Lime Treatments Research Articles

Effects of Tillage Depth and Lime Application on Acidification Reduction and Nutrient Availability in Vertisol Soil

Cropland acidification seriously restricts sustainable agricultural development. The main purpose of this study was to determine whether deeper tilling could alleviate topsoil acidification to improve the quality of arable land. A soil column incubation experiment simulating tillage depths (10 cm, 30 cm and 50 cm) and lime addition was conducted to determine their effects on soil acidification improvement. The changes in soil pH, exchangeable acidity, ammonium nitrogen (NH4+-N), nitrate nitrogen (NO3−-N), available phosphorus (AP), and microbial phospholipid fatty acids (PLFA) were analyzed. Tillage depth, lime application, and their interaction all had significant impacts on soil pH. T50 (simulated tillage depth of 50 cm) and T50+Lime (simulated tillage depth of 50 cm plus lime) treatments significantly increased the topsoil pH from 5.41 to 6.35 and 7.12, respectively. T50 treatment significantly reduced the soil exchangeable acid content compared to the T10 treatment. The nutrient accumulation along soil column indicated that the T50 and T50+Lime treatments significantly increased NO3−-N and AP content in the >30–50 cm soil layer. Compared with T30, NO3−-N accumulation in the >30–50 cm soil layers of T50 and T50+Lime treatments was 6.62 and 7.93 times higher, respectively. The accumulation of AP in the >30–50 cm soil layers of the T50 and T50+Lime treatments was 1.33 and 1.54 times higher than in the T30 treatment, respectively. These findings imply tillage up to 50 cm without exogenous materials could be a potential measure to reduce topsoil acidification and increase nutrition availability of >30–50 cm soil layers. Tillage of up to 30 cm combined with lime application confers greater benefits, which would particularly impact crops with shallow root systems. Subsequent field experiments will be conducted to further investigate the efficacy of these strategies in enhancing crop yield.

Intelligent nanocatalyst mediated lysosomal ablation pathway to coordinate the amplification of tumor treatment

The production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) is susceptible to external excitation or insufficient supply of related participants (e.g., hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and sensitizer), liming ROS-driven tumor treatment. Additionally, the lysosomal retention effect severely hinders the utilization of ROS-based nanosystems and severely restricted the therapeutic effect of tumors. Therefore, first reported herein an intelligent nanocatalyst, TCPP-Cu@MnOx ((MnII)1(MnIII)2.1(MnIV)2.6O9.35), and proposed a programmed ROS amplification strategy to treat tumors. Initially, the acidity-unlocked nanocatalyst was voluntarily triggered to generate abundant singlet oxygen (1O2) to mediate acid lysosomal ablation to assist nanocatalyst escape and partially induce lysosomal death, a stage known as lysosome-driven therapy. More unexpectedly, the high-yielding production of 1O2 in acid condition (pH 5.0) was showed compared to neutral media (pH 7.4), with a difference of about 204 times between the two. Subsequently, the escaping nanocatalyst further activated H2O2-mediated 1O2 and hydroxyl radical (•OH) generation and glutathione (GSH) consumption for further accentuation tumor therapy efficiency, which is based on the Fenton-like reaction and Russell reaction mechanisms. Therefore, in this system, a program-activatable TCPP-Cu@MnOx nanocatalyst, was proposed to efficiently destruct organelle-lysosome via1O2 inducing, and stimulated H2O2 conversion into highly toxic 1O2 and •OH in cytoplasm, constituting an attractive method to overcome limitations of current ROS treatment.

Effects of Successive Top-Dressing Application of Lime on a Sweet Cherry Orchard in Southern Chile

Annual top-dressing application of agricultural lime is a common practice in fruit orchards on acidic soils in southern Chile, which could result in surface over-liming and base imbalances. A trial was performed in a cherry orchard with an 8-year history of surface liming to evaluate the effectiveness of lime materials in neutralizing acidity in the soil profile and the effect on the tree nutritional status. No-lime (NL), calcitic (AgL), hydrated (HL), and liquid (LL) lime treatments were applied on soil surface at commercial rates, and soil acidity variables were measured at depths of 0–5, 5–10, and 10–20 cm in samples collected at 0, 15, 30, 60, and 225 days after application. Tree nutritional status was evaluated through foliar analysis. Top-dressing application of AgL was ineffective in ameliorating subsoil acidity at depths >5 cm, even in high-rainfall conditions. HL did not exhibit greater alkalinity mobility compared to AgL, although it had a faster but shorter-lived reaction. At the manufacturer-recommended rates, LL application was ineffective. After 8 years of top-dressing liming with AgL, a significant stratification of soil pH, Al, and Ca was observed. However, foliar concentration of bases did not reflect the surface Ca accumulation in soil, discarding an antagonistic cation competition for tree uptake.

