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Background: Soil acidity, low soil nutrient status and low nitrogen fixing inoculants as a result of poor soil fertility management practices are the major constraints in soybean production in Assosa Zone, particularly in Assosa and Bambassi districts. Hence, this experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of bio-, organic and inorganic NPSB fertilizers and lime on soil physico-chemical properties. Methods: During the period 2019-2020 factorial combinations of two bio-fertilizer inoculants [without bio-fertilizer (B1) and SB12 plus MAR1495 bio-fertilizer at their recommended rates of 500 g ha-1 (B2); two organic fertilizers without fresh cattle manure (M1) and fresh cattle manure at 10 t ha-1 (M2); two lime rates without lime (L1) and lime at 5 t ha-1 (L2); two inorganic NPSB fertilizers NPSB at 9.5-23-3.5-0.05 (F1) and NPSB at 19-46-7-0.1 (F2) at their recommended rates for soybean] were laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Bulk density, pH, total nitrogen, available phosphorus, organic carbon and cation exchange capacity were collected and analyzed using SAS software version 9.1.3 and significant mean differences were separated using Duncan's multiple range test (DMRT). Result: Bulk density, pH, total nitrogen, available phosphorus, organic carbon and cation exchange capacity were highly affected (P<0.01) by the interactions of bio-, organic and inorganic fertilizers and lime. Finally, the interaction of SB12+MAR1495, 10 t/ha fresh cattie manure, 5 t/ha lime and NPSB at 19-46-7-0.1 improved the bulk density, pH, total nitrogen, available phosphorus, organic carbon and cation exchange capacity at both districts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted to identify and evaluate some of the fertility characteristics of soils in stream beds in Şebinkarahisar district of the Giresun province of Türkiye, which has a transitional climate between semi-arid and humid climate zones. To this end, a total of 48 soil samples, surface (0-30 cm) and subsurface (30-60/61/62/65 cm), were collected from 24 different sampling points on various stream beds. The textures of the surface and subsurface soils taken were determined as CL, SL, SCL, L, C, and LS. pH values of surface soils ranged from 5.84 to 7.98, and the pH values of subsurface soils ranged from 6.06 to 8.05. Lime contents of the soils without salinity problem ranged from 0.00% to 38.30% for surface soils, and from 0.00% to 37.90% for subsurface soils. Organic matter contents varied between 0.32% and 4.16% for surface soils, and between 0.14% and 2.16% for subsurface soils. While the soils were poor in total nitrogen, phosphorus, zinc and manganese, it was determined that the calcium and copper contents were at sufficient levels. Although deficiencies were detected in some soils for potassium, magnesium and iron, they were generally determined to be at sufficient levels. To deal with deficiencies of macro and micro plant nutrients, including deficiency of organic matter, a fertilization planning is recommended that includes barnyard manure, poultry manure, green manure, compost, vermicompost, and various organic fertilizers containing macro and micro elements. Within the scope of the research, climate classifications were also made according to Thornthwaite, De Martonne-Gottman and Erinç methods by had used 48 years (1965-2012) climate data of Şebinkarahisar district. Plant species and varieties to be grown in the study area should be selected from among those suitable to the transitional climate conditions prevailing in the region. It will also be useful to analyze the stream waters in the areas where soil sampling is done. [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]

The use of organic amendments improves the quality and increases the fertility of the soils due to their adsorption properties, stimulates nutrient cycling and can be used to reduce the availability of heavy metals. The main objective of the research was to evaluate the effect of biochar (BC) derived from pig manure on the availability of Pb in a contaminated and limed agricultural soil. A randomized experimental design was applied, the pig manure was dried at room temperature (23 °C) and pyrolyzed at 500 °C for 2 h. Doses of 5%, 10% and 20% of BC were applied to the Pb soils contaminated (165.7 mg/kg), that were arranged in 2 kg pots except for the control sample, and Lactuca sativa was subsequently grown cultivated to evaluate the Pb availability. The results indicated an improvement in soil quality at higher BC dose, increase of 0.34 pH units, decrease of Pb extracted by EDTA (27% to 62% of decrease), and non-significant Pb content in leachates (< 1 mg Pb/L) and no detection in plant roots (< 0.01 mg/kg), except for the control plant (0.7 mg Pb/kg) in the original soil. A logarithmic relational model between BC dose and Pb adsorbed in the soil was obtained (R² = 0.9938, p < 0.05) showing that the decrease of Pb availability in the soil increased for higher BC doses, which represents an eco-friendly remediation alternative. It is recommended to investigate the interaction relationships between the soil quality parameters and to establish functional models of bioaccumulation and extractable metal of the amended soil. [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]

