Abstract

The experiment was executed for three years (2016-2018) in three Districts of Western Oromia (Diga, Jimma Geneti, and Horro Districts). Two crops from cereal (maize, wheat) and one from legume (faba bean) were used as test materials throughout the experimental periods on 10m x10m side by side on limed and non-limed plots for all tested crops. The objective of the activity was to demonstrate and evaluate soil test-based lime application with recommended fertilizer for acidic soil reclamation in enhancing cereal-legume productivity of the smallholder farmers. Accordingly, descriptive data analysis indicated that among different parameters measured plant height, biomass yield, pod number for faba bean and total grain yield showed variations. The trial was demonstrated and evaluated by DA’s, Woreda experts and by farmers of the FRG’s. Eventually, they preferred the lime treated plots from the non-treated for all commodities tested due to greater plant height, deep green coloration and densely populated and vigorous performance/better crop stand for lime treated plots to the non-limed plots before harvested. Some physico-chemical properties of the soil (pH, Ca, Mg, K, Av. P(ppm), %TN, %OC, %OM) were also evaluated in line with crop yield and the other measured parameters. So, it showed that there is progressive change through the experimental period more for treated soil with lime than untreated plots. It is an indicator of soil nutrient availability were increased for crop growth and development as compared to composite soil parameters analyzed before sowing and consequently increased crop yield besides keeping soil health for long term utilization.