Nitrification activity in acid soils of north-eastern Victoria, Australia, as affected by liming and phosphorus fertilisation

Soil Research ◽  
2006 ◽  
Vol 44 (8) ◽  
pp. 739 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Islam ◽  
R. E. White ◽  
D. Chen
Keyword(s):  
Soil Ph ◽  
Acid Soils ◽  
Residual Effect ◽  
Strong Positive Correlation ◽  
Ph Change ◽  
Ph Response ◽  
Nitrification Activity ◽  
Simple Effect ◽  
North Eastern ◽  
Elevated Activity

A short-term nitrification assay (SNA) was used to measure the activity of soil nitrifiers and their response to pH change in acid pasture soils (pH 4.8–5.3 in water) at the sites of Maindample and Ruffy in north-eastern Victoria, Australia. Changes in soil pH associated with lime applications in the field resulted in a change in the optimum pH (pHopt) of the nitrifying organisms in the range 4.93–6.94. Nitrification in these soils was predominantly autotrophic, and rates increased from 0.18 to 0.93 μg NO3–-N/g.h with increasing pH. The strong positive correlation between field soil pH and the respective pHopt values suggested that the indigenous nitrifier population had adapted to the change in soil pH. SNA measurements within 6 months of lime application to Maindample soil showed that the soil nitrifying organisms had rapidly adapted to the pH change. However, the residual effect of lime on nitrifier activity was long-lasting (up to 8 years) and may involve more than a simple effect on soil pH. Repeat application of lime further enhanced nitrification activity on an already elevated activity, but only if sufficient time was allowed (>3 years) after the earlier application. Phosphate applications to these soils did not affect the general pH response in nitrifier activity. Both soils had considerable capacity for nitrification, even at pHs much lower than the commonly accepted range for autotrophic nitrifiers.

Yield responses to lime of wheat and barley on acid soils in north-eastern Victoria

1989 ◽  
Vol 29 (2) ◽  
pp. 209 ◽  
Author(s):  
DR Coventry ◽  
BR Walker ◽  
GR Morrison ◽  
MT Hyland ◽  
JC Avery ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Soil Ph ◽  
Acid Soils ◽  
Lime Treatment ◽  
Crop Species ◽  
Yield Increase ◽  
Exchangeable Al ◽  
North Eastern ◽  
Acid Tolerant ◽  
Ph Range ◽  
Yield Responses

Liming experiments were conducted at 13 sites (soil pH range 4.99-6.27, 0-10 cm depth) in the dryland cropping region of north-eastern Victoria with wheat grown at all sites and barley at 3 sites. Lime increased wheat yields at 9 of the 13 sites with the acid sensitive cultivar Oxley, but the yield increase was not correlated (r2=0.07) with exchangeable Al. Exchangeable A1 was closely related to pH (in 0.01 mmol/L CaCl2). The acid-tolerant wheat cultivars (Matong and Millewa) out-yielded Oxley at a soil pH (CaCl2) of 4.7 and the acid-tolerant cultivars were less responsive to liming. The barley responded to the lime treatment at each of the 3 sites. The use of acid tolerant crop species is recommended on these soils, but an improvement in the predictability of a lime response is required before liming is widely recommended.

EFFECTS OF CALCIUM CARBONATE AND SULPHATE ON THE GROWTH OF LETTUCE AND RADISH IN SOME ORGANIC SOILS OF SOUTHWESTERN QUEBEC

1975 ◽  
Vol 55 (2) ◽  
pp. 205-212 ◽  
Author(s):  
WM. VAN LIEROP ◽  
A. F. MACKENZIE
Keyword(s):  
Calcium Carbonate ◽  
Soil Ph ◽  
Field Experiments ◽  
Acid Soils ◽  
Organic Soils ◽  
Ph Effects ◽  
Ph Change ◽  
Significant Treatment ◽  
Significant Yield ◽  
Yield Depression

The effects of lime and gypsum applications were determined on lettuce yields, soil pH and extractable aluminum for 10 organic soils. No increase in yield attributable to liming was found beyond pH 4, and a significant yield depression occurred with gypsum treatments. Further, the more acid soils outyielded the less acid but denser cultivated soils. Although the limestone applications increased soil pH significantly, significant treatment–soil interaction effects were found, and were ascribed to lower soil-limestone reactivities of the denser, less acid organic soils. Consequently, soil pH change upon liming was significantly correlated with bulk density and percent ash. Maximum yields were obtained at extractable aluminum levels lower than 0.1 meq/100 g soil. Further, potentially toxic levels of extractable aluminum disappeared at the same pH as maximum attainable lettuce yields; consequently, its possible toxicity was associated with pH effects in these soils. Field experiments with radishes grown on two organic soils gave initial increases in yields. This effect was surmised to be due to increased N-mineralization, because subsequently the controls outyielded the liming treatments.

