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This study aimed to assess the nutritional status of soybean and wheat and the relationship with grain yield and biometric components after lime and phosphogypsum (GY) reapplication. Treatments consisted of two lime application methods, surface liming and incorporated liming, to different levels of base saturation (BS) (44, 70, and 90%), in addition to surface liming to 70% BS associated with a standard dose (70GY1) or double dose (70GY2) of GY. Treatments were applied in 2012 and reapplied in 2016. The results refer to the 2018/2019 soybean season and the 2019 wheat season. Lime + GY treatment increased leaf area, plant height, leaf dry matter, and stem dry matter in soybean but had no effect on specific leaf area (235.4 cm2 g−1), stem diameter (6.08 mm), number of pods per plant (71.7), grain number per plant (165), or thousand grain weight (117 g). Liming to 90% BS reduced leaf manganese contents in both crops and leaf iron content in soybean. GY application improved the calcium status of both crops and the sulfur status of soybean. However, 70GY2 reduced leaf magnesium contents in soybean and wheat. Soil tillage without lime reduced wheat yield by 12% compared with no-till. Soybean yield correlated positively with leaf nitrogen (0.79), leaf phosphorus (0.91), leaf area (0.62), and thousand grain weight (0.65), whereas wheat yield correlated with leaf phosphorus (0.83), calcium (0.75), and sulfur (0.74). For improved soybean and wheat performance, it is preferable to apply lime and GY to the soil surface (70GY1), permanently maintaining no-till practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Limestone needs to react with water to correct the soil acidity. Therefore, it is expected that soil water availability interferes with limestone reaction time. The objectives of the study were (1) verify whether soil water availability alters limestone reaction time and (2) to evaluate whether the period of less than 60 days between limestone incorporation and sowing is sufficient to correct soil acidity. Two trials were carried out in a greenhouse, in a completely randomized design, in a factorial scheme. In the first trial, the BRS RB331 Ipyporã grass was grown, and the soil was subjected to the combination between the number of times the soil was raised to the maximum water retention capacity (1, 2, 3 and 9 irrigation) and two base saturation (50% and 60%). In the second trial, the Panicum maximum cv. Mombasa was grown, and six treatments were adopted in a 3 × 2 factorial scheme, consisting of the combination of three levels of water availability (50%, 75% and 100% from maximum water-holding capacity) and two limestone reaction periods (30 and 60 days). Soil water availability significantly influenced the limestone reaction time. As a result, it is possible to implant Mombasa and BRS Ipyporã grasses after 30 days of limestone incorporation, provided that the water saturation in the soil is increased to 75%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil and foliar application are the most widely used methods for adding micronutrients to maize. High quality micronutrient fertilizers, however, are difficult to obtain in developing countries; micronutrient seed coatings are an attractive and practical alternative. We applied this approach to maize (Zea mays L.) to demonstrate the effects of boron (B), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), molybdenum (Mo) and zinc (Zn) sulfates on maize germination, vigor, seedling growth, seed yield and seed quality as well as on seed microelement concentration. Seed coating was tested on three representative Chinese soil types (sandy, purple and lime soils). Compared to untreated controls, coating maize seeds with micronutrients significantly increased the seed emergence rate, seedling height, leaf length, leaf width, leaf area, main root length, root number, above ground fresh biomass, above ground dry biomass, underground fresh biomass, underground dry biomass, ear thickness and yield in sandy, purple and lime soils. Coating maize seeds with micronutrients also significantly increased the yield and quality of maize seed compared to untreated controls including ear barren tip, ear length, ear thickness, grains/row, hundred seed weigh, and rows/ear. Also, B, Zn, Fe, Mn and Mo microelements accumulated in maize seed after coating the seed with micronutrients. Our findings indicate that micronutrient seed coating may improve nutrient uptake and production of maize hybrids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acid soils cover about 30% of the total ice-free land area. Based on this, the study aimed to evaluate soil acidity correction, focusing on identifying studies on limestone recommendations and corrective measures in agricultural systems. To do so, a systematic literature review (SLR) was carried out, composed of: 1) a systematic literature mapping (SLM), which identifies studies using topic-specific keywords and database automatic search; 2) Snowballing, technique that expands the initial selection using references of the selected studies; and 3) a SLR to synthesize the selected papers. First, 169 scientific papers were selected, of which 116 by SLM, 26 by backward Snowballing, and 27 by forward Snowballing. Most of the papers were about lime requirement (LR) methods (43%) and liming effects on soil and plants (19%). A total of 26 LR methods were found in the papers, of which most were base saturation and Shoemaker-McLean-Pratt methods. Calcium and magnesium carbonates, as well as dolomite, were the main sources of soil acidity correction. In brief, the study provided a critical and constructive analysis of the existing literature on soil acidity correction; the findings showed that liming is the most used and effective method to neutralize soil acidity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phosphorus (P) transformations and associated changes in soil chemistry following lime application in acidic soils are very determinant to enhance P use efficiency. Thus, this study was conducted to evaluate the effects of different rates of lime on soil P fractions and chemical properties in acidic Luvisols of southern Ethiopia. The lime rates were 0 t/ha (0%), 3.75 t/ha (50%), 7.5 t/ha (100%), and 11.25 t/ha (150%), and incubated for a month with three replications. The soil P fractions analyzed includes soluble P (P-sol), P associated with iron (Fe-P), aluminum (Al-P), calcium (Ca-P), organic part (Org-P) and residual (Res-P). The result indicated that liming significantly (p < 0.05) improved the release of P-sol, Ca-P, and Res-P, and reduced Fe-P, Al-P, and Org-P. The changes in soil chemical properties were also significant. For instance, increased rate of lime enhanced soil pH from 5.3 to 6.5, reduced exchangeable acidity from 1.47 to 0.15 cmol(+)/kg, and increased available P from 2.74 to 8.72 cmol(+)/kg. Yet, the amount of P-sol was found low for plant needs even at a 150% rate of lime. Thus, working on external P requirement to equilibrate the need for plants followed by crop response validation are suggested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil reinforcement and stabilisation using a combination of natural or synthetic fibres, lime, cement and fly ash is very useful when construction had been done on weak soil. This study is evaluated the utilisation of fibres, cement and lime as a stabiliser for soil improvement. The unconfined compressive strength (UCS) tests carried out on the specimens containing various contents of cement, lime and fibre after curing times of 7 and 28 days to estimate the optimum mixture design. In preparing specimens, the clay soil was mixed with the desired amount of cement or lime and fibre then compacted at the optimum water content and maximum dry density. The results show that the UCS increases about 7.5 times in a cement content change from 5% to 25% at a curing time of 28 days. However, this value is about 11.5 for lime–stabilised specimens. The UCS of cement or lime-stabilised specimens with or without fibre reinforcement increases as curing time increases from 7 to 28 days. However, it is concluded that the optimum fibre content corresponding to maximum UCS is directly dependent on the type of fibre. Mostly the optimal fibre content varies from 6% to 10% depending on cement type. