Lime Rates Research Articles

Long-term effect of lime application on the chemical composition of soil organic carbon in acid soils varying in texture and liming history

There is ample evidence to suggest that liming can regulate soil organic carbon (SOC) pools either directly through influencing the solubility of SOC or indirectly by altering total organic C input as crop residue and SOC loss via change in microbial activity. The aim of this study was to determine the long-term impact of lime application on the quantity and quality of SOC in acid soils. Soils were collected at depths of 0–10, 10–20, 20–30, 30–40, and 40–50 cm from four long-term lime trials with various lime rates (0–25 t ha−1), lime histories (5–35 years), and soil textures (clay content 5–36 %). Surface application of lime was effective in ameliorating both topsoil and subsoil acidities at sites with low clay content. Liming decreased dissolved organic C (DOC) at 0–30 cm but increased its aromaticity. Total SOC at 0–10 cm decreased or remained unchanged following long-term liming, depending on the rates of lime application and crop management. Changes in the contents of particulate organic C (POC) and humic organic C (HOC) predicted by mid-infrared spectroscopy (MIR) and partial least squares regression (PLSR) showed a similar trend to total SOC at all sites. Lime application had no significant effect on SOC below 10-cm layers and on the MIR-predicted resistant organic C (ROC) fraction. Solid-state 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra indicated that the alkyl C content and alkyl/O-alkyl C ratio were lower in the limed than unlimed plots. Liming possibly had a marked effect on regulating the decomposition and preservation of certain C compounds. The apparent accumulation of alkyl C in the unlimed soil could indicate the potential ability of acid soils to store SOC.

Effect of ternary binder on the mechanical and microstructural properties of sand concrete

The present work focuses on the study of effect of the cement content (C), lime (L) and pozzolan (P) as well as the effect of their combinations C*L, C*P and L*P on the mechanical and microstructural properties of sand concrete based on a ternary binder using the ‘mixture design’ method. C, L and P were taken as independent variables, while the flexural strengths (Rf) and the compressive strengths (Rc) at 7 and 28 days were taken as responses. Mathematical models were determined. The obtained results showed that the most significant variable that affects all the studied responses is the cement content. The SC09 (100% C) presented the highest values. However, the SC08 (80% C + 20% L) ranks second and the SC13 (80% C + 20% P) ranks third in terms of mechanical strength. But SC08 and SC13 provided 20% of cement economy, while the minimum values of mechanical strength were recorded in the case of SC17 (100% L), which means that a high rate of lime has relatively a negative influence on the mechanical strength. On the other hand, the X-ray diffraction study showed that the type of the resulting hydration products and their quantities depend on the proportions of C, L and P, which justifies the changes recorded in the properties studied. Finally, the microscope visualization showed also that the material appears relatively homogeneous and dense with a good adhesion paste-aggregate, either in the case of cement or pozzolan or lime.

The distribution of phosphorus forms and fractions in Retisol under different soil liming management

Investigations on phosphorus (P) distribution in a naturally acid and limed moraine loam, Bathypogleyic Dystric Glossic Retisol were conducted in a site of a long-term experiment at the Vėžaiciai Branch of Lithuanian Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry in 2008 and 2011. The aim of the present study was to determine the distribution of different phosphorus forms and fractions in naturally acid soil limed for a long time (62 years). During this study different amounts (18.4 and 104.9 t ha -1 ) of lime materials were incorporated into the soil and affected the formation of two soil pH KCl levels – acidic (5.6) and near to neutral (6.7). Seven different organic and mineral phosphate fractions and plant-available phosphorus were determined in the soil. The long-term soil liming was found to have no significant effect on the total P content and its distribution, but caused the changes in the proportions between the different phosphorus forms. Major part of mineral (74.02– 83.68%) and organic (88.9–93.8%) P was composed of Al and Fe phosphates. Soil liming using ×2.0 liming rates every 3–4 years influenced a significant increase of the phosphates (AlPO 4 and Al(Fe)PO 4 ) little-available to plants obtained by the second cycle of extraction. It was determined that when soil pH becomes near to neutral, water soluble and plant-available P increases compared to its value measured at native pH. Increase of soil pH KCl till 6.7 had a significant effect on the amount of little plant-available Ca phosphates and less soluble organic phosphorus fraction amount in soil. The relatively optimal amounts of phosphorus fractions available for plants were determined in the soil with a pH KCl of 5.6, achieved by liming with a 0.5 rate every 7 years.

