Publication Date
1985
Location
Kyoto Japan
Description
Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) production on highly weathered soils is often severely limited by the subsoil acidity syndrome which prevents root penetration. The possibility of encouraging deeper rooting by deep liming and surface-applied gypsum which is leached into the subsoil were investigated on a highly weathered soil (Typic Hapludult) in Georgia. 1Sufficient lime to neutralize exchangeable Al was incorporated by thorough mixing to a depth of 1 meter. Gypsum (10 t ha- ) was incorporated to 20 cm without any subsoil disturbance. Topsoils of all plots were limed and fertilized according to soil test recommendations. Deep liming increased alfalfa yields by 44% over the 3-year period while in the second and third years gypsum increased yields by 27%. Yield responses are attributable to improved rooting in ameliorated subsoils. Great potential exists for economic high quality forage production on hitherto marginally productive highly weathered soils. In addition, the promising gypsum
Citation
Sumner, M E.; Bouton, J H.; Hammel, J; and Shahandeh, H, "Effect of Deep Liming and Surface Applied Gypsum on Alfalfa Production on Highly Weathered Soils" (1985). IGC Proceedings (1985-2023). 22.
(URL: https://uknowledge.uky.edu/igc/1985/ses6/22)
Included in
Agricultural Science Commons, Agronomy and Crop Sciences Commons, Plant Biology Commons, Plant Pathology Commons, Soil Science Commons, Weed Science Commons
Effect of Deep Liming and Surface Applied Gypsum on Alfalfa Production on Highly Weathered Soils
Kyoto Japan
Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) production on highly weathered soils is often severely limited by the subsoil acidity syndrome which prevents root penetration. The possibility of encouraging deeper rooting by deep liming and surface-applied gypsum which is leached into the subsoil were investigated on a highly weathered soil (Typic Hapludult) in Georgia. 1Sufficient lime to neutralize exchangeable Al was incorporated by thorough mixing to a depth of 1 meter. Gypsum (10 t ha- ) was incorporated to 20 cm without any subsoil disturbance. Topsoils of all plots were limed and fertilized according to soil test recommendations. Deep liming increased alfalfa yields by 44% over the 3-year period while in the second and third years gypsum increased yields by 27%. Yield responses are attributable to improved rooting in ameliorated subsoils. Great potential exists for economic high quality forage production on hitherto marginally productive highly weathered soils. In addition, the promising gypsum