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lime treatment of soil is a widely adopted technique to improve its properties. However, the durability of lime-treated soil under varying environmental conditions such as contamination with chemical agents is still a matter of concern. An attempt has been made to examine the swelling behaviour of untreated and lime-treated expansive soil subjected to sulphate contamination (i.e. soluble gypsum). Series of the free swell index and one-dimensional oedometer swell tests have been performed in untreated and lime-treated soil inundating with soluble gypsum of varying sulphate concentration (i.e. low to high; 0 to 30000 ppm). The results of one-dimensional oedometer swell tests revealed that the sulphate contamination leads to the reduction in the maximum swelling percentage of untreated soil. On contrary, a drastic increase in the swelling percentage has been observed in the lime-treated soil subjected to contamination up to 16000 ppm, which diminishes thereafter with an increase in sulphate concentration. It is revealed that the sulphate contamination has observed promising effect on untreated soil; whereas a susceptible behaviour is pronounced in the lime-treated soil up to 16000 ppm sulphate concentration. Further, experimental outcomes are elucidated based on the detailed microanalyses (XRD, SEM, EDAX and FTIR) of samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although transportation infrastructure promotes the continuous development of the world economy, it is also responsible for serious pollution problems. These are studied in the analysis of five transportation infrastructure projects from Bosnia, Pakistan, and China, and their environmental emissions and impacts using an environmental impact assessment model of transportation infrastructure based on life cycle analysis. This shows that: (a) the main reason for the negative environmental impact of transportation infrastructure is the use of energy and complex materials, of which the use of lime soils has the biggest influence on global warming; and (b) frequent overhaul maintenance has a greater impact on the environment compared to daily maintenance. Our findings provide governments from all countries with a scientific basis for formulating policies for energy conservation and reduction in transportation infrastructure emissions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several studies have recommended balanced fertilization for increased and sustainable maize productivity in northern Ghana. However, the effectiveness of balanced fertilization in strongly acid soils is unknown. We conducted nutrient omission trials on strongly acid soils in four communities in northern Ghana to quantify impact of balanced fertilization and its synergism with liming on maize productivity. We evaluated the following treatments, each with and without liming: (i) balanced fertilization (BF), which contained all essential limiting nutrients, (ii) BF without sulfur (minus-S), (iii) BF without zinc (minus-Zn), (iv) BF without boron (minus-B), (v) NPK-only, and (vi) control. Without liming, maize yield was generally low (ranging from 0.4 to 2.2 t ha−1) and followed the order: minus-Zn > NPK-only > BF = Minus-S = Minus-B > Control. However, regardless of fertilization treatment, liming significantly increased maize productivity with grain yields ranging from 0.7 to 4.2 t ha−1, with BF having the greatest yield. With liming, the minus-Zn treatment resulted in a ≥ 30% yield decrease, compared to BF. The combined data suggest that in strongly acid soils, unless lime is applied, addition of micronutrients to NPK fertilizers would not have the desired effect on maize productivity. Without lime application to such soils, omission of Zn from BF in will not only reduce production cost but could have a positive impact on maize productivity. However, we recommend that BF in strongly acid soils should be accompanied by liming to ensure increased and sustainable productivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Guava is one of the most important fruits in the Brazilian export market. The objective of this work was to evaluate the effects of liming and phosphorus (P) sources on micronutrients content in guava seedlings. The experimental design was completely randomized in a factorial scheme (2 × 3 × 3) comprising two dolomite limestone rates (0 and 5 Mg ha−1), three soil types (Typical Red Oxisol, Typical Yellow Oxisol, and Typical Yellow Ultisol), and three P sources (Arad rock phosphate, thermophosphate 'Yoorin,' and triple superphosphate) at 150 mg kg−1, with three replicates. Boron [B], copper [Cu], zinc [Zn], iron [Fe], and manganese [Mn] concentrations in guava seedling leaves and stems were affected by liming, by the P source, and by the soil type. Limestone and P sources altered the B, Cu, Zn, Fe, and Mn concentrations in leaves and stems of guava seedlings in each of the three evaluated soil types. Due to its low solubility, and regardless of soil type and liming, Arad rock phosphate was less effective than triple super phosphate as a P source for guava seedlings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lime-cement stabilisation of clayey soils has been successfully used for many years. However, limited published studies have investigated the influence of varying mellowing period for two-stage lime-cement stabilisation on the secant elastic and resilient moduli of subgrade soils. The two-stage stabilisation starts with mixing the soil with lime, allow it to mellow for a specific period to improve soil's workability and reduce plasticity. Cement is mixed with the treated soil and compacted to ensure strength development. The effects of lime-cement stabilisation on compaction, bearing capacity, compressive strength, elastic modulus, and resilient modulus of a medium plasticity clayey soil were investigated. A continuous reduction in the E50 of soaked lime-cement stabilised specimens was observed with longer mellowing periods specimens with 24 h mellowing showed the highest ability to absorb energy under the applied load. Repeated load triaxial test showed that the resilient moduli were significantly improved after the two stages stabilisation, and mellowing the lime treated soil will considerably enhance the soil stiffness. The three-parameter regression model showed that the two-stages stabilised materials have a strain hardening property. Increasing the mellowing period beyond 48 h, before adding cement and compaction will reduce in compressive strength, elastic modulus, and resilient modulus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated phosphorous (P) sorption characteristics under lime rates, and validated them under field conditions. Soil samples from nitisols and luvisols were taken, mixed with lime(tha−1) at[0,0], [5.25, 3.75], [10.5, 7.5] and [15.75, 11.25], respectively, and incubated for 30 days. It was equilibrated with KH2PO4 at 0, 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 mgPL−1. The data were tested with Freundlich and Langmuir models. External P requirement (EPR) and changes in chemical properties were evaluated. The field validation on wheat involved rates of P (0, 8.2, 16.4, 24.6, 32.9, and 41.1 kg ha−1) and lime (0, 650, and 1300 kgha−1) in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Freundlich was found the best-fitted model. Freundlich coefficient (Kf) ranged from 212 to 45 mgPkg−1 (nitisols) whereas it was 112.7 to 16.29 mgPkg−1 (luvisols). EPR (kgPha−1) without and the highest lime rate were: nitisols (142.5 and 52.32 kgPha−1) and luvisols (124.84 and 25.94 kgPha−1). Liming reduced EPR by 63.3% (nitisols) and 79.3% (luvisols). Liming increased soil pH from [4.55 to 6.60 in the nitisols, and 5.33 to 6.51 in luvisols]; exchangeable acidity (cmol(+)kg−1) 3.84 to 0.01 nitisols, and 0.72–0.05 luvisols, and available P (mg/kg) 3.2–6.32 nitisol, and 2.74–8.72 luvisols. Furthermore, applying 32.9 kgPha−1 x 1300 kgha−1 lime resulted in grain yield (4345.2 kgha−1) that was 449% more than the untreated crop (791.3 kgha−1). The validation result suggested higher P than blanket P recommendation. It also justifies that excess P or lime alone cannot be a complete solution for P management and increased yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of liming on soil fertility, growth, nutrition and production of red pitaya (Hylocereus monacanthus) plants cultivated in pot. The experiment was conducted in blocks, with five doses of limestone (0.0; 0.6; 1.2; 1.8; and 2.5 t ha−1) and four replicates. Corrective doses were established to achieve base saturation of 20 to 70%. Liming increased soil pH (4.5 to 6.7), Ca concentration (5.36 to 20.11 mmolc dm−3), Mg concentration (4.36 to 16.53 mmolc dm−3) and base saturation (23.69 to 72.61%) and reduced potential acidity (37.39 to 15.41 mmolc dm−3). Liming reduces nitrogen concentration and increased phosphorus, calcium and sulfur concentrations in the cladodes. There was an increase in phosphorus concentration and decrease in boron and iron concentrations in fruit peel according to the increase in limestone doses; in the pulp, there was an increase in boron concentration and decrease in iron and zinc concentrations, from the lowest to the highest dose of limestone. Based on the principal component analysis, the limestone dose of 1.8 t ha−1 increased base saturation to 59%, providing favorable chemical conditions for the growth and productivity of red pitaya. