Determining appropriate mode and rate of applying lime to improve maize production in acid soils of north Kakamega and Siaya districts, Kenya
Abstract
178 words
Increasing soil acidity is a major cause of low soil fertility in
western Kenya where about 57,670 hectares is acidic. While
liming can increase soil pH, the most appropriate method of
application needs to be determined. This study aimed at
determining the best method of applying lime by comparing
three methods, Broadcasting, Banding and Spot, using four lime
rates (0, 2, 4 and 6 t ha-1) in North Kakamega and Siaya districts
and using maize as a test crop. One time application of lime
using the three methods was done during planting with 26 kg
ha-1 phosphorus and 75 kg ha-1 nitrogen applied as blanket. Data
were collected on percentage seed emergence, crop height,
tissue chemical composition and grain yield. The results
indicated low germination percentage with 6 t ha-1 of lime applied
via spot (85.2-94.8%) as compared to control (91.8-98.1%).
The heights taken 67 days after sowing were 43% higher than
control for 6 t ha-1 banded lime plots in North Kakamega district
and 38.07% higher than control for 4 t ha-1 broadcast lime in
Siaya district.
Subjects
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