Polyhalite improves lettuce yield, nutrient uptake and reduces Ca leaching in acidic soils
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Growing concerns regarding soil acidification, excessive NPK use in agriculture, low calcium fertilizer input, and easy leaching have resulted in ubiquitous calcium deficiency, challenging crop productivity, and nutrient use efficiency. Here, two-year and two-stage pot experiments were designed to grow lettuce under simulated rainfall conditions, comparing polyhalite with conventional Ca fertilizers (calcium chloride and gypsum) at five levels (0, 20, 40, 80, and 160 kg·ha−1). In the two growing seasons, lettuce yield and biomass both significantly increased by 5–25% and 2–60%, respectively, across all fertilizer types and levels. Calcium nutrient uptake by lettuce and soil was promoted with the application of Ca fertilizers in acidic soils, which also increased Ca leaching in the soil-crop systems. Polyhalite showed better agronomic effects due to its slow release, promoting lettuce growth and productivity, and reducing Ca leaching by 3–26%. This study confirms the indispensability of Ca fertilizer application in improving crop production and nutrient uptake in acidic soils under intense leaching conditions, such as heavy rainfall or flood irrigation. Steady Ca supply, such as polyhalite, helps meet crop Ca requirements while decreasing leaching, thus achieving green and sustainable development goals by increasing crop yield and nutrient use efficiency in soil-crop systems.
Authors: Chuhong Wu, Xiaorui Liu, Xue Qin, Guohua Li, Chengdong Huang
Institution: China Agricultural University
Language: English
Subfield: Soil Science
Domain: Life Sciences
SDG: Zero hunger
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4415822704