This trial on forages compared the effectiveness of surface applications of cement kiln dust (CKD) to lime for raising soil pH. The treatments, in four blocks, were established at four low pH sites: 1) a check plot; 2) lime at the recommended application (L), based on soil test for each site; 3) lime at 1.5 × L; 4) CKD at L; 5) CKD at 1.5 × L; 6) CKD at an equivalent to lime basis; and 7) CKD applied at 1.5 times the equivalent to lime basis, based on CKD's apparent neutralizing value being equal to 75% that of lime. Mehlich 3 extractable K, and Ca, in the 0-15 cm soil depth interval in the fall of 1998 and 1999 were higher with CKD application. Conversely, the extractable soil Mg content, was greater where lime had been applied. Addition of the amendments resulted in differences in the extractable Cu concentrations in 1998 (trends were difficult to discern)and by 1999 there were no difference among the amendments. In either year, there was no effect of the amendments on soil P or Zn content.

The application of the amendments decreased the P concentration in forage tissue and therefore did not affect P uptake. Application of CKD, however, approximately doubled tissue K concentration, thereby increasing K uptake.

Both CKD and lime increased forage tissue Ca concentration and uptake. Application of CKD, however, decreased Mg tissue concentrations and uptake. Only in 1998 did CKD and lime increase tissue Cu concentrations, and uptake; greatest increases were with CKD. Thus the increased uptakes were a function of increased yield. The effect of the amendments on forage Zn concentration was significant only in 1999. In that year, application of the amendments tended to reduce the concentration of Zn; being greatest at the highest rate of CKD application.