Intensive annual crop production and root development in a tropical acid soil under long-term no-till and soil-amendment management
Claudio H. M. da Costa A B , Antonio C. A. Carmeis Filho B , Carlos A. C. Crusciol B C , Rogério P. Soratto B and Tiara M. Guimarães BA Special Academic Unit of Agricultural Sciences, Federal University of Goiás (UFG), 75801-615 Jataí, GO, Brazil.
B College of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Crop Science, São Paulo State University (FCA/UNESP), PO Box 237, 18610-307 Botucatu, SP, Brazil.
C Corresponding author. Email: crusciol@fca.unesp.br
Crop and Pasture Science 69(5) 488-505 https://doi.org/10.1071/CP17233
Submitted: 3 July 2017 Accepted: 8 February 2018 Published: 9 May 2018
Abstract
In tropical conservation agricultural systems, crop yield is limited by soil acidity and root-growth inhibition, especially under intensive crop rotation. This study evaluated the effect of surface applications of lime and phosphogypsum in improving soil fertility and crop yield in a tropical region. Four treatments were evaluated: control (without soil amendment); and application phosphogypsum (2.1 + 2.1 + 2.1 Mg ha–1), lime (2.7 + 2.0 + 2.0 Mg ha–1), and a combination of lime and phosphogypsum at the given rates, applied in 2002, 2004 and 2010, respectively. We evaluated the soil chemical properties, root development, plant nutrition, yield components and grain yield of 10 crops over 4 years using five species: maize (Zea mays), crambe (Crambe abyssinica), cowpea (Vigna unguiculata), wheat (Triticum aestivum) and common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris). Our long-term results demonstrate the benefits of surface liming in alleviating subsoil acidity, reducing Al3+ toxicity, improving availability of Ca2+ and Mg2+, and increasing accumulation of soil organic matter in all soil profiles at depths up to 0.60 m. For maize and crambe, adding phosphogypsum increased development of plants and reproductive structures, which increased grain yield. Phosphogypsum exhibited synergistic effects in association with lime for maize and common bean. Phosphogypsum did not have an effect on cowpea and wheat, whereas surface liming was essential to improve plant nutrition, grain yield and wheat grain quality. The combination of both soil amendments is an important tool to reduce the soil acidification process, resulting in the highest levels of Ca2+ and Mg2+ and the highest base-saturation values in the topsoil layers (0–0.20 m) over time. Our long-term results showed the viability of surface liming plus phosphogypsum for improving tropical soil fertility, which can reflect an increase in grain yield and contribute to the sustainability of agricultural systems under intensive land use in highly weathered areas.
Additional keywords: Brazilian tropical soils, crop production, limestone, root growth, SOM.
References
Alva AK, Sumner ME, Miller WP (1990) Reactions of gypsum or phosphogypsum in highly weathered acid subsoils. Soil Science Society of America Journal 54, 993–998.| Reactions of gypsum or phosphogypsum in highly weathered acid subsoils.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DyaK3MXit12itQ%3D%3D&md5=f024032ef1f4401e4d886095f3ba10b4CAS |
Amaral AS, Anghinoni I, Hinrichs R, Bertol I (2004) Movement of lime particles in the profile of an Inceptisol under no-tillage. Revista Brasileira de Ciência do Solo 28, 359–367.
| Movement of lime particles in the profile of an Inceptisol under no-tillage.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD2cXlt1Cmt7k%3D&md5=f5917d11a45c1119a3907b647c9343b8CAS |
Ambrosano EJ, Tanaka RT, Mascarenhas HAA, van Raij B, Quaggio JA, Cantarella H (1997) Leguminosas e oleaginosas. In ‘Recommendations for fertilization and liming in the state of São Paulo’. (Eds B van Raij, H Cantarella, JA Quaggio, AMC Furlani) pp. 189–203. (Instituto Agronômico de Campinas: Campinas, SP, Brazil) [in Portuguese]
Bardsley CE, Lancaster JD (1960) Determination of reserve sulfur and soluble sulfates in soils. Soil Science Society of America Journal 24, 265–268.
| Determination of reserve sulfur and soluble sulfates in soils.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DyaF3cXhtlaktro%3D&md5=95e4031e116ca72e5770f10aba3508ddCAS |
Boutraa T, Sanders FE (2001) Influence of water stress on grain yield and vegetative growth of two cultivars of bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.). Journal of Agronomy & Crop Science 187, 251–257.
| Influence of water stress on grain yield and vegetative growth of two cultivars of bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.).Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Cahn MD, Zobel RW, Bouldin DR (1989) Relationship between root elongation rate and diameter and duration of growth of lateral roots of maize. Plant and Soil 119, 271–279.
