Ammonium Fertilization Enhances Nutrient Uptake, Specifically Manganese and Zinc, and Growth of Maize in Unlimed and Limed Acidic Sandy Soil

Although NH4+ fertilization is known to acidify rhizosphere and enhance nutrient uptake, the effects on a nutrient-sufficient acidic soil amended with lime are not demonstrated. Thus, influence of an unlimed limed (3 g calcium carbonate per kg soil) uptake growth maize was studied in comparison NH4NO3 fertilization. The pH about two units higher than that soil. plants were grown pots under greenhouse conditions for months. results showed NH4+-fertilized 0.54 0.15 lower NH4NO3-fertilized Liming negatively affected shoot root dry matter production, whereas produced plants, significant difference 28% only. decreased Fe concentration from 99 69 mg kg−1 plant-available Mn most (71%), had 48% 21% respective soils. Similarly 50% Zn soil, 8% liming P, K, Mn, concentrations contents degree positive effect vigorous It concluded could be beneficial enhancing both alkaline soils, despite inherent