Effect of Repeated N, P, K, and Lime Applications on Soil pH, P, and K Under Old and Young Pecan Trees1

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Abstract

Concentration of pecan roots in the 15-45 cm layer of soil and lower soil pH, P, and K in the 15-30 cm layer than in adjacent layers indicate that pecan trees are feeding primarily in this zone. Fertilization with N-containing complete fertilizers or NH₄NO₃ reduced soil pH gradually, and continued annual application gradually affected deeper soil layers. Phosphorus and K applications affected soil pH very little. Continued annual applications of P gradually built up residual soil P (measured one year later) to high levels at all layers sampled for old trees over a 10-year period. When P applications were based on topsoil P levels, subsoil P level was not affected over a 5-year period. Applications of K usually increased residual soil K, but rate effects were slow to appear in old trees and were often erratic. Rates of K were readily reflected in residual soil K levels at depths to 70 cm when rates were based on topsoil K level.

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