| Relationship between root elongation rate and diameter and duration of growth of lateral roots of maize.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Caires EF, Alleoni LRF, Cambri MA, Barth G (2005) Surface application of lime for crop grain production under a no-till system. Agronomy Journal 97, 791–798.
| Surface application of lime for crop grain production under a no-till system.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Caires EF, Barth G, Garbuio FJ (2006a) Lime application in the establishment of a no-till system for grain crop production in southern Brazil. Soil & Tillage Research 89, 3–12.
| Lime application in the establishment of a no-till system for grain crop production in southern Brazil.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Caires EF, Corrêa JCL, Churka S, Barth G, Garbuio FJ (2006b) Surface application of lime ameliorates subsoil acidity and improves root growth and yield of wheat in an acid soil under no-till system. Scientia Agrícola 63, 502–509.
| Surface application of lime ameliorates subsoil acidity and improves root growth and yield of wheat in an acid soil under no-till system.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD28Xht12qsrrI&md5=976f6fe9060be630eb36273cb367936fCAS |
Caires EF, Garbuio FJ, Churka S, Barth G, Corrêa JCL (2008) Effects of soil acidity amelioration by surface liming on no-till corn, soybean, and wheat root growth and yield. European Journal of Agronomy 28, 57–64.
| Effects of soil acidity amelioration by surface liming on no-till corn, soybean, and wheat root growth and yield.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD2sXht1KjsL7I&md5=cc62ac97ed00e120c47527f8cc5a397aCAS |
Caires EF, Joris HAW, Churka S (2011) Long-term effects of lime and gypsum additions on no-till corn and soybean yield and soil chemical properties in southern Brazil. Soil Use and Management 27, 45–53.
| Long-term effects of lime and gypsum additions on no-till corn and soybean yield and soil chemical properties in southern Brazil.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Cantarella H, van Raij B, Camargo CEO (1997) Cereals. In ‘Recommendations for fertilization and liming in the State of São Paulo’. (Eds B van Raij, H Cantarella, JA Quaggio, AMC Furlani) pp. 43–71. (Instituto Agronômico de Campinas: Campinas, SP, Brazil) [in Portuguese]
Cantarella H, van Raij B, Quaggio JA (1998) Soil and plant analyses for lime and fertilizer recommendations in Brazil. Communications in Soil Science and Plant Analysis 29, 1691–1706.
| Soil and plant analyses for lime and fertilizer recommendations in Brazil.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DyaK1cXlvVSmu78%3D&md5=8e411465f613fc49aa861cb4905c26f6CAS |
Carvalho MCS, van Raij B (1997) Calcium sulphate, phosphogypsum and calcium carbonate in the amelioration of acid subsoils for root growth. Plant and Soil 192, 37–48.
| Calcium sulphate, phosphogypsum and calcium carbonate in the amelioration of acid subsoils for root growth.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DyaK2sXmvVSqu7o%3D&md5=74082f737c7491c5469043b8f36373ddCAS |
Castro GSA, Crusciol CAC (2013) Effects of superficial liming and silicate application on soil fertility and crop yield under rotation. Geoderma 195–196, 234–242.
| Effects of superficial liming and silicate application on soil fertility and crop yield under rotation.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Castro GSA, Crusciol CAC, da Costa CHM, Ferrari Neto J, Mancuso MAC (2016) Surface application of limestone and calcium-magnesium silicate in a tropical no-tillage system. Journal of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition 16, 362–379.
Churka Blum S, Caires EF, Alleoni LRF (2013) Lime and phosphogypsum application and sulfate retention in subtropical soils under no-till system. Journal of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition 13, 279–300.
CIAT (1983) ‘Etapas de desarollo de la planta de frijol común.’ (Eds F Fernàndez, P Gepts, M López) pp. 26. (CIAT: Cali, Colombia)
Crusciol CAC, Artigiani ACCA, Arf O, Carmeis Filho ACA, Soratto RP, Nascente AS, Alvarez RCF (2016) Soil fertility, plant nutrition, and grain yield of upland rice affected by surface application of lime, silicate, and phosphogypsum in a tropical no-till system. Catena 137, 87–99.
| Soil fertility, plant nutrition, and grain yield of upland rice affected by surface application of lime, silicate, and phosphogypsum in a tropical no-till system.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BC2MXhsF2ru77P&md5=fd290bb9f929f3400f67476dcfd42045CAS |
da Costa CHM, Crusciol CAC (2016) Long-term effects of lime and phosphogypsum application on tropical no-till soybean–oat–sorghum rotation and soil chemical properties. European Journal of Agronomy 74, 119–132.
| Long-term effects of lime and phosphogypsum application on tropical no-till soybean–oat–sorghum rotation and soil chemical properties.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
du Preez CC, Bennie ATP (1991) Concentration, accumulation and uptake rate of macro-nutrients by winter wheat under irrigation. South African Journal of Plant and Soil 8, 31–37.
