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

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]

The acidic soils of western Newfoundland require liming for successful production of most crops. Locally sourced paper mill waste wood ash (WA) and paper sludge (SL) have potential as cheaper alternatives to limestone (LIME). Two greenhouse experiments evaluated WA and SL as liming and soil conditioning amendments for annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum) production. At 55 days after seeding, soil pH in WA (6.2 and 6.3) and wood ash and paper sludge (WASL) (6.0 and 6.3) were not different from that in LIME (6.0 and 6.5) for Experiments 1 and 2, respectively. However, pH in SL was 0.4 and 0.3 points lower than in LIME. Compared to LIME, WA, SL, and WASL produced 31%–52% and 57%–74% greater biomass yield in Experiments 1 and 2, respectively. N uptake was greater in WA (60 and 129 kg N ha−1) and WASL (51 and 97 kg N ha−1) compared to LIME (40 and 85 kg N ha−1), in Experiments 1 and 2, respectively. SL did not differ from LIME in Experiment 1, but reduced N uptake by 57% in Experiment 2. The results show significant potential of WA as an alternative amendment for liming and yield improvement of annual ryegrass grown in NL podzolic soils. However, SL has limited potential due to the risk of increasing N immobilization and residual soil mineral N when growing conditions are limiting. Combining SL with WA or biochar seemed to alleviate these risks. Overall, the adoption of these amendments for field production systems warrants serious consideration, following supplemental field studies to determine optimal application rates and timing. Core Ideas: The podzolic soils of Newfoundland have low pH and fertility, hence require liming.Locally sourced wastes, such as paper mill wood ash (WA) and sludge (SL), could be used as liming and nutrient sources.WA was equivalent to limestone (LIME) in improving and sustaining optimal soil pH.WA produced 52% and 74% greater annual ryegrass yield than conventional LIME application in podzolic soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Growing concern over the combustion cost and environment has made road engineers and scientists to explore the possible use of locally available materials for the construction of roads. The present study evaluated the strength and durability characteristics of five sites having locally available silty soils using lime and cement–sand stabilization technique. The test results showed that the cement–sand stabilization technique using 6% cement and 5% local sand resulted in higher strength and durability as compared to lime stabilization. There is also a significant increase in the value of the soaked California bearing ratio (CBR). As unconfined compressive strength (UCS) attained the threshold strength as prescribed by IRC SP 72 2015 for the granular sub-base (GSB) layer, by the use of sand cement stabilization, this technique of stabilization for local silty soils could be used for GSB for low volume road (LVR) construction. As observed from microstructural results which were performed by analysing SEM images, sand cement stabilisation leads to CSH gel and agglomerate formation thereby increasing strength and durability properties. The cost analysis for the replaced stabilized GSB layer showed that using sand–cement stabilization, the estimated cost can be reduced by 56% of the total cost as compared to the conventional method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Construction of earth fill dams offers a cost-effective solution for various purposes. However, their susceptibility to internal soil erosion, known as piping, poses a significant risk of structural failure and resultant loss of life and property. Soil stabilization emerges as a practical technique to fortify these dams against such threats. This study investigated the impact of lime on the internal erosion properties of clay soils, focusing on CH and ML soil types. Specimens of different lime content were prepared and remolded at 95% relative compaction and optimum moisture content. Hole Erosion tests at varying lime concentrations and curing durations were adapted to conduct the investigation. This investigation aims to optimize lime content and curing time for cohesive soil stabilization against internal erosion. Findings revealed that 2% and 5% of quicklime, by dry weight of the soil, effectively stabilized CH and ML soils, respectively, against internal erosion, with a two-day curing period proving optimal. Furthermore, the addition of lime significantly enhanced erosion rate index and critical shear strength in clay soil, underscoring its efficacy in soil stabilization efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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]

Tillage conservation practices (CA), traditional agriculture (TA), and liming influence soil properties and crop yield. However, it is essential to demonstrate which tillage and liming practices improve soil properties and forage corn yield. This study compared soil properties and forage corn production in two tillage systems with the addition of dolomite and lime, which formed four treatments. The tillage in the first three days surpassed the TA soil CO2 emission, with 64.8% more CO2 than in the CA soil, and the TA hydraulic conductivity and bulk density were more suitable than those in the CA soil. The CA soil had 233 earthworms m−2 more than in TA. The TA green forage corn yielded 6.45 t ha−1 more than in CA, with a higher P, Ca, and Mg foliar content than in CA, but in the CA, the foliar N and K were higher than in TA. The liming increased soil cations (except K), highlighting the lime on dolomite with—52% Al and + 4.85 t ha−1 of forage corn compared to the control. Soil CO2 emission was far lower in CA than in TA, with a slightly lower forage yield, and other soil properties were improved, meaning lower land preparation costs and time savings than in TA. Lime improved acidic soil faster than dolomite, generating higher forage yields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Expansive soil, also called swelling soil can cause severe damage to buildings and foundations due to the high swell-shrink behavior corresponding to moisture content changes. Slag, which is defined as the by-product of the iron and steel-making process, has been widely used as a stabilizer agent for developing clay soil mechanical characteristics. This review paper highlighted the findings of previous studies on treating expansive soils utilizing several types of slag. The effect of mixing slag with other additives such as Portland cement and lime on expansive soil swelling properties was reviewed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lime