Effects of certain fertilizer and lime treatments on some chemical properties of Cecil sandy loam

Abstract

An investigation of the pH, organic matter content, total nitrogen, and cation exchange properties of the soil of the l8-year-old rotation plots at Chatham, Virginia, was carried out. Individual soil samples were taken of each of the 36 sub-plots which compose the experiment. After the chemical analyses were completed, the data obtained was analyzed statistically. As a result of this investigation, the following conclusions are presented:

1. Application of ground limestone which resulted in increased crop yields also tended to increasae organic matter and cation exchange capacity. 2. The lower soil reaction of the unlimed plots seemed to be more effective in retaining a larger percentage of the total dry matter produced as soil organic matter. 3. A significant positive correlation waa found between soil organic matter and cation exchange capacity. 4. There seemed to be no significant correlation between fertilizer treatments, crop yields, and carbon-nitrogen ratio. 5. Applications of different amounts of superphosphate and their combinations with muriate of potash and muriate of potash and nitrate of soda apparently has had no effect on the amount ot exchangeable calcium, magnesium, and hydrogen present. 6. Exchangeable potassium seemed unaffected by fertilizers not containing potassium, but showed a marked increase on the plots receiving potassium in a mixture. 7. Applications of ground limestone have resulted in large increases of exchageable calcium and magnesium, increases in exchangeable potassium and marked decreases in exchangeable hydrogen and pH values. Percentage base saturation was also greatly increased by pound limestone applications.