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Less uptake of zinc (Zn) in maize is a serious issue when cultivated in lime soils. The higher concentration of lime significantly affects soil pH. It also minimized the phyto-available pool of micronutrients, i.e., Zn, iron (Fe), copper (Cu), in soil. In these micronutrients, the balance uptake of Zn and its enrichment in maize has prime importance. Application methods and sources of Zn application can overcome this problem. The current study was conducted to assess soil and foliar application's efficacious functioning toward improvement in Zn uptake and dry matter production of maize Two sources of Zn (zinc-methionine and zinc sulfate) were applied at the rate of 5 mg Zn kg−1, 0,2% Zn. Results showed that soil + foliar Zn methionine performed significantly better than all other treatments for increase in dry weight of maize in lime-rich and poor soils. A significant increase in Zn concentration of maize signified soil + foliar Zn methionine's imperative functioning over all the treatments in lime-rich and poor soils. However, results also showed that both sources of Zn application via soil and foliar caused a significant decline in Fe, Cu and Mn concentration in maize in lime-rich and poor soils. On an average, in lime-rich and poor soils, performance was better in lime-poor soils over lime-rich soils. In conclusion, soil + foliar Zn methionine is an effective amendment for improving maize dry matter and Zn enrichment in maize when cultivated in lime-rich and poor soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urea is the most used nitrogen (N) fertilizer worldwide, but its rapid hydrolysis on the soil surface results in N loss in the form of ammonia (NH3-N). Enzyme inhibitors have been investigated for their ability to reduce NH3-N volatilization, particularly from no-till and surface-limed soils. This study assessed the efficiency of stabilized fertilizers in reducing NH3-N volatilization under different lime rates and application methods. The experiment followed a 2 × 4 × 3 factorial design, with two liming methods (surface application and incorporation), four base saturation levels (50, 60, 70, and 90%), and three urea (45% N) sources: conventional urea, urea + N-(n-butyl)-Thiophosphoric triamide (NBPT), and urea + Boron (B) + Copper (Cu). NH3-N volatilization losses varied from 9.15 to 20.43 kg ha−1, accounting for 11.4 to 25.5% of the applied N rate. Base saturation did not influence NH3-N volatilization. Liming method, however, had a significant effect. Urea + B + Cu was effective in reducing volatilization loss only in soils ameliorated by lime incorporation (23% reduction compared with conventional urea). Urea + NBPT was effective in surface-limed and incorporated soils (up to 55.5% reduction). The results showed that soil management influences the efficiency of stabilized fertilizers and that urea + NBPT provides the best results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soft soil as a pavement subgrade leads to early pavement failure or increased pavement thickness. Ground improvement techniques have been used as a solution to this. The published studies on coir waste treated soft soil depict that the adverse volume change characteristics of clayey soils are mitigated by the resistance offered by coir waste. However, on analyzing, it can be seen that the engineering properties of coir waste treated soil are on a lower side. Hence, an additional stabilizer lime was used in combination with coir waste to investigate the enhancement in strength and reduction in deformation behavior. This paper presents the experimental studies carried out to investigate how the addition of lime to soil treated with coir waste affects various aspects like compression behavior, undrained shear strength, and deformation behavior. The degree of expansion and effect of the curing period was also analyzed and an optimized design model was arrived to quantify the strength in terms of lime content added to the coir waste treated soil and its curing period. Design charts for pavement thickness over treated subgrade soil were also developed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accurate predictions of the short-term reactivity of liming products are needed for situations where rapid soil pH adjustment is desired. Lime efficiency (LE) describes the capacity of a liming material to neutralize soil acidity in comparison with a finely ground CaCO3 standard (LE = 100%). Our objectives were to evaluate LE for calcitic liming materials varying in particle size at 1–12 months after soil incorporation using pH change (LEpH) and CO2 evolution (LECO2) as response indicators, and to evaluate a 15-min citric acid (CA) test as a predictor of LE. We evaluated LE for lime particle size separates from 10 to 200 USA mesh (< 2000 µm to 75 µm) and for three commercial liming products (65, 25 and 11 µm average particle size) in a sandy loam soil. In field microplots, it took 6 months to achieve LE of > 80% with lime particles of <60 mesh (< 250 µm). LEpH was linearly related to LECO2 at one month following lime incorporation into soil. Both LEpH and LECO2 increased as a function of CA test values, as described by logarithmic equations. Lime particle size, CO2 evolution, and CA test values were all useful indicators of short-term LE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brandon Research and Development Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, 2701 Grand Valley Road, Brandon, MB R7A 5Y3, Canada i Root rot, caused by several soilborne pathogens including I Fusarium i spp., I Aphanomyces euteiches, Pythium i spp., I Phytophthora i spp. and I Rhizoctonia solani i , is a major threat to field pea production in western Canada. B An update on an indexed microbial culture collection and preservation of plant pathogens derived from Alberta crops b . I Swift Current Research and Development Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC), 1 Airport Road, P.O. Box 1030, Swift Current, SK S9H 3X2, Canada; (P.G.) Saskatoon Research and Development Centre, AAFC, 107 Science Place, Saskatoon, SK S7N 0X2, Canada; (M.E.) Department of Plant Science, 222 Agriculture Building, 66 Dafoe Road, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada; (G.S.) I The Alberta Plant Health Lab, Crop Diversification Centre North, 17 507 Fort Road NW, Edmonton, AB T5Y 6H3, Canada i Preservation and maintenance of plant pathogens in pure culture with known identities in a living and stable state is vital for pathological research, and is of critical importance when diagnosing new or emerging plant pathogens, as well as for confirming specific diseases to enable the development of appropriate control strategies. [Extracted from the article]

