Abstract

The effect of 3 liquid amendments on ultisol fertility, cultivated with corn under greenhouse conditions was evaluated. The study was conducted in 1.0 and 0.5 l pots containing soil from Orosi, Cartago, with exchangeable acidity of 4.64 cmol.l^-1, using liquid amendments Cal 56 (C56) and surkal (SK), and calcium carbonate in wettable powder Surflow calcium (SC), diluted in water and applied in 2 doses each. Soil pH and exchangeable acidity analyses were made at different times over a 61-days period after lime application (daa), in pots with no plants soil fertility analyses were also done at 45 days after planting, and measurements of plant height, root length, and dry corn biomass weight were taken in pots with plants. The application of SK and C56 amendments decreased exchangeable acidity and increased pH in proportion to the dose during the first 14 daa. Soil acidity began to rise and pH started to drop at 27 daa. Soil acidity was low and pH was high throughout the evaluation period with SC treatment because this lime was applied at a higher dose than liquid amendments. Soil fertility improved with liming application, mainly with the SC treatments. Amendment application increased plant height, root length, and dry corn biomass weight. SK produced higher aerial dry matter accumulation; however, with C56 a greater longitudinal root density was determined. It is concluded that liquid lime can reduce soil acidity rapidly with more than 61 days residual effect, being a potential alternative for critical growth stages in crops under greenhouse conditions.

Keywords: Aluminum; lime; calcium; ultisol; corn