells). Eggshells proved to be an effective liming material and land application for soil pH correction offers a practical use of eggshells. However, the reported effective calcium carbonate equivalent (ECCE) value for the ground eggshells was low as soil pH increase was greater than found with equivalent ECCE rates from aglime. Based on the soil pH responses in this study, it is suggested that ground eggshell ECCE values should be increased 2 to 3 times from reported values. That correction should help avoid over-application and unintended high soil pH levels.

Container Substrate-pH Response to Differing Limestone Type and Particle Size

The objective of this study was to develop reactivity indices to describe the pH response for liming materials incorporated into container substrates. Three reactivity indices [particle size efficiency (PSE), fineness factor (FF), and effective calcium carbonate equivalence (ECC)] were developed based on lime particle size distribution and lime neutralizing value (NV) in CaCO3 equivalent. Six lime particle size fractions (2000 to 850, 850 to 250, 250 to 150, 150 to 75, 75 to 45, and &lt;45 μm) separated from each of three calcitic limes and seven dolomitic limes were used to calibrate PSE, and were based on the increase in substrate pH (ΔpH) incited by the particle size fraction relative to reagent grade CaCO3 when mixed in a sphagnum peat substrate at 5 g CaCO3 equivalents per liter of peat. PSE for calcitic carbonate limes at day 7 (short-term pH response) were 0.13, 0.40, 0.78, 0.97, 1.00, and 1.00 for 2000 to 850, 850 to 250, 250 to 150, 150 to 75, 75 to 45, and &lt;45 μm particle fractions, respectively. Other PSE values were described for dolomitic carbonate limestones and for long-term pH response, and PSE was modeled with a function over time. FF was calculated for a liming material by summing the percentages by weight in each of the six size fractions multiplied by the appropriate PSE. ECC rating of a limestone was the product of its NV and FF. ECC multiplied by the applied lime incorporation rate could be used to predict substrate-pH response. Estimated PSE values were validated in two experiments that compared expected and observed substrate pH using 29 unscreened carbonate and hydrated lime sources blended with peat. Validation trials resulted in a close correlation and no bias between expected and observed pH values. Revised PSE values are useful to evaluate the reactivity of different limestone sources for container substrates given the fine particle size, short crop duration, and pH sensitivity of many container-grown crops.

(70) Improved Reactivity Indices for Horticultural Limes

The objective was to develop indices to describe reactivity of different lime particle size fractions with respect to pH change in horticultural substrates. Particle size efficiency (PSE) was calibrated from pH responses for separated six lime particle size fractions (&gt;850, 850 to 250, 250 to 150, 150 to 75, 75 to 45, and &lt;45 μm) from three calcitic limes, and seven dolomitic limes, based on their increase in substrate pH relative to reagent grade CaCO3 when mixed in a sphagnum peat substrate at 5 g CaCO3 equivalents per liter of peat. The fineness factor (FF) was calculated for a liming material by summing the percentages by weight in each of the six size fractions multiplied by the appropriate PSE. The effective calcium carbonate equivalence (ECC) of a limestone was the product of the FF and the acid neutralizing value (NV) in CaCO3 equivalents. Reliability of the parameters for FF and ECC were then validated in two experiments, using 29 unscreened carbonate and hydrated lime sources, including the 10 calibration limes. In one experiment, 1 L of peat was blended at 5 g of lime (i.e., not corrected for differences in NV between limes). In the second experiment, 5 g CaCO3 equivalents for each lime, corrected for NV, were blended with 1 L of peat (a different peat source), using the same 29 lime sources. Both FF and ECC were positively correlated with the corresponding substrate-pH changes, with P &lt; 0.001 and r2 from 0.87 to 0.93. This calibration of PSE, FF, and ECC can improve limestone selection and application rate for the short term response and fine limestone sources used in horticulture.

