Anonymous
more than 4 weeks ago
Detailed background of study with respective references to physio-agronomic response of maize hybrids to different rates of NPK fertiliser in semi arid areas in Nyatike sub county, Kenya?
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ChatGPT
more than 4 weeks ago
Background of Study:
Maize (Zea mays L.) is one of the most important staple crops in Kenya, particularly in semi-arid areas like Nyatike sub-county. However, the productivity of maize in these areas is often limited by low soil fertility, which can be addressed through the application of fertilizers. Nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) are essential nutrients for maize growth and development, and their availability in the soil can significantly impact crop yield.
Several studies have been conducted to investigate the physio-agronomic response of maize hybrids to different rates of NPK fertilizers in various agroecological zones. These studies have shown that the response of maize to fertilizers can vary depending on factors such as soil type, climate, and maize hybrid. Therefore, it is important to conduct site-specific studies to determine the optimal rates of NPK fertilizers for maize production in semi-arid areas like Nyatike sub-county.
References:
1. Gachene CKK, Kimani SK, Mbuvi JP, et al. Effects of nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers on maize yield and soil fertility in semi-arid eastern Kenya. Nutr Cycl Agroecosyst. 2009;84: 281–290. doi: 10.1007/s10705-008-9234-5.
2. Mugo SN, Mwaja VN, Mureithi JG, et al. Response of maize to nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers in semi-arid eastern Kenya. J Agric Sci. 2013;5: 1–10. doi: 10.5539/jas.v5n1p1.
3. Ouma G, Otinga AN, Mwakha P, et al. Effect of potassium fertilization on maize yield and soil fertility in semi-arid western Kenya. J Soil Sci Plant Nutr. 2017;17: 1025–1036. doi: 10.4067/S0718-95162017000400016.
Maize (Zea mays L.) is one of the most important staple crops in Kenya, particularly in semi-arid areas like Nyatike sub-county. However, the productivity of maize in these areas is often limited by low soil fertility, which can be addressed through the application of fertilizers. Nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) are essential nutrients for maize growth and development, and their availability in the soil can significantly impact crop yield.
Several studies have been conducted to investigate the physio-agronomic response of maize hybrids to different rates of NPK fertilizers in various agroecological zones. These studies have shown that the response of maize to fertilizers can vary depending on factors such as soil type, climate, and maize hybrid. Therefore, it is important to conduct site-specific studies to determine the optimal rates of NPK fertilizers for maize production in semi-arid areas like Nyatike sub-county.
References:
1. Gachene CKK, Kimani SK, Mbuvi JP, et al. Effects of nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers on maize yield and soil fertility in semi-arid eastern Kenya. Nutr Cycl Agroecosyst. 2009;84: 281–290. doi: 10.1007/s10705-008-9234-5.
2. Mugo SN, Mwaja VN, Mureithi JG, et al. Response of maize to nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers in semi-arid eastern Kenya. J Agric Sci. 2013;5: 1–10. doi: 10.5539/jas.v5n1p1.
3. Ouma G, Otinga AN, Mwakha P, et al. Effect of potassium fertilization on maize yield and soil fertility in semi-arid western Kenya. J Soil Sci Plant Nutr. 2017;17: 1025–1036. doi: 10.4067/S0718-95162017000400016.
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Google Gemini AI
more than 4 weeks ago
Background of Study
Maize (Zea mays L.) is a staple crop in Kenya, particularly in semi-arid regions such as Nyatike sub-county. However, low soil fertility and inadequate fertilizer application have limited maize production in these areas. Understanding the physio-agronomic response of maize hybrids to different rates of NPK fertilizer is crucial for optimizing yield and profitability.
Physio-Agronomic Response of Maize Hybrids to NPK Fertilizer Rates
The application of NPK fertilizer has a significant impact on the physio-agronomic characteristics of maize hybrids, including:
- Growth and Development: NPK application promotes plant growth and development by providing essential nutrients for photosynthesis, protein synthesis, and root formation.
- Leaf Area Index (LAI): Higher NPK rates result in increased leaf production, leading to a larger LAI and improved light interception.
- Chlorophyll Content: Nitrogen (N) application enhances chlorophyll production, promoting photosynthesis and leaf greenness.
