scholarly journals Short- and Long-Term Effects of Lime and Gypsum Applications on Acid Soils in a Water-Limited Environment: 1. Grain Yield Response and Nutrient Concentration

Agronomy ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (8) ◽  
pp. 1213 ◽  
Author(s):  
Geoffrey C. Anderson ◽  
Shahab Pathan ◽  
James Easton ◽  
David J. M. Hall ◽  
Rajesh Sharma

Surface (0–10 cm) and subsoil (soil layers below 10 cm) acidity and resulting aluminum (Al) toxicity reduce crop grain yields. In South Western Australia (SWA), these constraints affect 14.2 million hectares or 53% of the agricultural area. Both lime (L, CaCO3) and gypsum (G, CaSO4) application can decrease the toxic effect of Al, leading to an increase in crop grain yields. Within the region, it is unclear if G alone or the combined use of L and G has a role in alleviating soil acidity in SWA, due to low sulfate S (SO4–S) sorption properties of the soil. We present results from three experiments located in the eastern wheatbelt of SWA, which examined the short-term (ST, 2 growing seasons), medium-term (MT, 3 growing seasons), and long-term (LT, 7 growing seasons over 10 years) effects of L and G on grain yield and plant nutrient concentrations. Despite the rapid leaching of SO4–S and no self-liming impact, it was profitable to apply G, due to the significant ST grain yield responses. The grain yield response to G developed even following relatively dry years, but declined over time due to SO4–S leaching. At the LT experimental site had received no previous L application, whereas, at the ST and MT sites, L had been applied by the grower over the previous 5–10 years. For the LT site, the most profitable treatment for wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) grain yield, was the combined application of 4 t L ha−1 with 2 t G ha−1. At this site, the 0–10 cm soil pHCaCl2 was 4.6, and AlCaCl2 was greater than 2.5 mg kg−1 in the 10–30 cm soil layer. In contrast, at the ST and MT sites, the pHCaCl2 of 0–10 cm soil layer was ≥5.5; it was only profitable to apply G to the MT site where the soil compaction constraint had been removed by deep ripping. The use of L increases soil pHCaCl2, resulting in the improved availability of anions, phosphorus (P) in the LT and molybdenum (Mo) at all sampling times, but reduced availability of cations zinc (Zn) in the LT and manganese (Mn) at all sampling. The application of G reduced Mo concentrations, due to the high SO4–S content of the soil.

1999 ◽  
Vol 35 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-13 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. P. Sherchan ◽  
C. J. Pilbeam ◽  
P. J. Gregory

Farmers in the mid-hills of Nepal have a mix of rainfed land on which millet is grown in relay after maize (maize/millet), and irrigated land on which wheat is grown sequentially after rice (wheat–rice). Double cropping is the norm but the diminishing quantities of organic materials, coupled with the trend towards increased use of inorganic fertilizers, have raised questions about the long-term productivity and sustainability of the cropping systems. The aim of this work was to examine the long-term effects (eight years) on grain yield of additions of manure and fertilizer either singly or in combination. Maize/millet and wheat–rice rotations were established on a Dystochrept at Pakhribas Agricultural Centre at about 1450 m altitude. Manure and fertilizer applications were applied to the maize (eight combinations in May) and the wheat (different rates in seven combinations in November) every year with the succeeding crops (millet and rice) utilizing residual nutrients. Yields of maize, millet and rice were greater when manure rather than fertilizer was applied but yields of wheat were less. The combined application of manure and fertilizer significantly increased yields of maize and wheat compared with applications of either manure or fertilizer alone. However, for the subsequent crops (millet and rice) there was either a small residual benefit of the combined application when compared with fertilizer alone, or no benefit when compared with manure alone. Overall, the combined application increased total grain yields by about 35% in the maize/millet rotation and by 16% in the wheat–rice rotation. There was no trend in yields in response to treatment with time.


