Effect of several calcium sources on cation leaching using soil columns

Abstract

Soil columns under controlled conditions were used to determine the movement of calcium and other cations after the application of lime, calcium oxide, gypsum and a mixture of Ume and gypsum, compared with a control treatment. Two Oxisols with different textures were used: clayey and silty. Rigid polyvinyl chloride (PVC) columns (length, 45cm; diam, 5cm) were used, applying 1.8 1 of water to each divided into four applications. Exchangeable cations were determined in the drainage water in 4 periods and in 5 dephts of the soil columns at the end of the experiment. The results showed that losses of Ca2+, Mg2+, K+ and A1(3+), were higher in the treatments with gypsum and lime plus gypsum. Amendments h'ke lime and calcium oxide did not promote significant losses of cations. Large losses occured in the silty and clayey soils in the first and second drainage times respectively. Gypsum did not modify the pH of both soils, but reduced cation amounts mainly in the clayey soil. Lime and calcium oxide raised the pH only near the application layer.