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Effect of Soil pH on Element Concentration and Uptake by Maize: I. P, K, Mg, and Na 1
Author(s) -
Lutz J. A.,
Genter C. F.,
Hawkins G. W.
Publication year - 1972
Publication title -
agronomy journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.752
H-Index - 131
eISSN - 1435-0645
pISSN - 0002-1962
DOI - 10.2134/agronj1972.00021962006400050008x
Subject(s) - subsoil , loam , chemistry , agronomy , nutrient , soil water , soil ph , sowing , zea mays , chemical composition , biology , ecology , organic chemistry
An understanding of soil‐plant relationships, plant nutrition, and fertilization requires a knowledge of the variability of the chemical composition and uptake of elements by plants. The availability of certain elements is related to soil pH and since many of the soils of the southeastern U. S. are acid, particularly in the subsoil, additional information is needed on the effects of soil pH on the growth, chemical composition, and uptake of elements by maize ( Zea mays L.). Greenhouse experiments were conducted on Greendale silt loam to investigate the effects of three soil pH levels, 3.9, 5.1, and 6.1, on the yield and certain chemical characteristics of selected maize inbreds and single crosses. Adequate plant nutrients were applied to all pots and two rates of dolomitic limestone were applied to increase the pH. Plants were harvested 36 days after planting, dried, and later analyzed for P, K, Ca, Mg, and Na. Highly significant differences in yields; P, K, Ca, and Mg concentrations; and uptake among maize entries were observed. Response of entries at different pH levels was not consistent for either uptake or concentration of P, K, Ca, or Mg. There were no significant differences in Na concentrations among entries or pH levels.