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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]

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]

Soil acidity is the most limiting factor for agricultural yield and sustainability in acid soils. Liming is the management practice recommended for reducing soil acidity and increasing the availability of macronutrients, but it can also lead to reduction in the availability of cationic micronutrients when applied at high rates. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of application of high rates of limestone, incorporated in the 0–0.40 m soil layer, on nutrient availability and their relation to cumulative grain yield in an annual crop production system. Three experiments were set up in 2017 with six liming rates (0, 3, 6, 9, 12, and 15 Mg ha−1), with incorporation in the 0–0.40 m layer. Soil and leaf samples were collected for determination of macro- and micronutrient concentration in the leaves. Regression and linear correlation analyses were used to evaluate the effect of the application rates on the availability of nutrients and on cumulative yield in soybean, maize, dry bean (common bean) wheat crops over three crop years. The micronutrient that showed the greatest reduction in level in the soil through liming was Fe, in contrast with Zn, which was not affected. The concentrations of micronutrients in soybean and common bean leaves were more sensitive to the effect of deep liming than the levels in the soil, and reductions were observed in the concentrations of B, Fe, Mn, and Zn; however, they remained at suitable levels according to regional standards. Thus, even with the reductions in the availability of the micronutrients brought about by incorporation of higher doses of limestone (≥ 9 Mg ha−1), the cumulative grain yields showed an increase in accordance with liming rates, with the optimal dosage from 8.77 to 12.6 Mg ha−1, depending on the site. The main factors that had positive correlation with yield were soil pH and the macronutrients concentration in the leaves, which generally increased along with the liming rates. • Micronutrients availability to plants reduces with increasing limestone doses incorporated at 0.40 m. • The concentrations of macronutrients in the leaves increased with increasing limestone rates incorporated at 0.40 m. • There is a positive correlation with grain yield and soil pH and macronutrient concentration in leaves. • Accumulated grain yield increases with increasing limestone rates incorporated at 0.40 m. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

