The impact of lime and phosphorus fertilizer applications on the growth of soybean (Glycine max).

Abstract

A Pot experiment was carried out in year 2004 on "Acid-Sands" of Awka, Kugbo from the Derived Savanna and Akufo soil from the Southern Guinea Savanna Agro-ecological Zones of Nigeria to evaluate the impact of lime and P fertilizer application on the growth of soybean (Glycine max). It consisted of four lime treatments (0,2,4, and 6 ton ha -1 on three soils combined with three levels (0,30,and 60kg P2 05ha -1 applied as SSP. The experiment was laid out in split plot design. There was significant response in the performance of soybean in the limed and P- fertilized treatment compared to the unlimed and unfertilized treatments. Akufo and Kugbo soils performed significantly higher at 4 ton ha -1 of lime combined with 60kg P205 ha -1 while Awka plants were best at 2 ton ha -1 in combination with 60kg P205 ha -1. Generally, results reflected appreciable depression in performance when the plants were treated above the optimal lime requirement which resulted in unfavorable soil condition and drastic reduction in plant growth.