Influencia de enmiendas calcáreas sobre el rendimiento y calidad para fritura de la papa variedad Bicentenaria

The quality of potatoes for processing depends on varietal, environmental and crop management factors, and the consumption of potato products has increased.The objective of the research was to determine the effect of calcareous amendments on the production and frying quality of potatoes potato cv. Bicentenaria under high Andean conditions. The research was carried out in the rural community of Canín at Checras district (Lima) altitude of 3880 masl. The climate of the locality is humid and cold, with an annual rainfall of 800 mm and acid soils (pH 5.0) of sandy-clay texture. Five liming treatments and a control without liming were applied to the soil (agricultural lime 500 kg ha-1 and carbonatite 500, 1000, 1500 and 2000 kg ha-1). Agronomic and biochemical characteristics of the tuber were evaluated and sensory analysis was performed for potato frying. Data were analyzed statistically and the Scott-Knott test was used to compare treatment means. Liming with carbonatite 1500 kg ha-1 statistically outperformed the other treatments in tuber weight and was similar to the control; treatment with carbonatite 1000 kg ha-1 had a greater effect on mean tuber weight. The treatments with agricultural lime or carbonatite significantly reduced (p <0.05) the glucose content in the tuber with respect to the control. Sensory tests were significant for liming treatments for chip color. Soil liming influenced some agronomic characteristics and biochemical parameters of the tuber, as well as the sensory evaluation of potato chips.

Effect of Low Molecular Weight Organic Acids and Liming on Phosphorus Adsorption in Acidic Tea Soils in the Black Sea Region, Türkiye

ABSTRACT Agricultural productivity is significantly hindered by the limited availability of phosphorus in acidic soils due to the presence of aluminum and iron phosphates. Soil liming is commonly employed to enhance soil fertility. However, modifying the pH might also impact the interactions involving existing soil organic matter, leading to changes in the effective concentrations of competing low-molecular-weight acids (LMWOACs) participating in phosphorus adsorption. This study explored the impacts of citric, oxalic, and malic acids in acidic soils from tea cultivation regions within the Eastern Black Sea. These soils had undergone various levels of liming and were incubated for 15 months to assess their effects on phosphorus (P) adsorption in 7 acidic soils. The experimental sorption data were utilized to calculate the soil Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption parameters. In addition, the influences of organic acids and liming levels on the Freundlich and Langmuir model parameters were subjected to ANOVA analysis. The findings indicated that citric acid demonstrated the highest efficiency in diminishing phosphorus adsorption among the tested organic acids, followed by oxalic and malic acids. Three carboxyl groups (−COOH) in citric acid facilitated the formation of more complexes with adsorbed phosphorus on the soil surface. Furthermore, the 100% LR ratio of liming notably decreased phosphorus adsorption, especially in the lower end of the isotherms. Therefore, it can be concluded that the combination of LMWOACs and liming treatments could be used to overcome P deficiency in acid soils with very high P sorption ability.

Mechanical properties and durability analysis of CS-CG stabilized soil: Towards sustainable subgrade soil enhancement

