Response of maize and soybeans to liming

Authors: LUKA ANDRIC, MIRTA RASTIJA, TIHANA TEKLIC, VLADO KOVACEVIC

Abstract: A field trial with the application of 3 rates (0, 5, and 20 t ha^{-1}) of hydratized calcite (73% CaO + 2%-3% MgO + 21% H_2O) was set up in the spring of 2006. The experiment area had 3 plots of 630 m2. Each plot was divided into 4 subplots for replications. Over the next 2 years, the residual effects of liming on plant yield and nutrient uptake were investigated using maize hybrid OsSK499 in 2006 and 2007 and soybean variety Ika in 2008. The ear leaves of maize at flowering (mid-July 2006 and 2007) were analyzed for P, K, Ca, Mg, S, Zn, Mn, Fe, Cu, Mo, and B concentrations in leaf dry matter. In general, liming was more effective in 2007 than in 2006, based on the significant influence on Mg (+34%), Ca (+10%), Mo (+24%), K (-13%), B (-20%), Mn (-68%), and Zn (-19%) concentrations in the leaves. Liming increased maize yield up to 33% and 35% in 2006 and 2007, respectively. In the third year of testing, soybean responded with a considerable yield increase of up to 44%. A very high soybean yield might be the result of the high yield capacity of the Ika cultivar and favorable weather conditions. However, based on leaf analysis, the nutritional status of soybean was unbalanced because of inadequate concentrations of K, Mg, and Mo. Additionally, P, Cu, and B concentrations were at the lowest limit of an adequate status. However, the leaf nutrient status of Ca, Zn, and Mn could be defined as adequate.

Keywords: Liming, maize, nutritional status, soybean, yield

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