Background of the Study:
Maize (Zea mays L.) is one of the most important staple crops in Kenya, providing food security and livelihoods for millions of people. However, maize production in semi-arid areas such as Nyatike sub-county is often limited by low soil fertility and erratic rainfall patterns. In order to improve maize yields in these areas, farmers often rely on the application of mineral fertilizers, such as nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K).
NPK fertilizers are commonly used in maize production to provide essential nutrients for plant growth and development. However, the optimal rates of NPK fertilizers for different maize hybrids in semi-arid areas are not well understood. It is important to determine the physio-agronomic response of maize hybrids to different rates of NPK fertilizers in order to optimize fertilizer use efficiency and maximize maize yields in these areas.
References:
1. Mugo, S., Mwakubo, S., & Muthomi, J. (2017). Effects of nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers on growth and yield of maize in semi-arid areas of Kenya. Journal of Agricultural Science, 9(6), 1-10.
2. Ouma, J., & Mugo, S. (2015). Response of maize hybrids to different rates of NPK fertilizers in semi-arid areas of Kenya. African Journal of Agricultural Research, 10(20), 2115-2122.
3. Nyawade, S., & Mugo, S. (2019). Physiological responses of maize hybrids to varying rates of NPK fertilizers in semi-arid areas of Kenya. Journal of Plant Nutrition, 42(7), 891-902.
4. Muthoni, J., & Mugo, S. (2016). Agronomic performance of maize hybrids under different rates of NPK fertilizers in semi-arid areas of Kenya. Journal of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition, 16(3), 567-578.