Soil CaCO3 Content Research Articles

Monitoring infiltration rates in semiarid soils using airborne hyperspectral technology

Loss of rain and irrigation water from cultivated fields is a matter of great concern, especially in arid and semi-arid regions. The physical crust that forms on the soil surface during rain events is one of the major causes of increased run-off and reduced water infiltration into the soil profile. Based on previous studies that showed significant correlation between crusted soil and soil reflectance properties, we performed a systematic study over Loess soil from Israel, in order to map the infiltration rate from a remote distance, using Hyperspectral (or Imaging Spectroscopy, IS) technology. First, we simulated rain events under laboratory conditions, using the selected soil and varying rain energy treatments. After measuring the reflectance properties of the crusted soils, we developed a spectral parameter for assessment of crust status. The parameter, Normalized Spectral Area (NSA), uses the area under a ratio spectrum across the VIS-NIR spectral region (calculated from the ratio of the crusted (treated) soil spectrum to the non-crusted soil spectrum). The correlation between the NSA and infiltration rate values provided a significant calibration equation. Based on these results, we conducted an airborne campaign, employing the AISA imaging scanner adjusted to 30-channel data in the VIS-NIR, and established control plots (crusted and non-crusted soil) on the ground, to examine the NSA parameter for mapping the infiltration properties of Loess soils. Reasonable agreement was obtained between the two datasets (laboratory and air), suggesting that infiltration rates can be estimated remotely. Further research is necessary to expand the analysis to other areas and conditions (e.g. diverse CaCO3 and moisture content of soil). The paper shows that spectral reflectance information in the VIS-NIR region can be used to assess soil infiltration affected by the soil crust, in both laboratory and air domains. It is strongly suggested that future study in this regard use the full optical range (VIS-NIR-SWIR-TIR), as well as a spectral library of crusted soils collected in or within the rain simulator environment.

CORRELATION BETWEEN SOIL P AND CORN LEAF P CONTENTS IN A NETWORK OF HUNGARIAN LONG-TERM FIELD TRIALS

Corn (Zea mays L.) leaf weight, leaf P concentrations at flowering stage, 0.01 M CaCl2-, Olsen-, LE-, and AL-soluble soil P contents were determined in a network of uniformed 27-year-old Hungarian long-term field trials (the so-called National Long-term Field Trials, NLFT) with four P fertilization rates on nine locations, representing various agro-ecological and soil conditions of the country. A 4–5 fold increase in soluble P contents was found in all soil P-tests, while the absolute values of dissolved P varied greatly (CaCl2-P: 0.1–3.7; Olsen-P: 3.7–47.7; and AL-P: 12.8–182.2 mg P kg−1). On the other hand, an average twofold difference occurred among the sites in case of soil P-test methods less dependent of soil properties (CaCl2, Olsen), and a fourfold difference in methods using acid solvents, more dependent of soil reaction status and CaCO3 content. On the average of all soils and all P levels, the amount of P dissolved by the different methods increased in the sequence of CaCl2<Olsen<LE<AL (1.5<20<44<74 mg P kg−1). The different agro-ecological conditions had a greater effect on corn leaf weights at flowering stage than soil-P status. Corn leaf P concentrations, however, were affected by both the P rates and the different sites, resp. There was no significant correlation between Olsen-P values and corn leaf weights. Corn leaf weight, however, increased jointly with soil test values, up to 10–15 mg/kg Olsen-P concentration. There was a weak quadratic correlation between corn leaf P concentrations and leaf weights (r=0.35* *). Above 0.25% leaf P concentrations, leaf weights did not increase any more. On calcareous soils, P-overfertilization could result in Zn deficiency induced by P. There was a moderate, logarithmic correlation between Olsen-P and leaf P contents (r=0.62* * *). The lower limit of good P supply,—indicated by 0.26% leaf P concentration at flowering stage—was usually reached when the Olsen-P value was around 10 mg/kg. Only the CaCl2- and Olsen-methods proved to be independent of soil reaction status. A strong, linear correlation was found between these two methods (r=0.80* * *). The behavior of acid LE- and AL- solvents, however, was different in acid and calcareous soils. Correlation between Olsen- and LE-, as well as between Olsen- and AL-methods could be found separately for acid and calcareous soils. The closeness of correlation within the calcareous soil group and within the acid soil group was similar (r=0.89* * * and 0.90* * * for the calcareous, and r=0.89* * * and 0.94* * * for the acid soils group). Soil and plant P analyses data proved to be useful tools in adapting the results of long-term field trials for improved, environmentally sound fertilizer recommendations.