application combined with complementary sustainable management practices increases crop yields, but liming is only modestly applied in Serbia. This study investigated the influence of liming (1000 kg/ha) combined with the common application of mineral fertilizers on maize yield and the chemical properties of pseudogley soil. The experiment was conducted near Kraljevo, Western Serbia, on the maize hybrid ZP 606 sown in a two-year monoculture. The experiment had three treatments: fertilizer, fertilizer + lime, and a control treatment. The soil is acid, poor in humus, and contains an increased content of mobile aluminum. There was a significant increase in yield under the fertilizer and lime + fertilizer treatments, compared to the control. The yield of maize in the limed treatment was 4.4–9% higher than in the fertilizer treatment. The positive effects of liming on soil are related to an increase in pH, base saturation, and available phosphorus, and a decrease in available aluminum. In the fertilizer treatment, there was a small decrease in pH and base saturation, whereas the amount of aluminum remained high, indicating that the further application of fertilizers without lime can increase aluminum content and foster its toxicity. The long-term sustainability of maize production in Serbia should include liming as a regular management practice on pseudogley soil, with the utilization of smaller doses of lime because of the potential CO2 effects. To improve soil health, food, and environmental security, and to incorporate new crops, developing a framework promoting liming as a sustainable management practice is of high importance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the effects of chemical (20:20:0 compound) and organic (barnyard) fertilizers applied to different textured soils on several soil enzyme (urease, acid phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase, and dehydrogenase) activities were investigated. The research was conducted under greenhouse conditions with (beans and corn) and without crops. Considering the results of the preexperiment analysis of the soils, a 40-g pot–1 of farmyard manure was placed into the pots in which organic fertilizer would be applied in clay and silty loam soils, and a 50-g pot–1 of farmyard manure was added to sandy loam soil; in addition, a 0.25-g pot–1 of 20:20:0 compound fertilizer was mixed into the clay, silty, and sandy loam samples where chemical fertilizer would be applied. Soil chemical properties such as soil reaction (pH), electrical conductivity, lime, organic matter, useful phosphorus, total nitrogen, exchangeable cations (Ca, Mg, Na, K), cation exchange capacity, microelements (Fe, Cu, Mn, Zn), and soil enzymes (urease, acid phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase, and dehydrogenase) were determined. According to the results, fertilizers applied to the soil increased the soil’s pH, organic matter, and macro and micronutrient contents and decreased the exchangeable Na content. The lime content of the soils did not show any decrease or increase. Organic and chemical fertilizers applied to the soil increased the activity of soil enzymes (urease, acid phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase, and dehydrogenase). [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]

Results of eleven survey rounds of arable soils performed from 1964 to 2022 in the southwestern part of the central chernozemic region in Belgorod oblast are analyzed. Ordinary chernozems predominate in the steppe zone of the region, and typical and leached chernozems predominate in the forest-steppe zone. During the eleventh survey round (2019–2022), the average application of mineral fertilizers was 114.4 kg a.i./ha; of organic fertilizers, 9.6 t/ha; the rate of liming of acid soils was 43 800 ha per year. As a result, the average yield of winter wheat increased to 5.09 t/ha, sugar beet up to 45.6 t/ha, and corn for grain up to 7.15 t/ha. At the same time, the maximum value of the weighted average content of organic matter (5.3%) was recorded in the soils of cropland for the entire observation period. The part of acid soils decreased to 28.6%, and the part of moderately acid soils decreased to 3.0%. The hydrolytic acidity decreased to 2.7 cmol(c)/kg. The weighted average content of available phosphorus (139 mg/kg) and potassium (161 mg/kg) was the highest in the central chernozemic region. Soils with the low content of available sulfur comprised 85.7% of surveyed soils, those with the low content of zinc, 97.2%; copper, 92.5%; cobalt, 98.8%, manganese, 40.1%; and molybdenum, 21.3%. In terms of the content of available boron, 98.2% of soils were classified as very rich. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The findings revealed that the addition of nanoalginate and lime had distinct effects on various soil properties. Specifically, the liquid limit (LL) and plastic limit (PL) decreased when sodium nanoalginate and lime were added, while the plasticity index (PI) and shrinkage limit (SL) increased. Furthermore, the soil classification was altered when sodium alginate and lime were introduced to the control soil. Regarding the standard Proctor test, it was observed that adding sodium nanoalginate increased the maximum dry density and reduced the optimal moisture content, whereas lime had the opposite effect by decreasing the maximum dry density and increasing the optimal moisture content. The free swelling and swelling pressure tests indicated that the incorporation of sodium nanoalginate and lime reduced both free swelling and swelling pressure. The most significant reduction was observed in the sample containing 7% sodium nanoalginate and 5% lime. Additionally, the study highlighted the influence of processing time, showing that an increase in the curing time led to a decrease in free swelling and swelling pressure in samples mixed with 3% sodium nanoalginate and lime. The XRD test showed that adding sodium nanoalginate reduced primary minerals, forming SAH, while lime reduced quartz and calcite, creating CSH. Overall, the results suggest that sodium nanoalginate can be a more environmentally friendly alternative to lime for soil stabilization projects. [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]

