The effects of phosphate and lime application on growth of Zea mexicana in red soils.

To promote the cultivation of Zea mexicana,the effects of liming and P fertilizers on growth of Zea mexicana were study by pot experiments using hilly acid red soil of Southern China during 2009.Results showed that P application(25~200 mg·kg-1 soil) could increase plant height,number of tillers and yield of Zea mexicana(P0.05).These effects were enhanced with increasing rates of P fertilizers application.Lime increased height and number of tillers.There were significant positive interactions between P and lime at lower content(0.7~1.4 g·kg-1 soil)(P0.05).However,lime at high rate(2.1~2.8 g·kg-1 soil) slightly decreased plant height and number of tillers.Positive and negative effects of liming on Zea mexicana growth were observed.The yield of Zea mexicana increased with liming rate from 0.7 to 1.4 g·kg-1,and decreased with liming rate from 2.1 to 2.8 g·kg-1.The combination of the 1.4 g·kg-1 lime and the highest content of P fertilizers(200 mg·kg-1 soil) produced the highest yield of Zea mexicana compared with other treatments.Therefore,the application of 1.4 g·kg-1 soil of lime and 200 mg·kg-1 soil of P fertilizers are conducive to the cultivation of Zea mexicana in red soils.