Effects of Lime Type on Yields and Leaf Concentrations of Several Vegetable Crops as Related to Soil Test Levels

Abstract

The effects of liming with and without fertilizer on tomatoes ( Lycopersicon esculentum Mill), sweet corn ( Zea mays L.), snapbeans ( Phaseolus vulgaris L.), and cabbage ( Brassica oleracea L.) were evaluated in experiments in 11 production areas in 1981–83. Calcitic, calcitic with 3% Mg, and dolomitic lime types (fineness—95% through a 100-mesh sieve) at rates of 4.5–15.7 t·ha −1 were compared with unlimed checks. High lime rates increased yields and had no deleterious effects. Substantial changes in soil pH and Ca and Mg saturation took place within a year of application. Leaf Mn concentrations and to a lesser extent leaf Zn and B were decreased by liming. Calcitic lime increased leaf Ca but depressed leaf Mg, especially at rates of 13.4–15.7 t·ha −1 . Comparable dolomitic lime treatments enhanced leaf Mg substantially but did not increase leaf Ca. Within 2 to 3 months of lime application, leaf analyses showed that the calcitic type usually supplied reasonable amounts of Ca, the dolomitic type consistently supplied substantial quantities of Mg, and both types reduced leaf Mn.