Fertilization with suitable amendment in acidic soil is crucial to achieve long-term high crop yield without deteriorating soil health in intensive cropping system. We studied the chemical and biological properties of soil, soybean, and wheat yield after 47 years of long-term fertilization in an acidic Alfisol. Treatments were: unfertilized (control); recommended N dose (N); recommended N and P (NP); recommended N, P and K (NPK); NPK + hand weeding (NPK + HW); NPK + 10 Mg ha−1 farmyard manure (NPK + FYM) and NPK + 0.40 Mg ha−1 lime (NPK + lime). Long-term application of NPK + FYM significantly enhanced the soil cation exchange capacity (CEC), organic carbon, available NPK and microbial functions compared to NPK. Application of NPK + lime increased soil pH, dehydrogenase activity (DHA) and bacterial population by 15.7%, 38.8% and 145% respectively, over NPK. Continuous inorganic-P fertilizer application leads to substantial build-up of available-P in soil. Fertilization of FYM/lime with NPK recorded higher crops yield compared to NPK. Soil DHA, bacterial population and CEC were most influencing factors governing grain yield. Overall, long-term application of NPK with FYM/lime improved soil health and crop yield, but rate of inorganic-P input should be curtailed in an Alfisol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flocculation by chemicals can adequately reduce the clogging effect, and the bending effect of prefabricated vertical drains can be eliminated by laying a prefabricated drain in the horizontal direction. Various settling column tests with different contents of chemicals, polyacrylamide (PAM) and hydrated lime (Ca(OH)2), were initially conducted to find the optimum dose for the fastest settling. Then, the combined effect of using both PAM and lime on the dewatering behavior of dredged clay slurry is studied using a prefabricated horizontal drain (PHD) and vacuum pressure of 80 kPa. Initially, sedimentation and self-weight consolidation with the optimum dose of PAM and lime are allowed to occur, and then further vacuum preloading is carried out. The combined effect of lime and PAM is very effective in increasing the dewatering rate, taking only 207 hours in comparison to 247 hours for the soil slurry treated with only PAM and 411 hours for the soil slurry without any chemicals. After the treatment, the shear strength substantially increases to 58.5 kPa for the soil with lime and PAM in comparison to 42.8 kPa for the soil with PAM only and 16 kPa for the soil without any chemicals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A field experiment was conducted at Zonal Agricultural Research Station, Mandya to evaluate the effect of biochar, lime and fertilizer on soil acidity and microbiological properties in an acidic soil. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design with seven treatments and three replications. The results revealed that application of fertilizer based on the soil test value (STV) either in combination with biochar or lime influenced soil microbial biomass carbon (SMBC), soil microbial biomass nitrogen (SMBN), dehydrogenase, urease and phosphatase activities significantly. Similarly, application of STV-based fertilizer along with biochar+FYM (Farm Yard Manure) + ZnSO4 significantly decreased exchangeable aluminum, exchangeable acidity and total acidity as compared with recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) + FYM+ ZnSO4 treatment. The grain yield of rice was increased by 37.90% in STV + biochar + FYM + ZnSO4 and by 22.87% in STV + lime +FYM + ZnSO4 plots than RDF + FYM + ZnSO4 plot. Seed and haulm yield of cowpea increased by 33.57% and 18.53% in STV + biochar + FYM + ZnSO4 treatments as compared with RDF + FYM + ZnSO4 treatment. Exchangeable aluminum and exchangeable acidity were found to be negatively correlated with yield of rice (r = -0.179) and cowpea (r = -0.266). However, yield of rice and cowpea showed the significantly and positively correlated with microbiological properties. The exchangeable Al and exchangeable acidity were found to be negatively correlated with SMBC, SMBN, dehydrogenase activity, urease activity and phosphatase activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Sistan region in south-east Iran is subject to highly active wind erosion and is considered one of the most important sources of dust in south-west Asia. This research was concerned with the assessment of the efficiency of mulches in stabilising sand dunes. The mulches are mixtures of local silty loam soil and hydrated lime in different concentrations, which were sprinkled on plots on the surface of sand dunes. The amount of wind erosion was measured at two-month intervals from January to September 2015. The results showed a significant increase in the shear strength of the substrate where the soil content of mulches had been increased. The mulch containing 15% local soil and 1% hydrated lime demonstrated the best performance against wind erosion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies involving oil-contaminated lateritic fine-grained soils are still scarce in literature, especially regarding treatments for improving soils mechanical properties. In this study, geotechnical properties and microstructure of a diesel-contaminated lateritic soil treated with lime are investigated and compared to tests conducted on lime-treated soil (2% to 8% lime) and diesel-contaminated soil (2 to16% diesel). The presence of diesel had no significant effect on soil plasticity but decreased soil strength. Lime stabilization applied to diesel-contaminated soils significantly improved soil properties after 6% of lime stabilizer. The diesel presence led to an inhibition of lime reaction due to reduction of cation exchange capacity and flocculation, which reflected in loss of its effectiveness in improving strength as compared to natural soil response. The water retention behavior and unsaturated hydraulic conductivity of soil were affected by diesel contamination, leading to curve shapes similar to clay materials. Adding 2% of lime to the contaminated soil, increase in the soil pores and changes in the shapes of water retention curve and k-functions were observed with similar behavior of a course-grained material. Overall, this study highlights how the presence of diesel and lime affects lateritic soil properties and microstructure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ferocious demands for waste tyres have posed remarkable threats to environment. The reuse of these materials can reduce the environmental concerns. This article investigates the influence of lime content, curing time, tyre cord scrap and shredded tyre contents on unconfined compressive strength (UCS), compaction properties and plasticity of clayey sand. The results indicated that the combination of both shredded tyre and tyre cord scrap with lime can be considered as an efficient method for ground improvement, since not only does it increase the UCS, but also it can reduce the plasticity of the studied soil. It was evident that both maximum dry density and optimum moisture content (OMC) values decreased with the addition of waste materials. Moreover, for lime stabilised specimens, it was found that the addition of a limited amount of shredded rubber allows the UCS to increase more than it does by treating the soil with lime only. In particular, the UCS stood at the highest level for specimens treated with 6% lime, cured for 56 days and additive with 0.5% tyre cord scrap. In this case, the increase in UCS was as high as 300% with respect to natural soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lime and gypsum application is one strategy for correcting soil acidity and improving soil fertility. However, soil compaction in no-till systems can influence these dynamics. This study aimed to assess the effect of lime and gypsum application under different soil compaction levels on soybean yield and soil chemical attributes. The application of lime and gypsum under artificial compaction levels and the movement of exchangeable calcium (Ca2+), magnesium (Mg2+), potassium (K+), and soil pH were monitored in the 0–0.05, 0.05–0.10, 0.10–0.20, and 0.20–0.40 m soil layer depths. Soybean grain yield was not influenced by the gypsum and lime applications and artificial compaction levels. In the 0.05–0.1, 0.1–0.2, and 0.2–0.4 m soil layers, the exclusive surface application of lime was effective in increasing the soil pH. Ca2+ and Mg2+ carbonates had low solubility and mobility in the soil; however, a rapid reaction to the surface over a relatively short period was observed. K+ concentration in the 0–0.05 m soil layer did not vary after the gypsum and lime applications. Therefore, the superficial application of lime is effective in acidity correction in no-till systems when the soil is not compacted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Calcareous soil may limit plant growth depending upon plant nutrient uptake. The change of apoplastic pH and deficiency of nutrients in high lime soils negatively affects plant growth with chlorophyll synthesis, root growth, enzyme synthesis. To overcome this abiotic stress, control (non-inoculated) and six bacterial strains; Alcaligenes 637Ca, Agrobacterium A18, Staphylococcus MFDCa1, Staphylococcus MFDCa2, Bacillus M3, and Pantoea FF1 were inoculated one-year-old apple saplings grafted on M9 and MM106. The M3, MFDCa1, FF1, and MFDCa2 strains were found to have the largest leaf area on M9 rootstock, while 637Ca had the smallest leaf area on MM106 rootstock. In the stem diameter, A18 and MFDCa1 were measured lower in M9 