The effects of localized lime placement on soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) nodulation, nutrient composition and plant growth /

One of the major limitations to obtain satisfactory soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) yield in acid soils in many developing countries is the purchasability of liming materials. For many low income farmers, liming to the 'ideal' soil pH of 6.5 using conventional methods is usually too expensive. Pot and field studies were conducted to determine whether satisfactory soybean growth could be obtained by reducing the amount of lime applied and the volume of soil limed. The Quebec soils used in these studies were a Gray-brown Luvisol (pH 5.1) and a Humic Gleysol (pH 5.3) in the pot study and a Gray-brown Luvisol (pH 5.1) and a Dark-gray Gleysol (pH 6.1) in the field study.Results suggest that localizing the lime in acid Quebec soils would be a more efficient use of the liming material. Further studies in tropical acid soils are required to determine if the localized placement of lime is a viable practice for third-world, low income farmers. (Abstract shortened by UMI.