Working Document Series Open Access 2012 RUF-32893

The effect of gypsum and NPK fertiliser on groundnut performance in Western Tanzania

F.M. BagaramaZ.P. MatataE. Shenkalwa

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Abstract

148 words

This study was carried out to determine the effect of amending soil with gypsum rich material on the performance of groundnuts (Arachis hypogea L.) grown in low fertile sandy textured soil in the miombo woodland ecosystem, western Tanzania. The frequent bush fires, continuous cultivation and use of nitrogenous inorganic fertilisers have resulted in loss of both primary and secondary plant nutrients including Calcium (Ca) and Sulphur (S) which are key mineral requirements for groundnut production. This study was carried out to determine the effect of different application rates of gypsum on performance of groundnut. Results revealed that application of gypsum rich materials and NPK (10:18:24) increased groundnuts kernel yield in western Tanzania. This suggests that the cheap Gypsum materials can be used by resource poor farmers to improve groundnut yields. We recommend that private investors be attracted to process, pack and distribute this cheap fertiliser material to farmers

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