Lime effect on forage legume growth and mineral composition in an acid subsoil

While phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) use efficiencies in alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) are subject to genetic control, selection for these traits also affects the utilization of other nutrients. It is not clear whether other nutrients are as susceptible to genetic alterations directly or whether alteration of P and K uptake may simply alter the general synergisms and antagonisms among the elements in plants.Our objectives were to compare the P-and K-use efficiencies of five commercial alfalfa cultivars (CVs) growing on a low-P, low-K calcareous soil, and to evaluate the impact of P and K fertilization on the herbage concentrations of these and other elements. The CVs were selected for uniformity of disease resistance and other agronomic traits. Three levels each of P and K fertilizer were applied in factorial combination, with CV as the whole plot and fertilizer treatment as the split plot.Herbage samples, consisting of the top half of the shoot, were collected at the first cut in 1992 and 1993 and were analyzed by wet digestion and inductively coupled plasma emission spectrometry (ICP).There were appreciable amounts of aluminium (Al), iron (Fe), sulfur (S), and silicon (Si) in the alfalfa herbage but CV and soil treatment did not affect the concentrations of these elements. Plant breeding and selection for P-use efficiency 2447

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“…Similar genetics-nutrient element relationships occur in other legumes (Baligar et al, 1985;Hallock et al, 1971;Lindgren et al, 1977).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 77%

“…Baligar et al (1985) reported Phc ranges of 4.2 to 11.5 g kg' 1 , depending on liming rate, on a soil with an initial pH of 4.6.…”

Section: Major Elementsmentioning

confidence: 98%

Alfalfa cultivar response to phosphorus and potassium deficiency: Elemental composition of the herbage

James

Hurst

Tindall

1995

Journal of Plant Nutrition

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“…The legume used in the present study, Lotus corniculatus, may be particularly sensitive to the Ca:Mg ratio in the soil. In a study on acidic, infertile Appalachian soils, Baligar et al (1985) examined the differences in growth and nutrient uptake in six legume species. The soils were limed with Ca(OH)2, and the only species that did not respond positively to the lime was the birdsfoot trefoil.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Relative Merits of Dolomitic and Calcitic Limestone in Detoxifying and Re Ve Get a Ting Acidic, Nickel- And Copper-Contaminated Soils in the Sudbury Mining and Smelting Region of Canada

McHale¹,

Winterhalder²

1996

ASMR

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Abstract. Soils in the Sudbury mining and smelting region have been rendered phytotoxic and barren by acidification and particulate metal contamination, but can be detoxified and revegetated by the surface application of ground limestone. On certain barren sites, plant growth is better on soil treated with dolomitic limestone than with calcitic limestone, and greenhouse experiments using mung beans (Vigna radiata) have shown superior root and shoot growth on certain contaminated soils when the limestone is dolomitic rather than calcitic. Results of experiments with species used in revegetation (Agrostis gigantea and Lotus corniculatus) suggest that leguminous species are more sensitive to Ca:Mg ratio than grasses, that the plant response to this ratio is greater at lower liming levels, and that the response is more marked on more toxic soils. The effects of calcium:magnesium ratio of the limestone used in revegetating acidic, metal-contaminated soils are clearly complex, interactive and difficult to interpret. Further studies are needed, but meanwhile it is recommended that the practice of using dolomitic limestone to detoxify barren Sudbury soils be continued, since there is a risk of induced magnesium deficiency at certain sites when calcitic limestone is used.

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“…The calcitic type has usually increased leaf Ca (11,(13)(14)(15)(16) but has enhanced (14), had no effect on (2,11) or decreased (8,16) leaf Mg. The dolomitic type has consistently increased leaf Mg (11,(13)(14)(15)(16) but has enhanced (10), or had no effect on (11,14,16) leaf Ca.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Tomato nutrient uptake as affected by limestone type

Smith

Demchak

1990

Communications in Soil Science and Plant Analysis

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Experiments were conducted at the Horticultural Research Farm at Rock Springs, PA and with a commercial grower at Clarks Summit, PA in 1986-8. 'Count II' tomato transplants (Lycopersicum esculentum Mill) were grown in rows 1.52 m apart with 30 cm inrow spacing. Seven limestone type treatments were applied at 11.3 t/ha with a check. Calcitic (trace of Mg) and dolomitic (12% Mg) types and 5 mixtures with 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10% Mg were combined with banded NPK fertilizers in 4 replications. Of special interest was the Ca/Mg balance. Leaf Ca was increased by the calcitic but not by the dolomitic type. Leaf Mg was increased substantially by dolomitic but tended to be decreased by calcitic. Limestone with 4% Mg was required to increase leaf Mg. Mg deficiency in commercial production has been caused by excessive calcitic application. Meaningful increases were obtained in leaf Ca and Mg, as were decreases in leaf Mn indicating increased soil pH, within 2-3 months after limestone application. Limestone types 1391 1392 SMITH AND DEMCHAK also affected fruit Ca and Mg. Leaf Mn, Zn and B were decreased by all types. Soil Ca and Mg levels were increased more than soil pH. Most changes in soil and plant nutrient levels took place during the first year after liming. Increases in leaf Mn caused by banding NPK fertilizer were counteracted by liming.

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Lime effect on forage legume growth and mineral composition in an acid subsoil

Cited by 16 publications

References 11 publications

Alfalfa cultivar response to phosphorus and potassium deficiency: Elemental composition of the herbage

Alfalfa cultivar response to phosphorus and potassium deficiency: Elemental composition of the herbage

The Relative Merits of Dolomitic and Calcitic Limestone in Detoxifying and Re Ve Get a Ting Acidic, Nickel- And Copper-Contaminated Soils in the Sudbury Mining and Smelting Region of Canada

Tomato nutrient uptake as affected by limestone type

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