%K Phosphorus influence, nitrogen uptake, finger millet
%C Hyderabad, India
%A N W Wekha
%A N K Korir
%A H F Ojulong
%A J P Gweyi-Onyango
%L icrisat10302
%P 188
%D 2017
%T Phosphorus influence on nitrogen uptake, nutrient and yield attributes of finger millet in semi-arid region of Kenya
%X An 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.