Current policy instruments under the EU Water Framework Directive (WFD) to mitigate phosphorus (P) loss require that P use on farms is managed through regulation of farm gate P balances. Regulation at farm scale does not account for spatial variability in nutrient use and soil fertility at field scale, affecting the costs and effectiveness of farm gate measures. This study simulated the implementation of a P loss mitigation measure coupled with improving soil fertility so that farm productivity would not be compromised. The measure was simulated at field scale and the costs and effectiveness assessed at farm scale. Effectiveness was expressed as the time taken for excessive soil P levels to decline to levels that matched off-takes and this varied temporally and spatially within and between farms ranging from 1 to 8 years. Sub-optimum soil fertility was corrected on all fields across both farms, with applications of other soil nutrients and lime to protect productivity. An increase in costs ranging from 1.5 to 116% was predicted in the first two years of the measure on both farms after-which savings of 15–31% were predicted for each subsequent year until the measure was effective in year 9. Despite initial cost increase, there was no statistically significant difference in costs over the time taken for the measure to be effective, when compared to baseline costs. Successful implementation of measures should consider the impact on farm costs and time taken for measures to environmentally effective. Adoption of measures could improve if demonstrating to farmers that costs will not vary significantly from current practice and in time may results in savings if measures are paired with correcting soil fertility and increasing yields. This 'win-win' approach could be used into the future to ensure successful implementation and uptake of measures within the farming community. • Soil P decline as a source control varied from 1 to 9 years on two farms. • Coupling P mitigation with improving fertility to protect yields is cost effective. • Effectiveness varied spatially and costs temporally in farm scale simulation. • Cost effectiveness of policy measures should be assessed over longer time periods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Upon insertion of biomass into a boiler, the material is incinerated, generating heat for the system. The combustion of biomass in the boiler produces ash, which is comprised of inorganic and mineral components that possess the potential for usage as a soil amendment. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of utilizing bottom ash from a Eucalyptus wood panels company, either partially or wholly replacing liming, for Eucalyptus planting. Chemical, physical and morphological characterizations of the ash and chemical characterization of the soil were carried out. An experiment was set up for the development of clonal Eucalyptus (3 ×2 m spacing), using different concentrations of ash and/or lime in the soil. The chemical characterization of ash was considered safe for use in agriculture, according to current legislation in Brazil (Normative Instruction SDA, n° 27). The diameter above ground and height of the seedlings were evaluated during twelve months in the field. In all treatments, elements such as copper and zinc presented concentrations within the limit parameters for soil, set by the government agency, CETESB. The findings indicate the feasibility of partially or fully replacing liming with ash, thereby promoting a more sustainable integration of circular economy into forest-based industries' energy generation processes. • The above ground height and diameter of eucalyptus were not harmed by ash addition. • Heavy metal content in ash conformed to soil amendment safety standards. • Soil chemical constituents were within the limits set by Brazilian regulations. • Bottom ash supplied Ca and Mg, thus working as a liming substitute. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil acidity limits crop growth and yield all over the world. Low grain yields is usually associated with poor soil fertility; however, little attention has been given to the nitrogen-based fertilizer use efficiency in soils managed with lime. Given the current scenario of uncertainties regarding the availability and prices of fertilizers, our study aimed to understand how maize intercropped with ruzigrass and soybean plants develop in long-term soils managed with lime rates, and what the fate of the 15N–labeled ammonium sulfate [(15NH 4) 2 SO 4 ] applied in the soil-plant system. The treatments consisted of four dolomitic lime rates applied to the soil surface [control, half the recommended lime rate (½ RLR), full recommended lime rate (1 RLR) and double the recommended lime rate (2 RLR)]. The higher lime rate (2 RLR) improved fertility, carbon and nitrogen stocks in the soil profile, and grain and/or stover production of maize, ruzigrass and soybean. As a consequence, maize and ruzigrass recovered a high amount of 15N-fertilizer. On the other hand, soybean recovered less 15N-fertilizer, regardless of treatment, but a greater amount was found in acidic soils. At the