TAXAS DE RECUPERAÇÃO DE BORO POR EXTRATORES EM SOLOS DA BAHIA E DE MINAS GERAIS, NA PRESENÇA E AUSÊNCIA DE CALAGEM

As informações referentes às taxas de recuperação do boro pelo extrator em razão das doses adicionadas são escassas e necessárias para os sistemas de recomendação de adubação e corretivos. Esta pesquisa teve o objetivo de determinar as taxas de recuperação desse nutriente com água fervente e CaCl2 fervente em solos dos Estados da Bahia e Minas Gerais, na ausência e na presença de calagem. O experimento foi instalado em casa de vegetação, utilizando tratamentos em esquema fatorial (6 × 2 + 9) × 6, correspondendo a seis solos com e sem calagem, nove solos sem calagem e seis doses de B. Utilizaram-se blocos casualizados, com três repetições. As unidades experimentais foram constituídas por 0,6 dm3 de solo. A calagem foi calculada com base na análise de solo, seguindo a recomendação de calagem usada para o Estado de Minas Gerais. Após 15 dias de incubação, os solos receberam doses de B (0,0; 1,5; 3,0; 6,0; 9,0; e 15 mg dm-3), fazendo-se uma nova incubação por um período de 45 dias. Usou-se ácido bórico como fonte de B. Terminada a incubação, o teor de B disponível foi extraído com água fervente e CaCl2 5 mmol L-1 fervente, sendo a dosagem feita com azometina-H. Foram feitas análises de regressão e correlação para as diversas variáveis. O B extraído do solo com água fervente e o CaCl2 fervente, independentemente da calagem, aumentou linearmente com a elevação das doses aplicadas desse nutriente aos solos. Os extratores água fervente e o CaCl2fervente não são sensíveis à calagem. As taxas de recuperação de B dos solos pelos extratores usados variam de acordo com os teores de matéria orgânica, a quantidade e qualidade de argila e pelo equivalente de umidade. Os extratores utilizados foram altamente correlacionados entre si na extração do B do solo.

Long-term fate and transformations of vanadium in a pine forest soil with added converter lime

A field-trial with different application rates of converter lime (0.2, 0.7 and 1.0kgm−2) was set up in a pine forest stand in southern Sweden in 1984. The lime contained 14.6gkg−1 vanadium. The aim with this study was to evaluate the vanadium concentration and speciation in the soil 26years after application. Samples of the organic mor layer and the mineral soil were analyzed separately. The vanadium concentration decreased with soil depth, from 680 to 8mgkg−1 soil. Analysis by vanadium K-edge XANES spectroscopy showed that vanadium(IV) was the predominant species in the mor layer. Further, iron and/or aluminum (hydr)oxides were important sorbents for vanadium(V) in the mineral soil. The speciation of dissolved vanadium, as determined by HPLC-ICP-MS, was dominated by vanadium(V), which is considered the most toxic vanadium species. However, the vanadium sorption capacity of the soil was sufficient to reduce the total bioavailable vanadium below phytotoxic levels. By combining two different vanadium speciation methods, this study was able to conclude that vanadium speciation in soils is governed by soil properties such as pH, organic matter content and the content of metal (hydr)oxides, but not by the vanadium species added to the soil.

Tropical soils cultivated with tomato: fractionation and speciation of Al.

