ŽŪŽIS antraštės iliustracija
Field
Organic Farming, Agro-environmental protection

Subfield
Improving the Fertility of Acidic Soils through Liming.

Project type
Moksliniai tyrimai (MTEP)

EU Support
check_circle Yes
No

Effect
Economic
Sustainable farming

Theme
Rūgščių dirvožemių derlumo gerinimas efektyvesniam maisto medžiagų prieinamumui ir augalininkystės produkcijos savikainos pokyčiui.

Contact information
Lina Žukauskienė
Email:
Phone:
+37065818456
Improving the Fertility of Acidic Soils for More Efficient Nutrient Availability and Changes in Crop Production Costs

About the innovation / research
Soil acidity is one of the most important indicators of soil quality, directly affecting crop yields. The more acidic the soil, the lower the yield, with losses potentially reaching 20–50%. This is a particularly significant issue for farms in western and eastern Lithuania, where acidic soils are most common. Soil acidification is a natural process accelerated by acidic precipitation, intensive use of physiologically acidic mineral fertilizers, pesticide application, nutrient leaching, and nutrient removal with harvested crops. In order to farm sustainably and economically, farmers are seeking solutions to reduce soil acidification. One of the most effective methods is liming. Liming helps regulate plant nutrition with macro- and micronutrients, improves the physical and chemical properties of soil, enhances plant growing conditions, and positively affects photosynthesis as well as protein and carbohydrate metabolism. Nutrient availability is highest when soil pH ranges from 6.0 to 6.5. In acidic soils (around pH 5.5), phosphorus, potassium, calcium, and magnesium become less available, while micronutrient leaching and denitrification processes increase. When farming in acidic soils, liming materials and application rates are selected according to soil pH, soil texture, and the crops planned for cultivation. The highest liming efficiency is achieved when soil moisture is sufficient and liming is carried out in dry and calm weather conditions. To evaluate the impact of liming, the Lithuanian Agricultural Advisory Service implemented a three-year project and carried out eight demonstration field trials in moderately acidic soils. The trials were established in western Lithuania (Tauragė, Telšiai, Klaipėda, and Plungė districts) and eastern Lithuania (Šalčininkai district). Different liming materials were used because the soils varied in texture and agrochemical properties, although all tested soils were acidic. It is important to know both the chemical composition and the form of liming materials. The chemical composition determines the neutralizing capacity, while the form affects spreading efficiency and the speed of action. Powdered liming materials act the fastest, granulated materials act more slowly, and crushed lime materials have the longest-lasting effect. Higher lime application rates are recommended for heavier soils, while lighter soils should be limed in smaller doses applied over several treatments. Carbonate-based liming materials are recommended, and liming should be carried out systematically – every 4–5 years or annually using smaller application rates. Based on the research results, recommendations were prepared to help farmers maintain soil fertility, reduce crop production costs, improve farm economic performance, and increase farm competitiveness.

Year
2021

Project number
14PA-KK-18-1-03440-PR001

Argumentation
Projekto įgyvendinimo metu, gautas derlius parodė, kad kalkinės medžiagos pagerino augalų mitybą pagrindinėmis maisto medžiagomis, augalai geriau pasisavino su trąšomis atiduotas maisto medžiagas, suformavo daugiau ir stiprių produktyvių stiebų, mažiau atmetė varpoje užuomazgų, suformavo daugiau grūdų ir tuo pačiu padidino augalo derlingumą. Skirtingų kultūrų – žieminių rugių, žieminių kvietrugių, avižų, vasarinių kviečių, rapsų ir kt. – derlius padidėjo vidutiniškai 0.5 – 0.8 t/ha.

Funding source
Lietuvos kaimo plėtros 2014–2020 metų programos priemonė „Žinių perdavimo ir informavimo veikla“ veiklos sritį ,,Parama parodomiesiems projektams ir informavimo veikla“

Research institution
Lietuvos žemės ūkio konsultavimo tarnyba

Structural unit conducting research/innovation
Technologinių paslaugų skyrius

Project manager
Romutė Mikučionienė

Partners
Lietuvos agrarinių ir miškų mokslų centras

Internet link