The low fertility level of some soils of the Western Highlands of Cameroon prompted a study of the response of maize (Zea mays L.) and some major soil chemical properties to liming. The first manufactured local lime “Agri 56” was tested along with 3 imported types (calcitic, slaked, and dolomitic), each one at four rates (2, 5, 10 and 15 tons ha-1), replicated three times in a randomized complete block design. Data were collected for 4 years. Maize yields were increased with increased lime rates, but not significantly after 2 tons ha-1. There was no interaction between liming rate and source. Liming source had no significant effect on maize yields; however, Agri 56 generated the highest yield. Soil pH was increased with increase in liming rates though not significantly, and exchangeable Al was neutralized completely after 2 tons ha-1. Soil calcium and magnesium contents significantly (p>0.05) increased with increments in lime rates. The significance to maize cropping is discussed.Le faible niveau de fertilite des sols des Hauts Plateaux de l'Ouest a suscit6 une etude des r6ponses au chaulagedu mais (Zea mays) et des proprietes chimiques du sol. La chaux produite localement, "Agri 56," a ete testee comparativement a trois types importes (dolomite, chaux vive et carbonate de calcium), chacun applique d quatredoses (2, 5, 10 et 15 tonnes ha-1), repete 3 fois dans des blocs completement randomises. Les donnees ont 6tecollectees pendant quatre ans. ll n'y a pas eu d'interaction entre le niveau de chaulage du sol et le type de la chaux.L'augmentation de rendement du mais a suivi celle des niveaux de la chaux, mais pas significativement a plus de 2tonnes ha-l. La source de la chaux n'a eu aucun effet significatif sur les rendements du mais; mais "Agri 56" a donn6le meilleur rendement. ll y a eu un accroissement du pH du sol suite a I'elevation du taux de la chaux et I'Alechangeable a ete completement neutralisd a plus de 2 tonnes ha'1. Les quantit6s de calcium et magnesium du solont significativement (p>0.05) augment6 aprds I'application des niveaux croissants de chaux. Les resultats obtenussur mai's sont discute.

http://dx.doi.org/10.4314/cjas.v3i1.48363

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http://dx.doi.org/10.4314/cjas.v3i1.48363

Soil Fertility; Maize; Plant Health; Soil Health

Liming; Maize; Soil Fertility; Chaulage; Mals; Fertilite Du Sol; Cameroun

Africa; Central Africa

Cameroon