Soil acidity and the associated problems of aluminum (Al) toxicity and scarce exchangeable bases are typically the most important limiting factors of agricultural yield in wet tropical regions. The goals of this study were to test how soil lime rates affect the forms and distribution of Al in the soil fractions and how different levels of bioavailable Al affect two tomato genotypes grown in wet tropical soils. The tomato genotypes CNPH 0082 and Calabash Rouge were grown in two wet tropical soils in a greenhouse. Soil lime rates of 0, 560, and 2240 mg kg(-1) soil (clay soil) and 0, 280, and 1120 mg kg(-1) soil (sandy soil) were applied to modify Al concentrations. Dry mass production and Al concentrations were determined in shoots and roots. Al was fractionated in the soil, and the soil solution was speciated after cultivation. The Calabash Rouge genotype possesses mechanisms to tolerate Al3+, absorbed less Al, exhibited smaller reduction in growth, and lower Al concentrations in plant parts than the CNPH 0082. Increased soil pH reduced the exchangeable Al fraction and increased the fraction mainly linked to organic matter. Al in the soil in the form of complexes with organic compounds and Al(SO4)+ (at the highest lime rate) did not affect plant development. Soil acidity can be easily neutralized by liming the soil, which transforms toxic Al3+ in the soil into forms that do not harm tomato plants, thereby avoiding oxidative stress in the plants. Al-induced stress in tomatoes varies with genotypes and soil type.

Liming can decrease legume crop yield and leaf gas exchange by enhancing root to shoot ABA signalling.

To meet future requirements for food production, sustainable intensive agricultural systems need to optimize nutrient availability to maximize yield, traditionally achieved by maintaining soil pH within an optimal range (6-6.5) by applying lime (calcium carbonate). However, a field trial that applied recommended liming rates to a sandy loam soil (increasing soil pH from 5.5 to 6.2) decreased pod yield of field bean (Vicia faba L. cv. Fuego) by ~30%. Subsequent pot trials, with liming that raised soil pH to 6.3-6.7, reduced stomatal conductance (g(s)) by 63, 26, and 59% in V. faba, bean (Phaseolus vulgaris), and pea (Pisum sativum), respectively. Furthermore, liming reduced shoot dry biomass by 16-24% in these species. Ionomic analysis of root xylem sap and leaf tissue revealed a decrease in phosphorus concentration that was correlated with decreased g(s): both reductions were partially reversed by adding superphosphate fertilizer. Further analysis of pea suggests that leaf gas exchange was reduced by a systemic increase (roots, xylem sap, and leaves) in the phytohormone abscisic acid (ABA) in response to lime-induced suboptimal plant phosphorus concentrations. Supplying synthetic ABA via the transpiration stream to detached pea leaves, at the same xylem sap concentrations induced by liming, decreased transpiration. Furthermore, the g(s) of the ABA-deficient mutant pea wilty was unresponsive to liming, apparently confirming that ABA mediates some responses to low phosphorus availability caused by liming. This research provides a detailed mechanistic understanding of the physiological processes by which lime application can limit crop yields, and questions the suitability of current liming recommendations.

Surface liming and nitrogen fertilization for crop grain production under no-till management in Brazil

Supplying a large amount of NO3− in the subsurface can be a strategy to combat subsoil acidity under no-till systems. However, soil acidification caused by ammoniacal fertilizers can increase both aluminum toxicity and lime requirement. A field experiment was performed in the period from 2004 to 2012 in Parana State, Brazil, on a loamy, kaolinitic, thermic Typic Hapludox to evaluate the effects of surface liming and ammoniacal fertilization on soil chemical attributes and yields of crops in rotation under continuous no-till. The region has a mesothermal, humid subtropical climate, with mild summer, frequent frosts during the winter, and no defined dry season. The average altitude is 970m and the annual precipitation is about 1550mm. The treatments consisted of annual applications of NH4NO3 at 0, 60, 120, and 180kgNha−1 to subplots within plots with surface-applied lime previously at 0, 4, 8, and 12Mgha−1, calculated to raise the base saturation in the topsoil (0–20cm) to 40, 65, and 90%. Lime was broadcast on the soil surface in May 2004. The nitrogen rates were applied during the period from 2004 to 2011 in top dressing at tillering of winter crops [black oat (Avena strigosa Schreb.) or wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)], before growing corn (Zea mays L.), soybean (Glycine max L. Merr.) or bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) during the summer (2004–2012).Surface-applied lime under no-till was effective in alleviating soil acidity from the soil surface to a 20cm depth. The soil pH increased in the layers below the soil surface to 20cm depth during a 6 years period following surface lime application. Ammoniacal fertilization had an acidifying effect and did not change the effectiveness of surface applied lime to alleviate subsoil acidity. Soil organic matter content was higher in the upper few centimeters under no-till and remained unchanged over time after surface liming and ammoniacal fertilization. Increasing the rate and frequency of ammoniacal fertilizer application increased crop response to surface liming, but did not change the lime requirement to achieve higher crop grain yields. The lime rate estimated by the soil base saturation method at 70% in the 0–20cm depth was appropriate for surface liming recommendation, even when substantial amounts of ammoniacal fertilizer were applied in a no-till system. The results suggest that nitrogen fertilizer use for winter crops could be dramatically reduced in areas under a continuous no-till system, particularly where lime has been applied.

