EFFECT OF ORGANIC AND INORGANIC FERTILIZER ON GROWTH, ‘YIELD AND FRUIT QUALITY OF EGGPLANT (Solanum melongena L Ry JOHN KIPRUTO SUGE (AGRPGCHS08) A THESIS SUBMITTED TO THE SCHOOL OF AGRICULTURE AND BIOTECHNOLOGY IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE AWARD OF THE DEGREE OF MASTER OF SCIENCE IN HORTICULTURE. DEPARTMENT OF SEED, CROP AND HORTIC LTURAL SCIENCES UNIVERSITY OF FLDORET P.O, BOX 1125, ELDORET, KENYA. SEPTEMBER, 2013DECLARATION Declaration by the candidate “This thesis i my original work and has not been presente fora depree in any other ‘University. No par ofthis thesis may be reproduce without the pior permission of the author and/or University of Elfort. JOHN KIPRUTO SUGE AGRUPGC808 Signature Date Declaration by the supervisors “This thesis hasbeen submited with our approval as supervisors, Prof. M. E: Omunyin, Depurtieat of Horticulture "Signature Date University of Kabaangn Dr. Omami E. Department of Seed, Crops Signature Date ‘and Hortculucl Sciences University of Eldoret,DEDICATION ‘To my parents and my family for their moral support to my research and thesis work 1 also dedicate this work to my siblings; Collins, Kevin and Patrick, who had. special interests in my work, God be with youABSTRACT Eggplant (Soman melongena Lis oe of th importan Asian Vegetables grown in Kenya for local and export market; bce effort to improve its preduetivity and quality should be emphasized Declining soil fariiy due to comimous cultivation of small bolder farms and salting cost of imported ferilizes athe need to conserve and build natu resouree expt and biodiversity, as renewed terest in the Use of Joa! nuit resouces for soil feilty management in Kenya, The sty was condicte at Bokura Agric college fm ding the soc! (SR) aod long rain sesons (LR) of the year 2009 and 2010 respectively. Eagplaat seedlings were rssed and ranplanting 42 days afr sowing During wansplantine, DAP and compost was appli while CAN applied tire weeks later. The experiment aimed at evaluating the effet of combination beeen two levels ofthe recommended inorganic Flies (09% and 100% of eesenrch recommended rates (RRR) of 220g DAP and 60 kghr"CAN)) with ‘cee (pes of organic mimes on groNth, Sut yield std quality of eae plat (Solonm molongen L) vat. Black Bea Split plot design with re replications was used, whee (Wo levels of inorganic frlizersweutments(SO"GRRR and LOOMSRER) were randomized in main plots wile tee types of organic mares; FYM, Compost (10+1Stonb) and Tithoaia (6 toaha) and conslteatmeits were randomid within th spots. Topsoil (0-20em dept) nd organic manies were simple before tranplating sedings and amlyzed for chemical properties, pH, N, Py K, OC and CEC. 78 days afer tanplanting, determination of at plan ‘sight (em) and sh weight (g ofthe plans was dane andi he thi picking the fui length od iametsr determined. Rests sho thn thee was a significa interaction bere of the ‘wo inorginicferilizer levels andthe eganic mares. Ictetsing inorganic frie fom 0% 1 100% of the research recommended rates (RRR) encouraged the vegetative growth of zgplants shown by plot eight and tesh weight. Besides increasing the tral fruit yield, ‘ecilieenaced the fruit quality The farm yard manure was considered the superior source of manure for obvaining the highest value ofthe parameters under staly compared to compost, 0d Thonio dversfla (thon), Soil feilized wi 100% recommended NPK. combined ‘wih organic manures produced the superior grove of plants andthe highest amount of tt ‘nt yields. Farmers would benefit by ineoxporsting 10-18 ti (1-15 kg'S) of FY. ‘combined with 110 kaha” DAP and 300 kar \CAN (834g N ba and 61. Sk Pb") to improve fon the growth, yield and quay of epgplants. Hence waning farmers om how to increase svalbilty and preservation of FYM is rita‘TABLE OF CONTENTS. DECLARATION, DEDICATION ABSTRACT. ‘TABLE OF CONTENTS LIST OF TABLES LIST OF FIGURES. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT. ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS. (CHAPTER ONE INTRODUCTION. 