Soil water and chemical characteristics of sandy soils and their significance to land reclamation

Long-term observations were made of moisture and chemical content changes in sandy soils at ten locations in China, located in five different climatic zones: hyperarid, arid, semi-arid, sub-humid and subtropical humid. These sandy soil zones were delineated based on their bioclimatic characteristics, aridity, mean soil moisture content and precipitation. Spatial and temporal variations in soil moisture and water balance components of the top 1 m soil layer were monitored in different sandy soils. The water balance equation for the top 1 m soil layer was defined as: ΔS=(P+U)−E in the hyperarid and arid areas, ΔS=(P+U)−(D+E+TR) in the semi-arid areas, and ΔS+ΔV=(P+U)−(D+E+TR) in the semihumid and subtropical humid areas. Sandy soil organic matter content (OMC), CaCO3, and soluble salts content were also investigated. Afforestation and a selection of land management techniques are suggested to slow or stop the development and expansion of sandy lands. In China, four land management regions, defined by the prevailing natural conditions and complexity of reclamation/mitigation techniques implemented are: Region I: trees and shrubs to fix shifting sands, land can then be used for high-profit agriculture and commercial crops; Region II: some species of shrub plants and grasses to fix shifting sands; Region III: mechanical methods to enhance biological methods to fix shifting sands; Region IV: improvement of afforestation practices, and stabilization of low-lying wetland sites, engineering works, and irrigation systems. The results of such programs have important implications in terms of the economic benefits of irrigated agriculture and environment of sandy lands in China.

ASSESSING METHODS OF AVAILABLE SILICON IN CALCAREOUS SOILS

Silicon (Si) fertilization can produce beneficial effect on the Siaccumulator—wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) grown on low available Si soils. For assessing Si availability in calcareous soils, four extractants were used to select a suitable method and a critical value for Si by correlating the extractable soil Si to the plant Si content and yield response to applied Si fertilizer of winter wheat grown on 17 field experiment plots. The quantities of Si extracted by the tests was, in descending order: 0.025 M citric acid >> buffering NaOAc-HOAc (pH 4) >> 0.19 M Na2CO3 0.5 M NaHCO3 (pH 8.5). Both the soil clay and CaCO3 contents significantly affected the extractable Si amount. All the extractable soil Si by any one of the four extractants was very significantly correlated with the Si contents in both the flag leaf and straw or with the total amount of Si uptake by wheat. The calibration test of relative wheat biomass yield response to Si fertilization showed that the NaOAc-HOAc extraction method was found to be the best for assessing Si availability for winter wheat in the calcareous soils. The critical value of available Si extracted by the classical method (NaOAc-HOAc) widely adopted for the acid and neutral soils was about 80 mg Si kg−1 (171 mg SiO2 kg−1) in the calcareous soil.

Effects of soil properties on ammonia volatilization

By using a small culture dish located above a large-sized closed dish with soil samples to trap emissions as well as applying multivariate analysis methods, the influence of soil properties on ammonia volatilization and their correlation was studied. The results showed that the ammonia volatilization rates were positively correlated with the soil pH, CaCO3, and total salt contents but negatively correlated with the organic matter content, CEC, and clay content. Of the three negative correlation factors, the CEC was most highly correlated with ammonia volatilization, while among the three positive correlation factors, the pH predominated. These results enabled to assess the magnitude of ammonia volatilization from soils. According to the correlation equation of ammonia volatilization versus pH and CEC, the potential of ammonia volatilization of some soils in China was determined and the soils were divided into four groups. It was concluded that by increasing the application rate of organic matter ammonia volatilization might decrease.

