Root Growth, Nutrition and Yield of Maize with Applied Finely Limestone in Surface of Cerrado Soil

Abstract

The surface appl ies lime to correct ing soil acidity in no-tillage and promotes root development and yield of maize. However, limestone with a particle size smaller than 0.30 mm cannot promote this effect. The aim of this study was to determine the root attributes, nutrition and productivity of maize with limestone ground in no-tillage. The experimental design was randomized blocks with five treatments and four replications. The treatments consisted of different particle sizes of limestone appl ying superficially to the soil under NT 0) control, without lime, 1) 0.30 mm to 0.20 mm 2) 0.20 mm to 0.10 mm, 3) 0, 10 mm to 0.05 mm 4) 0.05 mm to 0.01 mm. Attributes root, leaf nutrition and grain yield of maize were evaluated in two years 2009 and 2010. The elongation of roots in a 20 - 40 cm depth was greater when using limestone with particle size between 0.30 mm and 0.20 mm. The root length of maize plants correlated with the levels of Mn in maize leaves. The root development promoted by liming effect was not reflected in the productivity of maize.