In this study, carbide slag (CS) and coal gangue (CG) powder were utilized to enhance the properties of the subgrade soil. CS-CG stabilized soil underwent lab experiments to assess its mechanical properties and durability. Tests included unconfined compressive strength (UCS), compressive resilient modulus (CRM), and California bearing ratio (CBR) at stabilizer dosages of 5 %, 10 %, and 15 %. Additional tests, such as dry-wet cycling, salt solution immersion, permeability, leaching, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP), were conducted specifically for the 10 % dosage. The mechanical properties and durability were comprehensively analyzed, with a microscopic investigation into pore size. Furthermore, the soil-water characteristic curve (SWCC) of CS-CG stabilized soil is derived through MIP, providing insights into its impact on the material's strength. Results showcased favorable bearing capacity and durability of CS-CG stabilized soil. The optimal mixing dosage is 10 %, with the best ratio being CS: CG= 70: 30. After 6 dry-wet cycles, UCS loss rate was 18.6 %, comparable to 4 % Portland cement (PC) stabilized soil. Dry-wet cycle characteristics surpassed PC and Lime stabilized soils. Immersion in a 5 % NaCl solution for 30 days yielded a UCS of 3.8 MPa at 28-day age, while exposure to 5 % Na2SO4 solution led to an 11.6 % strength decrease compared to NaCl. Permeability coefficient indicated low permeability akin to PC and Lime stabilized soils. Heavy metal content met standards, with minimal increase during cycles. Hydration products mainly comprised C-S-H gel, Ca(OH)2 crystals, and carbonate modification. Analysis suggested capillary and transition pores predominantly, with minimal macropores presence. Dry-wet cycles induced a marginal increase in pore size, with negligible overall impact. SWCC predicted water content (θs) ranged from 30 % to 32 %, with a slight increase in matrix suction during dry-wet cycles. CS-CG stabilized soil shows favorable mechanical properties, durability, and environmental sustainability, indicating its potential as a substitute for traditional cement and lime treatments in subgrade soil reinforcement.

Comparative Studies on the Strength and Swell Characteristics of Cohesive Soils Using Lime and Modified Enzyme-Induced Calcite Precipitation Technique

Enzyme-induced calcite precipitation (EICP) emerges as a highly effective and well-established technique within bio-cementation approaches, offering notable advantages over traditional methods. Conversely, lime, known for its accessibility, cost-effectiveness, and efficacy, serves as a valuable material in enhancing the engineering properties of problematic soils. This study explores the application of EICP and lime treatments separately on two distinct soils (low-plastic and high-plastic soil) exhibiting different mineralogical and plasticity characteristics to assess their impact on strength and swell characteristics. Various combinations of treatments, including jack bean (JICP), soya bean (SICP), and bio-enhancer (BICP), were employed for EICP treatment. Bio-enhancer, rich in natural urea and urease enzyme, was particularly remarkable due to its compatibility with urea supplementation. Similarly, jack bean and soya bean exhibited high efficacy in natural urease enzyme content. The study has revealed that the unconfined compression strength (UCS) of red soil increased significantly by six times at the end of 21 days of the curing period with JICP treatment, while lime treatment was more effective for the black soil. Specifically, the UCS of black cotton soil increased by 11 and 17 times when treated with Enzyme-Induced Calcite Precipitation (EICP) and lime, respectively. Moreover, EICP with J2 solution (jack bean solution with 1M urea and 4 g/L non-fat milk powder) reduced swell pressure by 60% and 67.5% in low-plastic and high-plastic soil, respectively. Lime treatment, on the other hand, led to a swell pressure reduction of 47% and 70% in low-plastic and high-plastic soil, respectively. As a result, EICP proved efficient in mitigating swell pressure for red soil, whereas lime treatment performed exceptionally well for black soil, highlighting the soil-specific effectiveness of each method. Furthermore, a life cycle assessment revealed substantial carbon footprint emission savings with EICP treatment strategy. In brief, this paper contributes to understanding the phenomena and significance of these two treatment techniques on distinct mineralogical soils.

Using mid-infrared spectroscopy as a tool to monitor responses of acidic soil properties to liming: case study from a dryland agricultural soil trial site in South Australia