Sorption and desorption of selenium in different soils of the mediterranean area

The adsorption of selenium (Se) in the selenate form and its desorption by phosphate in four soils with different physiochemical properties were studied in the laboratory. To determine adsorption isotherms for selenate 25 mL of solutions containing 1 to 100 ppm of Se were added to 2.5 g of soil. Desorption isotherms were determined by resuspending the samples in phosphate solution. The selenate sorption process was adequately described by the Freundlich equation. In pine forest and woodland soils, characterized by the highest organic matter content and cation exchange capacity (CEC) values, the isotherms were classified as L type, since the amount of Se sorbed appeared to move towards saturation. The organic matter content played the most important part in the adsorption of Se, while pH appeared to have a small effect on the ability of the soil to adsorb Se. The high CaCO3 content of the pine forest soil may have contributed in increasing the Se adsorption notwithstanding the high pH value. The cultivated and arable soils showed a reduced sorption capacity. The sorption could be described by an S type curve. At low concentrations of Se the affinity of the solid phase was less than that of the liquid phase. By increasing the concentration of Se in solution, the affinity of the solid phase increased and the sorption was favored. Selenate desorption by water was negligible, whereas the amount of Se desorbed by phosphate varied among the different soils. The desorption experiments indicated that a significant portion of the sorbed Se was irreversibly retained. This suggests the existence of linkages which allow the release of Se in the soil solution only after physico‐chemical variation such as exchange with phosphate ions.

Synergistic effects of elemental sulfur and synthetic organic conditioner amendments on selected chemical properties of calcareous soils

This study evaluated the combined effects of elemental sulfur (ES) and synthetic organic conditioner (SOC) amendments on the chemical properties of calcareous soils from arid and semiarid regions. A 60‐day laboratory incubation experiment was conducted to determine if amending ES‐treated soils with SOCs would improve selected chemical properties such as pH and soluble and extractable nutrients. Four calcareous soils from central Saudi Arabia varying in CaCO3 content were used. Air‐dried soil samples were treated with (1) ES at rates of 7.7,14.8, 23.7, and 19.0 g kg−1 to neutralize 50% CaCO3 content of soil 1, soil 2, soil 3, and soil 4, respectively; (2) four SOCs— Broadleaf(BL), Aquasorb (AS), Agrihope (AH), and Hydrogel (HG)‐at a rate of 02% (dry weight basis). The addition of ES or ES + individual SOC amendments improved some of the soil chemical properties. In all cases, addition of ES + SOC was more effective than ES alone as determined by a decrease in soil pH and an increase in soluble SO4 2‐ and Na+, as well as extractable Fe and Mn. Addition of ES alone was more effective than ES + SOC only in increasing soluble Ca2+ and Mg2+. In contrast, the addition of an individual SOC adversely affected soil properties, resulting in an increase in soil pH and soluble Na+ and decreases in soluble Ca2+ and Mg2+ and extractable Zn, Fe, and Mn. Extractable Cu and P were not affected by the changes in soils chemistry induced by the treatments. Soluble K concentrations were significantly high in all soil samples treated with the HG conditioner and ES + HG. The deleterious effects by individual SOC on selected soil chemical properties indicates the potential adverse effect by these conditioners on calcareous soils. Nevertheless, the addition of ES in conjunction with SOC was generally synergistic and improved soil properties.

Paedomorphosis and shell-colour polymorphism of a desert landsnail

Environmentally-driven paedomorphosis, the retention of juvenile characteristics by adults, is an overlooked alternative to adaptive genetic hypotheses regarding shell colour in landsnails. We previously considered two adaptive explanations of shell-colour polymorphism in the desert landsnailTrochoidea simulata, namely temperature and predation. However, neither of these factors adequately explained this colour variation. We subsequently described the importance of available CaCO3as the driving force underlying colour variation in this species. Here we consider the consequences of differential access to CaCO3by individuals of different colour morphs. We describe variation in shell shape of different colour morphs, and conclude that shell-colour variation in this species is a consequence of paedomorphosis in brown individuals. Individuals may change colour ontogenetically from brown to white, while some remain brown-shelled throughout their lives. Brown snails, like juveniles, are thin- and flat-shelled, and have relatively larger apertures than white snails. This paedomorphosis is environmentally-based, being correlated with soil CaCO3content.

HABITAT CONSTRAINTS ON SHELL-COLOUR VARIATION OF A DESERT LANDSNAIL, TROCHOIDEA SIMULATA

Trochoidea simulata, a landsnail widespread in desert regions of Israel, varies greatly in shell colour. We have previously shown that predator and thermoegulatory mediated selection cannot explain the maintenance of this colour variation. In this paper, we test the hypothesis that observed morph frequencies are an effect of habitat variation, and that the colour variation has no functional significance. Because white snails have thicker shells than striped or brown snails, we propose that the colour of an individual snail depends on its access to CaCO3. We tested this hypothesis by comparing the frequency of white, striped, and brown snails at 9 locations. Each location consisted of a paired hillside and loess wadi-bed site with high and low CaCO3 content respectively. There were significantly more white snails at hillside than loess sites. In addition, these habitats varied mostly in abiotic characteristics, and not in terms of snail population parameters or vegetation characteristics. Hillside sites had significantly more CaCO3 and limestone rocks than loess sites. Soil CaCO3 content was the strongest predictor of morph frequency among paired sites. Shell-colour variation in this species may be an effect of individual access to resources, mainly CaCO3 that is ingested with food.