rootstock, while MFDCa1 and control were found lower in MM106 rootstock. The shortest shoot was determined in MFDCa2 on MM106 rootstock, while the FF1, M3, and control were found tallest shoot on M9 rootstock. For plant nutrition, all bacterial treatments were found higher than the control in both macronutrients and micronutrients. While the content of the N, P, Ca, and Cu was found highest in MM106 rootstock, K, Mg, Mn, Zn, and B were determined the highest on M9 rootstock. The FF1 and M3 bacteria strains were commonly determined to have the highest contents of the N, P, K, Mg, and Ca on M9 rootstock. As a result, bacterial strains used in the present study have an important potential to increase plant growth and to be used as a biofertilizer for Braeburn apple cultivar on M9 and MM106 under lime soil conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a wide application of rhizobia inoculants to legume crops in Africa, irrespective of the soil acidity, though the latter limits the effectiveness of inoculants. Two trials were conducted in a controlled environment to determine suitable soil pH and impact of liming on soybean nodulation and nitrogen fixation to inform proper application of the rhizobia-inoculant technology on acid soils. In the first trial; soil, variety and inoculation had significant influence (p < 0.05) on weighed nodule effectiveness (WNE) and N fixation. Strongly acidic soils recorded low WNE and N fixation. In the second trial, WNE and N fixation significantly increased with co-application of lime and inoculation (p < 0.05). The results showed that soybean inoculation is effective in increasing nodulation and N fixation in moderate acidic soils, contrarily to strongly acidic soils. Interestingly, co-application of lime and inoculation has potential of increasing nodulation and N fixation in strongly acidic soils. The WNE is recommended as a robust formula to report nodule effectiveness, compared to the current percentage method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A field experiment was conducted during Kharif and Summer seasons for two consecutive years of 2016-17 and 2017-18 with rice (Oryza sativa L.) and cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.), grown in a sequence at Zonal Agricultural Research Station, Mandya on an acid soil to study the effect of biochar, lime and mangala setright on yield, nutrient uptake and fertility status of an acidic soil. Application of biochar along with soil test value based fertilizer (STV) + FYM + ZnSO4 influenced the productivity of rice and cowpea of 104.82 q ha−1 and 2474.77 kg ha−1, respectively and the uptake of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium by rice (107.72, 28.16 and 69.34 kg ha−1, respectively) and cowpea (68.06, 5.86 and 38.67 kg ha−1, respectively) significantly, which was found on par with application of biochar along with RDF + FYM + ZnSO4. The soil pH (6.01), organic carbon content (5.03 g kg−1) and available nitrogen (340.45 kg ha−1), phosphorus (39.45 kg ha−1) and potassium (166.45 kg ha−1) significantly increased through the integrated use of biochar, FYM, ZnSO4 and fertilizers. Yield and soil properties like soil pH, organic carbon content and available nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium significantly increased with application of lime and mangala setright as compared to farmer's practice. Highest net income and benefit:cost ratio (2.65) was obtained with integration of soil test value based fertilizer application, FYM and biochar. Significant reduction in the productivity of crop and soil fertility was recorded in farmer's practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of the study was to evaluate effects of liming on phosphorus (P) adsorption and desorption capacity of acid soils in Assosa and Bambasi Districts. The soil samples were collected from six rural Kebeles; three from each Kebele and totally 18 samples were collected. The study was conducted in accordance with batch equilibrium method and adsorption values were fitted to Langmuir, Freundlich, and Temkin models to evaluate the goodness of curve fit. Differences between the models' indices and soil property parameters were analyzed by analysis of variance (ANOVA). The study revealed that unlimed soils of Amba-7, Sonka, and Amba-1 sites had higher range of P-sorption maxima (416.7–500.0 mg/kg) than the limed ones. In addition, the limed soils had shown lower adsorption maxima than the unlimed soils based on the Langmuir model. According to Freundlich model, limed soils had a lower Kf value than the unlimed soils. Similarly, Temkin model also verified that unlimed soils had higher b value (sorption energy) than limed soils. Total P desorbed (TPD) value of limed soils had shown a significant difference (p =.022) between the soils of different sites; then soils of Amba-16, Amba-7 and Sonka had relatively higher TPD value than the soils of the left sites. On lime treated soils the total P desorbed had shown increment relative to the untreated soils. The P-sorption isotherm was fitted best to Temkin model than the Langmuir and Freundlich models. Soils of the study area require liming to improve the P-adsorption problem; especially soils of Amba-7, Sonka, and Amba-1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although cherry-tomato is becoming more popular in the last years, there are no specific recommendations for P and K fertilization or liming strategies for this specific variety. Our aim was to assess rates of P and K and liming strategies in order to improve the yield of cherry-tomato grown on an Oxisol with a limited P-availability. Two pot experiments were developed. In the first-one, a two-factor factorial design was developed with 4 P (first-factor) and 4 K rates (second-factor), being these rates the 0%, 50%, 100%, and 200% of the recommended fertilization for tomato in South-Brazil. In the second experiment, the soil pH (4.3) was adjusted to 5.5, 6.0, and 6.5 with limestone. Soil P-availability, plant growth, diameter, number of fruits and cherry tomato yields were increased with the P addition, while a non-significant effect was observed after adding K. The highest yield was produced with 50% of the suggested amount of P for tomato in comparison with the non-fertilized plants (yield increase of 674%), while higher P rates (100% and 200%) produced a lower yield increase. The significant effect of soil liming was observed on increase of the flower bunches number when the soil pH was amended to 6.5. Cherry-tomato requirements seem to be different from the recommended for other varieties. Our results indicate that higher yields were achieved with a lower amount of chemical inputs than the recommended for tomato in general, stressing the importance of P for tomato cherry production over the other factors assessed here. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of Kocuria E43, Alcaligenes 637Ca and Pseudomonas 53/6 on combined lime and salinity stress in the soil were evaluated on strawberry cv. 'Sweet Ann'. The results of the experiment showed that yield, average number and weight of fruit, leaf area, nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) and sodium (Na) content of leaves, SPAD, stomatal conductance, membrane stability, protein and proline contents, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and malondialdehyde (MDA) contents and catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) activity were considerably affected by rhizobacterial inoculations in strawberry plants. There was a remarkable enhancement in fruit weight, number and yield, leaf area, macro elements contents of leaves, SPAD, stomatal conductance, protein and proline contents and CAT, SOD and APX activity. On the other hand, the sodium content of leaves, membrane permeability, H2O2 and MDA contents were considerably reduced by rhizobacterial treatment. The 637Ca had the highest yield per plant (120.4 g), while the lowest value was found in the control (89.9 g). Average increases in N, P and Ca contents in the leaf were obtained from rhizobacterial root inoculations of 16%, 35% and 32%, respectively. The lowest stomatal conductance was found in the control (67 mmol/m2s), while E43 + 53/6 had the highest (384 mmol/m2s). The highest CAT, SOD and APX activity were obtained from 637Ca + 53/6 (563 µmol min−1 mg−1 FW), E43 + 637Ca + 53/6 (399 µmol min−1 mg−1 FW) and E43 + 637Ca (31.91 µmol min−1 mg−1 FW), respectively. These results suggested that the 637Ca, E43 + 53/6 and E43 + 637Ca + 53/6 treatments may be effective in reducing