All forms of potassium in the soil are in a dynamic equilibrium with K in the soil solution, which affects K availability to the plants and it is affected by the soil pH. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of the soil pH and K application on the distribution of soil K forms in five Brazilian soils. The experiment was conducted in laboratory, using five soils. Treatments consisted of a factorial combination including rates of limestone (0, 0.25, 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 times the amount of lime indicated by the SMP method to raise soil pH to 6.0) and two rates of K (0 and 1000 mg kg-1). Addition of KCl, together with limestone, promoted lower values of soil pH relatively to limestone alone. Solution K was the most sensitive K form affected by liming rates, which decreased in all soils with increases on K rate, regardless of K addition. Exchangeable K also decreased in all soils with the increase on lime applied, except on the Argisol. The non-exchangeable K levels were the least affected by liming. Addition of lime affects the distribution of K among all K forms and this may affect the availability of K to the plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evaluating agricultural management practices, such as liming, is essential in regions with acidic soils to increase the yield of agricultural crops. The aim was to evaluate soil fertility, agronomic performance, and grain quality of cowpea cultivars under application of limestone doses. The experiment was carried out in Argissolo Vermelho Amarelo (Ultisol), with initial base saturation of 26%, during two agricultural years. A randomized block design was used, in split plots, with four replications. The plots were composed of five limestone doses (0, 1, 2, 3 and 4 times the recommended rate to reach 50% base saturation), and the subplots were formed by two cowpea cultivars (BR 17 Gurgueia and BRS Guariba). The applied doses of limestone, with relative total neutralizing power (RTNP) of 91%, were 0, 1.3, 2.6, 3.9 and 5.2 t ha-1. Liming increased soil fertility, increasing pH, calcium, magnesium, and base saturation, and decreasing soil acidity. Maximum grain yields were obtained with limestone doses between 3.1 and 3.2 t ha-1 for the cultivar BR 17 Gurgueia and between 3.3 and 3.4 t ha-1 for the cultivar BRS Guariba, reaching average base saturation values of approximately 48 and 55%, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Agricultural liming materials are broadly utilized in the world to ameliorate soil acidity. Crushed limestone (CaCO 3) and dolomite (MgCO 3 ·CaCO 3) are most common liming materials. The CO 2 emission coefficient was proposed as 0.12 Mg C per Mg for CaCO 3 by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), which indicates that 100% of C in CaCO 3 is eventually released to the atmosphere in the form of CO 2. However, this assumption appears unlikely based on current knowledge of the very low solubility of CaCO 3 and carbonate transport through soil. To develop the direct CO 2 emission factor from the C-containing liming materials applied in moderately acidic soil, CaCO 3 was applied in a typical temperate upland soil at different levels (0–2 Mg ha−1 yr−1), and the CO 2 emission rates were determined using the closed chamber method for two years. The direct CO 2 emission factor from CaCO 3 was estimated using 13CO 2 fluxes from 13C-CaCO 3 applied soils. Approximately 0.026 Mg C per Mg of CaCO 3 was emitted as CO 2 from CaCO 3 in cropping lands. This value was much lower than the IPCC default value (0.12 Mg C per Mg of CaCO 3). The current CO 2 emission coefficient was comparable with the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) emission factor (0.046 Mg C per Mg of CaCO 3) from the agricultural field. If the EPA emission factor from the ocean (0.013 Mg C per Mg of CaCO 3) is added to the currently developed CO 2 emission factor of the inner agricultural field, the total CO 2 emission factor from lime may be close to 0.039 Mg C per Mg of CaCO 3 in the selected upland soil. Therefore, we propose that the current IPCC guideline value of the CO 2 emission factor from lime should be revised as 0.039 Mg C per Mg of CaCO 3 for Korean upland soils. Highlights • IPCC proposed 0.12 Mg CO 2 -C per Mg CaCO 3 as the CO 2 emission factor from CaCO 3 in soil. • 0.026 Mg CO 2 -C per Mg CaCO 3 was emitted from CaCO 3 during maize cultivation. • EPA estimated 0.013 Mg CO 2 -C per Mg CaCO 3 of CO 2 emission factor released from agricultural field. • CO 2 emission factor of CaCO 3 should be revised with 0.039 Mg CO 2 -C per Mg CaCO 3 in Korean upland soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The tropical soil acidity is one of the main limiting factors for crop productivity. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of application of limestone dose to soil fertility, nutritional status of the crop, and productivity and quality of the fruits of mango, cultivar Keitt. The study was carried out at Selvíria, state of Mato Grosso Sul, Brazil, in a Typic Haplustox (pH in CaCl2 = 4.7), cultivated with mango cultivar Keitt grafted on Coquinho pattern in the production phase (13 years old). Treatments were composed of limestone doses (0, 1.55, 3.10, 4.65, and 6.20 t ha−1), arranged in blocks at random with three repetitions. The limestone was applied and incorporated in the surface layer of 0 to 5 cm deep in the total area. We evaluated the chemical attributes of the soil [pH, hydrogen (H+) aluminum (Al), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), potassium (K), and sum of bases and base saturation] at 16 and 28 months after liming (layer 0 to 20 cm deep), the nutrition of plants at 12 months after liming, and quality of the fruit in two crop years. Liming promoted improvements in soil chemical attributes, reflected in the nutritional status, productivity, and quality of mango fruit. Also, there was a linear effect with the application of lime dose on the productivity of the fruit, but after the second year of evaluation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Liming increases soil negative charges and thus affects the chemical equilibrium of cations between the solid phase and the soil solution with consequences for the mobility of cations. The effects of lime and potassium chloride (KCl) addition on the vertical movement of potassium (K), calcium (Ca), and magnesium (Mg) were investigated in two Brazilian soils. The experiment was carried out in leaching columns. Treatments included a combination of rates of KCl (0, 50, 100, and 200 mg kg−1 K) and acidity levels (without and with liming). Seven water percolations (400 mL per column) were performed at weekly intervals, totaling an equivalent to 357 mm of rain. Raising the soil pH decreased the leaching of K, in both soils, up to 50% because of the increase of its electrostatic adsorption on created negative charges. Addition of KCl increased the percolation of K, Ca, and Mg proportionally to the rate applied, and it was more efficient than calcium carbonate to percolate Ca in both soils. Liming must be taken into consideration when K leaching or plant needs of K are estimated in predominantly variable-charge soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alfalfa is one of the most demanding crops in terms of soil fertility. Limestone application is an efficient method of increasing the alfalfa crop yield. This study evaluates the effect of liming on the soil fertility and consequent nutritional state and shoot dry weight yield of alfalfa (Medicago sativa cv. 'Crioula'), grown in pots containing Typic Quartzipisamment soil (savanna phase), in a completely randomized experimental design with repeated measurements over time (cross sections), in two cuttings, with four replicates. The treatments consisted of four limestone rates (0, 3.8, 6.6 and 10.3 t ha-1). The results showed that the greatest estimated shoot dry weight yield in first and second cuttings were obtained with estimated rate of 6.4 t ha-1 and 9.0 t ha-1. The root yield and nitrogen (N) concentration in the nodules was directly related to the soil acidity. In alfalfa, it is necessary at each cutting to closely follow of nutritional state of plants. In tropical edaphoclimatic conditions, the calcium (Ca) saturation in the cation exchange capacity (CEC) to obtain the highest productivity is lower than the values indicated as adequate for soils in temperate climates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: High soil acidity influences the availability of mineral nutrients and increases that of toxic aluminium (Al), which has a jeopardizing effect on plant growth. The objective of this research was to evaluate the effects of soil liming on the development of guava (Psidium guajava L.) plants, on soil chemical characteristics, and on fruit yield. The experiment was carried out at the Bebedouro Citrus Experimental Station, state of Sao Paulo, Brazil, in a Typic Hapludox soil, from August 1999 to March 2003. The treatments consisted of limestone dose: D0 = zero; D1 = half dose; D2 = total dose; D3 = 1.5 times the dose, and D4 = 2 times the dose to raise the V value to 70%. The doses corresponded to zero, 1.85, 3.71, 5.56, and 7.41 t ha-1 applied to the upper soil layer (0-30 cm deep) before planting. The results showed that liming caused an improvement in the evaluated soil chemical characteristics up to a depth of 60 cm in soil samples both in the line and between lines. The highest fruit yields were obtained when the base saturation reached a value of 55% in the line and 62% between the lines. Foliar levels of calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) were 8.8 and 2.5 g kg-1, respectively. The highest limestone dose maintained the soil base saturation (at the layer of 0-20 cm) in the line close to 55% during at least 40 months after the incorporation of limestone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]