Soil acidification is an issue for agriculture that requires effective management, typically in the form of lime (calcium carbonate, CaCO3), application. Mid infrared (MIR) spectroscopy methods offer an alternative to conventional laboratory methods, that may enable cost-effective and improved measurement of soil acidity and responses to liming, including detection of small–scale heterogeneity through the profile. Properties of an acidic soil following lime application were measured using both MIR spectroscopy with Partial Least Squares Regression (MIR-PLSR) and laboratory measurements to (a) compare the ability of each method to detect lime treatment effects on acidic soil, and (b) assess effects of the different treatments on selected soil properties. Soil properties including soil pH (in H2O and CaCl2), Aluminium (Al, exchangeable and extractable), cation exchange capacity (CEC) and organic carbon (OC) were measured at a single field trial receiving lime treatments differing in rate, source and incorporation. Model performance of MIR-PLSR prediction of the soil properties ranged from R2 = 0.582, RMSE = 2.023, RPIQ = 2.921 for Al (extractable) to R2 = 0.881, RMSE = 0.192, RPIQ = 5.729 for OC. MIR-PLSR predictions for pH (in H2O and CaCl2) were R2 = 0.739, RMSE = 0.287, RPIQ = 2.230 and R2 = 0.788, RMSE = 0.311, RPIQ = 1.897 respectively, and could detect a similar treatment effect compared to laboratory measurements. Treatment effects were not detected for MIR-PLSR-predicted values of CEC and both exchangeable and extractable Al. Findings support MIR-PLSR as a method of measuring soil pH to monitor effects of liming treatments on acidic soil to help inform precision agricultural management strategies, but suggests that some nuance and important information about treatment effects of lime on CEC and Al may be lost. Improvements to prediction model performance should be made to realise the full potential of this approach.

Оценка питательности различных видов кормов, заготовленных из кукурузы, в зависимости от уровня химизации и почвенного покрова Республики Татарстан

It is known that from the same corn plant material one can prepare silage, cornage, flattened grain or grain for fodder. Each of them contains completely different amounts of nutrients and a wide range of gross feed units. The research results show a direct dependence of the choice of method of using corn on the zonal characteristics of the soil cover, the existing level of chemicalization and the power supply of agricultural units of the Republic of Tatarstan. It should also be particularly emphasized the high efficiency of the integrated use of agrochemicals on leached chernozems of the Republic of Tatarstan. Despite 5 years of liming, phosphorite treatment, the use of zeolite, and the application of NPK with the expectation of obtaining 35 t/ha of green mass, 10.6 t/ha of additional products were obtained, which is 34.6 percent higher than the control. In this version of the experiment, agromeliorants ensured the production of 41.2 t/ha of green mass versus 33.8 t/ha with the application of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium fertilizers without prior liming and phosphorite treatment in combination with the use of a prolongator (zeolite) at the rate of 0.5 t/ha. It was also revealed that for the production of flattened grain or cornage with a gross harvest of feed units of 7.94-8.82 t/ha on leached chernozem soils of the Republic of Tatarstan, which account for 83,103 hectares of arable land, the integrated use of agromeliorants and calculated norms of minerals for corn is recommended fertilizers Liming of acidic dark gray and gray forest soils with phosphorite treatment and the addition of zeolite in combination with the use of calculated rates of mineral fertilizers ensures an increase in the gross collection of feed units in corn silage from 4.22 to 6.13 and 3.34 to 5.86 t/ha respectively.

Liming shift above- and belowground functional traits of Chinese fir from conservative to acquisitive

Plant functional traits can serve as indicators of plant resource-use strategies in response to environmental changes. Plants growing in acidified soil exhibit conservative traits and limit growth, but there is still little known about changes in above- and belowground functional traits and their coordination under alleviation of soil acidification. Here, we conducted a pot experiment on raising soil pH by liming in Chinese fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata) saplings in southern China. The experiment involved in two degrees of acidified soil (Mild, pH = 4.3; Severe, pH = 3.6) and three liming treatments: Control (CK, 0), low liming treatment (L, 1000 kg CaO hm−2) and high liming treatment (H, 4000 kg CaO hm−2). We measured 22 above- and belowground functional traits of Chinese fir including allocation, morphological, photosynthetic, and chemical traits to assess their response to liming. The results show that liming enhanced aboveground mass fraction and total leaf area (TLA), and reduced construction cost (lower C concentration). However, specific leaf area (SLA), nutrient concentrations of N and P, and photosynthetic rate (Pn) remained unchanged. These results suggest that aboveground components exhibited acquisitive strategies in response to liming with greater TLA and lower construction cost. Moreover, liming reduced root mass fraction (RMF), increased specific root length (SRL), specific root area (SRA), and root N and Ca nutrient concentrations. These results suggest that belowground components also exhibited acquisitive strategies through constructing longer and thinner roots with greater metabolic rates. Our findings show that liming shifts above- and belowground resource-use strategies of Chinese fir from conservative to acquisitive. These changes in functional traits support the ability of Chinese fir to grow rapidly in response to alleviation of soil acidification. Our research not only contributes to a deeper understanding of plant adaptation mechanisms in the face of environment changes but also provides valuable insights for improving carbon sequestration of plantations in subtropical China.

