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Njeru, Peterson Newton Muchiri , 2009. The effect of push-pull management and different fertilization strategies on maize crop yield in central Kenya. Second cycle, A2E. Uppsala: SLU, Swedish Biodiversity Centre

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Official URL: http://www.cbm.slu.se/eng/mastersprog/thesis2009/N...

Abstract

The high population pressure in central Kenya has lead to continuous cultivation with minimal application of nutrient, resulting in nutrient depletion. A study was conducted to determine the effect of 'Push-pull' (intercropping maize with desmodium and napier grass) strategy management and nitrogen application on maize grain yield and soil fertility on smallholder farmer’s fields in three districts of central Kenya highlands. The experiment design was a split plot design with two factors ('Push-pull' vs monoculture and manure (5 t/ha) only vs manure and fertilizer (40 kg/ha) replicated in three areas with a total of 24 farms in central Kenya. Soil and plant samples were analyzed for macro-nutrients and micro-nutrient at the beginning and end of the season. The quality of fodders and manures was tested by measuring crude protein and fibre content, ash content and dry matter content. I found an increase in maize yield in 'Push-pull' fields compared with monocultures with only manure added (5t/ha) and the yield increased even more with modest application of fertilizer (40 Kg N/ha) combined with manure (5 t/ha). The average maize grain yield in "good" farms (i.e. both manure and fertilizer added) with 'Push-pull' cropping system was 186.4, 86.46 and 49.79 percent above the yield in, monocultures and 'Push-pull' in field with only manure, and monoculture in "good" farms respectively. There was strong significant difference (p<0.001) on maize grain yield between 'Push-pull' (5.52 t/ha) and monoculture (1.93 t/ha) cropping systems in the three districts of central Kenya. However, there was significant difference (p<0.05) on major soil and manure nutrients between good and poor farmer’s categories. The reduced maize yield (between 5.52 t/ha-1.93 t/ha) was due low rainfall distribution and different fertilization strategies between farmer’s categories during short rains of 2008. From management perspective, the different fertilization regimes had strongest positive effect on maize yield in well managed 'Push-pull' cropping systems.

Main title:The effect of push-pull management and different fertilization strategies on maize crop yield in central Kenya
Authors:Njeru, Peterson Newton Muchiri
Supervisor:Hjältén, Joakim
Examiner:Almstedt, Malin
Series:CBM master theses series
Volume/Sequential designation:64
Year of Publication:2009
Level and depth descriptor:Second cycle, A2E
Supervising department:(NL, NJ) > Swedish Biodiversity Centre
Keywords:Soil fertility, central Kenya highlands, manure, fodders, fertilizer, smallholder farmers, ‘push-pull’, monoculture, Kenya
URN:NBN:urn:nbn:se:slu:epsilon-8-310
Permanent URL:
http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:slu:epsilon-8-310
Subject. Use of subject categories until 2023-04-30.:Pests of plants
Cropping patterns and systems
Fertilizing
Language:English
Deposited On:30 Nov 2009 11:57
Metadata Last Modified:20 Apr 2012 14:10

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