Are there potential buildup dangers with the continued use of chloride-based fertilizers?
Salt buildup is usually not a problem on humid Midwest soils having CECs greater than 5. Typically, these soils can tolerate annual applications of 250 pounds Cl per year (500 lbs. KCI/year) without risk of chloride buildup. Reference: Diagnosis and Improvement of Saline and Alkali Soils, U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, Agricultural Handbook #60. 9. We decrease yields when we apply high rates (120-150 lbs.) of K in the spring with herbicides. We have read about the Cl effect on soybeans. Could this be the problem? Would Ridomil help alleviate this? Although some Cl is required for optimum growth, very high levels of it can cause problems to occur. There is evidence that adding Cl to some soils can stimulate plant growth; other research has suggested that Cl additions will decrease growth. The only evidence that has associated decreased growth of soybeans with Cl was obtained from research conducted at very high levels of Cl. Cl buildup in the soil can result in salt damage to plants; this i
