Research experiences with inorganic and organic fertilizers in the Southern Highlands of Tanzania
1988
Mayona, C.M. | Kamasho, J. (Uyole Agricultural Centre, Mbeya (Tanzania))
Nodulation and grain yield of beans in particular increased with increasing P to about 40 kg ha(-1). Banding as a method of P application was superior to broadcasting. On the other hand, N alone had a negative effect on bean nodulation and yield in most sites except at Ismani where N markedly increased yield. But N had a significant positive effect on nodulation and yield when it was combined with P. At Uyole there was also a response to Cu and a balanced foliar spray of trace elements without influencing nodulation significantly. Addition of Cu to 40 kg P ha(-1), for instance, gave highest yield of beans. As regards to organic fertilizer, data revealed that a combination of farmyard and compost manure plus half the rate of inorganic (NP), fertilizers were superior in giving highest bean yields compared to the other treatments. The application of these organic fertilizers also improved the nutrient status of the soil. Future research on soil fertility at UAC will involve studies on effect of Rhizobium strains on bean growth in order to minimize the use of expensive nitrogen fertilizers; identification of suitable cultivars in the available germplasm which are efficient in utilizing low soil P and giving high yield increases per unit P added to the soil; tillage as a soil conservation and fertility improvement measure; rotation and intercropping; and use of organic manures.
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