the negative impacts of combined salinity and high calcareous in soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is currently no quick available method for assessing chemical reactivity of liming materials used to neutralize soil acidity. This study was conducted to assess the effectiveness of a method developed to determine the chemical reactivity of liming materials. The reactivity of five conventional liming materials, biochar, charcoal and wood ash was determined using the method. Liming materials were applied to surface samples of two Ultisols at rates intended to neutralize exchangeable acidity. Physico-chemical and mineralogical properties of liming materials and soils were determined. Soils treated with the liming materials were incubated for 12 weeks in plastic containers using a soil: water ratio of 1:1. The pH and exchangeable acidity of the samples were measured every fortnight. The reactivity of the conventional liming materials was found to be strongly and positively (r = 0.99) correlated with their calcite contents, and strongly and negatively (r = −0.98) correlated with their dolomite contents. Strong positive linear relationships (R2 ≥ 0.79, p <.05) were observed between the reactivity and mean pH of the two soils between the 2nd and the 12th week, while strong negative linear relationship (R2 ≥ 0.79, p <.05) was observed between the reactivity and mean exchangeable acidity of the soils. Conventional liming materials were better than biochar and charcoal in neutralizing acidity. The new method was effective in predicting the ability of liming materials to neutralize exchangeable acidity and to raise the pH of acid soils. It can be used by farmers and lime producers to assess the reactivity of liming materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The conversion of Pampa Biome soils into no-till system for grain production requires acidity correction, at least to fully neutralize exchangeable aluminum (Al). The aim of the study is to evaluate changes in solid phase acidity and Al speciation in soil solution that was conducted to prepare the soil for the implementation of a no-tillage system in a natural pasture area in Southern Brazil. We collected soil samples from the 0–5, 5–10, 10–15 and 15–20 cm layers in soils subjected, or not, to acidity correction to pH 6.0, as well as in soils with, and without, limestone incorporation through plowing and harrowing. Changes in the solid and solution phase attributes, such as soil acidity, were limited to 5 and 10 cm, respectively, 44 months after surface and incorporated liming. Regardless of liming addition to, or lack of thereof in the soil, Al found in the soil solution was mainly associated with organic carbon. This was the main way to decrease plant toxicity under these conditions, which can be supported by plant behavior, especially that of soybean. Liming induced the soil solution Al to exchange its ligand from organic carbon to hydroxyl. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Good soil structure is important for achieving high productivity of agricultural land and also affects the ability of soil to withstand erosive forces. Given the importance of soil structure, efforts are commonly made to improve it, usually by application of amendments of different kinds (e.g. lime, biochar, compost, manure etc.). However, little is known about the effect of these amendments on the soil resistance to detachment. This study assessed the resistance to detachment of soil cores treated with different liming products, using a cohesive strength meter (CSM) which measures the rate of soil detachment under the action of water jets at different pressures. The amount of soil removed by the water jets was taken as an indirect measure of soil resistance to detachment, under the assumption that more resistant soils will lose less material than more susceptible soils at a given water jet pressure. The results showed that all soil amendments studied reduced detachment of particles under the action of water jets compared with unamended soil (control). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of organic or reduced form of nitrogen (N) can have various beneficial effects in terms of plant nutrient uptake, metabolism, and environmental issues. In this study, the influence of soil application of reduced N-forms (ammonium, glycine, and glutamine) compared to nitrate and a no fertilizer treatment was evaluated on growth characteristics of sweet basil (Occimum basilicum L.) under a moderate lime soil conditions. The basil growth traits including root and shoot biomass were increased under application of reduced N-forms mainly glycine and glutamine compared to no fertilizer treatment. Application of reduced forms of nitrogen (ammonium, glycine, and glutamine) increased the leaf concentrations of potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca), iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn), whereas the leaf N concentration was increased by ammonium and nitrate fertilization compared to unfertilized control plants. The results indicate that soil application of reduced N-forms particularly glycine and glutamine is superior to nitrate application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Red acid soil is generally distributed in humid tropical areas under high rainfall. The main constraint is usually the extremely low pH of the soil due to the very intensive leaching of the bases from the soil. At the same time, however, the soluble micro elements, such as iron, are high. This can cause plant toxicity. The liming of acidic soils is normally performed to reduce the iron toxicity as the first step toward providing a balanced nutrition for cultivated plants. The objective of this study is to determine the effects of liming on the soil pH, on the decrease of iron in the soil and on the growth of the pineapple. The research was done in the Greenhouse of the Research and Development Department, PT Great Giant Pineapple, Lampung, Indonesia, from November 2015 to April 2016. The design of the experiment was arranged as a completely randomized design with seven treatments and three replications, consisting of: No dolomite (D0), dolomite 1 t ha−1 (D1), dolomite 2 t ha−1 (D2), dolomite 3 t ha−1 (D3), dolomite 4 t ha−1 (D4), dolomite 5 t ha−1 (D5) with added Fe-EDTA and for the control treatment, no dolomite and no Fe-EDTA (C0). The results showed that an increase in the dolomite dose can increase the pH, potassium (K), calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) in the soil and can decrease the iron (Fe) in the soil significantly. Increasing the pH, K, Ca and Mg and decreasing the Fe in the soil were seen to influence the growth of the pineapple. In particular, the leaf area of the pineapple plant increased considerably. The other parameters also increased, but not significantly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to determine the effects of solid and liquid manures on soil microbial status and activity in organic farming model under greenhouse conditions. Two different test plants, rocket (Eruca vesicaria) and lettuce (Lactuca sativa), were grown also to determine the effects of plant species on related traits of the soil. A greenhouse experiment was conducted in randomized complete blocks with three replicates. The experiment was consisted of treatments with and without plants and manure. The combined doses of solid and liquid manure in rocket and lettuce soils resulted in an increase by 142.09 and 105.49% in urease, 130.75 and 135.24% in alkaline phosphatase, 162.40 and 195.06% in β-glucosidase, 135.29 and 329.88% in dehydrogenase activities and 306.34 and 182.42% in number of bacteria, respectively, compared to the control without manure. Significant changes for each parameter were also observed according to plant species (increase ranging from 54 to 128.06%). Even though influence of plants was positive, it was not as effective as manure on the measured parameters. It was determined that, in general, stimulating effect of the combined application of solid and liquid manures on the enzyme activities and number of bacteria in soil is significantly higher than the plant-derived effects (plant type, root secretions, etc.). