Effects of Lime and Phosphate Applications on Growth and Nitrogen Fixation of Alfalfa in Acid Soils

The effects of applications of various levels of lime (0, 250, 500 and 1000 kg/10 a) and phosphate (0, 17, and 34 kg/10 a) on growth and on nitrogen fixation of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) were studied. Effects of lime and phosphate applications were significantly different on dry mailer (DM) weight of each part and on acetylene reduction activity (ARA) of alfalfa al 9 weeks after sowing (P<0.05). The effect of lime on DM of shoot and root was not significantly different at 14 weeks after sowing (early bloom) but that of phosphate was significantly greater as levels increased (P<0.0 1). The effects of lime and phosphate on ARA were significantly increased (P<0.05), Nine weeks after sowing, application of lime and phosphate decreased total N content of each part of alfalfa compared with no application (P<0,05). At 14 weeks after sowing lime application increased total N content and phosphate decreased total N content, compared with not application (P<0.05).