Response of maize to potassium in La Frailesca, Chiapas, México

Low soil K is widespread in the sandy acid soils of the La Frailesca region of Chiapas, Mexico. Maize response to K applications in acid soils depends on effective amelioration of the acidic condition. In 2015, we conducted studies in four farms where soil acidity in the top 30 cm of soil was not severe (pH 5. 3, and exchangeable Al of 10%) to measure the response of maize to 0, 90, 180, and 270 kg K2O/ha. Soil exchangeable K averaged 0. 2 cmol/kg of soil. Read more

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Year of initiation:2015

Year of completion:2015

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Interpretive Summary

2015

Low soil K is widespread in the sandy acid soils of the La Frailesca region of Chiapas, Mexico. Maize response to K applications in acid soils depends on effective amelioration of the acidic condition. In 2015, we conducted studies in four farms where soil acidity in the top 30 cm of soil was not severe (pH 5. 3, and exchangeable Al of 10%) to measure the response of maize to 0, 90, 180, and 270 kg K2O/ha. Soil exchangeable K averaged 0. 2 cmol/kg of soil.

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Publications

Overcoming Low Maize Yields with Lime and Potassium in Chiapas, Mexico Soil acidity is a major constraint that limits maize productivity in the southern agricultural region of Chiapas, Mexico. The region’s dominant sandy soils are derived from granite in a lowland tropical environment. These soils are naturally acidic, but conditions are made worse by burning plant residues, use of acidifying fertilizers, and tillage.

Research with Impact