Constructing on soft clay entails engineering challenges, such as significant volumetric changes; hence, stabilizing such problematic soil is essential. Since using lime in stabilizing soil is not recommended in some regions (e.g., Manitoba, Canada) due to some environmental concerns, there is a pressing need to explore suitable alternatives. This study investigates the efficiency of stabilizing soft clay using nano-modified cementitious binders (cement, slag, and nano-silica), reinforced with a new class of fibers (basalt fiber pellets). The mechanical and durability properties of the mixtures have been tested in terms of California bearing ratio, unconsolidated–undrained triaxial stresses, and freezing–thawing resistance. Thermogravimetry and scanning electron microscope analyses were performed to interpret the bulk trends. The results showed significant improvement for soft clay specimens stabilized with the nano-modified cementitious binders and reinforced with the pellets. This demonstrates the potential of the proposed reinforced binders for field applications involving the stabilization of soft soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heavy metals (HMs) such as arsenic, cadmium, chromium, lead, mercury, aluminum, iron, and barium can accumulate in tea herbs and pose health risks to consumers. This systematic review analyzes research from 2000- 2022 on HM contamination in tea, associated health effects, and strategies to minimize exposure. Initial searches yielded 961 articles, with 157 selected for final review after the screening. HMs have no biological role; their toxicity depends on metal type, oxidation state, and solubility. Chronic ingestion of HM-contaminated tea can impair numerous organs and biochemical processes, potentially causing cancer, cardiovascular, neurological, reproductive, and developmental damage. Factors influencing HM levels in tea herbs include soil, air, and water contamination, proximity to pollution sources, genetic differences, brewing methods, and steeping time. Strategies to reduce HM uptake and toxicity include using cleaner irrigation water, avoiding acidic fertilizers, liming soil, and restricting tea cultivation near pollution sources. Processing methods and shorter brewing can also decrease HMs extracted into tea infusions. Ongoing research should further investigate phytoremediation and genetically engineering tea cultivars. Consuming contaminated tea poses cumulative risks, so sustainable agriculture and pollution control are vital to minimize HM exposure and protect public health. This review enhances understanding HM dynamics, toxicity, and mitigation strategies for producing safer tea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Liming agricultural land is essential to optimise crop yield and soil nutrients. Despite the importance of pH management in agricultural soils, liming applications have been decreasing in the United Kingdom for decades. There is no comparison of contemporary and historical liming requirement (LR) methods for Northern European, temperate climate mineral soils high in organic matter (OM). Aims: The aims of this research were to thoroughly comparatively analyse current methodologies and to ascertain which soil characteristics contribute to LR reactions. Methods: Analysis compared methods for determining liming values common in the United Kingdom (Scottish Agricultural College [SAC] look‐up chart, RothLime model), Europe and the United States (Shoemaker–McLean–Pratt, Sikora, Modified Mehlich buffers), and the 30‐min calcium hydroxide titration developed by the University of Georgia. Results: RothLime and SAC highly underestimated the LR value in acidic soils. The buffers highly over or underestimated LRs. The UGA titration method is a cheap, easy and accurate method which could be utilised for high OM soils but requires further calculation development. The characteristics most associated with soil–lime reactions in this experiment were measures of exchangeability (cation exchange capacity and loss on ignition, and by proxy, lime buffering capacity). Conclusions: There is an opportunity to create buffer calculators and titration equations adapted to high OM soils. These are suggested for further development, through a larger diversity of UK soil types grouped by buffering capacity ranges. Including soil exchangeability factors in lime management calculations may contribute to more accurate values and therefore better resource management. Increasing LR accuracy for site‐specific soil pH management, used in precision agriculture technologies, is a necessary tool for the conservation of natural resources like limestone, managing resource use efficiency, and for optimising yields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of new technologies to monitor and evaluate the management of coffee crops allowed for a significant increase in productivity. Precision coffee farming has leveraged the development of this commodity by using remote sensing and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). However, the success of coffee farming in the country also resulted from management practices, including liming management in the soils. This study aimed to evaluate the response of coffee seedlings transplanted to areas subjected to deep liming in comparison to conventional (surface) liming, using vegetation indices (VIs) generated by multispectral images acquired using UAVs. The study area was overflown bimonthly by UAVs to measure the plant height, crown diameter, and chlorophyll content in the field. The VIs were generated and compared with the data measured in the field using linear time graphs and a correlation analysis. Linear regression was performed to predict the biophysical parameters as a function of the VIs. A significant difference was found only in the chlorophyll content. Most indices were correlated with the biophysical parameters, particularly the green chlorophyll index (GCI) and the canopy area calculated via vectorization. Therefore, UAVs proved to be effective coffee monitoring tools and can be recommended for coffee producers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the productivity level of agricultural lands in the central and district villages of Kilis province was investigated. For this purpose, texture, pH, EC, CaCO3, organic matter, phosphorus and potassium analyzes were made in the samples taken from 0-30 cm depth of the soil. To determine some physical and chemical analyzes of the soil, 40 soil samples were evaluated in terms of productivity. According to the findings, the agricultural soils of Kilis province have a slightly alkaline reaction, 55% are clayey, 30% are clay loam, 15% have loam texture, 12.5% of the soils are very low in terms of organic matter content. 