end of the maize and soybean growth cycles, our results showed that in 2 RLR-amended soil, the 15N unrecovered was 71% lower than control. Finally, our results suggested that the use of low lime rates (½ RLR) may increase the 15N losses potential to deep layers, whereas low amounts of 15N were found in the subsoil when higher lime rates were applied. Soil acidity management through higher lime rates leads, over time, to increased soil fertility, resulting in a favorable environment for plant growth and the use of nitrogen fertilizers. In this way, it is possible to obtain a more productive and less costly agricultural system, and with less potential to pollute the environment. • Soil fertility increases after long-term liming with higher lime rates. • The 15N-fertilizer recovery by crops is proportional to the soil fertility level. • Low lime rates increased the concentration of 15N-fertilizer in deep soil layers. • The higher 15N recovery leads to higher yields and lower N-fertilizer losses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Growing quantities of biomass ashes are currently produced worldwide due to the increasing consumption of biomass in energy applications. The disposal of biomass ash in landfills is costly and leads to the loss of valuable resources. Biomass ash has important macro-nutrient contents and relevant soil liming capacity, and can be recycled to soils, thus contributing to biomass-to-energy process integration and a sustainable energy production. Although the EU Thematic Strategy for Soil Protection has highlighted the importance of promoting soil amelioration through nutrient recycling and some Member States have already recognised biomass-ash value in a context of circular economy, recycling of this material at the EU level and the potential use of ash-based material in fertilisers is still not properly framed by the EU regulatory framework. Adequate regulation for biomass ash from the energy sector is recognised of most importance as a driving force towards implementation of correct management and valorisation of ash as a raw material. This review provides a discussion on biomass ash properties and related EU regulations, notably the Waste Framework Directive and the Fertilisers Regulation, which are relevant for implementing a strategy for valorisation of biomass ash for soil amelioration purposes. Steps needed to provide the biomass ash with an appropriate end-of-waste and/or by-product status were identified. Key product and process aspects to enable the inclusion of biomass ash in the list of materials that can be used as fertilisers or as ingredients of soil fertilisers in the scope of the revised Fertilisers Regulation were discussed. Quality and safety standards to be harmonised at the EU level, as well as necessary revisions of the risk assessment framework were also discussed here. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Silicate-containing amendments increased calcium and available silicate contents. • Silicate-containing amendments moderately increased soil fertility. • Silicate and lime co-application increased the relative change in soil fertility. • Long-term application of silicate and lime reduced C stratification. • Carbon stocks reduced in lime and silicate amended soils. Most agricultural soils are unproductive due to soil acidity which limits crop growth and yield. To ameliorate soil acidity constraints and enhance the ecosystem services the soil renders to achieve optimum crop yields, lime, and silicate are mostly used. However, there are few studies reporting the impacts of the combined application of silicate and lime on soil properties, soil fertility and carbon stocks and stratification in long-term experiments. This study evaluated the impacts of the combined application of silicate and lime on soil fertility indicators (pH, soil organic matter (SOM), available phosphorus, exchangeable potassium, magnesium, and calcium, and available SiO 2), carbon stratification and stocks in comparison to sole lime and sole silicate applied to a Fluvaquentic Eutrudepts over a 67-year period. Each treatment's rate of application was calculated to raise the soil pH to 6.5. Incorporation of the treatments increased the soil pH by 1.30, 1.22, and 1.35 folds in the sole silicate, sole lime, and combined silicate and lime-treated soils, respectively, relative to the baseline soil pH (5.5). The combined application of silicate and lime resulted in significant decreases in C stratification and C stocks. The significant reduction in the C stocks in the silicate and lime-treated soils implies that its long-term application could potentially reduce carbon sequestration and increase the carbon footprint of rice cultivation. This information is crucial to develop sustainable soil management interventions to curtail the environmental footprint in rice paddy ecosystems. Comparatively, the combined silicate and lime treatment caused an increase in the relative change of soil fertility by 65.7% and the average annual growth rate in the soil fertility improvement by 0.0115, as compared to the untreated soil. Among the soil variables, soil pH, exchangeable calcium, and available silicate contributed most to the variation the soil fertility. The obtained