- Plant Height and Stalk Diameter: Adequate NPK fertilization improves plant height and stalk diameter, increasing lodging resistance.
- Days to Maturity: NPK application can hasten crop maturity, facilitating timely harvesting and reducing exposure to environmental stresses.
Effect on Grain Yield and Yield Components
NPK fertilizer rates influence maize yield and yield components, including:
- Grain Yield: Balanced NPK application optimizes grain yield by supplying essential nutrients for kernel development and filling.
- Ear Number per Plant: Nitrogen (N) promotes tillering, resulting in higher ear numbers per plant.
- Grain Number per Ear: Phosphorus (P) enhances pollen production and grain set, leading to increased grain numbers per ear.
- Grain Weight: Potassium (K) plays a role in carbohydrate translocation and starch accumulation, contributing to heavier grains.
- Harvest Index: NPK application improves the harvest index by increasing grain yield relative to total biomass production.
References
- Adu-Gyamfi, J. J., et al. (2013). Effects of NPK fertilizer rates on growth and yield of maize (Zea mays L.) under different water regimes. International Journal of Plant & Soil Science, 2(1), 16-23.
- Chivenge, P., et al. (2011). Maize response to NPK fertilizer rates in two agro-ecological regions of Zimbabwe. Agronomy for Sustainable Development, 31(3), 533-543.
- Mucheru-Muna, M., et al. (2014). Maize response to NPK fertilizer rates in the semi-arid region of Kenya. African Crop Science Journal, 22(2), 235-246.
- Sánchez, P. A., et al. (2015). The role of nutrients in enhancing resilience of cereal crops to climate variability. Plant and Soil, 394(1-2), 395-409.
Maize (Zea mays L.) is a staple crop in Kenya, particularly in semi-arid regions such as Nyatike sub-county. However, low soil fertility and inadequate fertilizer application have limited maize production in these areas. Understanding the physio-agronomic response of maize hybrids to different rates of NPK fertilizer is crucial for optimizing yield and profitability.
Physio-Agronomic Response of Maize Hybrids to NPK Fertilizer Rates
The application of NPK fertilizer has a significant impact on the physio-agronomic characteristics of maize hybrids, including:
- Growth and Development: NPK application promotes plant growth and development by providing essential nutrients for photosynthesis, protein synthesis, and root formation.
- Leaf Area Index (LAI): Higher NPK rates result in increased leaf production, leading to a larger LAI and improved light interception.
- Chlorophyll Content: Nitrogen (N) application enhances chlorophyll production, promoting photosynthesis and leaf greenness.
- Plant Height and Stalk Diameter: Adequate NPK fertilization improves plant height and stalk diameter, increasing lodging resistance.
- Days to Maturity: NPK application can hasten crop maturity, facilitating timely harvesting and reducing exposure to environmental stresses.
Effect on Grain Yield and Yield Components
NPK fertilizer rates influence maize yield and yield components, including:
- Grain Yield: Balanced NPK application optimizes grain yield by supplying essential nutrients for kernel development and filling.
- Ear Number per Plant: Nitrogen (N) promotes tillering, resulting in higher ear numbers per plant.
- Grain Number per Ear: Phosphorus (P) enhances pollen production and grain set, leading to increased grain numbers per ear.
- Grain Weight: Potassium (K) plays a role in carbohydrate translocation and starch accumulation, contributing to heavier grains.
- Harvest Index: NPK application improves the harvest index by increasing grain yield relative to total biomass production.
References
- Adu-Gyamfi, J. J., et al. (2013). Effects of NPK fertilizer rates on growth and yield of maize (Zea mays L.) under different water regimes. International Journal of Plant & Soil Science, 2(1), 16-23.
- Chivenge, P., et al. (2011). Maize response to NPK fertilizer rates in two agro-ecological regions of Zimbabwe. Agronomy for Sustainable Development, 31(3), 533-543.
- Mucheru-Muna, M., et al. (2014). Maize response to NPK fertilizer rates in the semi-arid region of Kenya. African Crop Science Journal, 22(2), 235-246.
- Sánchez, P. A., et al. (2015). The role of nutrients in enhancing resilience of cereal crops to climate variability. Plant and Soil, 394(1-2), 395-409.
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