50% were in the low, 32.5% moderate and 5% good class. It has been determined that the agricultural soils of Kilis province are generally unsalted, 2.5% lime, 67.5% moderately lime, 22.5% highly lime and 7.5% too high lime. It has been revealed that high lime content in agricultural soils limits the availability of some important nutrients such as phosphorus. Agricultural soils in Kilis province have sufficient potassium, 24% of them have very low phosphorus content, 14% are low and 2% are in the middle class. For a continuous and efficient plant production, the nutrient removed from the soil must be added to the soil again. Producers Kilis province produce in these soils with high lime and low organic matter without fertilization. Nutrients in the soil are consumed by plants over the years. As a result of this process, the fertility of the soil decreases and the product yield decreases. Producers of our province limit the use of mineral fertilizers for economic reasons. Due to the weed problem, farm manure is not preferred. According to the results of the soil analysis, the required amount of fertilizer should be applied during the periods when there are nutritional problems in the agricultural lands where field crops and vegetables are grown in Kilis and when the plants need it. In addition, importance should be given to the use of organic fertilizers and thus sustainable fertility of the soil should be ensured. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The population structure and genetic diversity of M. adilii and some edaphic and climatic preferences of the species were investigated. Although the chemical characteristics such as pH, EC, and gypsum were similar for the three subpopulations, the physical qualities and lime content of the soil were different from each other. In terms of bioclimate, the Nallıhan station (Nallıhan Bird Sanctuary) has a lower annual average temperature and precipitation value, and monthly average values during the germination and flowering periods, than the Beypazarı station (Hırkatepe and Çoban Ahmet Fountain). Amplification with 16 ISSR markers produced 377 bands from 84 individuals belonging to three subpopulations. Three hundred and sixty-six of the 377 bands were polymorphic and 9 ISSR markers were found to be 100% polymorphic. The percentage of polymorphic loci at the species level was determined as PLYSP = 97.08%, whereas the average PLYPOP at the population level was 69.67%. Total genetic diversity (HT), genetic diversity within the population (HS), genetic differentation among populations (GST), and gene flow among populations (NM) values were as follows HT = 0.1888, HS = 0.1712, GST = 0.0934, and NM = 4,8566, respectively. Genetic variance within-population was 89%, whereas among-population it was 11% according to AMOVA. The results of the STRUCTURE analysis (ΔK = 3) were in accord with the UPGMA and PCoA analyses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ureolytic microbes are abundant in broiler litter (BL), and previous research indicates that microbially induced calcium carbonate precipitation via urea hydrolysis occurs in gypsum‐amended litters. Given that calcium carbonate (CaCO3) is used to correct soil acidity, we hypothesized that the soil‐liming potential of BL + gypsum is greater than that of unamended litter. First, an experiment was conducted to isolate ureolytic bacteria from BL and confirm their ability to precipitate CaCO3. To determine the effects of calcium on urea hydrolysis, six isolates were identified from screenings of 30 colonies collected from different BL sources. Calcium increased the ureolytic rate by 29%–160% and the precipitation of CaCO3 by ~1500% in solution. The 16S rRNA of the isolate with the greatest rate of urea hydrolysis was sequenced and belong to Lysinibacillus macroides. Broiler litter amended with gypsum was inoculated with L. macroides and found to precipitate significantly more CaCO3 than inoculated litter without gypsum. Finally, over the course of a 28‐day incubation, the pH and inorganic‐N of soil, soil + BL, and soil + BL + gypsum were measured. Surprisingly, soil + BL + gypsum was found to have a significantly lower pH than soil + BL for the first 21 days. We propose that the decreased liming ability of BL + gypsum is due to a combination of pH buffering mechanisms and increased nitrification. Although gypsum is a useful litter amendment, it cannot be used to increase the liming ability of litter, despite the fact that gypsum‐amended litter has more CaCO3. Core Ideas: Calcium ions increase the rate of urea hydrolysis by poultry litter‐derived ureolytic isolates.Inoculating gypsum‐amended litter with ureolytic bacteria increases the CaCO3 and NH4+ content of litter.The soil liming potential of gypsum‐amended litter is not greater than the liming potential of unamended litter, even though treated litter contains more CaCO3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The elevated accumulation of cadmium (Cd) in rice (Oryza sativa L.) and tea (Camellia sinensis L.) grown in agricultural soils may lead to a variety of adverse health effects. This study collected and analyzed crop samples along with paired rhizosphere soil samples from 61 sites in Cd-contaminated regions in Anhui Province, China. The findings revealed that both the diffusive gradients in thin-films (DGT) and soil solution were capable of effectively predicting Cd contents in crops. Conventional chemical extraction methods were inappropriate to evaluate the bioavailability of Cd. However, the effective concentrations (CE) corrected by the DGT-induced fluxes in soils (DIFS) model exhibited the strongest correlation with crop Cd contents. Except for CE, various measurement methods yielded better results for predicting Cd bioavailability in tea compared to rice. Pearson's correlation analysis and the random forest (RF) model identified the key influencing factors controlling Cd uptake by rice and tea, including pH, soil texture, and contents of zinc (Zn) and selenium (Se) in soils, which antagonize Cd. To reduce the potential health risk from rice and tea, the application of soil liming and/or Se-oxidizing bacteria was expected to be an effective management strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Earthen sites (i.e., ancient earthen buildings) with important historical, cultural, artistic, social, and scientific value have been seriously damaged. Soil treatment with chemical additives can decrease the degradation rate of earthen sites. In the past, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and quicklime as chemical additives were studied separately for the protection of earthen sites. In arid and semi-arid northwest China, the early strength of the lime-treated soil may be insufficient due to an inappropriate reaction environment, and the PVA as the additive can quickly increase the soil strength. However, calcium carbonate has been proven to not be decomposed for hundreds of years, while there is still a lack of experimental evidence to show that the PVA cannot be decomposed in decades. The PVA and lime as the additives show the potential to make up for the defects each other. Therefore, the physical and mechanical properties of the PVA and lime composite soil are analysed, and the