Effect of Soil pH on Element Concentration and Uptake by Maize: I. P, K, Mg, and Na¹

Abstract

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.

Daily Patterns under the Life Cycle of a Maize Crop

“…Trials carried out in the field have shown that the growth rate of maize declines with pH. A reduction of 40% has been observed when the pH is lowered from 6.1 to 3.9 for seven varieties of maize tested (Lutz et al 1972). This effect of pH is due to changes in the availability of ions in the soil rather than to any direct effect on the plant.…”

Acumulação diferencial de nutrientes por cinco cultivares de milho (zea mays L): II - acumulação de micronutrientes

“…A quantidade dos micronutrientes necessária para promover um crescimento adequado é muito pequena, e a faixa de teores considerada adequada é muito ampla (JO-NES, 1972;LOCKMAN, 1969;NEUBERT et ai, 1969;LUTZ et al, 1972). A variação destes teores com os fatores ambientais, tais como, pH do solo e presença de outros íons, é elevada (WARNOCK, 1970;LUTZ et al, 1972;OLSEN, 1972); e a ocorrência de falhas na amostragem, preparação e análise química, são fatores que contribuem para tornar difícil a generalização sobre o comportamento dos cultivares. Em termos gerais, os cultivares apresentaram algumas diferenças em relação à acumulação de micronutrientes, embora estas não chegassem a merecer destaque especial.…”

Correção da acidez do solo, crescimento radicular e nutrição do milho de acordo com a calagem na superfície em sistema plantio direto

“…O aumento do pH do solo altera a disponibilidade de nutrientes, causando aumentos na absorção de N (Goodroad & Jellum, 1988), P, K, Ca e Mg (Lutz Jr. et al, 1972) pelo milho. São vários os trabalhos que demonstram aumentos consideráveis na produção de milho com a aplicação de calcário incorporado ao solo em sistema de preparo convencional (Gonzales-Erico et al, 1979;Camargo et al, 1982;Raij et al, 1983;Ernani et al, 1998).…”