The effect of lime and two strains of Rhizobium on ten genetically distinct lines of lucerne

Abstract

In a pot trial of ten lucerne lines, there were differences among lines in yield only with 502 kg ha-1 of added calcium carbonate, and not at higher or lower levels. Genetic variation for yield was expressed only ,in this sub-optimum environment, and selection for increased response appears possible. A common acid-producing strain of Rhizobium was more effective for most lucerne genotypes than an alkali-producing strain over a range of soil pH.