Predicting lime-induced changes in soil-pH From exchangeable aluminum, soil-Ph, total exchangeable cations and organic-carbon values measured on unlimed soils

Soil Research ◽  
1995 ◽  
Vol 33 (1) ◽  
pp. 31 ◽  
Author(s):  
Z Hochman ◽  
GJ Crocker ◽  
EB Dettman
Keyword(s):  
Organic Carbon ◽  
Soil Ph ◽  
Field Experiments ◽  
Acid Soils ◽  
Exchangeable Cations ◽  
Ion Concentration ◽  
Soil Parameters ◽  
Ph Change ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Hydrogen Ion Concentration

The 'Lime-it' model is a decision support system for graziers wanting to lime acid soils. In this study we used field experimental data to test, improve and validate the model's ability to predict changes in soil pH due to variable rates of lime. Data from 13 field experiments, in which soil parameters were measured 1 year after liming acid soils, were used to derive an index of pH responsiveness to lime (LRI) at each site. Multivariate analysis was used to derive a predictive model: LRI was found to be significantly correlated (P < 0.0001) with hydrogen ion concentration ([H+]x 105 ), exchangeable aluminium (Al), exchangeable cations (TEC) and percent organic carbon (C) data of the unlimed soils. The multivariate equation was then tested against an independent data set by comparing the predicted pH change with the measured pH change for eight soils. This evaluation, though generally acceptable, showed a small but significant deviation from the desired 1:1 ratio between observed and predicted pH change. We re-calibrated the model for the combined data to derive the model: LRI = 0.764 + 0.042 [H+] - 0.016 TEC - 0.097 Al - 0.016 C. When this model was tested over the whole data set for predicted v. measured pH changes, the following result was found: measured pH change = 1.01 (predicted pH change) - 0.05 (R2 = 0.85, n = 308). The implications of the predictive equation are considered with regard to the mechanisms that are thought to be associated with pH buffering.

Soil acidification under subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum L.) pastures in north-eastern Victoria

1990 ◽  
Vol 30 (2) ◽  
pp. 195 ◽  
Author(s):  
AM Ridley ◽  
KR Helyar ◽  
WJ Slattery
Keyword(s):  
Soil Ph ◽  
Soil Acidification ◽  
Acid Soils ◽  
Subterranean Clover ◽  
Trifolium Subterraneum ◽  
Farming Systems ◽  
Mineral Dissolution ◽  
Acid Addition ◽  
North Eastern ◽  
Capacity Data

Eleven paired soil samples to 60 cm depth were collected from grazing properties in north-eastern Victoria. Soils were naturally acid and most were red or yellow podsolics. At each site unfertilised soils (unimproved) and soils which had received regular superphosphate applications (improved) were sampled from either side of a fenceline. The percentage of organic carbon was higher on improved sites but pH was usually lower. Using pH and pH buffering capacity data, the rate of soil acidification under improved pasture, relative to unimproved pasture, was estimated. The improved pastures, on average, required 39 kg CaCO3ka.year to balance the net acid accumulated. The estimated rates of acidification are much lower than those reported previously for similar environments and soil types in New South Wales. There was a relationship between initial profile pH and net acid addition, lower measured net acid addition being associated with low initial soil pH. This paper demonstrates the need for both standardisation of soil pH buffer capacity measurements, and more direct assessment of the role of soil mineral dissolution processes in buffering the pH of strongly acid soils. Until such data exists it will be very difficult to provide convincing information to primary producers regarding the long term alkali input requirements needed for sustainable farming systems.

