中部地區紅壤面積廣達428.9平方公里,酸性強、粘粒含量高、土壤密實、不利於耕作,作物產量較粘板岩及砂頁岩沖積土低。本場自1972年起,辦理有關於中部地區紅壤改良試驗共計九項,綜合各研究成果顯示,改良中部地區紅壤的土壤生產力限制因子之方法,包括有施用石灰性資材以改良土壤酸性,增加土壤中鈣及鎂等鹽基性物質含量,惟應依土壤特性經由分析診斷而適量施用石灰性資材,以防止土壤中營養要素之間的拮抗作用。施用有機質資材及綠肥作物則能提高土壤有機質含量,改善土壤理化性。微生物肥料的使用,則能減少化學肥料的投入,防止土壤性質惡化。而經由以上土壤改良措施,不僅能克服紅壤的不良特性,並能促進作物生長,提高作物產量及品質。
During the period of 1972~1990, there were nine experiments that had been conducted on the amelioration of Red Earth in central Taiwan. Results showed that the application of liming materials could ameliorate soil acidity by increasing soil pH and exchangeable Ca and Mg contents. However, in order to reduce the interaction of soil nutrients, of liming materials should not be applied to exceed the recommendation rate. Through ameliorating the soil with organic amendments and green manures, it could increase the contents of soil organic matter and soil fertility as well as improve soil physical textures. Application of microbial fertilizers promoted the uptake of nutrients in plants, and thus eliminate the amount of application of chemical fertilizers and prevent the deterioration of soil properties. Through the use of above soil reclamation, it suggests the amelioration can lead to a good response on the yield and quality of crops.