Evaluation of heating and liming treatments in sand samples artificially contaminated with Ancylostoma spp. eggs.

Ancylostoma spp. are found worldwide. Infected dog and cat feces can contaminate soil in public places. Despite prophylactic measures being available, studies on direct remediation of Ancylostoma-contaminated soils are scarce. This study aimed to determine the impact of heat treatment and liming on the viability of Ancylostoma spp. eggs in artificially contaminated sandy soil. Sterilized sand samples were contaminated with Ancylostoma spp. eggs extracted from infected dogs' feces. Samples were heated (trial I) to 70 °C or 80 °C, then sieved after 24 hours (212, 90, 38, and 25 µm). Larval cultures were assessed for larval development following heat treatment. Five quicklime concentrations (trial II; 50, 30, 20, 10 and 5%) were used to treat sand. The effect of liming on larval cultures was assessed by measuring embryonic development. Filariform larvae were exposed to 20% quicklime (25 °C and 37 °C, 20 min). Heat treatment destroys Ancylostoma spp. eggs and prevents in vitro larval development. Liming at 50, 30, and 20% concentrations made embryonic development impossible. However, filariform larvae treated with 20% lime solution retained their motility. Heating at 70 °C and liming at 20% were sufficient to make Ancylostoma spp. egg embryogenesis impossible in experimentally contaminated sand samples.

Hydrated lime promoted the polysaccharide content and affected the transcriptomes of Lentinula edodes during brown film formation.

Brown film formation, a unique developmental stage in the life cycle of Lentinula edodes, is essential for the subsequent development of fruiting bodies in L. edodes cultivation. The pH of mushroom growth substrates are usually adjusted with hydrated lime, yet the effects of hydrated lime on cultivating L. edodes and the molecular mechanisms associated with the effects have not been studied systemically. We cultivated L. edodes on substrates supplemented with 0% (CK), 1% (T1), 3% (T2), and 5% (T3) hydrated lime (Ca (OH)2), and applied transcriptomics and qRT-PCR to study gene expression on the brown film formation stage. Hydrated lime increased polysaccharide contents in L. edodes, especially in T2, where the 5.3% polysaccharide content was approximately 1.5 times higher than in the CK. The addition of hydrated lime in the substrate promoted laccase, lignin peroxidase and manganese peroxidase activities, implying that hydrated lime improved the ability of L. edodes to decompose lignin and provide nutrition for its growth and development. Among the annotated 9,913 genes, compared to the control, 47 genes were up-regulated and 52 genes down-regulated in T1; 73 genes were up-regulated and 44 were down-regulated in T2; and 125 genes were up-regulated and 65 genes were down-regulated in T3. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were enriched in the amino acid metabolism, lipid metabolism and carbohydrate metabolism related pathways. The carbohydrate-active enzyme genes up-regulated in the hydrated lime treatments were mostly glycosyl hydrolase genes. The results will facilitate future optimization of L. edodes cultivation techniques and possibly shortening the production cycle.

Long-term effects of liming on crop yield, plant diseases, soil structure and risk of phosphorus leaching

This study examined the long-term effects of applying structure lime (mixture of ~80% CaCO3 and 20% Ca(OH)2) and ground limestone (CaCO3) on soil aggregate stability and risk of phosphorus (P) losses 5–7 years after liming, incidence of soil-borne diseases and yield in winter wheat (Tritium aestivum), oilseed rape (Brassica napus) and sugar beet (Beta vulgaris). Lime was applied in 13 field trials in Sweden 2013–2015 and soil characteristics and crop yield were monitored until 2021. Seedbed (0–4 cm depth) aggregate (2–5 mm size) stability was improved to the same extent with both lime treatments compared to the untreated control, sampled 5–7 years after liming. Analyses and estimations of different P fractions (total P, PO4-P, and particulate P) in leachate following simulated rainfall events on undisturbed topsoil cores sampled 6–8 years after liming revealed lower total P and particulate P concentrations in both lime treatments compared to the untreated control. Two sugar beet trial sites with soil pH ≤7.2 before liming showed an increase in sugar yield for structure lime and ground limestone as an effect of increased concentration of soil potassium (K-AL) and/or lower Aphanomyces root rot potential compared to the untreated control. The yield of winter wheat was not affected by the application of either type of lime at sites with pH >7.2 but the yield of oilseed rape decreased after the application of structure lime.