Lime-Aluminium- Phosphorus Interactions in Acid Soils of the Kenya Highlands

Liming and phosphorus (P) applications are common practices for improving crop production in acid soils of the tropics. Although considerable work has been done to establish liming rates for acid soils in many parts of the world, information on the role of the lime-Al-P interactions on P fertility management is minimal. A green house pot experiment was conducted at Waruhiu Farmers Training Centre, Githunguri to evaluate the lime-Al-P interactions in acid soils of the Kenya highlands. Extremely acidic (pH 4.48) and strongly acidic (pH 4.59) soils were used for the study. Four lime (CaO) rates and phosphorus (Ca (H2PO4)2 rates were used. The liming rates were: 0, 2.2, 5.2 and 7.4 tonnes ha -1 for extremely acidic soil and 0, 1.4, 3.2, and 4.5 tonnes ha -1 for the strongly acidic soil. Phosphorus applications rates were: 0, 0.15, 0.30 and 0.59 g P kg soil for the extremely acidic soil and 0, 0.13, 0.26, and 0.51 g P kg -1 for the strongly acidic soils. The experiments were a 4 factorial laid in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) and replicated Original Research Article Muindi et al.; AJEA, 9(4): 1-10, 2015; Article no.AJEA.20220 2 three times. Data collected included: soil chemical properties and P adsorption. The soils had high exchangeable Al (>2 cmol Al kg -1 ), Al saturation of (>20% Al) and low P. Lime-Al-P interaction significantly (P≤0.05) increased soil pH, extractable P, reduced exchangeable Al, Al saturation, P adsorption and standard phosphorus requirements (SPR). Use of 7.4 tonnes ha lime in extremely acidic soils and 4.5 tonnes ha -1 lime in strongly acidic soils significantly reduced exchangeable Al and SPR by >70%. Lime positively correlated with soil pH, extractable P, and Langmuir maximal adsorption constant and negatively correlated with SPR and exchangeable Al. It was therefore concluded that lime and P positively interact to reduce Al and P adsorption rates in acid soils in the Kenya highlands.

Effects of Lime-Aluminium-Phosphate Interactions on Maize Growth and Yields in Acid Soils of the Kenya Highlands

Soil acidity and phosphorus (P) deficiency are some of the major causes of low maize yields in Kenya. Although considerable work has been done to establish liming rates for acid soils in many parts of the world, information on the effects of the lime-Al-P interactions on maize growth and yield is limiting. A green house pot experiment was conducted at Waruhiu Farmers Training Centre, Githunguri to evaluate the effects of lime-Al-P interactions on maize growth and yield in acid soils of the Kenya highlands. Extremely acidic (pH 4.48) and strongly acidic (pH 4.59) soils were used for the study. Four lime (CaO) rates and phosphorus (Ca (H2PO4)2 rates were used. The liming rates were: 0, 2.2, 5.2 and 7.4 tonnes ha-1 for extremely acidic soil and 0, 1.4, 3.2, and 4.5 tonnes ha-1 for the strongly acidic soil. Phosphorus applications rates were: 0, 0.15, 0.30 and 0.59 mg P kg-1 soil for the extremely acidic soil and 0, 0.13, 0.26, and 0.51 mg P kg-1 for strongly acidic soil. The experiments were a 42 factorial laid down in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) and replicated three times. Data collected included: plant height, number of leaves, P-uptake and maize dry matter yield. Lime-Al-P interaction significantly (P≤ 0.05) increased P concentrations in maize tissues, maize height, dry matter yields. Use of 7.4 tonnes ha-1 in extremely acidic soils and 4.5 tonnes ha-1 in strongly acidic soils significantly (P≤ 0.05) increased maize height compared to lower lime rates. Phosphorus uptake and dry matter yields did not however, vary when 7.4 tonnes ha-1 lime was combined with either 0.59 mg P kg-1 or 0.3 mg P kg-1 in extremely acidic soils, and 4.5 tonnes ha-1 was combined with either 0.51 mg P kg-1 or 0.26 mg P kg-1 in strongly acidic soils. It was, therefore, concluded that lime and P positively interact to reduce Aluminium toxicity in the soils and improve maize growth, P uptake and yields in acid soils in the Kenya highlands. However, further research is required to evaluate long term effects of the interactions on crop yields, uptake of plant nutrients under field conditions.