2020 ◽  
Vol 51 (3) ◽  
pp. 403-412
Author(s):  
Peter Omara ◽  
Lawrence Aula ◽  
Jagmandeep S. Dhillon ◽  
Fikayo Oyebiyi ◽  
Elizabeth M. Eickhoff ◽  
...  

1994 ◽  
Vol 45 (1) ◽  
pp. 93 ◽  
Author(s):  
DP Heenan ◽  
AC Taylor ◽  
BR Cullis ◽  
WJ Lill

A long term field experiment began in 1979 at Wagga Wagga, N.S.W., to compare the sustainability of a range of rotation, tillage and stubble management systems on a red earth. This paper reports yield, yield components and grain protein of wheat for 1979-90. Rotations considered were alternating lupin-wheat (LW), lupin-wheat-wheat (LWW), continuous wheat (WW) with and without N fertilizer (100 kg N/ha), and alternating sub-clover-wheat (CW). Soil N supply at the start of the experiment was high following many years of sub-clover based pasture. From 1979 to 1983, there was a negative grain yield response to N fertilizer and no response to a legume in rotation except in the drought of 1982 when low yields were recorded from LW. Thereafter, a positive grain yield response was usually produced to N fertilizer in WW rotations, until 1989 and 1990, when these crops displayed aluminium toxicity sym ptoms. Overall, average grain yields from legume rotations were higher than WW with added N fertilizer. Since 1983, LW rotations consistently produced higher mean grain yields than CW, but mean grain protein and total N uptake were lower. Yields and N uptake by the second wheat crop in a LWW rotation indicated little carryover of benefits from the lupins. Slightly higher mean grain yield and harvest index, but lower mean grain protein, were produced by direct drilling, compared with cultivation before sowing, following lupins or sub-clover. However, retaining stubble rather than burning in autumn consistently reduced grain yields. There was no evidence that early burial of wheat stubble following summer rain, rather than incorporation in autumn, improved grain yield or total N uptake. The build-up of giant brome grass and diseases, particularly where stubble was retained and crops direct-drilled, casts some doubt on the long term sustainability of these short term rotations in this environment.


2015 ◽  
Vol 66 (2) ◽  
pp. 113 ◽  
Author(s):  
Scott Christiansen ◽  
John Ryan ◽  
Murari Singh ◽  
Serkan Ates ◽  
Faik Bahhady ◽  
...  

Growing populations and intensification of land-use in West Asia and North Africa (WANA) are prompting a need for viable alternatives to fallow and cereal mono-cropping systems common in dry areas of this region. The sustainability and economic viability of such rotations can only be assessed accurately by using long-term trials. A two-course rotation experiment was established in 1986 in north-eastern Syria, comparing yields and profitability of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) when grown after wheat, fallow, a grazed mixture of medic species (Medicago spp.) and common vetch (Vicia sativa L.) cut for hay, over 10 growing seasons. Lentils (Lens culinaris Medik.) were introduced into the experiment in 1990. On average over the course of the experiment, the highest wheat grain yields were obtained following fallow (2.57 t ha–1), the lowest in continuous wheat (1.14 t ha–1), and intermediate following medic and vetch (1.90–2.01 t ha–1). Compared with wheat grown after fallow, wheat grain yields declined following vetch, medic and lentils in only three of the 10 seasons, which were drier than average. Yields of wheat after lentils were generally lower (2.22 t ha–1) than after vetch (mean 2.56 t ha–1) and after medic (2.40 t ha–1). Inclusion of grain legumes in the rotations boosted profits considerably because of their high grain prices and valuable straw. Replacing fallow with vetch for hay production increased the average gross margin by US$126 ha–1 year–1, and growing vetch for hay in rotation with wheat produced greater profit than continuous wheat, by $254 ha–1 year–1. The wheat–vetch-for-grain and wheat–lentil rotations were especially profitable, at least twice as profitable as wheat–fallow and three times continuous wheat. This experiment adds to the growing body of field data in Syria and in Australia showing that forage and grain legumes are excellent alternatives to wheat–fallow rotation and continuous wheat production in areas that experience a Mediterranean-type climate, and help support more efficient and sustainable cropping systems.