1.1 Problem statement 1.2 Justification 1.4 Hypothesis. CHAPTER TWO. LITERATURE REVIEW. 2.1 Eg plant (Sofammm melongena L) 2.2 Plant nutrition 2.21 General 2.2.2 Maero and mieromusents 2.3 Nateieot Management 2.2.1 Integrated Nutrient Management 2.3.2 Nutrient Requirements of Solansceous Vegetable Crops, 2.4 Organis sources of ascent, 2.4.1 General 2.42 Organi resources utilization for soil fertity improvement 24.3.1 Physical and environmental factors 2.5 Effets of organic materials on nutrient availabilty and acquisition, 2.5.1 Sources of Nutrients 2.5.2 Regulators of Mineralization-Immobilization Pater 2.5.3 Sources of Carbon and Energy for Soil Organisms 16 16 202.5.5 Competitors for Phosphorus-Sorpton Sites. 2.5.6 ladizet Eflcts on Nutuiat Acquistion (CHAPTER THREE. ‘MATERIALS AND METHODS 3.1 Experimental site 4.2 Rainfall patter ofthe experimental site 3.3 Soil sampling and analysis, 3.31 Soil sampling. 3.32 Determination of soil pH 53.3.3 Determination of total organic carbon. 3.34 Available soil phosphors (Olsen P) 33.8 Tota nitrogen 4.87 Soi particle sie analysis 3.4 Initial sol physical and chemical propertis 3.5 Sourees of experimental materials 56 Inorganic soncces of fetilizer used in the study. 3.6.1 Calcium ammonium nitrate (CAN) 3.62 Di-ammonium phosphate (DAP), 4.7 Organi inputs wsed in the sd 3.741 Compost 3.72 Farm yard manure. 3.7.3 Green manure 3.74, Charactersties of organic materials used inthe study 4.8 Experimental design and model, testmen’s and establishment of test plants 53.8.1 Experimental design and model 3.82 Treatments 3.8.3 Experimental layout. 3.84 Establishment of test plants 33 35 35 x6 36 36 37 37 x7 38 39CHAPTER FOUR, RESULTS, 4.1 Plant growth 4.11 Plant height 4.1.2 Plat fesh weit 4.2 Fruit yield and its quality 4.21 Frit yield 4.2.2 Fruit quality (CHAPTER FIVE, DISCUSSION. 5.1 Soil chemical propertics. 5.2 Plant growth 5.2.1 Effet of inorganic fertilizer levels 5.22 Elect of different sources of Organic manures 5.2.3 Effect of interaction betwoen inorganic and organic fertilizers 5.3 Fruit yield and its quality 5.3.1 Elect ofinorganic fetilzer levels 5.32 Effet of diferet sources of organic manures 5.3.3 Effet of interaction CHAPTER SIX. ‘CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS, REFERENCES, APPENDICES. RB 62 65 10 70 0 70 70 n 1 18 15 16 8 80LIST OF TABLES ‘Table 3.1: Physical and chemical analysis ofthe experimental soi at Bukura) i... ‘Table 3200p ore IRONED 6 a a TECEETTIMCECAETC ‘Table 33; Trestment combinations of the inorganic fertilizer wo levels and the three organi manures and control0 OOOO OOOO Hooeooooocomm.s~ Table 4.1: ANDOD TUM o.oo 0 om.o908 Table 4.1(0): OOOO CEO 6 0 OOM oo Oo OB ‘Table 4.2: Table of means on effet of inorganic fertilizers combined with diferent ‘organic manures on vegetative characters of eggplant during the rwo Seasons 20095R Inqnmmo0 00 0000000000000 oococomoom ‘able 43: Table of means on fet of inorganis fiers combined with diffrent organi manures on it yield and ts pality mm O00 oo... $7 ‘Table 4.4: Comparison of means of parameters of eggplant as infusnced hy diferent ETC EEEOIINMINHING oo oo oooC Nooo ‘Table 45: Comparison of means of growth and yield parameters of egg plants as influenced by iorsanie eizer vel ia the fed at Buku college fama) 289 ‘Table 46 Comparison of means of growth and yield parameters of cag plats as influenced by organic fiir Hevesi the Held at Bukura college frm) 0 0 ID 89 ‘Table 47(a): ANOVA CIID EICINMIED CHIME 6 90.6 01.9 60 Table 4200): OOUO0 GRIEDOIDOIED COIEEEEEETEOD 0 0 0 0 «9 0 6 Table 48(2): 00000 SIDED 00 oo OO.W.0 oe ‘Table 4.(b): ANOVA table for Fruit yield (toma) (SFETEEAE A. Sean 0.68 Teble 49(@): C000 CMEC OMEETEN 8.0 OM. Ooo oS ‘Table 49(0): 000.00 EEMENOMCIMAN EIEN Oo 0 oO am OO. cS Teble 4.10(@C0000000 SoM ECCEE DOONAN OO OO“Table 4.1000): OOOO EOMMNEETEMMAON CANAD OCT 0.0 eoLIST OF FIGURES Fig 3.1. Experimental layout at Bukura farm during 2009 SR season? 