The impact of lime and nitrogen fertilization on cocksfoot and reed canary grass productivity in Albeluvisol and energy evaluation of their cultivation technology

Research on two perennial Poaceae species – cocksfoot (Dactylis glomerata L.) and reed canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea L.) – was aimed to investigate the effect of liming and nitrogen fertilization on biomass productivity and to carry out energy analysis of the growing technology. The soil of the experimental site is acid moraine loam (pH 4.25–4.85) Eutri-Hypostagnic Albeluvisol (ABj-w-eu). The experiments were composed of three levels of liming (not limed, limed with 3.0 and 6.0 t ha -1 of CaCO 3 ) and three levels of nitrogen (N) fertilization (0, 60 and 120 kg ha -1 N). According to the results averaged over three years of investigations, the highest productivity was obtained in 2011, when the average cocksfoot dry mass yield amounted to 7215 kg ha -1 , and reed canary grass – to 10833 kg ha -1 (including 1 st and 2 nd cuts). The application of 6.0 t ha -1 CaCO 3 lime rate positively affected cocksfoot dry mass increment, although had no significant influence on reed canary grass dry mass yield. Nitrogen fertilization had the highest effect on the productivity of both grasses. Compared with the control treatment (0 kg ha -1 N), the application of 120 kg ha -1 N rate increased cocksfoot dry mass by 220% and reed canary grass by 243%. The energy evaluation of growing technology showed that the total energy input for grass cultivation (direct and indirect input, machinery energy consumption and human labour input) amounted to 8.91–26.02 GJ ha -1 , of which liming material and mineral fertilizers accounted for 2.45–19.39 GJ ha -1 . Cocksfoot accumulated 59–165 GJ ha -1 and reed canary grass 84–228 GJ ha -1 of biomass energy on average per season. As a result, the highest energy use efficiency (energy output/input ratio), which was positively influenced by 120 kg ha -1 N fertilization, was achieved