microscopic properties of the composite soil are discussed in this study. The results show that the addition of the PVA decreases water vapour permeability and pore size, which causes a delay in the carbonization reaction of lime, but it acts as a cementing agent to improve soil strength before the lime appropriately reacts. The addition of quicklime can decrease the hydrophobicity of the PVA-treated soil. The mixing of these two materials is conducive to the colour control of the sample. For the composite soil applied to earthen sites in northwest China, the optimal ratio is 10% lime and 1.0% PVA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of acid soil‐tolerant annual legume pasture species and liming to raise soil pH can have legacy effects that improve subsequent wheat crop growth in acid soils. We established a two‐year experiment in a semi‐arid environment with and without historical lime application to investigate how acid soils (±lime) influence the legacy effects of annual legume pastures. We measured legume and cereal growth and yield, soil‐borne disease incidence, rhizosheath organic acid type and amount, legume biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) and soil moisture in Year 1, and soil microbial biomass carbon (MBC) and wheat yield and quality in Year 2. Minor differences in soil moisture and soil‐borne diseases occurred between cereals and legumes, and the poor BNF contribution of all pasture legumes improved in lime treatments. Pasture legumes produced more organic acids than cereals, which increased in limed treatments. Soil MBC in Year 2 was greater following legumes than cereals. Year 2 wheat grain yield increased following pasture legumes, more so in limed treatments. The contribution of organic acid exudation by annual legume pastures to microbial community legacy effects warrants further scrutiny in semi‐arid environments, particularly when acid soils limit typical rotational benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The unconfined compressive strength (Qu) is one of the most important criteria of stabilized soil to design in order to evaluate the effective of soft soil improvement. The unconfined compressive strength of stabilized soil is strongly affected by numerous factors such as the soil properties, the binder content, etc. Machine Learning (ML) approach can take into account these factors to predict the unconfined compressive strength (Qu) with high performance and reliability. The aim of this paper is to select a single ML model to design Qu of stabilized soil containing some chemical stabilizer agents such as lime, cement and bitumen. In order to build the single ML model, a database is created based on the literature investigation. The database contains 200 data samples, 12 input variables (Liquid limit, Plastic limit, Plasticity index, Linear shrinkage, Clay content, Sand content, Gravel content, Optimum water content, Density of stabilized soil, Lime content, Cement content, Bitumen content) and the output variable Qu. The performance and reliability of ML model are evaluated by the popular validation technique Monte Carlo simulation with aided of three criteria metrics including coefficient of determination R2, Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) and Mean Square Error (MAE). ML model based on Gradient Boosting algorithm is selected as highest performance and highest reliability ML model for designing Qu of stabilized soil. Explanation of feature effects on the unconfined compressive strength Qu of stabilized soil is carried out by Permutation importance, Partial Dependence Plot (PDP 2D) in two dimensions and SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) local value. The ML model proposed in this investigation is single and useful for professional engineers with using the mapping Maximal dry density-Linear shrinkage created by PDP 2D. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Modelling the lime requirement (LR) is a fast and efficient way to determine the amount of lime required to obtain a pH that can overcome the adverse effects caused by soil acidification. This study aimed to model the LR based on the properties of soil and lime. A total of 17 acidic soils and 39 lime samples underwent soil–lime incubation in the laboratory. The predictive equations for the LR (t ha−1) were modelled using ∆pH (the difference between the target pH and initial pH), the neutralizing value (NV, mmol kg−1) of lime, soil pH, soil clay content (%), soil bulk density (BD, g cm−3), and the depth of soil (h, cm) as the factors in an exponential equation. The generic predictive equation, L R = ∆ p H × e − 3.88 − 0.069 × N V + 0.51 × p H + 0.025 × C l a y × B D × h , was validated as the most reliable model under field conditions. Simplified predictive equations for different soil textures when limed with quicklime and limestone are also provided. Furthermore, the LR proportions provided by hydrated lime, quicklime, limestone, and dolomite in commercially available lime can be expressed as 0.58:0.64:0.97:1.00. This study provides a novel and robust model for predicting the amount of lime product containing components with different neutralizing abilities that are required to neutralize soils with a wide range of properties. It is of great significance to agronomic activities and soil remediation projects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The chemical properties of limestone have been the subject of several studies in recent years, highlighting its importance in various industrial applications. The present study focuses on six limestone samples from three geographical regions in Nigeria (Ashaka, Mfamosing, and Nkalagu). The analyses of their chemical composition using the Loss on Ignition Test and X-Ray Fluorescence Spectrometry was successfully carried out. Results of the study show that CaO is the main component, comprising between 60.054 % and 78.632 % of the samples. Values of Loss of Ignition (LOI) ranged from 30.820 % to 33.280 % while SiO2 composition ranged between 5.095 % to 12.238 %. Other oxides detected, include Al2O3 and Fe2O3, which make up less than 1 % of the composition. Obtained values were compared to Limestone standards for various industries and findings indicate that the Ashaka, Mfamosing, and Nkalagu limestone samples are of high purity and suitable for use in various industrial fields, including the steel industry, manufacture of bleaching powder, manufacture of calcium carbide, sugar industry, textile manufacture, cement industry, agricultural practice (soil liming), and flue gas desulphurization. Thus limestone deposits from Ashaka, Mfamosing, and Nkalagu has more potential and application uses beyond cement production which they are currently used for. