Yield responses of arable crops to liming – An evaluation of relationships between yields and soil pH from a long-term liming experiment

Summary

This long-term field experiment, conducted at Rothamsted and Woburn from 1962 onwards, evaluated yield–pH relationships for ten arable crops under controlled liming treatments. The findings indicate that whilst liming significantly raised soil pH, crop responses were heterogeneous: spring oats and potatoes showed weak responses, whilst cereals and oilseed rape demonstrated pH-dependent yield responses modulated by phosphorus availability. The work provides empirical evidence on optimal soil pH ranges for major arable crops and demonstrates that phosphorus fertilisation can reduce critical pH thresholds for yield.

Regional applicability

As a study conducted at two UK research sites over 35 years, the findings are directly applicable to UK arable farming practice and rotation planning. The results provide evidence-based guidance on lime requirement for common UK arable crops and soil pH management under British soil and climatic conditions.

Key measures

Relative yield (RY), soil pH, soil extractable phosphorus (Olsen), exchangeable potassium, critical pH values at 90% relative yield

Outcomes reported

The study examined yield responses of ten arable crops across a pH range of 4.4 to 8.0 maintained over 35 years at two sites. Relative yields were analysed in relation to soil pH, phosphorus fertiliser application, and site-specific soil type effects.

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