Effect of Calcium/Magnesium Ratio in Soil on Magnesium Availability, Yield, and Yield Components of Maize
2007
Osemwota, I.O. | Omueti, J.A.I. | Ogboghodo, A.I.
The effect of calcium (Ca)/magnesium (Mg) ratio in the soil on Mg availability, yield, and yield components of maize (Zea mays L.) was investigated both in the greenhouse and the field at eight different Ca/Mg ratios ranging from 1:1 and 8:1. In the greenhouse, exchangeable Ca/Mg ratios of 2:1 to 3:1 gave optimum yield of maize without Mg-deficiency symptoms. The Ca/Mg ratios in the soil were positively and significantly correlated with Ca content and negatively and significantly correlated with Mg content. The Ca/Mg ratio in the soil was also positively and significantly correlated with observed Ca/Mg ratio in the maize plant tissue. The Ca/Mg ratio in the soil could be a limiting factor for Mg nutrition of the maize plant. Under field conditions, exchangeable Ca/Mg ratios in the soil showed no significant effects on the Ca and Mg contents of the maize earleaf. However, optimum maize yield was obtained at an exchangeable Ca/Mg ratio of 6:1.
Show more [+] Less [-]AGROVOC Keywords
Bibliographic information
This bibliographic record has been provided by National Agricultural Library