EFFECTS OF SOIL ACIDITY ON RHIZOBIA NUMBERS, NODULATION AND NITROGEN FIXATION BY ALFALFA AND RED CLOVER

1977 ◽  
Vol 57 (2) ◽  
pp. 197-203 ◽  
Author(s):  
W. A. RICE ◽  
D. C. PENNEY ◽  
M. NYBORG
Keyword(s):  
Nitrogen Fixation ◽  
Soil Ph ◽  
Soil Acidity ◽  
Field Experiments ◽  
Rhizobium Meliloti ◽  
Acid Soils ◽  
Red Clover ◽  
Ion Concentration ◽  
Hydrogen Ion Concentration ◽  
Greenhouse Experiments

The effects of soil acidity on nitrogen fixation by alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) and red clover (Trifolium pratense L.) were investigated in field experiments at 28 locations, and in greenhouse experiments using soils from these locations. The pH of the soils (limed and unlimed) varied from 4.5 to 7.2. Rhizobia populations in the soil, nodulation, and relative forage yields (yield without N/yield with N) were measured in both the field and greenhouse experiments. Rhizobium meliloti numbers, nodulation scores, and relative yields of alfalfa decreased sharply as the pH of the soils decreased below 6.0. For soils with pH 6.0 or greater, there was very little effect of pH on any of the above factors for alfalfa. Soil pH in the range studied had no effect on nodulation scores and relative yields of red clover. However, R. trifolii numbers were reduced when the pH of the soil was less than 4.9. These results demonstrate that hydrogen ion concentration is an important factor limiting alfalfa growth on acid soils of Alberta and northeastern British Columbia, but it is less important for red clover. This supports the continued use of measurements of soil pH, as well as plant-available Al and Mn for predicting crop response to lime.

AN ASSESSMENT OF THE SOIL ACIDITY PROBLEM IN ALBERTA AND NORTHEASTERN BRITISH COLUMBIA

1977 ◽  
Vol 57 (2) ◽  
pp. 157-164 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. C. PENNEY ◽  
M. NYBORG ◽  
P. B. HOYT ◽  
W. A. RICE ◽  
B. SIEMENS ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
British Columbia ◽  
Soil Ph ◽  
Soil Acidity ◽  
Field Experiments ◽  
Trifolium Pratense ◽  
Acid Soil ◽  
Acid Soils ◽  
Red Clover ◽  
Hordeum Vulgare L ◽  
Crop Species

The amount of cultivated acid soil in Alberta and northeastern British Columbia was estimated from pH values of farm samples analyzed by the Alberta Soil Testing Laboratory, and the effect of soil acidity on crops was assessed from field experiments on 28 typical acid soils. The field experiments consisted of two cultivars of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) and one cultivar each of rapeseed (Brassica campestris L.), red clover (Trifolium pratense L.) and alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) grown with and without lime for 2 yr. There are about 30,000 ha of soils with a pH of 5.0 or less where soil acidity seriously restricts yields of all four crop species. There are approximately 300,000 ha with a soil pH of 5.1–5.5 where liming will on the average increase yields of alfalfa by 100%, yields of barley by 10–15%, and yields of rapeseed and red clover by 5–10%. There are a further 1,600,000 ha where soil pH ranges from 5.6 to 6.0 and liming will increase yields of alfalfa by approximately 50% and yields of barley, rapeseed and red clover by at least 4–5%.

scholarly journals Residual effect of sewage sludge fertilization on sunflower yield and nutrition

2015 ◽  
Vol 19 (10) ◽  
pp. 1005-1011 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hermann C. de Albuquerque ◽  
Geraldo R. Zuba Junio ◽  
Regynaldo A. Sampaio ◽  
Luiz A. Fernandes ◽  
Fabiano B. S. Prates ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sewage Sludge ◽  
Soil Ph ◽  
Cation Exchange Capacity ◽  
Block Design ◽  
Residual Effect ◽  
Exchange Capacity ◽  
Growth Characteristics ◽  
Randomized Block Design ◽  
Calcium And Magnesium ◽  
Potential Acidity

ABSTRACTThis study aimed to evaluate the residual effect of sewage sludge fertilization on yield and nutrition of sunflower in its second cycle. The experiment was carried out from April to August 2012. The treatments consisted of four doses of sewage sludge (0, 10, 20 and 30 t ha-1, dry basis) applied in the first cycle of sunflower, distributed in a randomized block design, with six replicates. Sunflower stem diameter, plant height, capitulum diameter and yield increased with the increment in sewage sludge doses, with maximum values observed with the dose of 30 t ha-1. The contents of calcium and magnesium in the soil, pH, sum of bases, effective and potential cation exchange capacity and base saturation increased, while potential acidity and the contents of manganese and iron in the leaves decreased, with the increment in the residual doses of sewage sludge. There was a reduction in yield and growth characteristics of sunflower in the second cycle; thus, additional fertilization with sewage sludge is recommended in each new cycle.

