Effect of Legume Integration and Phosphorus Use on Maize N and P Concentration and Grain Yield in Kabete - Kenya
Journal Title: International Journal of Plant & Soil Science - Year 2017, Vol 19, Issue 2
Abstract
Aims: Investigate effect of legume integration and phosphorus application on nitrogen (N) and phosphorous (P) concentration and yield of maize. Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out in Kabete Field Station of the University of Nairobi during the long (LRS) and short rainy (SRS) seasons of 2012. Methodology: A split plot layout in a randomized complete block design (RCBD), with three replicates was used. The main plots were sole maize, intercropping (chickpea/maize; lupin/maize) and rotation systems (chickpea-maize; lupin-maize) systems. The sub plots were Minjingu rock phosphate (MPR) and triple superphosphate (TSP) fertilizers, applied at 60 kg P ha-1. Maize P and N concentrations were measured at seedling, mid-flowering and physiological maturity/harvest. Maize grain and dry matter (DM) yield were determined at physiological maturity. Results: During the LRS, significantly (P=0.05) higher maize P concentrations were recorded in chickpea/maize intercrop (C/M) with TSP at seedling; sole maize, chickpea/maize (C/M) and lupin/ maize (L/M) intercrops, with MPR and TSP at mid flowering and L/M intercrop with TSP at harvest. In the SRS at seedling and harvest stages, significantly higher values were recorded in the lupin-maize rotation (L-M) with MPR. At mid flowering, significantly higher P values were observed in L/M with MPR. During the LRS, N concentration in maize was significantly higher in L/M with TSP and L/M with MPR at seedling and mid flowering stages, respectively. At harvest L/M with TSP had significantly higher values. In the SRS, maize N concentration was significantly higher in L-M and chickpea-maize (C-M) rotation with MPR and sole maize with TSP at seedling; and L/M with MPR and TSP, at mid flowering and harvest, respectively. During the LRS, maize grain yields were significantly higher in L/M with TSP and MPR and C/M with MPR. In the SRS, significantly higher maize grain yields were recorded in L/M with TSP and L-M with MPR. DM yields in the LRS were significantly higher in L/M with TSP applied. In the SRS, DM yields were significantly higher in L/M with MPR, C/M with MPR, L-M with MPR and C-M with MPR. Conclusion: The integration of MPR or TSP and legumes increased maize N and P concentration and yields. The use of cost effective MPR in an intercropping system may be preferred by small holder farmers.
Authors and Affiliations
N. A. Templer, J. J. Lelei, R. N. Onwonga
Keywords
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- EP ID EP316600
- DOI 10.9734/IJPSS/2017/34972
- Views 88
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