| Concentration, accumulation and uptake rate of macro-nutrients by winter wheat under irrigation.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DyaK3MXlvVaisbc%3D&md5=370da057205037a07f1bd99890a97cf9CAS |
Fageria NK, Moreira A (2011) The role of mineral nutrition on root growth of crop plants. Advances in Agronomy 110, 251–331.
| The role of mineral nutrition on root growth of crop plants.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BC3MXktlyksLk%3D&md5=0d364e2d1cdde822eb7dc182151c6fe5CAS |
Farhoodi A, Coventry DR (2008) Field crop responses to lime in the mid-north region of South Australia. Field Crops Research 108, 45–53.
| Field crop responses to lime in the mid-north region of South Australia.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Franchini JC, Hoffmann-Campo CB, Torres E, Miyazawa M, Pavan MA (2003) Organic composition of green manure during growth and its effect on cation mobilization in an acid Oxisol. Communications in Soil Science and Plant Analysis 34, 2045–2058.
| Organic composition of green manure during growth and its effect on cation mobilization in an acid Oxisol.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD3sXltlGlsLo%3D&md5=de62b4339e547fbcb1f56f3f52f96f02CAS |
Glaser B, Lehmann J, Zech W (2002) Ameliorating physical and chemical properties of highly weathered soils in the tropics with charcoal—a review. Biology and Fertility of Soils 35, 219–230.
| Ameliorating physical and chemical properties of highly weathered soils in the tropics with charcoal—a review.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD38Xkt1Wmsrc%3D&md5=009cc1d5dc310378d6101106b5f3fdb3CAS |
Haynes RJ, Naidu R (1998) Influence of lime, fertilizer and manure applications on soil organic matter content and soil physical conditions: a review. Nutrient Cycling in Agroecosystems 51, 123–137.
| Influence of lime, fertilizer and manure applications on soil organic matter content and soil physical conditions: a review.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Heanes DL (1984) Determination of total organic-C in soils by an improved chromic acid digestion and spectrophotometric procedure. Communications in Soil Science and Plant Analysis 15, 1191–1213.
| Determination of total organic-C in soils by an improved chromic acid digestion and spectrophotometric procedure.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DyaL2cXmt12itL8%3D&md5=7ab761646a9316075b50923a301f9364CAS |
Islam A, White RE, Chen D (2006) Nitrification activity in acid soils of north-eastern Victoria, Australia, as affected by liming and phosphorus fertilisation. Australian Journal of Soil Research 44, 739–744.
| Nitrification activity in acid soils of north-eastern Victoria, Australia, as affected by liming and phosphorus fertilisation.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD28Xht1OgsLbK&md5=08f4dc5ead88ec0f6fc3b9e20969556dCAS |
Lal R, Miller FP, Logan TJ (1988) Are intensive agricultural practices environmentally and ethically sound? Journal of Agricultural Ethics 1, 193–210.
| Are intensive agricultural practices environmentally and ethically sound?Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
MacBride MB (1994) ‘Environmental chemistry of soils.’ (Oxford University Press: New York)
Machado PLO, Silva CA (2001) Soil management under no-tillage systems in the tropics with special reference to Brazil. Nutrient Cycling in Agroecosystems 61, 119–130.
| Soil management under no-tillage systems in the tropics with special reference to Brazil.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Malavolta E, Vitti GC, Oliveira SA (1997) ‘Evaluation of nutritional status of plants: principles and applications.’ (Potafós: Piracicaba, SP, Brazil) [in Portuguese]
Mateus GP, Borghi E, Marques RR, Boas RLV, Crusciol CAC (2007) Sources and time of contact of mineral fertilizer with Brachiaria brizantha seeds as related with germination. Revista Brasileira de Ciência do Solo 31, 177–183.
| Sources and time of contact of mineral fertilizer with Brachiaria brizantha seeds as related with germination.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD2sXntlGktLg%3D&md5=ba710eb0dadd0c7e2113c2af14cc2d4dCAS |
Mauad M, Garcia RA, Vitorino ACT, Silva RMMF, Garbiate MV, Coelho LCF (2013) Shoot dry matter and macronutrients accumulation by Crambe. Ciência Rural 43, 771–778.
| Shoot dry matter and macronutrients accumulation by Crambe.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BC3sXhtVSiu73I&md5=fa343b4b4c13074cc1fc759d7880ac59CAS |
Miyasaka SC, Hawes MC (2001) Possible role of root border cells in detection and avoidance of aluminum toxicity. Plant Physiology 125, 1978–1987.
