The effect of various scarification treatments on the germination o f seeds o f De smo d ium ovalifolium (Prain) was studied. Following this a p o t trial was conducted to evaluate the effects of lime, phosphorus and Rhizobium inovulation on the dry matter yield, nodulation and the nitrogen and phosphorus content in the plant. Mechanical scarification by abrasion with sandpaper improved germination by 30 percent. Liming up to the highest level o f 1000 kg/ha significantly increased dry matter yield and nodulation. Phosphorus increased nodule number and phosphorus content in leaves and stems. Inoculation increased dry matter yield, nodulation and the levels of nitrogen and phosphorus in the leaves and stems.