1990 ◽  
Vol 70 (1) ◽  
pp. 51-60 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. T. GEHL ◽  
L. D. BAILEY ◽  
C. A. GRANT ◽  
J. M. SADLER

A 3-yr study was conducted on three Orthic Black Chernozemic soils to determine the effects of incremental N fertilization on grain yield and dry matter accumulation and distribution of six spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivars. Urea (46–0–0) was sidebanded at seeding in 40 kg N ha−1 increments from 0 to 240 kg ha−1 in the first year and from 0 to 200 kg ha−1 in the 2 subsequent years. Nitrogen fertilization increased the grain and straw yields of all cultivars in each experiment. The predominant factor affecting the N response and harvest index of each cultivar was available moisture. At two of the three sites, 91% of the interexperiment variability in mean maximum grain yield was explained by variation in root zone moisture at seeding. Mean maximum total dry matter varied by less than 12% among cultivars, but mean maximum grain yield varied by more than 30%. Three semidwarf cultivars, HY 320, Marshall and Solar, had consistently higher grain yield and grain yield response to N than Glenlea and Katepwa, two standard height cultivars, and Len, a semidwarf. The mean maximum grain yield of HY 320 was the highest of the cultivars on test and those of Katepwa and Len the lowest. Len produced the least straw and total dry matter. The level of N fertilization at maximum grain yield varied among cultivars, sites and years. Marshall and Solar required the highest and Len the lowest N rates to achieve maximum grain yield. The year-to-year variation in rates of N fertilization needed to produce maximum grain yield on a specific soil type revealed the limitations of N fertility recommendations based on "average" amounts and temporal distribution of available moisture.Key words: Wheat (spring), N response, standard height, semidwarf, grain yield


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Victor Burgeon ◽  
Julien Fouché ◽  
Sarah Garré ◽  
Ramin Heidarian-Dehkordi ◽  
Gilles Colinet ◽  
...  

<p>The amendment of biochar to soils is often considered for its potential as a climate change mitigation and adaptation tool through agriculture. Its presence in tropical agroecosystems has been reported to positively impact soil productivity whilst successfully storing C on the short and long-term. In temperate systems, recent research showed limited to no effect on productivity following recent biochar addition to soils. Its long-term effects on productivity and nutrient cycling have, however, been overlooked yet are essential before the use of biochar can be generalized.</p><p>Our study was set up in a conventionally cropped field, containing relict charcoal kiln sites used as a model for century old biochar (CoBC, ~220 years old). These sites were compared to soils amended with recently pyrolyzed biochar (YBC) and biochar free soils (REF) to study nutrient dynamics in the soil-water-plant system. Our research focused on soil chemical properties, crop nutrient uptake and soil solution nutrient concentrations. Crop plant samples were collected over three consecutive land occupations (chicory, winter wheat and a cover crop) and soil solutions gathered through the use of suctions cups inserted in different horizons of the studied Luvisol throughout the field.</p><p>Our results showed that YBC mainly influenced the soil solution composition whereas CoBC mainly impacted the total and plant available soil nutrient content. In soils with YBC, our results showed lower nitrate and potassium concentrations in subsoil horizons, suggesting a decreased leaching, and higher phosphate concentrations in topsoil horizons. With time and the oxidation of biochar particles, our results reported higher total soil N, available K and Ca in the topsoil horizon when compared to REF, whereas available P was significantly smaller. Although significant changes occurred in terms of plant available nutrient contents and soil solution nutrient concentrations, this did not transcend in variations in crop productivity between soils for neither of the studied crops. Overall, our study highlights that young or aged biochar behave as two distinct products in terms of nutrient cycling in soils. As such the sustainability of these soils differ and their management must therefore evolve with time.</p>


