The Impact of Lime and Phosphorus Fertilizer Applications on the Growth of Soyabean (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 O5 ha-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 P2 O5 ha -1 while Awka plants were best at 2 ton ha-1 in combination with 60kg P2 O5 ha -1. Generally, results reflected appreciable depression in performance when plants were treated above the optimal lime requirement. which resulted in unfavorable soil condition and reduction in plant growth