The effect of the acidity-neutralizing materials applied on the morphological traits of maize

Abstract

A high percentage of agricultural acid-reaction soils is a serious obstacle to the cultivation of a great number of susceptible plant species. Under such conditions, the choice of crops is being limited to tolerant species and, furthermore, their growing without the use of the acidity-neutralizing materials results in lower yields and lower quality. For this reason, amelioration of these soils is essential, not only as a long-term measure for acid soil amendment, but also as a means for a temporary achievement of better performance results.

At the site of Mt. Suvobor (the village of Teocin), a pronounced soil acidity (pH/M KCl 3.55) was determined, coupled with a high mobile aluminium content (over 37 mg/100 g soil). Bentonite, agrosel, crude phosphates, MgO and CaO were used to neutralize soil acidity and an excess of aluminium.

The material used exerted a certain effect on the soil, but also on the maize crop (NS 201) cultivated, having been manifested through variations in the morphological traits examined. The ameliorative measures such as the use of bentonite (alone or combined with lime), CaO and MgO combinations and both lime rates, had a positive effect also on increases in the 1000-kernel weight, plant and ear height, as well as on an increase of ear length.

A considerable effect of growing climate-related conditions was registered again. Owing to differing precipitation distribution, differences between the morphological parameters investigated according to the research years, were recorded.