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Title: RESPONSE OF WOODS-PLANTED RAMPS (WILD LEEKS) TO SURFACE-APPLIED LIME OR GYPSUM

Author
item Ritchey, Kenneth
item SCHUMANN, CAROL - FORMER USDA-ARS EMPLOYEE

Submitted to: Agronomy Abstracts
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 8/15/2003
Publication Date: 11/2/2003
Citation: Ritchey, K.D., Schumann, C.M. 2003. Response of woods-planted ramps (wild leeks) to surface-applied lime or gypsum. In: Annual Meeting Abstracts, [CD-ROM], Paper No. NE_02-ritchey965465-poster. ASA, CSSA, SSSA, Madison, WI.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Concern about over-harvesting of wild populations of ramps (Allium tricoccum Ait.) has led to interest in planting of ramps as a understory agroforestry crop. Little is known about Ca requirements for woods-planted ramps. Bulbs were planted in early March 1999, followed by surface application of pelleted gypsum (CaSO4 ¿2H20) or slaked lime (Ca(OH)2 ). Rates were sufficient to supply 1800 kg/ha Ca (approximating the Ca that would be contained in 2 ton/acre of agricultural limestone). Half the plots were harvested 2 years after planting and the other half 3 years after planting. Soil samples were taken after the second harvest. The 0- to 22.5-cm layer of the control plots had a mean pH(1:1 water:soil) of 4.17, 0.35 cmolc/kg exchangeable Ca, and 3.90 cmolc/kg KCl-extractable Al. Gypsum significantly increased Ca levels as deep as the 22.5- to 30-cm layer. The Ca(OH)2 treatment had significantly higher pH levels 0- to 15-cm. Ramp yields were greatly increased by Ca addition. The majority of the effect was associated with decreased plant mortality.