Browsing by Author "Chilagane, Emmanuel Amos"

Now showing 1 - 1 of 1
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Nitrogen release from decomposed residues of herbaceous legumes and their effect on maize growth and yield in low nitrogen soil
    (Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2013) Chilagane, Emmanuel Amos
    This study was conducted at Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA) located at 6°51'5"S and 37°39'26"E at 525 masl at the site with sandy clay soil pH 5.16 with the overall objective of improving maize productivity through the use of leguminous residues as source of nitrogen (N). Specifically the study aimed at determining the mineralization pattern and total amount of N released from decomposition of legume residues; to assess the effects of legume residues on maize growth and yield and to evaluate the effects of legumes biomass applied on maize yield. The treatments used were control (no legume residue and fertilizer application); application of N (Urea); residues in form of velvets bean {Mucuna pruriens L.), dolichos {Lablab purpureus L.) and sunhemp {Crotolaria ochroleuca G.). Maize variety “Staha” was used as a test crop. Experiments conducted were laboratory mineralization experiment, screen house and field experiments. These experiments were conducted between November 2011 and June 2012. Results showed that sunhemp had the highest N content of 2.77% followed by velvet bean and dolichos with 2.49 and 2.42%, respectively. Total amount of N released over 16 incubation weeks differed significantly (P < 0.05) with the range of 151.22 pg kg'1. Leguminous biomass production was 15.13, 12.67 and 11.75 t ha'1 for velvet bean, dolichos and sunhemp, respectively. Maize grain yield ranged from 1.02 for control to 3.96 t ha'1 with Urea application. Sunhemp, velvet bean, and dolichos resulted in 3.69, 3.6 and 3.49 t ha'1, respectively. As the incorporation of leguminous residues resulted into improvement of soil physical characteristics such as texture, bulk density and moisture content, it is recommended for use in mineral low N soils. This application will enhance poor resources farmers to improve maize productivity.