SOIL PH AND CORN GRAIN YIELD RESPONSE TO LOW RATES OF PELLETIZED LIME AND TYPICAL AGLIME
ISSN 2158-9429
Volume 3, Issue 1 - June 2010
Editor: Linda Chalker-Scott
Abstract
Maintaining the optimal soil pH for crop production is an important consideration for most producers across the Corn Belt. Lime is usually the most expensive single input in the year of application because of the relatively high application rates and material cost. These high input prices may cause producers to identify other application materials and techniques to neutralize soil to the desired pH level including the use of pelletized lime. The objective of the research was to determine the ability of low rates of pelletized lime to neutralize soil acidity and to determine the impact on subsequent corn (Zea mays L.) crop productivity. A field experiment was established at the OARDC West Badger Farm near Wooster, OH. Two lime sources (aglime and pelletized) were compared at three rates (1.3, 2.5, and 5 ton per acre). Soil samples were collected throughout the growing season to monitor changes in soil pH. Application of lime rates below the lime requirement did not neutralize soil to the desired pH level regardless of the lime source. Aglime neutralized soil pH faster than the pelletized lime at most sampling dates. Pelletized lime applied at the low rate had grain yields similar to the untreated control, but higher rates of pelletized lime and all aglime rates had significantly higher yields. Based upon this dataset, application of pelletized lime does not neutralize acidity any faster than aglime, nor does application of low rates achieve the desired neutralization of soil acidity.
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