Soil Acidification in Nutrient-Enriched Soils Reduces the Growth, Nutrient Concentrations, and Nitrogen-Use Efficiencies of Vachellia sieberiana (DC.) Kyal. & Boatwr Saplings

Abstract

Nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) nutrient enrichment is important for grasslands. This study aimed to determine how soils enriched with N and P influenced soil concentration correlations and affected the growth kinetics, mineral nutrition, and nitrogen-use efficiencies of Vachellia sieberiana grown in a greenhouse experiment. The soils used as the growth substrate were analysed and showed extreme acidity (low soil pH, 3.9). Nitrogen-enriched soils were more acidic than P-enriched soils. Exchangeable acidity was strongly negatively correlated with an increase in soil pH, with soil pH between 3.9 and 4.1 units showing the strongest decline. Plant saplings showed increased root biomass, shoot biomass, total biomass, and plant N and P concentrations when grown in soils with high soil P concentrations. Extreme soil acidification in N-enriched soil was one of the main factors causing P unavailability, decreasing sapling growth. Extreme soil acidification increased concentrations of toxic heavy metals, such as Al which may be alleviated by adding lime to the extremely acidic soils. Research implications suggest that soil pH is an important chemical property of the soil and plays a significant role in legume plant growth. Legume species that are unable to tolerate acidic soils may acquire different strategies for growth and functioning.

Linkages between Soil Acidity, Soil Plant Nutrients and Land Use on Ferralsols in Central Uganda

“…and Mn 2+ concentrations indicate soil acidity problem in the area. These findings are in agreement with those of Zama et al [44] who reported an increase in soil acidity due to the toxicity effects of Al 3+ , Mn 2+ and Fe 2+ . They concluded that soil pH has a significant effect on plant growth and agricultural productivity.…”

The Growth Characteristics and the Active Compounds of Cudrania tricuspidata Fruits in Different Cultivation Environments in South Korea

“…Base saturation was positively correlated with soil pH (0.790, p < 0.01, Table S3) [41]. In general, when the soil pH is lowered, the concentration of exchangeable aluminum increases, which is known to be a toxic substance that inhibits root development and plant growth by interrupting the absorption and movement of nutrients [42][43][44]. Additionally, high soil organic matter content increases crop productivity by enhancing nitrogen absorption in plants through nitrogen mineralization [45,46].…”

Multivariate Analysis among Marker Compounds, Environmental Factors, and Fruit Quality of Schisandra chinensis at Different Locations in South Korea

“…BS had a positive correlation with soil pH (0.684, p < 0.000, Table S5, Figure 2). Generally, when the pH of the soil decreases, the concentration of exchangeable aluminum increases, which is known as a toxic substance that inhibits root development and plant growth by interfering with the absorption and movement of nutrients [23][24][25]. In addition, high soil OM improves nitrogen absorption in plants through nitrogen mineralization, increasing crop productivity [26,27].…”