Plant nutirent aspects of mulching in alley cropping trials as affected by micro-climatological factors of the semi-arid areas of Machakos District, Kenya
1990
Mugendi, Daniel Njiru | Dr. Coulson (Supervisor) | Dr. Mochoge (Co-supervisor) | Prof. Sang (Co-supervisor) | Prof. Stigter
The overall objective of the study detailed in this thesis was to assess the plant nutrient aspects of mulching in DARPs Cassia siamea alley cropping trials as affected by micro-climatological factors and their subsequent effects on maize yield after nutrient release into the soil through mineralization. Information on these factors and of rainfall patterns of the area would assist in working out the timing of lopping the hedgerows for optimum release of nutrients. In order to realize the above objective, the following specific investigations were undertaken; the nutrient composition of loppings of Cassia siamea, the rate of decomposition of Cassia siamea loppings, the foliar analysis of maize leaves, the nutrient analysis of maize grains, and the dry matter determination of weeds. The plant nutrients assessed in this study were the macro-nutrients like Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), Potassium (K), Calcium (Ca), Magnesium (Mg), Sulphur (S), and Sodium (Na), which are essential nutrients and constituents of a variety of organic compounds related to the structure and metabolism of plants. Some like N, P, and K are more mobile in plants whereas others like Ca are less mobile. Carbon © content was also analysed.
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