Urea Hydrolysis in Pine Tree Substrate Is Affected by Urea and Lime Rates

To reduce the carbon-to-nitrogen (C:N) ratio, pine tree substrate (PTS) and other wood-based substrates can be precharged with urea so that growers do not have to add extra nitrogen (N) during crop production to compensate for immobilization. However, the impact of urea hydrolysis from this addition on the substrate solution has not been documented for wood-based substrates. The objectives of these experiments were to determine how urea hydrolysis in PTS impacts substrate solution and how hydrolysis is affected by urea and lime rates. In Expt. 1, 16-month-old pine chips (from loblolly pine trees, Pinus taeda L.) were milled to make PTS and PTS was amended with 0 or 1.0 kg·m−3 dolomitic limestone in factorial combination with urea-N rates of 0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, or 2.0 mg·g−1 dry weight. Urea hydrolysis was quantified by the detection of NH4-N in the substrate solution at 0, 48, 96, and 144 hours after urea addition. Substrate pH and electrical conductivity (EC) values were also measured. In Expt. 2, non-limed PTS was treated with the same urea rates as described; NH4-N and pH were measured at 24 and 48 hours after urea addition. Substrate solutions were incubated with jackbean urease to determine the remaining urea-N amount after 144 hours in Expt. 1 and after 24 and 48 hours in Expt. 2. In Expt. 1, NH4-N increased from 0 to 48 hours for the 0 and 1.0-kg·m−3 lime treatments and for all urea-N rates (except for the 0 rate); NH4-N did not increase thereafter. As urea-N rate increased, the amount of NH4-N increased and more N was detected for the limed PTS than in the non-limed PTS. Initial substrate pH values for the 0 and 1.0-kg·m−3 lime treatments were 4.5 and 5.6, respectively, and peaked 48 hours after urea application; pH values were higher in the limed PTS than for the non-limed PTS. At the highest urea-N rate and after 48 hours (Expt. 1), the PTS pH value increased 3.1 units to 7.6 for the non-limed PTS and the value increased 2.3 units to 7.9 for limed PTS. In Expt. 2 the increase in PTS pH values was approximately half of the Expt. 1 pH increases. Samples treated with urease derived from jackbean had less than 2% of the initial urea amount after 144 hours in Expt. 1 and after 48 hours in Expt. 2. However, less than 13% of the total amount of urea-N added to PTS was detected as NH4-N in the non-limed treatment after 144 hours in Expt. 1 (for all urea rates); detected amounts for the 1.0-kg·m−3 lime treatment ranged from 15.5% to 18.3%. Five percent or less of the total amount of urea-N added to PTS was detected as NH4-N in non-limed PTS after 48 hours in Expt. 2 (for all urea rates). The large amount of unrecovered NH4-N is likely explained by microbial N consumption. Using pH increase as an indication of urea hydrolysis, we found that an initial pH of 4.5 or higher (Expt. 1) resulted in twice the urea hydrolysis as an initial pH of 4.2 (Expt. 2). Initial substrate pH had a major impact on the amount of pH increase and substrate pH status and our findings suggest that the urea precharge rate should be based on the initial pH of the substrate.

The Efficacy of Lime, Gypsum and Their Combination to Ameliorate Sodicity in Irrigated Cropping Soils in the Lachlan Valley of New South Wales

Two primary factors controlling dissolution rate of lime and gypsum chemical ameliorants are magnitude and frequency of water infiltration. Thus, it could be expected that longevity of these amendments is reduced under irrigated-systems, relative to dryland-systems. This paper examines efficacy of single and combined applications of lime and gypsum in two irrigated agricultural soils used for cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) and wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) production. Full-field, replicated experimental-strips consisting of control (L0G0) and combinations of 2.5 t/ha lime (L2.5) and/or gypsum (G2.5), and of 5 t/ha lime (L5) and/or gypsum (G5) were applied; there were seven treatments, that is, L0G0, L2.5G0, L0G2.5, L2.5G2.5, L2.5G5, L5G2.5, and L5G5. For both soils, exchangeable and soluble cation concentrations, cation exchange capacity (CEC), pH, electrical conductivity (EC), residual gypsum, aggregate stability in water (ASWAT), and crop production were measured 6 months and 2.5 years after amendment application. Exchange efficiency of calcium (Ca2+) applied as amendment was calculated after 6 months. Exchange of Ca2+ for sodium (Na+) was primarily attributable to gypsum, and generally at the higher rate at 6 months; effects did not persisting over 2.5 years. The EC effect of gypsum was not observed after 6 months or 2.5 years post-gypsum application and 12.85 ML/ha of infiltrating irrigation-water/rain. Results indicate using lime and gypsum singly, or in combination, at low agronomic rates is not necessarily viable for broadacre-irrigated-agriculture on alkaline clayey soils.

