Soil acidity -- is it a problem in maize-based production systems of the communal areas of Zimbabwe
Material type: TextPublication details: Harare (Zimbabwe) Soil Fert Net|CIMMYT : 1998ISBN:- 970-648-006-4
- 631.45 WAD
Item type | Current library | Collection | Call number | Copy number | Status | Date due | Barcode | Item holds | |
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Conference proceedings | CIMMYT Knowledge Center: John Woolston Library | CIMMYT Publications Collection | 631.45 WAD (Browse shelf(Opens below)) | 1 | Available | 1D628739 |
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Most of the sandveld soils, on which the bulk of maize is produced in the communal areas, are acidic. The Al saturation percent exceeds 20% of the CEC. This level of Al is potentially toxic to maize plants.|Application of fertilizers to limed fields increases the fertilizer use efficiency by crops; hence the increase in both maize grain and stover yields. Yields increased by an average of 200% in Natural Region IIa/b, and an average of 150% in Regions III and IV. Lime application, particularly with manure, is very effective in increasing maize yields in the communal areas. The percent yield increases over the control were statistically significant (P < 0.05).|Lime recommendations based on pH measurements and Al saturation percent will enable communal farmers to apply only what is needed by their individual soils. The lime has to be applied and incorporated into the soil at least 4-6 months before planting. The residual effect of applied lime will be monitored in the 97/98 season.
English
9907|AGRIS 9902
Jose Juan Caballero
CIMMYT Publications Collection