Abstract
Macroptilium atropurpureum cv. Siratro and Stylosanthes guianensis cv. Schofield were grown in Red-Yellow acid soil under four levels of liming (0, 0.4, 0.8, and 1.2t/10a)×four levels of phosphorus application (0, 5, 10, and 15kg/10a) and in Redish-Brown alkali soil under six levels of phosphorus application (0, 1.5, 3.0, 6.0, 9.0, and 12.0kgp/10a). Dry matter yields obtained were discussed with soil chemical properties changed with liming and phosphorus application. Results. Red-Yellow acid soil. DM of Siratro and Schofield increased with P-application. With liming of 400-800kg/10a DM of Siratro increased showing an additive effect of P-application, however, DM of Schofield decreased indicating an optimal liming level to this species ca. 200kg/10a. Available soil P increased with both liming and P-application but decreased with liming which increased soil pH above 7. With liming above 800kg/10a, exchangeble Al^<+++> and H^+ significantly decreased. The DM data above obtained were discussed in relation to the change in soil chemical properties induced and the physiological characteristics of the legumes tested. Red-Brown alkali soil. Soil available P increased with P-application, however, any significant change in DM of the legumes were not observed, possibly due to the higher soil pH for the growth of the legumes tested.
