The geography of sulphur and phosphorus response in maize in Malawi
1999
Benson, T. | Kumwenda, J.D.T. (Chitedze Agricultural Research Station, Lilongwe (Malawi))
While nitrogen is the nutrient most limiting maize growth in Malawi, in large areas of the country phosphorus and sulphur are also required. The most comprehensive evaluation of where response to these two nutrients occurs in Malawi was that of Brown in 1962. Since then fertilizer use on maize by smallholders and the planting of hybrids has increased significantly. This paper considers whether the spatial patterns of nutrient response in maize have changed over the past 35 years with these changes in the cropping system. A fertilizer trial was conducted by all Extension Field Assistants nation-wide in 1995/96. The aim was to develop area-specific fertilizer recommendations, and, as such, the trial was not designed as a full factorial with different rates of individual nutrients. Nevertheless, indications of response in maize to phosphorus and sulphur in an area can be derived from the results. Yield data were acquired from over 1650 sites. Using these data, the current response in maize to the application of P and S is examined. Comparisons are made to the work of Brown and that of later researchers on this topic. District-level guidelines for extension workers on whether or not farmers need to annually apply phosphorus and sulphur to their maize are provided.
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