Effects of Goat Manure and Lime Addition on Phosphate Sorption by Two Soils from the Transkei Region,South Africa

More than 40% of soils in the Transkei region, South Africa, have high phosphorous (P) fixation capacities that necessitate application of high P fertilizer rates. This incubation study compared the effectiveness of goat manure (GM) and lime to minimize P sorption in two such soils. Manure application reduced P sorption in both soils, which was partly attributed to the liming effect of GM that resulted in marked reductions of exchangeable aluminum (Al). The liming effect of GM rates followed the order 20 t GM ha^?1 > 10 t GM ha^?1 > 5 t GM ha^?1. Therefore, GM can be cost‐effectively used to lime acid soils in the region and reduce their Al toxicity potential and P fertilizer requirements. Liming reduced P sorption on the Chevy Chase soil soon after application, but P sorption was reduced after 2 months on the Flagstaff soil, suggesting that the timing of liming for improved P availability could be critical for some soils.