Maize response to dolomitic limestone, gypsum, and potassium in La Frailesca, Chiapas (Mexico)

This project is a continuation of IPNI-2014-MEX-57. Two dolomitic limestone application rates (0 and those calculated on the basis of percent of exchangeable Al (Al-exch), two gypsum rates (0 and 5 t/ha), and two K₂O rates (0 and 120 kg/ha) were added in a complete factorial design, with three replications, at four locations with soils that had average pH 4.4, 0.08 cmol K/kg, 0.4 cmol Ca/kg, 0.1 cmol Mg/kg, and 67% Al-exch in the top 15 cm, and pH 4.6, 0.05 cmol K/kg, 0.7 cmol Ca/kg, 0.2 cmol Mg/kg, and 61% Al-exch in the 15 to 30 cm layer.

Maize grain could only be harvested in one location and biomass weights were collected in the rest, because of the severe drought that affected the region. Significant responses were detected in biomass production to K application in all three locations, and to lime and gypsum in one location each. No significant effects from any of the factors or their interactions were observed in terms of grain yield. Most likely, the shortage of water early in the season limited the movement and reaction of the amendments in the soil, thus preventing their beneficial effects.