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Sulfuric Acid Applications to Calcareous Soils: Effects on Growth and Chlorophyll Content of Common Bermudagrass in the Greenhouse¹

Iron deficiency is often a serious problem in common bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon L.) grown on calcareous soils. This study was carried out .in order to determine the effects of applications of sulfuric acid, an abundant material from the copper industry, on bermudagrass grown on calcareous iron-deficient soils. Cave (Typic Paleorthid) and Stewart (Typic Nadurargid) soils were placed in pots and sulfuric acid was applied 1) to the soil surface, 2) mixed with the soil, 3) as a band, or localized as spots prior to seeding. Ferrous sulfate, iron chelate (Fe-EDDHA), and an iron-bearing copper refining byproduct, "jarosite", were included for comparison. The 93% H₂O₄ was the most effective material in increasing growth of the plant material by alleviating iron deficiency, the effect decreasing for the first four of seven harvests over a 1-year period. There was no difference between H₂SO₄ application methods at equivalent rates. Surface-applied H₂SO₄ increased chlorophyll concentrations in the plant with increasing rates but was not as effective as either FeSO₄ 7H₂O or Fe-EDDHA. Application of 3% H₂SO₄ in the irrigation water was as effective as these materials in alleviating chlorosis on a series of previously untreated pots. Results indicate that H₂SO₄ may be useful for treating iron-deficient bermudagrass, a common turf and seed crop in the Southwest.

Key Words: Iron chlorosis • Soil amendments • Turfgrass

² Research associate, associate professor, and research associate, respectively.

Received for publication December 4, 1974.