results could serve as a guide in revising the lime and silicate fertilization programs instituted by the Korean Government and reviewing national soil fertility management systems in temperate paddy ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The influence of different systems of fertilization and liming on the changes in the taxonomic structure of prokaryotic community in arable soddy-podzolic soil (Albic Retisol (Loamic, Aric, Cutanic, Differentic, Ochric)) was studied in a stationary field experiment of Vologda State Dairy Farming Academy with the use of high-performance sequencing method of gene 16S rRNA. The 25-year-old fallow plot, in which the intensity of microbiological processes was close to that in the virgin soddy-podzolic soils, was used as a control. At the first stage, dominant phyla were identified: Proteobacteria (45.3-56.2%), Actinobacteria (13.6-20.4%), Bacteroidetes (7.2-19.3%), Acidobacteria (7.1-11.5%), and Verrucomicrobia (4.3-10.3%). Several groups of microorganisms-indicators, whose portion changes in the arable soil under the influence of liming, fertilizer application, and soil treatment in comparison with the control, were determined. The applied approach made it possible to relate the taxonomic structure of the soil microbial cenosis with external factors for assessing changes in the structure of soil microbial complex under the impact of different uses of the arable soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The selection of an appropriate soil tillage system for improving yields and longevity is an important decision in sugarcane cultivation. In the present study, the effects of different soil tillage systems and methods of applying lime on sugarcane stalk and sugar yield performance as well as soil fertility parameters were evaluated throughout the sugarcane crop cycle. The experiments were established in two locations in April 2015 and conducted until August 2019, corresponding to a total of 4 growing seasons. A field study with a randomized block design was established with four replicates considering 4 treatments: conventional soil tillage system (CT), deep strip-tillage system (DT) and modified deep strip-tillage system (MDT), all with the same lime rate; and a standard treatment (control, CT without liming). Immediately after harvesting plant cane (18 months (mo) after planting), first ratoon (30 mo after planting), second ratoon (42 mo after planting) and third ratoon (54 mo after planting), soil samples were collected from a depth of 0.0–1.00 m, stratified every 0.2 m. Leaf material was sampled during the period of full vegetative growth. Analyses of soil chemical fertility, leaf concentrations of elements, and sugarcane yield components were performed. MDT was found to correct soil acidity most efficiently, mainly due to the positioning of the lime application. Under high aluminum saturation (AS), especially in deeper layers, deep lime placement was more effective and resulted in the best distributions of calcium (Ca2+) and magnesium (Mg2+), the highest base saturation (BS) and the lowest AS compared with the other treatments. Lime application was more important than the tillage system for improving the sucrose concertation and total recoverable sugar (TRS), whereas the tillage system affected the stalk yield and, consequently, the yield of sugar. Compared with DT and CT, the average stalk yield was 4.1% and 9.4% higher, respectively, under MDT at Macatuba and 6.3% and 15.3%, higher, respectively, under MDT at Piraju. Similarly, MDT improved average sugar yield by 3.7% and 10.4% at Macatuba and 6.1% and 16.3% at Piraju. Overall, long-term assessments, which are important for semi-perennial crops like sugarcane, showed that the both deep strip-tillage were most effective. • Strip-tillage system is an innovative soil tillage for sugarcane plantation. • Deep liming placement is important to reach longevity for sugarcane ratoons in highly weathered clayey soils. • Soil fertility is enhanced by deep liming placement. • Sugar and stalk yield is affected by the relation of lime application and tillage systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrochar is produced through a process called hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) and constitutes a carbon-rich solid material with different remarkable applications. This study investigated the effects of wood ash on the physicochemical and morphological properties of biosludge-derived hydrochar in pelleted form relevant to the use of the pellets as a soil nutritional and liming agent and as a biofuel source. The hydrochar was mechanically compressed into uniformly-sized pellets under applied pressures of 4 and 8 kN after blending with varying percentages of wood ash in the order 0, 20 and 50%. The pure and blended pellets were characterized to determine the impact of wood ash on key properties, correlated to the two applications mentioned above. Results demonstrated a strong relationship between key features of the pellets and ash proportion. The wood ash-blended hydrochar pellets showed good hydrophobicity as a consequence of increased contents of alkali and alkaline earth metals, but were low in aromatic functional groups compared to the pure hydrochar