Effects of Soil pH on Four Field-Grown Nursery Crops

Abstract

Four woody nursery crops were grown for 3 years (1981–1983) in plots with varying pH levels. Greater growth of ‘Compacta’ Japanese holly and Foster's holly occurred in 1981 and 1982 at lower pH levels (4.1–5.8). However, Mn phytotoxic symptoms appeared on ‘Compacta’ Japanese holly dunng the fall of 1982. Foliar Mn levels of all 4 species exceeded 2500 ppm when grown at the lowest pH level, with the exception of Foster's holly in 1983. Growth of ‘Nellie R. Stevens’ holly was not affected by pH, while Taxus growth was enhanced in 1983 at the higher pH levels (4.7–5.9). Foliar nutrient concentration trends were similar among the 4 crops.

Is the recommended pH for growing hardwood seedlings wrong?

“…Several varieties of Japanese holly are produced at bareroot ornamental nurseries. In one trial three varieties were grown in a sandy loam soil that was amended with dolomitic lime (Gilliam et al 1985). One variety grew well at both pH 4.1 and 6.2 while two other varieties grew best at pH 4.1.…”

“…Greenhouse and nursery researchers should question traditional liming and pH recommendations (Gilliam et al 1985;Ruter and van der Werken 1986;Whitcomb 1983) and should target pH values that are near optimum for the species under investigation. Unfortunately, for many tree species well-designed "optimal pH" trials have not been published.…”

Preventing Death and Taxus: Review and Recommendations for Managing Taxus in the Landscape with Overview on Phytophthora cinnamomi, Soil, and Nutrition Status

“…The suggested soil pH for Taxus ranges from 6.0 to 7.0 (Hibben and Cahilly 1996;Fraedrich 1999;Halcomb 2012;Kaiser and Ward 2013). In a study by Gilliam et al (1985), Taxus cuspidata 'Densiformis' was grown in a fine sandy loam with three pH levels of 5.2, 5.8, and 6.2. At the highest pH, plants had greater growth indices, and there was a significant effect of pH on tissue zinc (Zn) and manganese (Mn) concentrations.…”