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Effects of Potassium and Lime Applied for Coastal Bermudagrass Production on Sandy Soil
Author(s) -
Cripps R. W.,
Young J. L.,
Leonard A. T.
Publication year - 1989
Publication title -
soil science society of america journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.836
H-Index - 168
eISSN - 1435-0661
pISSN - 0361-5995
DOI - 10.2136/sssaj1989.03615995005300010024x
Subject(s) - lime , loam , cynodon dactylon , human fertilization , potassium , chemistry , soil water , zoology , agronomy , soil ph , biology , ecology , organic chemistry , paleontology
The deep sandy soils of eastern Texas are inherently low in available Ca and Mg. Also, Coastal bermudagrass [ Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.] grown on these soils has exhibited K deficiency symptoms. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of K fertilization and liming on (i) Coastal bermudagrass yield; (ii) plant tissue K, Ca, and Mg concentrations; and (iii) K, Ca, and Mg soil test values. The study was conducted on a Darco fine sandy loam (loamy, siliceous, thermic, Grossarenic Paleudults) from 1981 through 1983 using four rates of K fertilization (0, 140, 279, and 419 kg K ha −1 year −1 ) and six lime rates (0, 2.2, 3.6, 4.5, 9.0, and 18.0 Mg ha −1 ). Significant yield responses to both K fertilization and liming were observed in 1982 and 1983. Potassium fertilization resulted in increased plant K concentration and decreased plant Ca and Mg concentrations. Liming increased Ca and Mg concentrations. Maximum yields were obtained with K concentrations of about 22.0 g K kg −1 plant tissue. Increased plant K concentration did not depress Ca and Mg concentrations below 1.8 and 1.1 g kg −1 , respectively. After 3 yr of K fertilization, soil test K values were increased only at the 419 kg K ha −1 rate. No yield response to liming was measured above 3.6 Mg lime Ha −1 . At the conclusion of the study, soil pH and extractable Ca and Mg values in 3.6 Mg lime ha −1 plots were 5.3, 333 mg kg −1 and 30 mg kg −1 , respectively.