010 (0.50 ig. Plant mean beight (cm) from the different treatments during 2009 SR and 2010 LR seasons 0.0.0 ODO O00 Doo ooo gooooo.cooomoms Fig42. Plants mean stesh weight (g) of different treatments during 2009 SR and 2010 LR seasons 0.0.0 0 OOOO ooo nooo ooo oOmaoM..~ Fig.4.3. Mean fruit yield (tonta') of diferent treatments during 2009 SR and 2010 LR am 0... 00 00000000000.c000000000000m4 Fig.44. Mean fruit length (cm) of diferent treatments daring 2009 SR and 20101 seasons 0.0 0.0000 0m 00 O00 ono oogooOnoooMmaS Fig.4.5. Mean fut diameter (cm) of eiferent treatments during 2009 SR and 2010 LR Tmo O00 Dogoooooooooooonoo.00.00.6ACKNOWLEDGEMENT First ofall I would like to thank God or making al tis posible, and my family that ‘us been a source of uliited supply of unconitonal suppor. T ackaowledge with mich apprciatinn my supervisors Prof ME. Omnyin and Dr. ‘Oman E, for tei technical input towards carrying out the fed research and coming this thesis the staff of University of Eloret, Soil Science nbortoy for thei assistance in analysis of soil and manure samples. I am gratefl for the support and cocouragenea! ffom lecturers and colleagues in the School of Aaricuhure and Biotechnology, University of Bort I would ike to express my despest raid to Bok Agricultural College fr offing ‘thir land tobe sed in the field experiments‘AOAC ANOVA, AvRDC BNF CAN cee aol ke Dap DM DNA FAO FORMAT HCDA LABA IM LSD NP. uM ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS American Organization of Analytical Chemists Analysis of Variance [Asian Vegetable Research and Development Center Biological Nisogen Fixation Calcium Ausmoninm Ntzate Cation Exchange Capacity Contin per kg of soil immonium Phospbate Dry Matter Deoxy-ucleie Acid Food and Agriculture Organization ofthe United Nations Forum for Organic Resource Mgt, and Agricultural Technologies Farm Yard Manure Horticultural Crops Development Authority International Atomic Energy Agency ‘Kenya Agricultural Resear Institute Lower Midland Least Significant Difference Nitrogen: Phosphorus: Potasiumn Organic Carbon Reseach recommended rates Upper MidlandCHAPTER ONE INTRODUCTION ag plant (Solum melongena 1) is one of he tportant Asian Vegetables gown ia Kenya for export and local market. AS might be expected wit the crop of such promising potential, efor to improve its productivity should be emphasized. The crop ution regutemats are among the major aspects to conse nthe improvement of its growth, uit yield and quality Nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium are major essential clements required. for lysilogieal mechanisns of pat growth (Rao and Subramanian, 1994). Nizogea and phosphorus are usally the most limiting satrcos in many sols a Africa and are ofa sinulkaneously deficit (Wareen, 1992). Most oils in Sub-Sabara Arica (SSA) have ‘een used fr subsistence farming resulting in ow and devlinng fetity (Buresh ea 1997). Continuous cropping With low oF no fetizer inp, mute losses though harvest, soil eosion and leaching bave led to decline in soil fetkty (Cooper etal 1996) In the East Affcan region, P deficiency is of common occurence in the highly populated bighlaads (Bekele and Hofer, 1993). Estimates of P limitations in western ‘Kenya ranged from 80-90% in the fms (Shepherd oa, 1995) often ret ia ow crop ‘elds. To a large extent, this is dv to no or litle phosphors inputs. Is necessary to ud fectiizeriagts to these soils in oder to have good continous crop yields. Such inputs may be either organic or inorganic in a form or fons depending on their availabilty. For the lst rwo decade, thee hasbeen increasing interest in the use of plant residues in agricutaral systems inthe tropes where low fertilizer inpats ae in use (Tian era, 1992),Organic inputs alone cannot meet the atritinal needs of crops because they contin & comparatively less quantity of nutrients compared to inorganic fertilizers, henee the ed to integrate the (wo forms in order to achieve better evop yields. The interaction betvicen