Working Document Series Open Access 2012 RUF-31842

Effectiveness of Bradyrhizobia and Lime on Yield of Groundnuts and Maize Under Intercrop System in Acids Soils of Western Kenya

J.K. OgegaJ.R. OkaleboD.A. OnyangoC. OthienoA.N. OtingaB.A. Were

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Abstract

125 words

Bradyrhizobia is the rhizobia species that fixes nitrogen in the groundnut crop. Soil acidity is a constraint to effective bradyrhizobia activity. Western Kenya is characterised by acid soils and thus unconducive for bradyrhizobia activity. The aim of this study was to select the best liming material to bring the pH to optimum levels for effective bradyrhizobia activity and to establish the best bradyrhizobia inoculants that fix the highest amount of nitrogen for enhanced groundnut and maize yields. Dolomitic lime raised pH to optimum levels and bradyrhizobia A6w and V2w performed best in increasing both groundnut and maize yields. This package, i.e., Dolomitic lime with either bradyrhizobia strain A6w and V2w should be promoted in acidic soils of western Kenya for ground nut and maize production.