Effect of Surface-applied Sulfuric Acid on Growth and Nutrient Availability of Five Range Grasses in Calcareous Soils

In a greenhouse pot study, the application of concentrated sulfuric acid to two calcareous soil surfaces significantly increased growth of five range grasses: Lehmann lovegrass (Eragrostis lehmanniana Nees.), Wilman lovegrass (E. superba Peyr.), atherstone lovegrass (E. atherstonei Stapf.), weeping lovegrass (E. curvula (Schrad.) Nees.), and blue panicgrass (Panicum antidolale Retz.). These species varied in their response to soil applied phosphorus (P), iron (Fe), and sulfuric acid. The effectiveness of H2SO4 was attributed principally to increased solubility of these elements. Sulfuric acid, being produced in large quantities in the Southwest, may prove to be a suitable alternative to existing Fe and P fertilizers.This material was digitized as part of a cooperative project between the Society for Range Management and the University of Arizona Libraries.The Journal of Range Management archives are made available by the Society for Range Management and the University of Arizona Libraries. Contact lbry-journals@email.arizona.edu for further information.Migrated from OJS platform August 202