Acidity and nutrient management practices for enhancing soil nutrient availability, nutrient uptake and grain yield of rice in Vaikom kari soils in Kuttanad, Kerala

A field investigation was conducted during August to December 2015 and 2016 in farmers` fields in Thalayazham panchayat in Kottayam district. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design having 16 treatments in three replications with rice (Oryza sativa L.) var. Uma. The treatments were dolomite, lime + MgSO4 or RHA (rice husk ash) + MgSO4 along with 100% package of practice (POP) alone or with 100% POP + foliar spray of 13-0-45 N-P-K (KNO3) (1%) or borax (0.5%) or 13-0-45 + borax at PI (panicle initiation) stage. Lime + MgSO4 + 75% POP + 13-0-45 + borax as well as lime without MgSO4 + 100% POP combined with 13-0-45 or borax or both were also included as treatments. Higher grain yield of 5.42 and 5.57 t ha-1 during 2015 and 2016 respectively were produced by dolomite + POP + 13-0-45 followed by dolomite + POP + 13-0-45 + borax and lime + POP + MgSO4 + 13-0-45. The treatments involving dolomite and lime with or without MgSO4 produced taller plants, higher tiller number m-2 and higher Leaf Area Index during both the years. Dolomite + POP + 13-0-45 produced the highest number of panicles m-2. Higher test weight and lower percentage of unfilled grains were observed with dolomite + POP + 13-0-45 and dolomite + POP + 13-0-45 + borax. Lime and dolomite treatments were more effective in reducing soil acidity and improving dehydrogenase activity and nutrient availability in the soil than RHA treatments during both the years. However, the effect of liming materials applied as basal and at 30 DAS diminishes after the crop and this necessitates application of liming materials in every crop season. Availability of soil N improved by treatments involving lime + POP without MgSO4 at PI and harvest stages. The treatments involving dolomite + POP and lime + POP with or without MgSO4 recorded higher available P during PI stage. In general, higher status of available K was registered by the treatments involving dolomite or lime application and lower K status registered by the treatment with 75% POP fertilizer. All treatments involving lime or dolomite registered higher soil available Ca and those involving dolomite or lime + MgSO4 showed higher availability of Mg in the soil. The treatments involving dolomite registered lower status of soil available Fe and higher status of available B. Higher status of available Zn was registered by the treatments involving dolomite or lime + MgSO4. Soil pH was significantly and positively correlated with available P, Ca and Mg and significantly and negatively correlated with available Fe in the soil. In general, higher uptake of macronutrients was observed with dolomite or lime + MgSO4 treatments along with 100% POP during both the years. Foliar spray of 13-0-45 recorded higher N and K uptake. Significant and positive correlation of grain yield with uptake of macro nutrients was also observed.

Dolomitic limestone was more effective than calcitic limestone in increasing soil pH in an untilled olive orchard

AbstractIn acid soils, when no‐tillage farmers intend to apply lime, the question arises as to whether it should be incorporated into the soil or whether it can be left on the soil surface. In this study, two types of limestone, calcitic (Lcal) and dolomitic (Lmag), were tested in two olive groves of cv. Cobrançosa, with an initial pH of 4.9 (S. Pedro) and 5.5 (Raparigas). In S. Pedro, limestone was incorporated into the soil (Lburied) and in Raparigas, it was left on the floor (Lfloor). The use of limestone significantly increased soil pH in the 0–0.10 m layer in both experiments. In the 0.10–0.20 m soil layer, only Lmag increased significantly the soil pH in comparison with the control. Lmag was more effective than Lcal in increasing cation exchange capacity (CEC) and reducing exchangeable acidity (EA) and aluminium (Al3+) in the Lfloor experiment. Both limes increased leaf calcium (Ca) concentration, and Lmag increased the leaf levels of magnesium (Mg). In Lfloor experiment (higher soil pH), soil microbial carbon (C) decreased, and microbial nitrogen (N) increased with liming, which may indicate an increase in bacteria in the soil and a decrease in fungi. In Lburied experiment (initial pH of 4.9), liming significantly increased accumulated (2018–2021) olive yield (56 and more than 67 kg tree−1, respectively, in the control and liming treatments). In Lfloor experiment (initial pH of 5.5), the accumulated olive yields did not differ significantly between treatments (average values between 105 and 115 kg tree−1). The results of this study provide evidence that liming may increase olive yield in very acid soils and that dolomitic limestone should preferably be used by no‐tillage farmers, due its higher solubility and faster effect on soil and trees.