The interaction between soil pH and phosphorus for wheat yield and the impact of lime-induced changes to soil aluminium and potassium

Soil Research ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 55 (4) ◽  
pp. 341 ◽  
Author(s):  
Craig A. Scanlan ◽  
Ross F. Brennan ◽  
Mario F. D'Antuono ◽  
Gavin A. Sarre
Keyword(s):  
Grain Yield ◽  
Soil Ph ◽  
Field Experiments ◽  
Wheat Yield ◽  
Acid Soils ◽  
Combined Effect ◽  
Additive Effect ◽  
Yield Response ◽  
Response Curves ◽  
The Impact

Interactions between soil pH and phosphorus (P) for plant growth have been widely reported; however, most studies have been based on pasture species, and the agronomic importance of this interaction for acid-tolerant wheat in soils with near-sufficient levels of fertility is unclear. We conducted field experiments with wheat at two sites with acid soils where lime treatments that had been applied in the 6 years preceding the experiments caused significant changes to soil pH, extractable aluminium (Al), soil nutrients and exchangeable cations. Soil pH(CaCl2) at 0–10cm was 4.7 without lime and 6.2 with lime at Merredin, and 4.7 without lime and 6.5 with lime at Wongan Hills. A significant lime×P interaction (P<0.05) for grain yield was observed at both sites. At Merredin, this interaction was negative, i.e. the combined effect of soil pH and P was less than their additive effect; the difference between the dose–response curves without lime and with lime was greatest at 0kgPha–1 and the curves converged at 32kgPha–1. At Wongan Hills, the interaction was positive (combined effect greater than the additive effect), and lime application reduced grain yield. The lime×P interactions observed are agronomically important because different fertiliser P levels were required to maximise grain yield. A lime-induced reduction in Al phytotoxicity was the dominant mechanism for this interaction at Merredin. The negative grain yield response to lime at Wongan Hills was attributed to a combination of marginal soil potassium (K) supply and lime-induced reduction in soil K availability.

Effects of biochars generated from crop residues on chemical properties of acid soils from tropical and subtropical China

Soil Research ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 50 (7) ◽  
pp. 570 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jin-Hua Yuan ◽  
Ren-Kou Xu
Keyword(s):  
Soil Ph ◽  
Crop Residues ◽  
Chemical Properties ◽  
Acid Soils ◽  
Base Cations ◽  
Exchange Capacity ◽  
Chemical Compositions ◽  
Subtropical China ◽  
Exchangeable Base Cations ◽  
Exchangeable Acidity

The chemical compositions of biochars from ten crop residues generated at 350°C and their effects on chemical properties of acid soils from tropical and subtropical China were investigated. There was greater alkalinity and contents of base cations in the biochars from legume residues than from non-legume residues. Carbonates and organic anions of carboxyl and phenolic groups were the main forms of alkalis in the biochars, and their relative contributions to biochar alkalinity varied with crop residues. Incubation experiments indicated that biochar incorporation increased soil pH and soil exchangeable base cations and decreased soil exchangeable acidity. There were greater increases in soil pH and soil exchangeable base cations, and a greater decrease in soil exchangeable acidity, for biochars from legume than from non-legume residues. The biochars did not increase the cation exchange capacity (CEC) of soils with relatively high initial CEC but did increase the CEC of soils with relatively low initial CEC at an addition level of 1%. The incorporation of biochars from crop residues not only corrected soil acidity but also increased contents of potassium, magnesium, and calcium in these acid soils from tropical and subtropical regions and thus improved soil fertility.

scholarly journals Strawberry (Fragaria X ananassa Duch.) yiel das affected by the soil pH

2009 ◽  
Vol 81 (2) ◽  
pp. 265-269 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tomo M. Milosevic ◽  
Nebojsa T. Milosevic ◽  
Ivan P. Glisic
Keyword(s):  
Calcium Oxide ◽  
Soil Ph ◽  
Environmental Conditions ◽  
Acid Soils ◽  
Application Rate ◽  
Fragaria X Ananassa ◽  
Yield Drop ◽  
Strawberry Cultivars

Two-year trials (20062007) suggested that the use of calcium oxide (CaO) on acid soils increased soil pH and yields in strawberry cultivars Marmolada, Selena and Senga Sengana, under the environmental conditions of Cacak (Western Serbia). The highest yield was obtained when CaO was applied at 750 kg ha-1 rate. Further increase in rate up to 1,500 kg ha-1 did not show corresponding increase in yield; the result was a slight yield drop compared to the peak yield shown at 750 kg ha¹ rate. Overall, yields at rates above 750 kg ha¹ were still higher than control and in the treatment employing lowest CaO application rate of 250 kg ha-1.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document