organic matter and inorganic fertilizers may lead to either an increase oF decrease in nutvients in soil depending on the nutrient and plant material in question (Prankenberger and Abdelmagi, 1985), Low use efficiencies of inorganic fertilizers coupled with tei ising costs andthe need for organically produced foods bave directed the attention of farmers towards or sources, Organic manures may increase soil feriity and thus the crop prodvtion potential posibly by changes sa soils physical and chenscal propestis including tient bioavailability, soil terre, Water holding capacity, cation exchange capacity soil pH, microbial community’ aad ativty ete (Walker a,2004 Aghede ea, 2008: Mubammad & Khattak, 209), Soil pH is greatly influenced by addition of organic smarter (OM though difeent organic amendments ant elanges in pH vary withthe ate of OM (Welker ea, 2004) Some organic materials ean inrease crop yields due to improved soil though mint release during decomposition and mineralization, They way’ also improve sol physical moperties such as moitue retention, bulk deasity and section (Hankenberger and [Abelmagid, 1985), In edition, they generally have greater residual effect on subsequent crops than iorwanie nutrient sources due to slow release of thei nutrients overtime (Szot and kass, 1993). They canals rest in complexion of aluminum and ivon with organic compounds ftom deeomposition resohing in greater avaiabily of phosphorus and reduction of ahmsinu toniOrganic fertilization is also imporant for proving plant with their trina ecpirenents without having ax undesirable impact on the environment. (Njoroge ad Man,1999). Addition of different sources of organit manuces increases the plant roth characteristics, namely plant height, number of leaves and shoots pr plat, ad Sech and dry weight of shoot of pts (Zhang al, 198), 11 tas been shown that increase in tomato yield produced by organic-nineral compounds was greater than that of plants prodised! by inorganic fertilizer applied at the same rte, Oran amendments especially when applied in high rates can increase the availabilty and use efficiency of phosphorus by plants Iyamuremye and Dick, 1996). This bas been observed tobe fo firm yd mame (Tisdale, 1988).1¢ has ako been demonstated for een laf biomass of Tithonia dvertfolia(Naigubeb eal, 1998). ‘Organic materials besides enlancing P availability and eves supplying some P, have cotter major benefits such as the provision of other tens, especially N. This is ‘cause oftheir high tse conseatation of N compared to other suas (Palm, 1995) 1.1 Problem statement Ineveasng pressures on agricultural lan have resulted in much higher nutieatoutows sd the subsequent breakdown of may traditional soi-atty maitenance stateies, such as flowing ln iatreropping cereals with legume crops, mixed crop-lvestock farming, and opening new lands. Such strteses have not been replaced by anefetive fertilizer supply and distribution system (Saers ea 1996) Delinng soi airy resuking fiom continues eulivation of spall bola fms and the aced to conserve and build natural resource cap 1nd biodiversity has contributed to the interest in sustainable agriculture (Vukasin e a, 1995).‘Organic proponents argue that the application of chemical inputs causes environmental pollution in the soil thouah acidification aad allerd biological activities, fare to manta soil structure and sil organic mater (Harts ea 1998) In contrast, the application of organic inputs supplies subsiate to the biological ‘rocescs that in tum strengthens the resilience of sil to prove plant mien ‘main sol structure, eeain water and detoxify agents harmfilto plant roots and soil organisms (Woomer ofa, 1994), Most scullbolier farmers in Afice appreciate the ‘valve of ftiizers, bur they’ age seldom able to apply them atthe recommended cates and at the appropriate time because of high cos, lck of rei, delivery delays, ana low and variable returns (Heise & Mvaagi, 196). “The inrease in prices of inputs following