Predicting the Lime Demand of Arable Soils from pH Value, Soil Texture and Soil Organic Matter Content

For more than 40 years, farmers in Germany have used the fertilization recommendation schema provided by Association of German Agricultural Investigation and Research Institutions (VDLUFA) to quantify required lime (CaO) demand arable mineral soils. To be applicable as guidelines practice, results 30 years experiments that studied correlation between crop yields actual soil pH, texture, organic matter (SOM) content were finally condensed into a look-up table system. However, because original experimental data are no longer accessible, purpose this study is reconstruct interaction three parameters their appropriate demands. Therefore, class-based, stepwise approach system transferred continuous, stepless using mathematical models. Under precondition preserve pH-, texture- SOM-dependent CaO amounts recommended (n = 317) greatest extent possible, algorithm was successful; 99% variability could explained This adaptation helps meet accuracy present-day requirements precision farming.