LIMESTONE QUALITY AND EFFECTIVENESS FOR NEUTRALIZING SOIL ACIDITY

Slow reactivity of coarse-grade ag-lime surface applied on soils established to perennial grasses led us to study the effectiveness of finer-ground limestone. Legume production and soil pH were used to evaluate treatments in a glasshouse experiment that included soil-incorporated and surface-applied limestone at increasing rates and effective calcium carbonate equivalence (ECCE) percentages that can be converted to kilograms of effective liming material (ELM) Mg−1. Excessive rates of limestone and the highest ECCE percentage materials decreased clover yield when applied and left on the soil surface. Comparison of ECCE 62% limestone with ECCE 100% limestone verified the initially greater efficiency of the finer lime for forage production. Four to seven years after application, annual ryegrass yields were similar for the ECCE 62% and 100% limestone materials. Seven years after the final limestone treatment, ECCE 100% limestone maintained soil pH 0.3 unit higher than pH due to the same rate of ECCE 62%. At this same time, pH of soil treated with 6.72 kg of ECCE 100% limestone was only 0.2 lower than pH in soil treated with double that rate of ECCE 62% limestone. Calculation of ELM, a term introduced to describe the weight of limestone Mg−1 that effectively neutralizes soil acidity, will enable consumers to realize the number of kilograms of effective lime in each ton, and to calculate the mass of limestone Mg−1 that will be relatively ineffective for neutralizing soil acidity. Ten times ECCE% equals ELM in kg Mg−1 as calculated in equation 1. Limestone with an ECCE of 62% has 620 kg of ELM Mg−1 and 380 kg of ineffective limestone Mg−1. Pounds of ELM per short ton of limestone also can be calculated using 2,000 lb per ton.

Economics of Lime and Phosphorus Application for Dual‐Purpose Winter Wheat Production in Low‐pH Soils

After decades of continuous cropping, the pH of many soils used to produce continuous winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in the southern plains of Oklahoma has declined to levels that limit wheat grain and forage yield. Data from a 3‐yr study were used to determine the effect of lime and diammonium phosphate (DAP) application on fall–winter forage yield and grain yield of winter wheat grown in extremely acid soil and to determine the economically optimal strategy for dual‐purpose (forage plus grain) wheat production. A split‐split plot with sub‐subplot treatments arranged in a randomized complete block design was used, with lime in the main plots, variety in the subplots, and DAP in the sub‐subplots. Grain yield significantly increased (α = 0.05) with lime at 2800 kg ha−1 effective calcium carbonate equivalent (ECCE), DAP at 73 kg ha−1 applied in seed furrows, or DAP at 146 kg ha−1 broadcast. Forage yields were greatest when DAP was applied at 146 kg ha−1 in seed furrows (α = 0.05). When lime costs were fully assessed in the year of application, the strategy of applying 73 kg ha−1 DAP in seed furrows and zero lime generated the greatest expected returns across all forage value estimates and grain prices. With lime costs amortized over a 5‐yr period, the optimal strategy included both the application of lime before the initial season and 73 kg ha−1 DAP in seed furrows in each season.

Response of Overseeded Alfalfa and Bermudagrass to Alfalfa Row Spacing and Nitrogen Rate

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) is a rare forage crop on Coastal Plain soils. Acid soils, wet conditions, and the prevalence of perennial, warm‐season grasses limit alfalfa production. Development of grazing‐tolerant varieties raised interest in growing alfalfa on the Coastal Plain. This three‐year dryland field study was conducted to evaluate coincident production of ‘Alfagraze’ alfalfa and ‘Coastal’ bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.] as a sustainable forage system. Limestone (effective calcium carbonate equivalence ECCE 72%) at a rate of 6.1 t ha−1 was incorporated by roto‐tilling 15 cm deep in an established sod of Coastal bermudagrass on a Darco loamy fine sand (loamy, siliceous, thermic Grossarenic Paleudults) in late winter 1990, with an additional 3 t ha−1 surface‐applied in June 1991. Alfalfa was seeded in October 1990 at 23, 46, 69, and 92 cm between rows in main plots of a split‐plot design. Nitrogen rates from 0 to 112 kg ha−1 in increments of 28 kg ha−1 were applied to subplots for every bermudagrass regrowth cycle. Other plant nutrients (including P, K, Mg, S, B, Zn, and Cu) were applied at rates considered adequate for alfalfa on a low‐fertility soil. Yield of alfalfa at the 23‐cm row spacing in 1991 was 8.8 t ha−1 and declined to 6.7 t ha−1 at , while yield of bermudagrass increased from 3.2 to 5.7 t ha−1, respectively, at these row spacings. In 1992, alfalfa yield increased an additional 2.2 t ha−1 at each row spacing, with a compensating decline in bermudagrass production. Alfalfa yielded 11 t ha−1 at all row spacings in 1993, despite a midseason drought, while bermudagrass yield was &lt;450 kg ha−1. Row spacing had no effect on total forage production in any year. Higher N rates increased bermudagrass yield the first two years. Applied N increased alfalfa yield at certain harvests, but had no effect on total annual production. Crude protein in alfalfa declined or remained similar as row spacing was widened. Soil pH was lowered by increasing N rates and by narrower alfalfa row spacings. Results indicate that alfalfa competes well with Coastal bermudagrass, even in drought conditions.