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

Abstract

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.