the liberalization of the agrculure sector ia Keay cals for promotion of organic inputs such as manures an here pestis to supplement and if posible replace the inrgani eters (Hasis oa, 1998) [An sve of practical importance in this regan, therefore, i that the use of inorganic sources of fetizer in inreasing food production his been overemphasized at the expense ofthe organ souees of ftilizr.bouah inorganic ilies have resued in great increases in agricultural production, hs been realized that most of them are 150 g kg slow N release considerably, and polyphenol contents “30 (0 40 g kg ean result in net immobilization of N (Palm, 1995). Lignin and polyphenols are particularly important mndifiers of N release for the fesh, noa-sonescent leaves of high-quality materials (Constantinides & Fownes, 1994), The immobilization resulting fiom polyphewoics, particularly condensed tannins may be much longer than toe temporary immobilization resulting ftom high C-to-¥ ratios in cereal exop residues (Giller etal, 1997), [Net P mineralization pattems are determined primarily by P concentration inthe tissue Materials with P content 2.5 g kg” immobilize P (Blt & Boland, 1978), Phosphorusx0 release pattems are not necessarily comelated to release. Some materials showing net IN mineralization can result in net P isumobiliation and vice vera, stressing the importanes of fooking at more than Nin organic materia ‘radtonal organic resources, primarily eral cop residues and cate manures, fall below the crits N content and immobilize N, at lest temporeiy: Tanner and ‘Mugwira (1984) found that manures with N contet 10g ke eased a decrease ia the oth of maize ssilings for 4 weeks for rsons relted to immobilization. The negative effect of cereal residues on eop growth bas been demonstrate in many field sod pot ras (Nanda, 1995) On an Alisa in ental Kens, incorporation of mize stover reduced maize grain yields by 3 to 30% in the first thee seasons, After the thin ‘year the reduction did not oeeur (Qureshi, 1987; Nandwa, 1995). Paustian eral, 1992, reported that incorporation of 2.5 and 5.0 tha of maize stover resulted in 30 to 60% decreases in soilavailble N. Furthermore, if crop residues and other low-quality ‘organs materials can be obtained in sufficient quantities, net Nand probably P immobilization will oeur, exacerbating the nutrient deficiencies, at kast temporarily ‘The negative effets can be olfiet by combining low-quality organic meterials with inorganic N Paustian eta, 1992) ot high-quality organic materials with N content >20 ekg" and P=3 g ke (Smith eal, 1993), 2.5.8 Sources of Carbon and Energy for Soll Organisms Soll mirobes can serve as sourees and sinks of murints, and thei atvity and turnover resulting fiom the decomposition of organic materials are considered to be primary controlling fators in nutrient eyeing and availability (Smith etal, 1993) Reinertsen er ‘al, (1984) found thatthe size of the microbial biomass and rate of decomposition of ‘wheat (Triticum aestivmm L.) straw were determined by the size of the soluble C faction of the organi materials.u [Additions of sole forms of C also can result in the decomposition of more recakitant plant components ad SOM, the so-called priming oflet. Collins et (1990) found tht the decomposition of mixes of wheat residues was grater than ‘resictd when parts with more solble C were added. Vanluwe et al( 2002) abo confirmed tht more soluble C factions in plant materials eabanced the desomposition of the more recakitaat Satins, Other aunts, paticuly N and P, abo are obably mineralized by the priming elfct of sokble C, but the topic remins controversial (Azam er a, 1993), If higher proportions of Nae held in soil organic fractions, they would be less susceptible to gaseous losses and leaching. On the other hand, additions of high- quality materi. with high atin content a high amounts of available C may simply ‘sulin the substitution ofthe organic and inorganic somes ofthe mutt (Jenkinson tal, 1983) {In