Resumo. Teak is a forest species of high commercial value, but the little knowledge on the behavior of this species in relation to soil acidity is an important factor that may limit its cultivation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of high base saturation on the soil on the initial development of teak(Tectona grandis Lf). The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse, in plastic containers with capacity of 50 liters. The experimental design was randomized, with five treatments and four replications. Thetreatments consisted of: natural saturation of the soil and the other treatments with 20 %, 40 %, 60 % and 80 % of saturation. Correcting the soil favored the growth characteristics of all evaluated plant teak. The liming positively affected the uptake of N, P, K, Ca, Mg, B, Cu and Fe, and the nutritional requirements of the species had the following order: N > Ca > K > Mg > P > S > Fe > Mn > B > Zn > Cu. Base saturations above 70 % showed higher plant development.