pellet. Furthermore, the heating value of the pure hydrochar pellet was about 4% higher than that of its parent material and indicates that this pellet has the capacity to serve as a source of energy. The study generally reveals that blending hydrochar produced from biosludge under HTC conditions with up to 20%–50% of wood ash and mechanically compressing into homogeneous pellets has promising potential for a nutrient-rich material that can enhance soil fertility. • Sludge was used to produce hydrochar (HC) at temperature 200 °C via a HTC process. • Multi linear regression facilitates better understanding of HC pellets properties. • Strong correlation exists between key features of HC pellets and ash proportion. • The pellets with 50% ash contained the highest level of alkali and alkaline metals. • The HC pellet revealed potential to be used for soil and energy purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The problems of soybean cultivation on tidal land are low in soil fertility, aluminum (Al) toxicity and poor availability of macro nutrients. Soil acidity and Al toxicity are often fixed by liming. The research aimed to determine the calculation method of lime requirement and its application method for soybean on tidal land. The research was conducted on tidal land in South Kalimantan, Indonesia. Treatment consisted of two factors and arranged in randomize complete block design, replicated three times. The first factor was the method of lime rate calculation: (1) no liming, (2) liming based on 10% of Al saturation, (3) liming based on 20% of Al saturation, (4) liming based on 30% of Al saturation, (5) liming based on 0.5× exchangeable Al, and (6) liming based on 1× exchangeable Al. The second factor was the method of application: (1) surface and (2) mixed within 20 cm soil depth. The results showed that liming by mixing dolomite with soil within 20 cm depth resulted in 8% higher plant height compared to that applied on the soil surface. The highest yield was obtained when liming at rate equivalent to 10% of Al saturation was mixed with soil within 20 cm depth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of the application of liquid lime on sorghum growth in an Ultisol. This research was conducted between August and November, 2011 at the Agricultural Research Center, San José, Costa Rica. In an Ultisol planted with sorghum, in pots of 800 ml, the following treatments where applied: control without lime, calcium carbonate at doses of 10 and 20 l/ha, magnesium oxide at doses of 10 and 20 l/ha, calcium carbonate + magnesium oxide at doses of 5 + 5 and 10 + 10 l/ha, respectively. Six weeks after planting, sorghum was harvested, measuring leaf area, dry and fresh weight of the aerial and root biomass, nutrient absorption and the soil chemical characteristics. Treatments using calcium carbonate and calcium carbonate + magnesium oxide obtained the best values of leaf area and the higher weight of the aerial and root biomass of sorghum. Even though there were no significant differences between liquid lime treatments, there were regarding control without lime and weight biomass variables. Liquid calcium carbonate significantly increased Ca absorption, and the calcium carbonate + magnesium oxide treatment at doses of 10 l/h showed the highest Mg absorption. All amendment treatments caused an improvement of the soil fertility, the most notable being the application of 20 l/ha of magnesium oxide that dropped the exchangeable acidity from 9.02 to 0.36 cmol(+)/l, acidity saturation dropped from 95 to 3.3%, and pH increased from 5 to 5.7. It was concluded that the liquid liming amendments had a positive effect over the crop and the soil fertility. [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]

Carbocalk is a byproduct of sugar factory and is suitable for liming of acid soils. In the autumn of 2000 two field experiments in four replicates were conducted with increasing rates of carbocalk application (0, 15, 30, 45 and 60 t ha-1). In this study, yields of the field crops and cadmium (Cd) concentrations in the leaves and grains were shown. In both experiments maize was grown eight times (four years) and wheat four years in total. The lowest rate of applied carbocalk was adequate for both maize and wheat yield considerable increases by 16% and 28%, respectively (maize 6.92 and 8.04 t/ha; wheat 4.85 t/ha and 6.20 t ha-1). Applying higher quantities of the carbocalk, the yields were less increased. Sunflower, sugar beet, barley and soybean were grown only one growing season and by liming the yields were increased for 48%, 43%, 30% and 8%, respectively. Cd concentrations in the leaves of tobacco were considerably higher (mean 2.4 mg Cd kg-1) in comparison with those of maize (0.10 mg Cd kg-1) and soybean (0.15 mg Cd kg-1), while in grain of wheat and barley they were considerably lower (0.02 mg Cd kg-1). In general, liming considerably affected decreases of Cd uptake by plants as follows: for 45% in tobacco leaves (3.6 and 2.0 mg Cd kg-1, for the control and mean of the carbocalk treatments, respectively, but only in one of two tested years). The corresponding values for the leaves of maize were 0.16 and 0.08 mg Cd kg-1 (decrease for 52%) and for soybean 0.50 and 0.06 mg Cd kg-1 (decrease