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study on the long-term effect of fertilizers, farmyard manure and lime on changes in soil properties and wheat productivity was carried out at Himchal Pradesh Agricultural University, Palampur (India). The soil was acidic in reaction and classified taxonomically as Typic Hapludalf. Soil samples, collected from two depths viz., 0–0.15 m and 0.15–0.30 m after the harvesting of wheat (2015–2016) were analyzed for different soil properties. Regular use of optimal dose of chemical fertilizers and farmyard manure influenced bulk density, porosity, water holding capacity, saturated hydraulic conductivity, mean weight diameter, pH, organic carbon, cation exchange capacity, available nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, sulfur, DTPA extractable iron, zinc, copper and manganese, microbial biomass carbon, microbial biomass nitrogen and dehydrogenase activity of soil significantly. Highest grain yield of wheat (30.34 q ha−1) was recorded at 100% NPK + FYM which was at par with 100% NPK + lime (27.89 q ha−1). However, imbalanced use of nutrients affected different soil properties and productivity adversely. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a greenhouse experiment, plant growth and copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) uptake by four Salix cultivars grown in Cu and Zn contaminated soils collected from a mining area in Finland were tested to assess their suitability for phytoextraction. The cultivars displayed tolerance to heavily contaminated soils throughout the experiment. After uptake, total mean Cu concentrations in the leaves, shoots and roots in all cultivars and treatments ranged from 163 to 474 mg kg−1 and mean Zn concentrations ranged from 776 to 1823 mg kg−1. Lime and wood ash addition increased dry biomass growth (25–43%), chlorophyll fluorescence (Fv/Fm) values (3–6%), the translocation factor (TF) (15–60% for Cu; 10–25% for Zn), the bio-concentration factor (BCF) (40–85% for Cu; 70–120% for Zn), and metal uptake (55–70% for Cu; 50–65% for Zn) compared to unamended treatment across all cultivars. The results revealed that Salix cultivars have the potential to take up and accumulate significant amounts of Cu and Zn. Cultivar Klara (Salix viminalis × S. schwerinii × S. dasyclados) was found to be the most effective cultivar for phytoextraction since it displayed greater dry biomass production, Fv/Fm, TF, BCF values and uptake percentage rates of Cu and Zn compared to the other three cultivars. This study indicates that further research is needed to clarify the wider phytoextraction capabilities of different Salix cultivars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An experimental investigation was undertaken in order to assess the effect of sodium (Na2SO4) and calcium (CaSO4·2H2O) sulphates and curing period on stress–strain curves and failure modes of grey (GS) and red (RS) clayey soils stabilised by lime (L), natural pozzolana (NP) and their combinations (L–NP). Several soil–L–NP mixtures were studied to be used as subgrade soils for road pavements. Stress–strain curves were obtained from unconfined compressive strength (UCS) test made on several soil–L–NP specimens after curing for 7 and 120 days. Tests results showed that the use of L or L–NP without sulphates produced a significant increase in peaks stress of both clayey soils and then modified their stress–strain curves from nonlinear to linear behaviour almost up to 70% of peak stress after a longer curing period. However, the presence of 2% Na2SO4 or any CaSO4·2H2O content provided beneficial effects on peaks stress and stress–strain curves of both stabilised clayey soils and then improved their linearity almost up to 95% of peak stress after curing for 120 days. In contrast, the presence of 6% Na2SO4 caused undesirable effects. In addition, both sulphates greatly affected the failure modes of soil–L–NP specimens, particularly at a later stage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aimed at investigating effects of lime and mineral P fertilizers on P uptake and growth of maize (Zea mays subsp.) in greenhouse pot experiment. Combination of four P rates and four lime rates were applied to four highly acidic soil samples and the soils were incubated for a total of 112 days after which maize (Zea mays subsp.) was planted. The maize plants were harvested for analysis after 42 days of growth. Control experiments were also included. Available P (Bray I) and pH were significantly increased after incubation. Maximum available P was obtained in the soils that received the highest P rate and optimum lime rate. Levels of exchangeable acidity were significantly decreased in the P and lime treated soils compared to the control experiments. Plant biomasses and P uptake of maize increased significantly (p ≤ 0.001) with application of P and lime compared to the control experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Methods used to compare the effectiveness of liming materials (e.g., relative neutralizing value, RNV; effective calcium carbonate equivalent, ECCE) were developed for ground limestone. This method is relatively untested on industrial byproducts that could be used when limestone is expensive or unavailable. The objective was to determine if RNV applies to both ground limestones and industrial byproducts. A 42-d incubation study was performed on three acid soils with 11 ground limestones and 9 different byproducts at four rates based on titration and the modified Adams-Evans buffer method. Overall effectiveness, assessed as RNV compared to Ca(OH)2, averaged 101.5 ± 0.9% for all the evaluated liming materials, except the paper sludge and dolomitic marble. Thus, RNV was a good estimate of neutralizing ability when particle size was accurate. Addition of RNV to packaging would facilitate the commercial use of byproducts as liming materials allowing consumers to compare products by price and properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It has been suggested that liming can improve soil structure and thereby decrease losses of particles and associated nutrients. In this study, two types of structure lime, slaked lime (Ca(OH)2) and a mixed product of calcium carbonate (CaCO3) and slaked lime (Ca(OH)2), were applied at three different rates in field trials on clayey soils (23%–40% clay). A combination of primary tillage and structure liming was also studied, in a split-plot trial on a clayey soil (25% clay). Aggregate (2–5 mm) stability, measured as reduction in turbidity (which is strongly correlated with losses of particulate phosphorus), was significantly increased with the highest application rates of both structure lime products. Aggregate size distribution was also improved with structure lime, creating a finer tilth in the seedbed. Yield response to structure lime was not consistent, with both negative and positive responses over the four-year study period. Positive yield responses can possibly be attributed to the finer tilth preventing evaporation in two dry growing seasons. Negative yield responses were probably an effect of impaired phosphorus availability associated with limited precipitation in May-July in 2011 and 2013. Two years after liming, soil pH levels were significantly elevated in plots with the highest application rate of structure lime, whereas no significant increases were found three years after liming. However, a lingering effect of liming was still detectable, as manganese concentration in barley grain was significantly lower in plots with the highest application rates of both structure lime products in the fourth study year. These results indicate that structure liming can be used as a measure to mitigate phosphorus losses from clayey soils, thereby preventing eutrophication of nearby waters. However, the yield response was varying and unpredictable and thus further investigations are needed to determine the circumstances in which field liming can act efficiently not only to prevent phosphorus losses, but also to ensure consistent yield increases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil liming may increase phosphorus (P) availability, but this increase may also be achieved with generous P applications. However, it is not well known which practice has longer-term effects. Thus, in a pot experiment, an acidic soil (pH 4.57), limed to pH 6.5, was added with P and sown withLolium perenneL. We conducted three cuttings (on Days 40, 80, and 120) in order to evaluate P dynamics in each of the treatments. As expected, biomass increased significantly with liming. We also found that plant P concentration increased in the liming treatment, but not in the P-added treatment, although the difference was reduced on Day 120. This shows that in severely acidic soils, liming should be preferred over P addition, although the beneficial effects may not last for a very long time, since in this experiment, they only lasted for 4 months. Similar conclusions were drawn from soil P extraction results. