Effect of liming and gypsum on soil chemistry, yield, and mineral composition of ryegrass grown in an acidic andisol

Mora, María de la Luz; SCHNETTLER, Berta; Demanet, Rolando

Abstract

Changes in the chemistry of the acidic Chilean Andisols in response to various ameliorant treatments (gypsum, dolomitic, and calcitic limestone) and their effects on ryegrass (Lolium perenne) production were studied in laboratory incubation and greenhouse experiments. Dolomitic and calcitic limestone alone and in combination with gypsum increased pH significantly and, at the same time, decreased exchangeable aluminum (Al) concentration to low concentrations. Gypsum alone increased pH slightly and reduced Al concentration by 50%, but its effect on ryegrass yield was similar to calcitic and dolomitic limestone. The Al/calcium (Ca) ratio was not a good predictor of the Al toxicity for plant growth but the Al/sulfur (S) ratio in the soil showed a good relationship with dry matter yield. The Ca + magnesium (Mg) + potassium (K) content in shoots was highly correlated with dry matter yield.

Más información

Título de la Revista: COMMUNICATIONS IN SOIL SCIENCE AND PLANT ANALYSIS
Volumen: 30
Número: 9-10
Editorial: TAYLOR & FRANCIS INC
Fecha de publicación: 1999
Página de inicio: 1251
Página final: 1266
Idioma: English