for 87%), respectively. In the third experiment, effects of liming with carbocalk were lower, but soil properties considerably improved (for example, base saturation) as well as P and Ca uptake by maize and wheat plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Productivity of resources on acid soils occupying one fourth of the total area in India is abysmally low. Lime is applied to such soils with the primary objective of increasing the productivity of crops by enhancing the availability of native and applied plant nutrients. Greenhouse pot experiments and laboratory experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of lime and boron (B) on the availability of nutrients in soils and their uptake by plants. The application of lime enhanced the available nitrogen (N,), phosphorus (P), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), sulfur (S), and zinc (Zn) content in soils, which was reflected in their uptake by sunflower (Helianthus annus). On the contrary, availability of copper (Cu), iron (Fe), and manganese (Mn) in soil was reduced due to liming. Sunflower responded very well in terms of dry matter yield to B application to the extent of 175% and 188% under 1 and 2 mg kg−1applied levels of B, respectively. Dry matter yield of sunflower was reduced to the tune of 29.2 and 42.7% under 2/3 and 1 lime requirement (LR), respectively, over control. Lime application at 1/3 LR with 2 mg kg−1of applied B emerged as an optimum combination in acid soils. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Abstract: Soil acidity and low natural fertility are the main problems for grain production in Brazilian ‘cerrado’. Although lime has been the most applied source for soil correction, silicate may be an alternative material due to its lower solubility and Si supply, which is beneficial to several crops. This work aimed to evaluate the efficiency of superficial liming and calcium/magnesium silicate application on soil chemical attributes, plant nutrition, yield components and final yield of a soybean/white oat/maize/bean rotation under no-tillage system in a dry-winter region. The experiment was conducted under no tillage system in a deep acid clayey Rhodic Hapludox, Botucatu-SP, Brazil. The design was the completely randomized block with sixteen replications. Treatments consisted of two sources for soil acidity correction (dolomitic lime: ECC=90%, CaO=36% and MgO=12%; calcium/magnesium silicate: ECC=80%, CaO=34%, MgO=10% and SiO2 =22%) applied in October 2006 to raise base saturation up to 70% and a control, with no soil correction. Soybean and white oat were sown in 2006/2007 as the main crop and off-season, respectively. Maize and bean were cropped in the next year (2007/2008). Products from silicate dissociation reach deeper soil layers after 18months from the application, compared to liming. Additionally, silicate is more efficient than lime to increasing phosphorus availability and reducing toxic aluminum. Such benefits in soil chemical attributes were only evidenced during bean cropping, when grain yield was higher after silicate application comparatively to liming. Both correction sources were improved mineral nutrition of all the other crops, mainly Ca and Mg levels and agronomical characteristics, reflecting in higher yield. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

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]

• Deep root growth was improved by increasing soil fertility with lime. • Photosynthesis and water use efficiency are enhanced in high fertile soils. • Long-term liming increased soybean grain yield proportionally to the lime rate. Soil acidity is one of the major drivers of yield-limited crop productivity, particularly when combined with dry spells during crop development. Liming is a widely used strategy for alleviating the negative effects of soil acidity, ensuring greater crop root development to assist the plant in periods of low water availability, promoting full photosynthetic activity and, consequently, increasing crop yield. Here, we investigated the long-term effects of surface liming on soil chemical properties as well as soybean root growth, nutrition, photosynthetic parameters and grain yield during three growing seasons (2016–2019) in a region prone to dry spells. The long-term liming experiment was established in 2002. We evaluated the long-term effects of four surface lime rates: control, soil not treated with lime; ½ RLR, soil treated with half the recommended lime rate; 1 RLR, soil treated with the full recommended lime rate; and 2 RLR, soil treated with twice the recommended lime rate. The last lime application occurred in 2016. Our results revealed that increasing lime rates applied to soil surface up to 2 RLR increased soil fertility and root growth, besides to enhance the root distribution along soil profile. These changes contributed to boost soybean leaf photosynthetic pigments and gas exchange, leading to better growth, nutrition and grain yields, despite periods of dry spells. Our results suggested that in tropical agricultural systems with intensive cultivation throughout the agricultural year, higher lime rates can be applied without nutritional imbalances in the soil and plants. Our study provided important clues