Evaluating and Upscaling Effectiveness of Fertilizer Materials to Replenish Soils of Western Kenya
M. A. Osundwa *
Department of Agriculture, Ministry of Agriculture Livestock and Fisheries, P.O.Box 95-30100, Eldoret, Kenya
J. R. Okalebo
Department of Soil Science, School of Agriculture and Biotechnology, University of Eldoret, P.O.Box 1125-30100, Eldoret, Kenya
K. W. Ndung’u-Magiroi
Department of Natural Resource, Kenya Agricultural Research Institute, P.O.Box 450-30200, Kitale, Kenya
A. K. Kipkoech
Department of Agricultural Extension and Rural Development, School of Agriculture and Biotechnology, University of Eldoret, P.O.Box 1125-30100, Eldoret, Kenya
J. O. Othieno
Department of Soil Science, School of Agriculture and Biotechnology, University of Eldoret, P.O.Box 1125-30100, Eldoret, Kenya
W. K. Ngetich
Department of Soil Science, School of Agriculture and Biotechnology, University of Eldoret, P.O.Box 1125-30100, Eldoret, Kenya
R. Njoroge
Department of Soil Science, School of Agriculture and Biotechnology, University of Eldoret, P.O.Box 1125-30100, Eldoret, Kenya
R. Njoroge
Department of Soil Science, School of Agriculture and Biotechnology, University of Eldoret, P.O.Box 1125-30100, Eldoret, Kenya
C. L. Rono
Department of Soil Science, School of Agriculture and Biotechnology, University of Eldoret, P.O.Box 1125-30100, Eldoret, Kenya
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
In western Kenya soils are acidic and have low fertility. A study was carried out to examine the effectiveness of four recommended soil fertility management practices. There were four treatments, DAP, DAP + lime, MPR + CAN, Rutuba + DAP and a control where no fertilizer was applied. P was applied at the rate of 26 kg P ha, N 75 kg N ha and 60 kg K ha. Application of DAP resulted in pH decline. Minjingu PR and Rutuba commercial organic manure had no effect on the soil pH in Siaya. There was significant increases (p<0.05) in soil pH with the addition of Minjingu PR in Uasin Gishu and Trans Nzoia counties. Siaya county had the lowest maize yields but with the highest response to fertilizer application. Trans Nzoia gave the highest grain yields, but did not show significant differences (p<0.05) between the fertilizer treatments. From the analysis of Minimal Return of Rates (MRR), it is economical to use DAP in Trans Nzoia, a combination of DAP and Lime in Uasin Gishu and MPR and CAN in Siaya county.
Keywords: Management practices, low fertility, treatment