Efficacy of lime application in cocoa seedlings growth in the nursery

Rozita Osman, . and Nik Aziz Nik Mat, . and Kelvin Lamin, . (2007) Efficacy of lime application in cocoa seedlings growth in the nursery. [Proceedings Paper]

Most of Malaysian soils are categorized as acidic soil because of very low pH usually less than 5. Within this pH range 3.5 - 5 the plant growth usually unsatisfactory. The traditional method practiced by agriculturists to increase pH is through application of ground magnesium limestone GML in the powder form. However lime in the powder form has slow reaction with soil particles and hence slow in increasing the soil pH. Therefore the use of powder lime in was not suitable due to the short period in the nursery before they are transplanted to the field raising seedling. As an alternative may be liquid lime used. Liquid lime easily react with soil particle and can increase soil pH fast thus it may be more suitable in the nursery for seedlings preparation. The objectives of this study were to determine the effectiveness of liquid lime in the nursery compare to the powder lime and to identify its suitable rate for cocoa seedlings. There were seven treatments in the experiment which consist control 1 ml liquid lime per polybag 2ml liquid lime per polybag 3 ml liquid lime per polybag 4ml liquid lime per polybag 5ml liquid lime per polybag and 25 g GML per polybag. Data taken were girth height and leaves number root volume plant fresh and dry weight and soil pH. Growth data were taken monthly while for root volume plant fresh and dry weight were taken twice i.e. two and six month after seed sowey. Soil pH was taken thrice i.e. before lime application after two and six month of lime application. The statistical analysis showed that there were no significant difference between treatments for girth height leaves number root volume and plant fresh and dry weight of cocoa seedling. Correlations study indicated that root volume tends to influence plant fresh and dry weight for all sampling intervals. This study suggests that lime application at the nursery stage whether in liquid or powder form is not necessary because without lime the plant also show the similar performance compare to the other treatments with lime. It is not very effective to apply lime for cocoa seedlings in the nursery as the crop duration is about four to six month only. Furthermore it is not cost-effective to apply lime in rising seedling because there were no significant in growth with or without it. Liming may be more suitable for field planting.

Full text available from:

Abstract

Most of Malaysian soils are categorized as acidic soil because of very low pH usually less than 5. Within this pH range 3.5 - 5 the plant growth usually unsatisfactory. The traditional method practiced by agriculturists to increase pH is through application of ground magnesium limestone GML in the powder form. However lime in the powder form has slow reaction with soil particles and hence slow in increasing the soil pH. Therefore the use of powder lime in was not suitable due to the short period in the nursery before they are transplanted to the field raising seedling. As an alternative may be liquid lime used. Liquid lime easily react with soil particle and can increase soil pH fast thus it may be more suitable in the nursery for seedlings preparation. The objectives of this study were to determine the effectiveness of liquid lime in the nursery compare to the powder lime and to identify its suitable rate for cocoa seedlings. There were seven treatments in the experiment which consist control 1 ml liquid lime per polybag 2ml liquid lime per polybag 3 ml liquid lime per polybag 4ml liquid lime per polybag 5ml liquid lime per polybag and 25 g GML per polybag. Data taken were girth height and leaves number root volume plant fresh and dry weight and soil pH. Growth data were taken monthly while for root volume plant fresh and dry weight were taken twice i.e. two and six month after seed sowey. Soil pH was taken thrice i.e. before lime application after two and six month of lime application. The statistical analysis showed that there were no significant difference between treatments for girth height leaves number root volume and plant fresh and dry weight of cocoa seedling. Correlations study indicated that root volume tends to influence plant fresh and dry weight for all sampling intervals. This study suggests that lime application at the nursery stage whether in liquid or powder form is not necessary because without lime the plant also show the similar performance compare to the other treatments with lime. It is not very effective to apply lime for cocoa seedlings in the nursery as the crop duration is about four to six month only. Furthermore it is not cost-effective to apply lime in rising seedling because there were no significant in growth with or without it. Liming may be more suitable for field planting.

[error in script]

Item Type:	Proceedings Paper
Additional Information:	Summary only
AGROVOC Term:	THEOBROMA CACAO
AGROVOC Term:	SEEDLINGS
AGROVOC Term:	GROWTH
AGROVOC Term:	LIMING MATERIALS
AGROVOC Term:	GROWTH RATE
AGROVOC Term:	STATISTICAL METHODS
AGROVOC Term:	CASE STUDIES
AGROVOC Term:	MALAYSIA
Geographical Term:	MALAYSIA
Depositing User:	Ms. Norfaezah Khomsan
Last Modified:	24 Apr 2025 05:27
URI:	http://webagris.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/15707

Actions (login required)

View Item