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of biotechnology-based methods in the field of geotechnical engineering has led to the birth of new knowledge of biogeotechnology and several studies have been conducted using this new knowledge in various geotechnical issues including reducing permeability and increasing shear strength, especially in sandy soils and the desired results have been obtained. Nevertheless, little research has been done using biogeotechnology in the field of improving the mechanical properties of clay soils, especially in reducing the swelling of expansive soils, which is considered one of the types of problematic soils. The main cause of swelling of expansive soils is the presence of montmorillonite clays in these types of soils. Using chemical additives to stabilize expansive soils such as lime and cement is a common practice. However, environmental concerns related to greenhouse gas production caused by the production of chemical substances and the destructive effects of these substances on the environment and soils have encouraged researchers to use other sustainable stabilization alternatives. Microbial Induced Carbonate Precipitation (MICP) is a technique that can be a promising solution to solve this problem. The objective of the present study was to investigate the effect of the MICP method on the swelling of expansive clay soils and its effect on the mechanical strength of this type of soil. Onedimensional swelling tests, uniaxial compressive strength tests, and Atterberg limits tests were performed on clay soil with a liquid limit of 53 using Sporosarcina pasteurii bacteria, calcium chloride, and urea as nutrients. Taguchi's method was used for the design of the experiments and the statistical analysis of the results. This method designs experiments through partial factorial and reduces their number without a significant effect on the results. Bacterial concentration, nutrient molarity ratio, treatment time, and soil moisture were selected as four factors with Four levels of variation. The results showed that the (MICP) method was effective in reducing the swelling potential of expansive soils and also caused a significant increase in the unconfined compressive strength of the soil and its undrained shear strength. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims: Suitable N source supply is critical to improve plant growth and N uptake, but the importance of nitrate (NO3−) for rice (Oryza sativa L.) and microbiota is often neglected in acidic paddy soils where ammonium (NH4+) is dominant. This study aimed to explore the differential effects of NH4+ and NO3− on rice growth, fertilizer nitrogen recovery efficiency (FNRE), and rhizosphere bacterial community in acid soil. Methods: Two rice varieties, Kasalath (Al-sensitive indica) and Koshihikari (Al-tolerant japonica), were exposed to different N sources with or without lime in an acid soil. Results: Liming and NO3− application solely improved the growth and FNRE of the Al-sensitive rice, namely, by increasing soil pH and alleviating Al toxicity. Compared with liming and rice variety, N source had a more pronounced influence on rhizobacterial community composition. Of the two sources, NO3− had a stronger effect on the rhizobacterial community than NH4+. Remarkably, rice plants fed with NH4+ specifically recruited Desulfosporosinus and Desulfitobacterium associated with ferric NH4+ oxidation in the rhizosphere, whereas those exposed to NO3− recruited Alicyclobacillus with NO3−-reducing iron oxidation ability. Three keystone taxa were identified in a rhizobacterial co-occurrence network analysis: Alicyclobacillus, which was positively associated with rice growth and FNRE, and Acidobacteriales and WPS-2, both with negative associations. Conclusion: Compared with NH4+, NO3− enhances the growth and FNRE of Al-sensitive rice and exerts dominant effects on the rhizobacterial community, which indicates the importance of NO3− for rice and has instructive implications for N management in acid soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

N2O contributes to increasing the greenhouse effect and is also involved in stratospheric ozone depletion. In soil and water, N2O reductase catalyses the reduction of N2O into the inert form N2. N2O reductase activity is known to be affected by acidic conditions and the application of liming materials to acidic soils is now proposed as a solution for mitigating soil N2O emissions. During a one-year laboratory experiment, we studied the functioning of N2O reductase after the application of calcium carbonates to an acidic soil with a very low capacity to reduce N2O. The functioning of N2O reductase was characterised through anaerobic incubations using the acetylene inhibition technique combined with a logistic model to determine the main enzyme functioning characteristics (latency, maximal rate). Both changes in soil pH and soil capacity to reduce N2O were rapidly observed after the application of lime materials. The activity of N2O reductase was observed to be efficient throughout the experiment even when the soil had returned to initial acidic conditions, revealing a hysteretic response of N2O reductase to pH variations. Nevertheless, some signs of lower N2O reductase activity over time were observed mainly after 200 days of applying lime materials. Altogether, these results suggest that, in this soil condition, the beneficial impact of the application of liming materials on N2O emissions could last longer than this on soil pH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the course of highway construction and use in loess area, subgrade settlement disease is common and has great destructiveness. The cone penetration test (CPT), especially the pore pressure cone penetration test, can provide three continuous readings along the exploration depth cone tip resistance, lateral friction resistance and excess pore water pressure. In this paper, CPT tests are carried out in the losses areas in Shanxi, China. Some data and curves are obtained by using CPT, which are quite different from those obtained by conventional drilling, reflecting the soil layer characteristics of the subgrade section, in order to provide a reference for similar projects. The results showed that CPT has a strong advantage in the analysis of the effect of compacted pile in the treatment of pile length and the improvement and reduction of indicators of different layers along the depth direction. However, the correlation between the static penetration and the compaction coefficient commonly used in the current norms still needs to be further studied to enhance the correlation analysis with detection parameters. [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]

