Response of potato to fertilizers applied on different soil types in Kenyan Highlands
2021
Mugo, James Njeru | Karanja, Nancy | Gachene, Charles | Dittert, Klaus | Schulte‐Geldermann, Elmar
Declining soil fertility in Nitisols and Planosols, which dominate major potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) growing areas of Kenya, is a hindrance to sustainable production of the crop. A study was conducted in Nyandarua County, Kenya, to assess performance of potato and the agronomic efficiencies of three fertilizer types: diammonium phosphate (DAP) (N–P₂O₅–K₂O: 18–46–0), Mavuno Peas, Beans and Root Vegetables (MRV) (15N:8 P₂O₅:15 K₂O plus S, Ca, Mg, Fe, Cu, Zn, B, Mn, Mo), and new Mavuno blend (18N:24 P₂O₅:10 K₂O plus 5S, 0.04B, 0.02 Zn). The experiments were established on Nitisol and Planosol soil types in farmers’ fields. Two potato varieties were evaluated in a split plot layout design. Diammonium phosphate had the highest and significant influence on potato haulm, giving 16.5 and 15.5 g plant–¹ on variety Sherekea growing on Nitisol and Planosol, respectively. Fertilizer type significantly influenced potato yield, which was recorded at 29.2 t ha–¹ with DAP and 26.6 t ha–¹ with new Mavuno on variety Sherekea grown on Nitisol. A significant positive interaction (P < .05) of fertilizer type and soil type was observed. Fertilizers also gave significant effect on agronomic efficiency of N, P, and K. Potato yield and agronomic nutrient use efficiency were dependent on the fertilizer types used as well as soil type. Diammonium phosphate and new Mavuno were the best fertilizer types.
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