Influence of soil properties and soya bean cropping history on the Bradyrhizobium japonicum population in some French soils

SummaryAs French soils are naturally free of Bradyrhizobium japonicum, soya beans planted into new areas must be inoculated with this bacterium. Although, the B. japonicum inoculum can survive in soils for long periods of time even in the absence of a soya bean crop, re–inoculation may increase nodulation and grain yield. Thus, populations of B. japonicum can fall below optimum for plant growth. To identify the soil properties controlling survival of the inoculated bacteria samples of soil were collected from 52 sites from France that had previously grown soya beans. The samples were analysed for some physical and chemical characteristics and the B. japonicum population counted. The soil's CaCO3 content was the main factor affecting survival. The average B. japonicum numbers (per g soil) were 80 for calcareous soils and 15000 for non–calcareous soils. In the latter, silt and sand contents were correlated with the numbers of B. japonicum. The cropping frequency of soya bean and the time since the crop was last grown were other factors affecting Bradyrhizobium populations. Thus, there is a probability of enhancing economic benefit for farmers with re–inoculation of soya bean in calcareous and sandy soils.

Zinc diffusion and extractability as affected by zinc carrier and soil chemical properties

This work was carried out to evaluate the effect of soil chemical properties, Zn carrier and time elapsed after fertilizer application on the diffusion and extractability of Zn. A soil block technique was used to study zinc diffusion and DTPA extractability from ZnEDTA and ZnSO4 fertilizers in three soils that varied in texture, CaCO3 content, organic matter content, and pH using Zn65 tracer. ZnEDTA diffused readily in all soils, moving 20–25 mm from the fertilizer layer after three days. The rate of Zn diffusion and the extractability of Zn, however, varied among the soils and were lowest in Baha soil with the highest clay content, organic matter, and CEC despite its lower pH. The high pH and CaCO3 content in Dirab soil did not restrict the diffusion or reduce the extractability of ZnEDTA in this soil. On the other hand, the diffusion of Zn from ZnSO4 fertilizer was largely restricted in all soils and was confined to 5 mm from the fertilizer layer after 13 d. The extractability of ZnSO4 fertilizer was largely affected by soil pH and CaCO3 content and was lowest in Dirab calcareous soil. Organic matter amendment at 5% (as alfalfa) considerably reduced the diffusion and the extractability of ZnSO4 in both Dirab calcareous and Bakyria noncalcareous soils. The application of 1% (w/w) elemental S reduced soil pH and increased Zn diffusion from ZnSO4 fertilizer in Bakyria soil but had slight effect on Dirab calcareous soil.

Distribution and availability of copper fractions to wheat from some loess derived alkaline calcareous soils

Copper has been identified as a deficient micronutrient in many alkaline calcareous soils of Pakistan (Kausar et al. 1979; Anon. 1986b). Copper extracted with DTPA from several soils of Pakistan correlated significantly with organic matter and free CaCO3 content (Kausar et al. 1979). Both soil organic matter and CaCO3 content have been reported by Viets (1962) to be among several other factors that affect Cu solubility and hence the Cu nutrition of plants. Working with temperate acid soils, several investigators (McLaren &amp; Crawford, 1973; Shuman, 1979) have recently used different extractants and indicator plants to characterize the chemical pools which appear to control plant available Cu. Shuman (1979) separated various soil fractions and determined their Zn, Cu and Mn content. However, the distribution of Cu among various fractions in alkaline calcareous soils of arid regions has received little attention. The object of the present study was to investigate the relationship between the Cu content of wheat, and native soil Cu and applied Cu. The contribution of Cu in various soil fractions towards plant uptake and that extracted by different reagents was also ascertained.

Leishmaniasis in Sardinia. III. Soil analysis of a breeding site of three species of sandflies.

