Phosphorus influence on nitrogen uptake, nutrient and yield attributes of finger millet in semi-arid region of Kenya

Wekha, N W and Korir, N K and Ojulong, H F and Gweyi-Onyango, J P (2017) Phosphorus influence on nitrogen uptake, nutrient and yield attributes of finger millet in semi-arid region of Kenya. In: InterDrought-V, February 21-25, 2017, Hyderabad, India.

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Abstract

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.

Item Type: Conference or Workshop Item (Paper)
Divisions: Research Program : East & Southern Africa
CRP: UNSPECIFIED
Uncontrolled Keywords: Phosphorus influence, nitrogen uptake, finger millet
Subjects: Mandate crops > Millets > Finger Millet
Others > African Agriculture
Others > Kenya
Depositing User: Mr Ramesh K
Date Deposited: 22 Nov 2017 05:25
Last Modified: 22 Nov 2017 05:26
URI: http://oar.icrisat.org/id/eprint/10302
Acknowledgement: UNSPECIFIED
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