Effect of liming and phosphorus sources on soil fertility, growth, and nutritional status of guava seedlings in three tropical soils

Guava (Psidium guajava L.) is a widely consumed tropical fruit. Although its production is expanding, there are few studies on phosphorus (P) source efficiency in soils with different acidity levels. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of liming and P source on the nutritional status and growth of guava seedlings in three soil types. The experimental arrangement was completely randomized in a factorial scheme (2 × 3 × 3), consisting of two limestone rates (0.0 and 5.0 Mg ha−1), three soil types (typical Red Oxisol, typical Yellow Oxisol, and typical Yellow Ultisol), and three P sources (natural Arad phosphate, Yoorin thermophosphate, and triple superphosphate) with three replicates. Liming and P source influenced soil chemical attributes, as well as the growth and nutrient concentrations in the tissues of guava seedlings. Mehlich 1 extractant gave the highest available P levels in the three soils compared with Mehlich 3 and ion exchange resin.