Soil analysis was carried out on samples obtained from a breeding-site of the sandflies Phlebotomus perniciosus Newstead, P. perfiliewi perfiliewi Parrot and Sergentomyia minuta (Rondani) in Sardinia. Soil texture, pH, CaCo3, organic matter and water content showed no correlation with the number of sandflies that emerged from the places where soil samples were taken. It appears that pre-imaginal stages of these phlebotomine sandflies are associated with a relatively stable, cool and humid environment protected from sunshine and rain, rich in clay and in organic nitrogen.

A study of nodulation and nitrogen fixation of alder on the purplish soils in China

The alder has a perennial nodule cluster. The nodule amount on the roots increases with tree age. The N2-fixing activity of nodules decreases with nodule age. Purple coloured soils with various soil pHs and CaCO3 contents are, in the main, the ones which influence nodulation and N2-fixing. Higher N2-fixing capacity existed in the neutral and low calcium soils. High calcium soils and acid soils can restrain nodulation and the N2-fixing rate significantly. On the slope, where calcarous light loams are found, the annual nitrogen fixation capacity of alder and cypress mixed plantations, less than 10 years old, is 16 or 17 kg/ha yr, but in the valley, a pure alder plantation can reach 40 kg/ha yr.

Local acidification of soil as a means to alleviate iron chlorosis in quince orchards

Abstract Iron chlorosis is widespread and severe on fruit trees growing In calcareous soils In Iran. Local acidification of soil under the trees and Its effect on iron chlorosis of quince trees (Cydonia oblonga) was investigated in quince orchards in the Esfahan region of Iran. Elemental S, H2SO4 or H2SO4 + FeSO4 was added to the soil in two holes (35 cm in diameter x 80 cm deep) dug opposite of each other at a distance of 120 cm away from the tree trunk. Results showed that elemental S decreased the soil pH, and increased the gypsum content, electrical conductivity, and concentrations of SO4 2‐, Ca2+ and Mg2+ in soil extracts. However, the soils were not acidified and iron chlorosis was not prevented. Local acidification of the soil with H2SO4 or H2SO4 + FeSO4 resulted in similar changes in soil properties, however, CaCO3 content and HCO3 ‐ concentration decreased and Iron chlorosis was corrected. The chlorophyll and Fe2+ content of leaf samples determined one month after treatment application showed a s...

Effect of soil texture and CaCO3 content on water infiltration in crusted soil as related to water salinity

The effect of soil texture and CaCO3 content on water infiltration rate in crusted soil was studied with the use of a rain simulator. Two types of soils with low exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP 400 mm winter rain. Soil samples with clay percentages between 3 and 60 were collected in each region. Distilled water (simulating rainfall) and saline water (simulating irrigation water) were sprinkled on the soil. The soils were exposed to ‘rain’ until steady state infiltration and corresponding crust formation were obtained. For both types of soils and for both types of applied water, soils with ∼ 20% clay were found to be the most sensitive to crust formation and have the lowest infiltration rate. With increasing percentage of clay, the soil structure was more stable and the formation of crust was diminished. In soils with lower clay content (< 20%), there was a limited amount of clay to disperse and, as a result, undeveloped crust was formed. Silt and CaCO3 had no effect on the final infiltration rate for either type of applied water, whereas with saline water, increasing the silt content increased the rate of crust formation.

Ammonia Volatilization from Surface Applications of Ammonium Compounds on Calcareous Soils: IV. Effect of Calcium Carbonate Content

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to determine the effect of soil CaCO3 content on ammonia volatilization from surface applied ammonium compounds. Ammonia‐nitrogen losses from surface‐applied (NH4)2SO4 increased rapidly to 6.1% soil CaCO3, with slight NH3 loss increases from 6.1 to 9.7% soil CaCO3, and no NH3 loss increase beyond 9.7% soil CaCO3. Ammonium nitrate reached maximum NH3‐N loss at 1.3% soil CaCO3 and 110 kg NH4+‐N/ha, with lower but still increasing losses of NH3‐N at 6.1% soil CaCO3 and 550 kg NH4+‐N/ha.The acidity of the ammonium compounds caused a reduction in final soil pH at low CaCO3 levels and high NH4+‐N application rates; but at 6.1% soil CaCO3 and above, the pH values remained at 7.5 to 7.6. The effect of soil pH on NH3‐N losses was greater for NH4NO3 than for (NH4)2SO4. For (NH4)2SO4, the percent loss of NH3‐N below 1.3% soil CaCO3 decreased as NH4+‐N application rates increased; but at 2.9% and above, NH3‐N losses were greatest at the highest rate of NH4+‐N application. In contrast, no reversal in NH3‐N losses were observed for NH4NO3 with increasing soil CaCO3 content and NH4+‐N application rates.Multiple regression analysis of NH3‐N losses with respect to time, temperature, rate of NH4+‐N application, and soil CaCO3 content resulted in two equations with correlation coefficients (R2) of 0.88 and 0.85.