| Possible role of root border cells in detection and avoidance of aluminum toxicity.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD3MXjtFKqur0%3D&md5=24e3ccf664a7d4c4da4a5c33530e214aCAS |
Murphy J, Riley JP (1962) A modified single solution method for the determination of phosphate in natural waters. Analytica Chimica Acta 27, 31–36.
| A modified single solution method for the determination of phosphate in natural waters.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DyaF38XksVyntr8%3D&md5=17753de275e28b31f7f69c7d37de76e1CAS |
Nye PH (1981) Changes of pH across the rhizosphere induced by roots. Plant and Soil 61, 7–26.
| Changes of pH across the rhizosphere induced by roots.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DyaL3MXls1OksL4%3D&md5=f6aa651e64768055dbfb81fb3cd5b4ebCAS |
Oussible M, Crookston RK, Larson WE (1992) Subsurface compaction reduces the root and shoot growth and grain yield of wheat. Agronomy Journal 84, 34–38.
| Subsurface compaction reduces the root and shoot growth and grain yield of wheat.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Porter JR, Gawith M (1999) Temperatures and the growth and development of wheat: a review. European Journal of Agronomy 10, 23–36.
| Temperatures and the growth and development of wheat: a review.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Rosolem CA, Calonego JC (2013) Phosphorus and potassium budget in the soil–plant system in crop rotations under no-till. Soil & Tillage Research 126, 127–133.
| Phosphorus and potassium budget in the soil–plant system in crop rotations under no-till.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Six J, Bossuyt H, Degryze S, Denef K (2004) A history of research on the link between (micro)aggregates, soil biota, and soil organic matter dynamics. Soil & Tillage Research 79, 7–31.
| A history of research on the link between (micro)aggregates, soil biota, and soil organic matter dynamics.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Soil Survey Staff (1999) Soil taxonomy: a basic system of soil classification for making and interpreting soil surveys. United States Department of Agriculture. Available at: https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/nrcs142p2_051232.pdf (accessed 7 July 2015).
Soratto RP, Crusciol CAC (2008) Dolomite and phosphogypsum surface application effects on annual crops nutrition and yield. Agronomy Journal 100, 261–270.
| Dolomite and phosphogypsum surface application effects on annual crops nutrition and yield.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD1cXkvFykurs%3D&md5=4ce7d5ab6a4d65de48e4c94d4e5aa94aCAS |
Soratto RP, Fernandes AM, Santos LAD, Job ALG (2013) Nutrient extraction and exportation by common bean cultivars under different fertilization levels: I—macronutrients. Revista Brasileira de Ciência do Solo 37, 1027–1042.
| Nutrient extraction and exportation by common bean cultivars under different fertilization levels: I—macronutrients.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BC3sXhvFejurbJ&md5=908d0efbbf8fb443c8e330b96c364325CAS |
Sumner ME, Shahandeh J, Bouton J, Hammel J (1986) Amelioration of an acid soil profile through deep liming and surface application of gypsum. Soil Science Society of America Proceedings 36, 587–593.
Toma M, Sumner ME, Weeks G, Saigusa M (1999) Long-term effects of gypsum on crop yield and subsoil chemical properties. Soil Science Society of America Journal 63, 891–895.
| Long-term effects of gypsum on crop yield and subsoil chemical properties.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DyaK1MXmsFCnsrc%3D&md5=6eafdd003cf118f491880a23e504231dCAS |
van Raij B, Quaggio JA, da Silva NM (1986) Extraction of phosphorus, potassium, calcium, and magnesium from soils by an ion‐exchange resin procedure. Communications in Soil Science and Plant Analysis 17, 547–566.
| Extraction of phosphorus, potassium, calcium, and magnesium from soils by an ion‐exchange resin procedure.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DyaL28XksVWktLg%3D&md5=d5dde701f003eb3d54ec2a50ef3f1232CAS |
van Raij B, Cantarella H, Quaggio JA, Furlani AMC (1997) ‘Recommendations for fertilization and liming in the state of São Paulo.’ (Institute of American Cultures, University of California: Los Angeles, CA) [in Portuguese]
van Raij B, Andrade JC, Cantarella H, Quaggio JA (2001) ‘Chemical analysis for fertility evaluation of tropical soils.’ (Instituto Agronômico de Campinas: Campinas, SP, Brazil) [in Portuguese]
Zadoks JC, Chang TT, Konzak CF (1974) A decimal code for the growth stages of cereals. Weed Research 14, 415–421.
| A decimal code for the growth stages of cereals.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Zambrosi FCB, Alleoni LRF, Caires EF (2008) Liming and ionic speciation of an Oxisol under no-till system. Scientia Agrícola 65, 190–203.
| Liming and ionic speciation of an Oxisol under no-till system.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD1cXmtFKrsL0%3D&md5=7ef632d879f3695c0bbe3cd0739c7e5eCAS |