on how long-term liming changes soil fertility and triggers the cascading effects in improving root growth and distribution, as well as soybean photosynthetic metabolism and yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate fine root dynamics after thinning (50% of standing tree) and liming calcium magnesium carbonate[CaMg(CO3)2] 2 Mg ha- 1, a 2-year study was performed in 40-year-old pitch pine (Pinus rigida Mill.) and 44-year-old Japanese larch (Larix leptolepis Gord.) plantations in central Korea. Mean total fine root mass (kg ha- 1± SE) in the control, thinned, and limed plots were 1234 ± 32, 1346 ± 67, and 1134 ± 40 for the pitch pine plantation and 1655 ± 48, 1953 ± 58, and 1868 ± 70 for the Japanese larch plantation, respectively. Live fine root mass of pitch pine at 0-10 cm soil depth decreased after thinning and liming. In addition, liming significantly increased dead fine root mass of Japanese larch. Fine root production (kg ha- 1 yr- 1± SE) in the control, thinned and limed plots was 1108 ± 148, 2077 ± 262, and 1686 ± 103 for the pitch pine plantation and 1762 ± 103, 1886 ± 277, and 2176 ± 271 for the Japanese larch plantation, respectively. Fine root turnover rates increased after liming for both plantations. Fine root nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) concentrations of Japanese larch (1.012% of N and 0.073% of P) were higher than those of pitch pine (0.809% of N and 0.046% of P) in the control. Also N and P inputs into soil through fine root turnover increased after treatments. Results indicated that comparing fine root dynamics among forest types and after forest management practices might influence differences in soil fertility and underground nutrient cycling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Citrus pulp is the pulp and peel waste generated by citrus fruit processing. It can be a pollutant when it is disposed of by burning or dumping, but it is rich in organic carbon (monosaccharides, polysaccharides, pectins, and organic acids), suggesting that it could also be a valuable soil amendment. For the purpose of studying the effects of citrus pulp amendant on soil fertility, a study was carried Out using lysimeters where the soil was amended with different quantities of dried citrus pulp. Soil samples were taken periodically over a period of 2 years to evaluate the evolution of the organic matter and the activity of the microbial biomass. The former was evaluated by calculating the TOC and by extracting and characterizing the humified component. while the latter was evaluated through the calculation of the basal respiration, the C microbial content and some enzymatic activities (alkaline phosphatases, ß-glucosidase, and arylsulphatase). The introduction of citrus pulp brought about an improvement in soil quality which continued for 20 months after the application of the amendant. In particular, there was an increase in the soil organic matter, despite the notable mineralization process which took place in the short-term due to the citrus fruit industry residues. In the medium term, the chemical-spectroscopic characterization of the organic compounds of the soil highlighted a great similarity to the natural humic substances. The improvement in soil quality was also demonstrated by the activity of the microbial biomass, with a large and long-lasting increase in microbial and respired C and the stimulation of enzymatic activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A field experiment investigating amendments of organic material including farmyard manure, paper factory sludge and crop residues combined with fly ash, lime and chemical fertilizer in a rice-peanut cropping system was conducted during 1997-98 and 1998-99 at the Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur, India. The soil was an acid lateritic (Halustaf) sandy loam. For rice, an N:P:K level of 90:26.2:33.3 kg ha-1 was supplied through the organic materials and chemical fertilizer to all the treatments except control and fly ash alone. The required quantities of organic materials were added to supply 30 kg N ha-1 and the balance amount of N, P and K was supplied through chemical fertilizer. Amendment materials as per fertilization treatments were incorporated to individual plots 15 days before planting of rice during the rainy season. The residual effects were studied on the following peanut crop with application of N:P:K at 30:26.2:33.3 kg ha-1 through chemical fertilizer alone in all treatments, apart from the control. An application of fly ash at 10 t ha-1 in combination with chemical fertilizer and organic materials increased the grain yield of rice by 11% compared to chemical fertilizer alone. The residual effect of both lime and fly ash applications combined with direct application of chemical fertilizer increased peanut yields by 30% and 24%, respectively, compared to chemical fertilizer alone. Treatments with fly ash or lime increased P and K uptake in both the crops and oil content in peanut kernel compared to those without the amendments. Alkaline coal fly ash proved to be a better amendment than lime for improving productivity of an acid lateritic soil and enriching the soil with P and K. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]