Liming Effects on Yield and Yield Components of Haricot Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) Varieties Grown in Acidic Soil at Damot Sore District, Southern Ethiopia

A field experiment was conducted at location Damot Sore in Wolaita Zone, Southern Nations Nationalities and People’s Regional State (SNNPRS) to evaluate the response of varieties haricot bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) with two rates of lime ( 0 and 0.4 tha-1 CaCO3) used on acidic soils The treatments were arranged in factorial RCBD with three replications. Analysis resulted of soil samples showed that Organic carbon, Availability phosphorus, Total nitrogen and Soil pH values were very low. Application of lime resulted in significant changes on these chemical properties of the soils in the location. Availability of P and soil pH was improved due to the application of lime and maximum values of these parameters were recorded. Growth parameters, yield and yield components were significantly increased with increasing rates of liming at the location (year1&2). Maximum grain yields 1282.49 kgha-1 for Hawasa Dume at Gununo and 1079.40 1 for Omo-95 were recorded with rates of 20 kgPha-1 with lime (0.4 tha-1) at location. From the result of this study it could be conclude that liming improve soil pH, Availability phosphorus and performance of haricot bean varieties but till now there is some gap on correcting acidity of the soils and also grain yield of the varieties. So application of lime should be repeated in the coming season until soil comes to neutral and increased the production of the crops

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

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.

Influence of Lime and Gypsum on Yield and Yield Components of Soybean and Changes in Soil Chemical Properties

Soybean is one of the most important legume crops in the world. Two greenhouse experiments were conducted to determine the influence of liming and gypsum application on yield and yield components of soybean and changes in soil chemical properties of an Oxisol. Lime rates used were 0, 0.71, 1.42, 2.14, 2.85, and 4.28 g kg−1 soil. Gypsum rates applied were 0, 0.28, 0.57, 1.14, 1.71, and 2.28 g kg−1 soil. Lime as well as gypsum significantly increased grain yield in a quadratic fashion. Maximum grain yield was achieved with the application of 1.57 g lime per kg soil, whereas the gypsum requirement for maximum grain yield was 1.43 g per kg of soil. Lime significantly improved soil pH, exchangeable soil calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) contents, base saturation, and effective cation exchange capacity (ECEC). However, lime application significantly decreased total acidity [hydrogen (H) + aluminum (Al)], zinc (Zn), and iron (Fe) contents of the soil. The decrease in these soil properties was associated with increase in soil pH. Gypsum application significantly increased exchangeable soil Ca, base saturation, and ECEC. However, gypsum did not change pH and total acidity (H + Al) significantly. Adequate soil acidity indices established for maximum grain yield with the application of lime were pH 5.5, Ca 1.8 cmolc kg−1, Mg 0.66 cmolc kg−1, base saturation 53%, Ca saturation 35%, and Mg saturation 13%. Soybean plants tolerated acidity (H + Al) up to 2.26 cmolc kg−1 soil. In the case of gypsum, maximum grain yield was obtained at exchangeable Ca content of 2.12 cmolc kg−1, base saturation of 56%, and Ca saturation of 41%.

Short-Term Changes in Humus Fungal Biomass, Mesofauna and CO2 Efflux Following Liming in a Microcosm Experiment

Our objective was to test how liming influence fungal biomass, abundance and diversity of organisms belonging to mesofauna and soil respiration associated to soil during a microcosms experiment. Soil was collected in the Vosges Mountains (North-eastern France) on acidified forested catchments lying on sandstone and granite of Vosges Mountain. After liming, we followed CO2 by using LiCor 6400, fungal biomass by quantifying soil ergosterol content during 8 weeks. At the end of the experiment, we extracted mesofauna by using Berlese method. Soil pH, rain, temperature and rate of liming were similar to natural conditions. Liming decreased the abundance of mesofauna including collembola on sansdstone substrate, while on granite, collembola abundance decreased but total mesofauna did not show any significant differences between acid control and limed samples. The ergosterol soil content showed immediate increasing tendencies on both geological substrates and followed by decreasing tendencies on both geological substrates. The CO2 efflux was significantly increased by liming on sandstone and granite substrates, indicating an increase of soil respiration in limed samples. However, this result is depending on the geological substrate.

