Phosphorus influence on nitrogen uptake, nutrient and yield attributes of finger millet in semi-arid region of KenyaN WWekhaauthorN KKorirauthorH FOjulongauthorJ PGweyi-OnyangoauthorAn understanding of P efficiencies of finger millet is very important in soil management and selection of varieties adaptable to P-deficient soils. Therefore, on-station experiments were conducted at the ICRISAT-Kiboko research station to evaluate the effect of differential levels of P on nitrogen uptake, nutrient content and yield. There were four P levels (0, 12.5, 25 and 37.5 kg ha-1 P2O5) and three varieties (U-15, P-224 and Ekalakala). Ekalakala was the local check while 0 kg/ha P2O5 was the control. The trial was laid out in a randomized complete block design in factorial arrangement with three replicates. Soil analytical results showed moderately available P but very low N, organic carbon and zinc. Significant differences (P<.05) were observed between the phosphate levels on the nitrogen contents, where the control had the lowest with 4.95% and 4.90% for the short and long rains respectively; while the 25 kg ha-1 P2O5 rate had the highest, with 5.66% in the short rains and 5.14% in the long rains. The protein content significantly increased with phosphorus application, peaking at 11.00 g/100 g on the 25 kg ha-1 P2O5treatment. The newly released variety (U-15) responded positively to P supplemented at 25 kg ha-1 P2O5 , with a maximum grain yield of 3,410 kg ha-1. It can, thus, efficiently utilize N in soils with low N and is highly recommended. The application of P beyond 25 kg ha-1 P2O5 would not be translated into profitable yields, but losses to the farmer.Finger MilletAfrican AgricultureKenya2017-02Conference or Workshop Item