In 2006, the International Organization of Christian Charities (IOCC) began a program in the country of Georgia to establish an improved dairy enterprise in the villages of Minadze and Ghreli in the Akhaltsikhe district. To correctly determine the fertility requirements for the use of either mineral or organic fertilizer materials for improving soil fertility for legume grain crops (beans, peas, soybeans, etc.) and perennial pastures (a mixture of perennial cereal grasses and perennial legumes) and for the proper management of these soils, it was necessary to understand the geomorphic, chemical, and physical characteristics of the soils of this region. Soils of this region belong to a sub-type of Cinnamonic Calcareous soils. The characteristics of these soils as well as their fertility and soil management needs were ascertained. Appropriate amounts of mineral and organic fertilizers needed for the proper growth of legume crops and perennial pastures as well as timing of application are presented.