Creeping Bentgrass Nutritional, Morphological, and Putting Green Performance Response to Ca/Mg-Silicate Slag Liming Agent

While not classified as an essential plant nutrient, silicon (Si) assimilation following exogenous Si application has enhanced the wear resistance of cool-season turfgrass. Given this beneficial supplementation of lignin by Si reported in epidermal tissue of monocotyledonous plants, our research objective was to quantify root morphology, vegetative nutrition and vigor, soil chemistry, and putting green performance in response to split applications of pelletized liming agents rich in Si and/or Ca and Mg. Field evaluation of granular liming agent treatment, 2441 kg (ha year)−1, was conducted on creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera L. cv. Penn G-2) putting green maintained in the Mid-Atlantic US. Pelletized Ca/Mg-SiO3 slag or dolomitic limestone treatments were conducted in frequent split applications and incorporated into the upper 5 cm of the rootzone. Measurements of canopy color and density, shoot growth as clipping yield, soil pH, Si and nutrient content of clippings, and soil extractable Si were performed each season. Cumulative Ca/Mg-SiO3 application (kg ha−1) increased mean acetic acid (HOAc) extractable Si by 35 to 60 mg kg−1 and leaf Si content by 1.0 to 1.5 mg g−1. However, neither putting green canopy quality, shoot nutrient concentration, 5 to 15 cm depth root length density nor ball roll distance was improved by liming agent treatment. Liming agent-treated or untreated plots showed statistical, yet inconsistent, differences in clipping yield 4, 14, 15, 16, and 17 months from initiation (MFI). This thorough shuffling of treatment rank, resulting in identical experiment-wide means precludes the expectation of dependably superior vigor by any.

Effect of lime and calcium magnesium phosphate on gaseous emissions, maturity, and bacterial dynamics during food waste composting

This study estimated the effects of 0.5–1.5% lime and 10% calcium magnesium phosphate fertilizer (CaMgP) addition (dry mass) on maturity, gaseous emissions, and bacterial dynamics during food waste composting. The 1.0% and 1.5% lime amendments accelerated the proliferation of Thermobifida and Saccharomonospora for a higher germination index. The growth of methanogens (e.g., Tepidimicrobium and Caldicoprobacter) and Bacillus was restrained by additives to reduce the methane (CH4) and ammonia (NH3) emissions, respectively. Lime and CaMgP also limited denitrification by increasing pH, resulting in lower nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions. In detail, the highest decrease in N2O (59.35%) and hydrogen sulfide (H2S, 22.21%) emissions were observed in the 10% CaMgP group. The 0.5–1.0% lime treatments exhibited the highest alleviation in CH4 (80.77%) and NH3 (39.85%) emissions. Nevertheless, 1.5% lime addition promoted bacterial abundance in S cycle for a higher H2S emission.

Measurement of lime movement and dissolution in acidic soils using mid-infrared spectroscopy