Global carbon storage in soils is widely discussed today because of climate uncertainty and maintaining sustainable agricultural production. Human intervention in agricultural or energy production poses many changes in soil management, which highly affects soil quality/health. Permanent grasslands fulfil a wide range of ecosystem functions and have a high potential for increasing arable land. Today, grasslands are becoming more and more intensively used, fertilized and disturbed. Optimizing their management is essential to maintain a resilient and stable ecosystem. The produced biomass is used as a forage or for energy production. We aimed at the impact of long-term grassland liming on the total content of soil organic carbon (SOC), humic substances (CHS), and microbial biomass (Cmic). Furthermore, soil reaction and available nutrient content were evaluated. Soil samples were collected from a split-plot field experiment at Mendel University in Brno (locality Kameničky). The soil was classified as Dystric Planosol Siltic, medium textured, strongly acidic, with high soil organic carbon content. The yearly liming rate was 1.4 t/ha CaO. The linkage between the soil pH, SOC, Cmic, and available nutrient content was evaluated by the multivariate exploratory techniques and regression models. Results showed that long-term liming affects both soil biota and carbon storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cadmium (Cd) pollution poses a growing threat to rice production in acidic paddies. In south China, a common agricultural practice involves the combined utilization of Chinese milk vetch (M) and rice straw (R). However, it is unclear how the addition of lime to these amendments affects Cd bioavailability and accumulation in soil. Control (CK), chemical fertilizer (F), Chinese milk vetch + rice straw + chemical fertilizer (MRF), and Chinese milk vetch + rice straw + chemical fertilizer + lime (MRFL) treatments were applied to develop a kind of green, efficient, and practical amendment for acidic paddies. We conducted a microplot experiment to explore Cd immobilization in paddy soil and the Cd content in rice grains with these treatments. The results showed that compared with F, the rice Cd in the MRF and MRFL treatments were significantly decreased by 51.7% and 65.2% in early rice and 23.0% and 43.3% in late rice, respectively. Both the MRF and MRFL treatments significantly reduced soil available Cd and weak acid-extractable cadmium (Aci-Cd) concentrations and increased soil organic matter (SOM), exchangeable cation concentrations, and pH, which converted Cd into a stable form in soil. In addition, the MRF and MRFL treatments increased soil pH value by reducing soil exchangeable hydrogen ion concentration (E-H). Additionally, recombination of Cd forms was the primary factor in the reduction in available Cd concentration according to partial least squares path modeling (PLS-PM) analysis. The Cd concentration of rice grains was primarily associated with soil available Cd, soil pH value, and SOM. Overall, these results provide useful data and novel insights into reducing rice grain Cd in south China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Detailed knowledge of a soil's lime requirement (LR) is a prerequisite for a demand-based lime fertilization to achieve the optimum soil pH and thus sustainably increasing soil fertility and crop yields. LR can be directly determined by the base neutralizing capacity (BNC) obtained by soil-base titration. For a site-specific soil acidity management, detailed information on the within-field variation of BNC is required. However, soil-base titrations for BNC determination are too laborious to be extensively applied in routine soil testing. In contrast, visible and near-infrared spectroscopy (visNIRS) is a time and cost-effective alternative that can analyze several soil characteristics within a single spectrum. VisNIRS was tested in the laboratory on 170 air-dried and sieved soil samples of nine agricultural fields of a quaternary landscape in North-east Germany predicting the soil's BNC and the corresponding lime requirement (LRBNC) at a target pH of 6.5. Seven spectral pre-processing methods were tested including a new technique based on normalized differences (ND). Furthermore, six multivariate regression methods were conducted including a new method combining a forward stagewise subset selection algorithm with PLSR (FS-PLSR). The models were validated using an independent sample set. The best regression model for most target variables was FS-PLSR combined with the second Savitzky-Golay derivation as pre-processing method achieving R2s from 0.68 to 0.82. Finally, the performance of the direct prediction of LRBNC (R2 = 0.68) was compared with an indirect prediction that was calculated by the predicted BNC parameters. This resulted in slightly higher correlation coefficients for the indirect method with R2 = 0.75. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The soils of four citrus orchards in western Zhejiang were studied in this research. In order to explore the effects of lime on soil chemical properties and bacterial communities, the incubation experiment was conducted with six different dosages of lime addition, 0, 0.6, 1.2, 2.4, 4.8, 7.2 g/kg, respectively. The results showed that soil pH increased significantly (p < 0.05) and the contents of exchangeable acid decreased significantly (p < 0.05) at the early stage of lime application. As time went by, the reacidification existed in the soil of each treatment, mainly reflected in a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in soil pH. Liming increased the nitrate nitrogen content and decreased the ammonium nitrogen content in the four soils. However, the responses of other nutrient indexes to lime varied in different soils, which might be due to the different degrees of soil acidification. In general, the addition of lime increased the soil integrated fertility index (IFI) and improved the soil nutrient status. The application of lime under 2.4 g/kg significantly improved the structure of bacterial community and increased the relative abundance of soil bacterial community species, while the application of lime above 4.8 g/kg might inhibit the growth and activity of microorganisms, resulting in the reduction of soil microbial biomass and diversity. Redundancy analysis (RDA) showed that lime affected the bacterial community mainly by reducing the content of soil active acid and exchangeable acid. At the same time, network analysis showed that the bacterial community had a stronger buffer capacity against external disturbances after lime application. In conclusion, the addition of lime with appropriate amount (2.4~4.8 g/kg, corresponding to a field application rate of 5.8~11.5 t/ha) in acid orchard soil could improve soil properties, soil integrated fertility, and the diversity and stability of the bacterial community. [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]