2016 ◽  
Vol 51 (9) ◽  
pp. 1633-1642 ◽  
Author(s):  
Claudio Hideo Martins da Costa ◽  
Carlos Alexandre Costa Crusciol ◽  
Jayme Ferrari Neto ◽  
Gustavo Spadotti Amaral Castro

Abstract The objective of this work was to evaluate the long-term effects of the surface application of lime on soil fertility and on the mineral nutrition and grain yield of soybean, and of black oat and sorghum in crop succession. The experiment was carried out on a clayey Oxisol, in a randomized complete block design, with four replicates. Treatments consisted of lime the rates of 0, 1,000, 2,000, and 4,000 kg ha-1, applied in October 2002 and November 2004. Soil samples were collected at five soil layers, down to 0.60-m depth. Surface liming was effective in reducing soil acidity and increasing Ca2+ and Mg2+ contents in the subsurface. Moreover, it increased available phosphorus contents and soil organic matter in the long term (48 to 60 months after the last lime application). Surface liming improved plant nutrition, mainly for N, Ca, and Mg, and increased dry matter production and grain yield of the crops, even in years with regular distribution of rainfall. The greatest productivities of soybean, black oat, and sorghum were obtained with the respective estimated lime doses of 4,000, 2,333, and 3,281 kg ha-1, for shoot dry matter, and of 2,550, 3,555, and over 4,000 kg ha-1, for grain yield.


Soil Research ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 55 (4) ◽  
pp. 341 ◽  
Author(s):  
Craig A. Scanlan ◽  
Ross F. Brennan ◽  
Mario F. D'Antuono ◽  
Gavin A. Sarre

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.


2021 ◽  
Vol 1 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rechiatu Asei ◽  
Robert Clement Abaidoo ◽  
Andrews Opoku ◽  
Samuel Adjei-Nsiah ◽  
Philip Antwi-Agyei

A better understanding of soil fertility factors that constraint positive crop response to fertilizer inputs will facilitate the improvement of soil nutrient management. In this study, a nutrient omission trial was carried out in a greenhouse condition to identify soil chemical properties limiting in non-responsive soils and to ascertain their effect on soybean (Glycine max) production. The treatments evaluated were control (distilled water), complete nutrient solution (all nutrients), and complete solution with the omission of each of N, P, K, Ca, Mg, and S and micronutrients (Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn, B, and Mo) arranged in a completely randomized design with three replications. After the greenhouse study, the identified limiting nutrients were tested with or without FertiSoil (commercial compost) in a 3 year field experiment. Results of the soil analyses showed low fertility status of the non-responsive soils. The sufficiency quotient index revealed non-responsive soils in all the sites to be predominantly limiting in P and K. The occurrence of other limiting nutrients was also identified: Pishegu (Zn, B), Serekpere (Mg, S), Daffiama Saapare (Ca, Mg, S), and Naaga (Mg, S, Zn, B). The nutrient inputs positively influenced soybean yield response in all the locations. The application of PKZnB with FertiSoil and FertiSoil alone significantly increased soybean grain yields by 585 and 477 kg ha−1, respectively, at Pishegu. Soybean grain yields also increased by 585, 573, and 364 kg ha−1 under the FertiSoil, PKMgS + FertiSoil, and PKMgS applications at Serekpere, respectively. At Daffiama Saapare, the highest (103%) percent increase in soybean grain yield was recorded from the combined application of PKMgSCa and FertiSoil. However, the application of FertiSoil and PKMgSCa singly equally increased soybean grain yield by 77%. Percent soybean grain yield increases of 86, 84, and 74% were observed when PKMgSZnB + FertiSoil, PKMgSZnB, and FertiSoil were applied, respectively, at Naaga. In absolute terms, 83% of the fields had a positive response to mineral fertilizer and 93% to FertiSoil and mineral fertilizer + FertiSoil applications. Organic amendment and/or site-specific fertilizer applications are the best options for alleviating poor or no crop responses to inputs and improve productivity on non-responsive soils.


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