Effects of mulch application on maize yield in the semi arid areas of Kenya; paper presented at the KEFRI's 1st Annual Conference/Open day.

Abstract

Experiments on plant nutrient status and yield of maize in relation to mulch nutrient compositi'on were conducted at Katumani. in Machakos from 1987 to 1989. In all the seasons apart from the short rains of 1988. Katumani composite B was sown. During the SR'88. Hybrid 511 was mistakenly planted. Cassia siamea had been grown as the tree species forming the hedges. Between the hedges. 3 maize rows were sown parallel to the hedges. The hedges were lopped periodically at a height of 50 cm and the loppings fully incorporated into the soil within the hedges (alleys) before the beginning of each season. In the control plots. each hedge row was replaced by a row of maize and therefore no mulch was incorporated in the control plots. The results indicated that incorporation of mulch improved the nutritional status of maize as evidenced by increased nutrient concentrations in the maize leaves and grains of the treated plots compared to the controls. Decomposition experiments indicated that. approximately 70 - gO/~ of Cassia siamea mulch dry matter could be lost within 60 days after incorporation into the soi I. It was observed that the most limiting factor to the alley cropping technology in the semi-arid areas is the competition for water and nutrient in the soils. Water and nutritional status of the soil. will therefore determine to a large extent. the success or otherwise of such a system in these areas.