Acid soils are a major constraint to agricultural productivity in many parts of sub-Saharan Africa, including Ethiopia. Restoring soil pH to optimal ranges for agriculture can have a significant impact on yields, particularly for acid intolerant crops like wheat and barley. The application of agricultural lime is the standard corrective, although the large application requirements, lack of farmer awareness, and weak or non-existent lime supply chains make this a complex problem to address at scale. To date, no large-scale farmer trials of lime application have been undertaken in Ethiopia. This leaves open the question to local policy makers as to the economic benefits given the enormous capital and logistics investments required. To help address this we leverage existing spatial edaphic data and longitudinal crop surveys to simulate the productivity impact of varying lime and fertilizer applications. Our estimates find the impact of moving pH from 5.5 to 6.5, modeled as a lime soil remediation strategy, increases yields by 22% and 19% for wheat and barley, respectively. In addition, at lower pH levels our models indicate that commonly used nitrogen-based fertilizers are less cost-effective. For wheat in highly acidic soils, we find that fertilizers cost over two times as much as a single application of lime over a five-year period. The cost savings of the use of lime reaches as high as 121% of average one-year agricultural household income for wheat; with barley these savings are lower but still substantial at 24%. In general, we advocate for an integrated soil fertility management strategy that applies appropriate levels of fertilizer on pH balanced soil. If successful, Ethiopia's acid soil reclamation could become a modest version of Brazil's successful "cerrado miracle" and serve as an example for Africa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cropping of acid sulfate soils requires effective treatment of their inherently low pH. We evaluated the efficacy of applications of two levels of lime (0 or 2 Mg/ha), two levels of organic fertiliser (0 or 5 Mg/ha), and three levels of biochar (0, 10 or 30 Mg/ha) in a factorial design for ameliorating acidity in an acid sulfate soil, and measured the subsequent growth and yield of baby corn (Zea mays L.). Lime increased soil pH(H2O) from 3.75 to 4.12, salinity from 1.72 to 1.95 dS/m, and cob yield by 30%. None of the amendments significantly altered total organic carbon or total nitrogen concentrations in the soil. Biochar additions increased cob yields by an average of 28% on both unlimed and limed soil. Addition of organic fertiliser increased cob yield by 45% on unlimed soil but had no significant effect on yields on limed soil. The yields obtained with liming were similar to the highest yields achieved with biochar or organic fertiliser applied either separately or in combinations. Overall, cob yields were increased by 19% with addition of organic fertiliser. The yield increseas from additions of biochar or organic fertiliser were associated with improvements in nutrient supply. However, the increases in cob yield were associated with reduced cob protein, probably resulting from poor availability of nitrogen late in the season. We conclude that biochar and organic fertiliser applied in relatively large quantities can be viable treatments for cropping acid sulfate soils. Biochar and organic fertiliser when applied in relatively large quantities can be as effective as liming for cropping acid sulfate soils. The three amendments added separately or in any combination increased growth and yield of baby corn but impaired cob protein content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The human body needs calcium (Ca) to maintain strong bones and teeth and to build a strong structure, helping muscles contract and playing a crucial role in the structural and signalling process. However, low calcium consumption in the diet has related to a variety of disorders in humans, which can have long-term health repercussions. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the Ca biofortification capacity of cabbage (Brassica oleracea var capitata) supplied with different Ca-supplying inorganic fertilizer sources at various fixed levels based on soil liming potential grown in open field conditions where four hybrids of cabbage grown in Ca deficient acidic soil. Ca applied as Limestone (CaCO3) (150% and 175% liming potential) and Dolomitic limestone [CaMg(CO3)2]150% liming potential yield high Ca content in cabbage head and foliage (61.3 mg 100 g-1), high glucosinolates content (53.12 mg 100 g-1) and lower oxalate(0.31 mg 100 g-1) that produced firmer head as compared with Ca untreated control which also promoted high market value for Ca biofortified ones. On the other hand, Ca addition leads to lower Fe and Mg content in the cabbage tissues due to an antagonistic effect. All four hybrids of cabbage studied using the agronomic method of biofortification significantly(p=0.05) improved Ca enrichment (20% more compared to control) without showing any toxicity symptoms making possibility to obtain Ca biofortified cabbage in acidic soil of a hilly ecosystem by application of liming. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The quality of lime is generally estimated by traditional methodologies, which consist of coarse granulometry and chemical reactivity determinations. Performing a detailed chemical/mineralogical and fine granulometric characterization is the objective of this study. Fifteen lime samples, from an original 52 commercial samples, were analyzed by their granulometric profile (GP) and chemical-mineralogical compositions to discuss limestone quality inside the tree group of traditional efficiency neutralizing power (ENP) and Mg contents. The lime reactivity was estimated using laser diffraction under water and acid solution (1 mol L−1 HCl). The grain-size distribution ranged from 0.563 to 1124 µm and the GP was associated with the chemical and mineralogical compositions. Samples with high ENP (>99%) presented differences in GP regarding Mg contents. Lime with low ENP presents the most varied mineral assemblage, while calcite and dolomite were the predominant minerals in high-ENP samples. Samples containing high Mg were the most sensitive to the acid solution, suggesting great reactivity. This work contributes to a better understanding of limestone quality than routine analyses performed so far. Additionally, the use of the laser diffraction method promotes a rapid lime reactivity test for liming purposes. [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]