Effects of Long-Term Application of Inorganic Fertilizers on Primary Macronutrients in Trans Nzoia Maize Farm Soils, Kenya

Authors

  • Judith Kananu  Department of Chemistry, School of Physical Sciences, College of Biological and Physical Sciences, University of Nairobi, P. O. Box 30197-00100, Nairobi, Kenya.
  • Vincent O. Madadi  Department of Chemistry, School of Physical Sciences, College of Biological and Physical Sciences, University of Nairobi, P. O. Box 30197-00100, Nairobi, Kenya.
  • Geoffrey N. Kamau  Department of Chemistry, School of Physical Sciences, College of Biological and Physical Sciences, University of Nairobi, P. O. Box 30197-00100, Nairobi, Kenya.

Keywords:

Kerita Farm soil, Primary Macronutrients Deficiency, Impact of long-term soil fertilization.

Abstract

The study investigated primary soil macronutrients accumulation in Kerita maize farm soils after more than 20 years of application of inorganic fertilizers. 12 samples of soil were collected from Kerita farm and 2 from a control site of Kiptuimet primary school.  Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium contents in soils were determined using Kjeldahl method for nitrogen analysis, UV-visible spectroscopy and flame photometry, respectively. The results revealed that maize farm soils had higher phosphorous levels with a mean concentration of 39.33±2.96 ppm compared to the control site which had mean concentration of 15 ppm. Total nitrogen in Kerita maize farm soil was lower at 0.109±0.01% compared to the control site which had 0.12±0.00%, while mean concentration of potassium in the farm soils was much depleted at 0.5433±08% compared to the control site which had 1.15±0.14%. The results suggest that long term application of inorganic fertilizers had raised soil phosphorous level in Kerita maize farm but influenced depletion of potassium and nitrogen. Although the concentration of phosphorus in the farm was considered adequate for maize cultivation, the levels of nitrogen and potassium in soils were below the required concentration hence affecting maize production in the farm. Therefore proper balancing of macronutrients is required while selecting commercial fertilizers to meet crop needs. In addition, supplementing commercial fertilizers with compost manure is recommended to boost nutrient deficiencies in the farm soils

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International Journal of Scientific Research in Science, Engineering and Technology

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Published

2017-08-31

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Volume 3, Issue 5, July-August-2017

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Research Articles

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How to Cite

[1]
Judith Kananu, Vincent O. Madadi, Geoffrey N. Kamau, " Effects of Long-Term Application of Inorganic Fertilizers on Primary Macronutrients in Trans Nzoia Maize Farm Soils, Kenya, International Journal of Scientific Research in Science, Engineering and Technology(IJSRSET), Print ISSN : 2395-1990, Online ISSN : 2394-4099, Volume 3, Issue 5, pp.120-125, July-August-2017.