Growth response of alfalfa to Azomite composite micronutrient fertilizer on four lime‐amended Virginia soils

The growth responses of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) to azomite, a natural composite earth mineral, were assessed in greenhouse experiment at Virginia State University, Chesterfield, VA. Alfalfa plants raised on lime-amended Bojac, Bourne, Emporia and Cullen soils that received 224 kg K/ha 14 × 16 cm pots. Azomite, micronutrients fertilizer, was applied 0, 200, 400, 600 kg/ha replicated three times. Over 29 weeks, plant heights forage biomass recorded rates calculated four different cuts. data analyzed using the PROC GLIMMIX procedure SAS 9.3 test for effects soil type azomite performance alfalfa. Results indicate that, compared control, application increased heights, more so Bojac Bourne than soils. This most likely due good water permeability high nutrient activity semi-active sub-active Plant greatest receiving 200 azomite/ha while those rate performed worse control. K-sufficient responded positively azomite/ha, but impacted negatively higher rates.