Acidification of surface and sub-surface soils limits agricultural production globally. Conventional surface application of lime is the most common amelioration approach for surface acidity. However, amelioration of sub-surface acidity is challenging to achieve using this approach. Testing the efficacy of liming to treat acidity through the soil profile via the measurement of lime movement requires high throughput information about soil properties at a high spatial resolution, which can be time consuming and expensive using traditional laboratory analysis. Here, we investigated the potential of Mid Infrared (MIR) spectroscopy as a tool to monitor lime dissolution and vertical movement through soils at high spatial resolution. Soil samples were collected at 2.5 cm intervals to 20 cm depth at three trial sites in South Australia, with various lime treatments applied either 6 years or 1 year prior to sampling. MIR Partial least squares regression (PLSR) predictions were undertaken to measure lime dissolution and alkalinity movement via soil pH, and undissolved lime presence via soil carbonate concentrations. Lime balance calculations were then performed to determine the fate of applied lime and assess efficacy of various rates of lime products applied at the surface only or via incorporation. MIR-PLSR prediction model performance was strong for both soil pH (R2 = 0.923 and RMSE = 0.202) and carbonate (R2 =0.829 and RMSE=0.042 CO3%). Results indicated the movement of alkalinity at all sites was limited, and revealed increased movement at the longer-term (∼6 years) vs shorter-term (∼1 year) sites where lime was surface applied. Lime balance calculations indicated that residual lime remained in the top 7.5 cm of the soil profile while soils remained acidic below this depth. Findings suggest that incorporation of residual lime and additional lime applications may be necessary to remediate sub-surface acidity. A decision tree was developed to inform management of surface and sub-surface soil acidity. The study validates the potential of MIR spectroscopy to measure and monitor the effectiveness and movement of lime with improved resolution in acidic soils.

Do Conservative Agricultural Practices Improve the Functional Biological State of Legume-Based Cropping Systems?

This study evaluated the response of soil microbial functions to the presence and placement of faba beans in crop rotations (rotation without legumes versus rotations with faba beans as the crop previous to wheat, with the faba beans sown three years before the wheat crops) combined with two tillage systems (conventional and reduced tillage). The study included 36 wheat-producing plots, and two agricultural practice types were defined: high-frequency–low-intensity (HF–LI) and low-frequency–high-intensity (LF–HI). The results demonstrated a significant increase in the total carbon and nitrogen (N) content under reduced tillage. Furthermore, the general path analysis suggested that arylamidase and β-glucosidase activities significantly affect N fluxes. The enzyme activities were modified by changing the soil’s physicochemical properties. These findings highlighted the significance of introducing legumes as the crop preceding wheat, especially when applying conventional tillage. Moreover, it was revealed that farmers’ management of these conservative practices is a leading factor in regulating soil functions. Pesticides and inorganic fertilization inputs were classified as HF–LI practices, while organic matter (OM) inputs and liming treatments were qualified as LF–HI practices. For instance, LF–HI practices (OM inputs and liming) directly and indirectly influenced the soil functions related to the N cycle, while HF–LI practices (pesticide, inorganic N fertilization, and previous crops) resulted in fewer soil function changes.

Effect of application of lime with vermicompost on the activities of microorganisms of some acidic soils of West Bengal

Aim: To evaluate the efficacy of integrated application of lime at partial doses of lime requirement (LR) with vermicompost in acid soils to minimize the soil acidity, improve the population of beneficial microorganisms and their microbial activities in comparison to sole treatment of lime as per Lime Requirement dose. Methodology: Two highly acidic soils collected from the farmer’s field of South 24 Parganas district, West Bengal having no history of acidity management were used. The soils were treated with different rates of lime requirement (LR, ⅔LR & ½LR) and lime (½LR) + vermicompost (5 tha-1) treatments and incubated for 60 days. Soil pH, soil organic carbon content, different microbial populations, microbial respiration and enzymatic activities (FDHA and DHA) were assessed at different days. Results: The study indicated that the lime treatments showed rapid increase in soil pH towards the slightly alkaline condition whereas lime +vermicompost treatment (T5) successfully maintained the neutralized condition. Integrated treatment of lower doses of lime and vermicompost (T5) was found to efficiently promote the microbial population (rhizobium, phosphate and potassium solubilizing bacteria) and microbial respiration (basal and substrate induced respiration) activity, which might be attributed to the improvement soil microbial status. FDHA and DHA increased significantly with ‘lime’ as well as the ‘lime with vermicompost’ treatments in comparison to control. Interpretation: The incorporation of lower amount of lime and organic matter efficiently neutralizes the acidity and boosted up the microbial activities simultaneously that in turn might improve the soil health. The high cost to purchase the huge quantity of lime as recommended LR (9.25 tha-1) for studied soils turns the farmers uninterested to follow lime practice and interrupted the mitigation of soil acidity. Thus, the study might conclude that the integrated approach of lime application@½LR with vermicompost might successfully ameliorate the acid soils in terms of acidity as well as the soil microbial activities. Key words: Acid soil, BSR, Dehydrogenase, Fluorescein diacetate, SIR, Lime, Vermicompost