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Uniformity of Limestone Mixing in Acid Subsoil as a Factor in Cotton Root Penetration¹

ABSTRACT

Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) root growth response to different degrees of mixing limestone in strongly-acid subsoil was determined, using both short-term radicle elongation and full-growth-cycle root extension as criteria. The roots displayed no chemotropic response to limed pathways in the acid subsoil. Roots grew best when the entire subsoil mass was mixed with limestone. However, when applied at an adequate rate, even poorly-mixed limestone increased rooting depth at least twofold. Both radicle elongation rate and final root pattern were closely related to percentage of total subsoil mass limed in the incompletely mixed treatments, even when the neutralized soil zones averaged as much as 7.6 cm apart.

¹ Contribution from Soil, Water, and Air Sciences, Southern Region, ARS, and SCS, USDA; and the Alabama Agr. Exp. Sta., Auburn Univ., Auburn, Alabama.

² Soil Scientists, ARS, SCS, and ARS, respectively, USDA.

Received for publication January 29, 1973. Accepted for publication April 18, 1973.