Evaluation of performance of soyabean under farmers specific biosphysical and social environment
Abstract
182 words
An on farm study was conducted in Kasungu at Mkanakhoti and Kandeu Extension Planning Areas in Malawi to investigate the effect of multi-environment (biophysical and social economic) factors on performance of soybean. The community was sensitized after which, farmers to host the trials were purposively sampled. A total of 100 farmers were selected. The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design, with each farmer considered a replicate. Experimental plots measured 10 m by 10 m, and on average acommodated 14 ridges. Soybean seed was inoculated with Bradyrhizobium japonicum following a procedure outlined by Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Food Security. Ocepara 4 (soybean variety) was planted in double rows at a spacing of 0.25 x 0.005m. Sets of double rows were 0.75 m apart. The questionnaire was used to collect socio-economic data, plot management and cropping history. Soil texture and soil pH were determined following standard procedures. Majority (64%) of the farmers had attained primary education. Soils were mostly sandy and loam. Soybean grain yield varied significantly (p<0.01) between Mkanakhoti and Kaluluma EPA. Plant density also varied between farmers fields.
Subjects
3 categoriesRelated papers
More in Working Document Series →- Allocative efficiency in potato production in lowland areas of Uganda
- Inheritance of Resistance to Turcicum Leaf Blight in Sorghum
- Makerere University Regional Centre for Crop Improvement: A model Training and Research Hub for Next Generation of Plant Breeders for Africa
- Stimulating youth entrepreneurial mindset and orientation: experiences from the students’ enterprise scheme at Gulu University