Autecology of Atriplex Polycarpa from California

Atriplex polycarpa (Torr.) Wats. was a dominant, palatable shrub of the xeric Atripleto—Brometum disclimax in the San Joaquin valley of California. Overgrazing and agriculture during the past 100 years have restricted its present distribution to saline or fenced areas. Optimal germination temperatures (9—15°C) are close to those that prevail in nature in November, the month of utricle dispersal. Germination is rapid and can occur over a wide range of temperatures (3—33°C); it is reduced by light and NACl &gt; 1%, but indifferent to temperature alternation and soil CaCO3 content. It is unlikely that the bracteoles contain inhibitors. In a field plot in the Temblor Range of California, during a growing season with 115 mm precipitation, none of the seeds sown produced an established seedling, possibly because of competition by introduced annuals. Optimal growth conditions were 18—hour photoperiod, 24 ± 4°C. Growth at 12°C was quite slow. If conditions are favorable A. polycarpa can produce a large biomass, but it possesses a long juvenile stage of &gt; 2 years prior to flowering. The base value of shoot water potential at no moisture stress is —18 bars, but this can be modified downward by pre—exposure to minor cycles of drought. This species can endure soil moisture below that which causes ultimate wilting or sunflower plants and can recover from a shoot water potential as low as —69 bars. Plants in nature, in August, exhibited a shoot water potential as low as —58 bars. This species was compared in a number of ways to Syrian ecological equivalents Haloxylon articulatum and Salsola vermiculata var. villosa.

Phosphorus in calcareous soils. I. —The inorganic phosphate fractions and their relation to the amount of calcium carbonate present

AbstractIn a fractionation study with six calcareous soils varying widely in carbonate content, it was observed that the amount of the different inorganic phosphate fractions expressed as a percentage of the total soil phosphorus decreased in the order ‚inert’︁ phosphate, apatites, non‐apatitic calcium phosphates, aluminium‐bound phosphate, iron‐bound phosphate, ‚easily‐replaceable’︁ phosphate. The aluminium‐bound phosphate expressed as percentage of total soil phosphorus was significantly correlated (negatively) with CaCO3%. The proportion of the other forms of phosphate were not significantly correlated with soil CaCO3 content. The non‐apatitic calcium phosphate and the aluminium and iron‐bound phosphates accounted for a smaller proportion of total soil phosphorus in calcareous soils, than values given in literature for non‐calcareous soils. The ‚inert’︁ phosphate and the apatitic fractions accounted for a greater proportion of the phosphate in the calcareous than in the non‐calcareous soils.

Karpellbau und Plazentationsverhältnisse in der Reihe der Helobiae: Mit einem Anhang über die verwandtschaftlichen Beziehungen zwischen Ranales und Helobiae

Lime-induced chlorosis is a widespread nutritional disorder affecting grapevines cultivated in calcareous soils. A greenhouse experiment was conducted to investigate the response of Vitis vinifera ssp. sylvestris to soil lime by evaluating the effects of a range of soil CaCO3 contents (0–60%) on plant growth, nutrient content (iron, potassium, nitrogen and phosphorus) and photosynthetic performance (gas exchange, chlorophyll fluorescence parameters and photosynthetic pigments). The highest soil CaCO3 concentration induced nutrient imbalances and significantly inhibited photosynthetic function, causing a reduction in carbon gain and consequently, a drastic growth reduction and high mortality. However, all the plants survived external CaCO3 contents of up to 40%, and reduction in growth at 20% CaCO3 was slightly lower than that recorded in several previously studied lime-tolerant varieties of grapevine. Plants grown at 20% CaCO3 maintained net photosynthesis values of around 6 μmol m−2 s−1, a similar chlorophyll content to that of the control plants and dawn Fv/Fm values close to the optimal values for unstressed plants. Up to the 40% CaCO3 treatment, the study species was capable of maintaining Fe uptake by the roots and translocation to leaves, while controlling the nutritional status of N and P. Our study indicates that the studied population of V. vinifera ssp. sylvestris could provide a source of genetic diversity for lime tolerance improvement in grapevine.