Phosphorus Availability, Uptake and Dry Matter Yield of Indian Spinach (<i>Basella alba</i> L.) to Lime and Phosphorus Fertilization in an Acidic Soil

A pot experiment was carried out to investigate the yield of Indian spinach (Basella alba L.) and their uptake and availability of phosphorus from lime and phosphorus amended acidic soil. Four rates of lime (L) equivalent to 0, 500, 1000 and 2000 kg CaCO3 ha-1 and four rates of phosphorus (P) equivalent to 0, 50, 100, and 150 kg·P·ha-1 of TSP were applied in combinations as treatments. Dry matter yield, P concentrations in shoot and root and P uptake by Indian spinach were determined after harvesting 10 weeks old plant and soil samples were collected from each pot to measure available P by Olsen method. Both L and P and their combinations had significant (P 0.001) effects on shoot and root biomass, shoot and root P concentrations, P uptake by Indian spinach and P availability. Although lime and P increased biomass production, P concentrations of shoot and root, and its uptake by Indian spinach and available P, this effect was boosted by combining L with P applied. 1000 kg lime plus 100 kg P were adequate for plant growth. Available P was strongly and positively correlated (R2 = 0.909, P = 0.000) with P uptake by plant. Results of the present study indicated that lime and phosphorus could be used in combination to enhance plant growth.

Availability of Three Phosphorus Fertilizers to Corn Grown in Limed Acid-Producing Mine Tailings

Liming can modulate phosphorus (P) availability to plants growing in acid-forming media. The objectives of this study were to determine the effects of lime and phosphorus rates on corn (Zea mays L.) grown under greenhouse conditions on an acid-producing mine tailing, and to evaluate P desorption from the mine tailing after harvest. The acid-sulfide tailing (pH 2.65) collected from the Solbec-Cupra mine in Quebec was limed using CaCO3 to theoretical pH values of 5 (11 g/kg), 6 (17 g/kg) and 7 (30 g/kg) prior to corn production. Phosphorus was thoroughly mixed with the tailing at rates of 0, 22.4, 44.8 and 89.6 mg P/kg. Commercial peat-shrimp waste compost; a commercial bone flour fertilizer and reagent-grade KH2PO4 were used as P sources. Corn (Zea Mays L. cv. 'Pride 1122') was grown for 50 days after emergence. After harvest, the mean tailing pH values varied from 4.20 to 7.20. Dry matter yield of plant tops was significantly affected by lime and phosphorus treatments. Corn yields were significantly correlated with pH, salinity index (electrical conductivity of aqueous extracts) and ammonium acetate-extractable Ca and Mg. In all P treatments, the highest yield was obtained with plot receiving 44.8 mg P/kg and lime rate to achieve pH 6 (17 g of CaCO3/kg). In general, mineral composition of the tops did not show toxic accumulation of trace metals. The P extracted by Na2EDTA from some tailing samples was a time-dependent process. Results from another P desorption study indicated that the amounts of DTPA-TEA-CaCl2 (pH 7.3) extractable substrate P increased with temperature. The DTPA-extracted P data from the 30 tailing samples over a period of 1 to 48 hours were best described by an empirical first-order-rate equation using t0.5 instead of t as the time variable. Liming and P fertilization were determinant factors for the growth of corn in acid sulfide tailings.

Chemical and Mineralogical Characterization and Soil Reactivity of Brazilian Waste Limestones

This paper evaluated four waste limestones mined in the Minas Gerais State, Brazil, and its potential as soil acidity amendments and its effects upon soil fertility attributes. Laboratory and greenhouse experiments were performed at the University Centre of Formiga (UNIFOR), with Oxisols collected under native conditions. A randomly experimental design was set with four replications, five liming materials (four waste limestones products + a mix pure product, to comparison) applied in two liming rates (50% and 70% of base saturation), and a control plot (no lime applied). Each liming material was characterized with respect to CaO(%), MgO(%), and micronutrients Ca, Mg, Fe, Cu, Mn, Zn contents by atomic absorption spectrophotometer and the mineralogy by X-ray diffractometry. Results indicated that all liming materials tested could be classified as supplemental source of calcium and magnesium and caused an increase in soil pH, soil Ca and Mg, and base saturation levels, whereas aluminum saturation decreased. Dolomite, calcite and quartz are major minerals. Cu, Fe, Mn, and Zn were found in trace-amounts in all waste limestones, which was considered typical for such products. Considering the improvement of chemical characteristics and increase soil fertility, the use of waste limestone is an alternative that allows the use of commercial discarded material in small properties.