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The objective of this work was to evaluate the efficiency of six extractants for available boron in acid soils undergoing to liming, and to correlate the results of soil analysis with foliar response seen in the teak plants in greenhouse conditions. Acid soil samples were collected and their chemical characterization was performed using standard analysis protocols. Later, agricultural lime was added to the experimental units in greenhouse conditions in order to control the soil acidity and these were incubated for 30 days. Six extracts for available boron were evaluated and correlated with response in the plant by foliar analysis. It is concluded that a high dissolution power of boron extractant solution produces a high sensitive in the determination of the changes of boron concentration in the limed acid soil. These methods are seen to be not adequate for the determination of available boron contents at high concentrations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aluminum toxicity is a major limitation to crop production on highly weathered and leached soils in Rwanda. Moreover, sulfur though widely deficient in Rwanda acidic soils has received little attention by soil fertility researchers. A field experiment on maize response and soil nutrients status to liming materials of travertines at 3.4 t ha−1, ash wood 1.2 t ha−1of CaO equivalent and sulfur at 10 kg ha−1combined with NPK at 80, 60, and 45 kg ha−1respectively was conducted in Rubona Ultisol and Nyamifumba Oxisol. Results revealed that travertine and wood ash increased the soil pH from 4.7 to 5.8 or higher and decreased exchangeable Al3+and H+to near 0 cmolc kg−1. Soil nutrients generally increased to high or medium ranges for crop production. Leaf dry biomass, plant height and maize grain yields were significantly higher in Rubona Ultisol than in Nyamifumba Oxisol. Plots that received wood ash, with NPKS or with NPK, generally had higher maize yields, followed by those which received travertines and NPKS or NPK which had maize growth response as compared to the control plots which received NPK only. Thereby, a combination of wood ash with NPKS or NPK, travertines with NPKS was found to neutralize soil aluminum toxicity, increase soil nutrients status to required levels for plant growth and increase maize yields significantly. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The influence of sugar foam amendment on the moisture-retention properties of three profiles of an acidic vineyard soil in Retuerta del Bullaque (Ciudad Real, Spain) has been studied. The values obtained for the surface horizons of modified soils and the original soil (under natural vegetation) were compared, as were those for the surface and subsurface horizons of the liming profiles. The water-retention curves (drying curve) were determined in triplicate on the sieved soil with Richards plates and the field capacity (FC), permanent wilting point (PWP), and available water-retention capacity (AWRC) were calculated. In the original soil FC, PWP, and AWRC values were greater than the average values for the amended soils (36.5 percent, 15.1 percent, and 21.5 percent versus 23.5 percent, 10.35 percent, and 13.1 percent, respectively). Comparison of the surface horizons and the subsurface horizons of the three profiles showed that the values for the AWRC were greater in the former (13.1 percent, 12.5 percent, and 14 percent for P1, P2, and P3, respectively) than in the latter (11.9 percent, 9 percent, and 8.6 percent for P1, P2, and P3, respectively), although FC and PWP were lower in A horizons than in B horizons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A laboratory incubation study was conducted to study the influence of liming on extractable boron (B) in acidic soil. Six soils, three each from the Inceptisols and Alfisols, were incubated for 30 days with combinations of lime and B. The soils were acutely deficient in plant-available B (0.09–0.21 mg kg−1). Only <50 percent of applied B was recovered from the soils in available form. Such recovery was lower in Alfisols than that in Inceptisols due to adsorption of a greater amount of added B with iron (Fe−) and aluminium (Al−) oxides in the former soil group. Required dose of lime showed an increase in availability of native soil B, particularly in Inceptisols (26 percent), and a net decrease in recovery of added B (32.5 percent) as compared to no lime control (41.6 percent). The results thus suggest that liming to acidic soils increases extractable B. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acidic soils typically suffer from high phosphorus (P) retention, a problem that can be dealt with using greater P fertilization, soil liming, or both. The aim of this work was to examine which of these practices bears the more beneficial result forLolium perenneL. growth. In a pot experiment, five acidic soils were treated as follows: L0P0 (unamended control), L1P0 (liming only), L0P1 (P addition only), and L1P1 (both liming and P addition). We found that P amendment alone was sufficient to increase plant P levels when the initial soil P concentrations were low. Liming without P addition increased plant P satisfactorily only in the high-P soil. We conclude that P addition alone is a better practice than liming alone for improved plant growth conditions in acidic, low-P soils, unless there is relatively high P content in soil, in which case liming alone may be sufficient to increase P availability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Applying lime to ameliorate soil acidity has been observed to induce manganese (Mn) deficiency in canola (Brassica napusL.) crops grown on acid sandy soils near Albany and gravelly acid sands of the Great Southern Districts of southwestern Australia. These soils were often Mn-deficient in patches for wheat (Triticum aestivumL.) production when they were newly cleared for agriculture requiring application of Mn fertilizer to ensure grain yields were not reduced by the deficiency. Since then, these soils have acidified and in the 1990s, canola started to be grown on these soils in rotation with wheat and lupins (Lupinus angustifoliusL.). These limed soils may now have become marginal to deficient in Mn for canola production. The effect of liming may change the effectiveness of fertilizer Mn. In addition, the effect of liming on the residual value of Mn fertilizer applied to these soils for canola production is unknown. Therefore, a glasshouse experiment was conducted using Mn deficient sand. Three levels of finely-powdered calcium carbonate were added and incubated in moist soil for 42 days at 22±2°C to produce 3 soils with different pH values [1:5 soil:0.01 M calcium chloride (CaCl2)]: 4.9 (original soil), 6.3, and 7.5. Five Mn levels, as solutions of Mn sulfate, were then added and incubated in moist soil for 0, 50, and 100 days before sowing canola. To estimate the residual value (RV) of incubated Mn for canola production, the effectiveness of the incubated Mn was calculated relative to the effectiveness of Mn applied just before sowing canola (freshly-applied Mn). The RV of the incubated Mn was determined using yield of dried canola shoots, the Mn application level required to produce 90% of the maximum shoot yield, and Mn content in dried shoots (Mn concentration in shoots multiplied by yield of dried shoots). As measured using both yield of dried shoots and Mn content of dried shoots, the residual value of Mn decreased with increasing soil pH and with increasing period of incubation of Mn with moist soil. The critical Mn concentration, for 90% of the total yield of dried canola shoots, was (mg Mn kg−1) ∼17 in youngest mature growth (apex and youngest emerged leaf, YMG), and ∼22 for the rest of dried shoots. These values were similar to current critical values for un-limed soils suggesting critical Mn concentrations remain the same for limed soils. Plant testing of canola is recommended if soils are to be limed to ameliorate soil acidity. When plant tests indicate a high likelihood of Mn deficiency, foliar Mn sprays need to be applied to that crop to ensure Mn deficiency does not reduce grain production that year, and fertilizer Mn needs to be re-applied to the soil when sowing the next crop to reduce the likelihood of Mn deficiency for subsequent crops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]