summary, C inputs, particularly the sobible factions madi the rate at which mints ae eyeled snd become available and the frm in which meets re eld in te soi 21544 Precursors Soll Organic Mater 11s through the formation of SOM that organic materials show longer term resid ets than do inorganic lize. The use of inoreanc ferilizers sone can even ead to a decline in SOM, veil fertilizers combined with organics or organi used alone can maintain SOM levels (Bationo ot a, 1996). Resete inthe past decade hs focused on separating SOM into diffrent factions that are related to factional ‘ope, and particularly into biologially meaning fietion that is related to utcintsuppying capacity (Magid ra, 1996). Certain factions, sich as microbial ‘biomass and the light faction have been positively correlated wit N mineralization or2 availability (Barios er al, 1996). Kapkivai (1996) found in kabete, Kenya thet additions of farmyard manure (FYM) over 18 years increased the content and relative proportions of soil microbial biomass and particulate organic matter compared with additions of maize stover, hough te amounts of FYM added also were muck Lager than those of mnize stover. These more labile soil organic factions were corelatd to hipber erop yields ‘Competitors for Phosphorus-Sorption Sites ‘Organic materials have been shown to reduce the P-somption capacity ofthe soil and increase P availability. The magnitude and duration of the effect varied withthe sol type, the quality ofthe organic materi, and the amounts added (Bumaya & Naylor, 1988; yamuremye era, 1996). la general, only materials with 25g P kg” have been shown to reduce the P-sorption capacity ‘The mechanisms involved in this process are quite complex, as outlined in a review by yamuremye (1996), The most commonly cited mechanism refers to action of organic acids produced ftom decomposition oF soot exudation Is widely proposed that organic anions (i) complex (or chelate) with ions of Fe and AL in soil solution, preventing the recitation of phosphate, and also reducing Al and Fe foxy i) compete with P for sorption sites, andor (i) solubilize P fiom me insoluble Ca, Fe, and Al phosphates (Tin 1993) The mst effective organic suns ate the dis and tebeatboxsic aids such as ticarboryie crc acid and dicarboxylic malic, tartaric and oxalic acid, ‘whereas monovalent acetate was found to have litle effect (yamuemye er a, 1996). 2.5.6 Indirect Effects on Nuteent Acquisition ‘Organi materi also can have several oer ees on soils and plants ha niuence ‘trent acquisition and lke by plants. Root growth can increase as a result of reduced exchangeable AI in the soil, caused by complexation with organic anions tht2 ae produced by decomposition of organic materials. It also can increase through an increase in pH caused by the addtion of basic cations fom organic smsterils (retzschmar ef of, 1991). Organic materials also can stmnlate root growth either Szetly or ough ther effet on sail bacteria at can suppress soot pathogens and rose plat growth branes (Marscne, 1995) Applications of organic materials also can reduce ot increase the numbers of pests and ‘weeds, again depending on the quality of the material Mulching with low-quality ‘matrals that decompose slowly tas been shown to decrease weed biomass, while high quality mnie that decompose quickly have litle effet (Salazar ota 1998). The increased solwater content resting from mich cover can, however increase the incidence of pests, There i some evidence tha he parasite Weed Stiga sp. at eeduces ‘maize yields in much of Alice canbe cutiled by applications of organic mates (Ransom, 1996), The desreae is probsbly caused by several factors, including increased soilvater content, higher soshavaiable N levels, and perhaps even the suicidal germination of sige seeds caused by the prodets of orzenic decomposition ‘Ransom, 1996). Soil physical properties such as structure, water content, and temperature canbe affected by incorporation or surface aplication of organic materials ‘Asan example, Taner af. (1993) found that during die periods bower quality mulches resulted in igher yields, as mineralization was probably higher because of the move favorable microclimate, lower soil tomperatues and higher sil water content produced bythe low-quality match, “Tho cole of organics is variod and complex, as detailed above the eballenge isto se organics of difring quality in combination with inorganic fetlizers 19 optinize rilabity to plants. This requires knowing how the mitrient content and © quality of organic materials will adé to and compensate for or will reduce mtcientM vailbilty fom inorganic feilzer The term szeracton is frequently used to describe the net filets ofthe combined wee of organic ad inorganic sources, This tet implies to some a magic eet of organic materials, whereas to ater it merely means a statistical interaction, better phrase than interatons might be added benefits (or lsadvaotages) resling fom the combinod use of organic and inorganic puts compared wih inorganics alone. In general, tbe autvents supplied or removed (Gssmpobilzed) by the addition of organics are additive to those supplied by inorganic ‘nutrient sourees (Paustinn et al, 1992 and Giller ot ai, 1997), Added benefits, or lsadvantages, of combined nutriect additions are probably more related to the quality ofthe C substrate of the organic material and its effects on nutrient availability3s (CHAPTER THREE MATERIALS AND METHODS 3.1 Experimental site ‘The highlands of western Kenya, which are part of the Lake Victoria Basi, have one of the densiest sural populations inthe worl $00 0 1200 people per km (oekstn & Corbett, 1995), Annusl rainfll ranges fiom 1200 to 1800 mm with a bimodal lstibution, Elevation averages 1200 mand the main sols are high P sorbing Alisols and Orisols, originally quite fertile but now widely depleted of Nand P. Characterization studies identified declining soil fertility as the main factor Limiting top progvction (Hoekstra, 1988), The study was conducted at Bukura Agricultural college firm during the short rains (SR) season and long rains (LR) season of the year 2009 and 2010 respectively. The long. rin season occurs between March to July and short rain season fiom September\Ostober to December with peaks ia April and November, respectively Bokura is at an altude of 1463 m above sex level, 0°300D GHIIND crn crfcrn longitude (laetznld and Schmidt, 1983). It receives «bimodal minal ranging between 1800 to 2000 mm per year. This is dstributd aver two main cropping seasons namely; the Jong sans season and short rns season, The SRS is normully less reliable than the LLRS. The temperature ranges hetween 22-28° (max) and 8-10°C (min). The sit falls in the Lower Midland (LM) 1 agro-ecologial zone, which is suitable for sugareane ‘production (Jactzold and Schmidt, 1983). Soils at Bukura are classified as Rhodic to ‘orth Ferrlsols (FAO! UNESCO, 1988). The soils are well drained, dep to very deep and davk rods brow to strong brown fable clay. Farming inthe region is largely undertaken by smallholder farmers, practicing a mixture of food, cash crop and tree production. Maize and beans are the most common food36 crops grown in the arex mainly as interetops while sugarcane is the main cash crop, hence the need to introduce a short season export cash crop lke the eggplant (S ‘melongena L.). The main livestock Kept are both inigenous and improved breeds of sheep, goats and chicken Famers realize the vale of ferilzers in westem Kenya. About 40% of them se sine DAP, but at wer thin recommended rats an fen oo lt for optimum timing of| applications (Swinkels, Rand Pranzel,S., 197) In spite ofthe extreme land presse, about 52% ofthe farmers leave a portion of thee farm in weedy flows (Swiakel, R. and Frac, S., 1997, Fllowing is offen nota matter of choice because citer the ad is severely depleted oe lobo and asic inputs are not aaiable This provides ry poi forthe organi inputs tobe grown sin (Hoekstra, 1988). 32.Rai fall patterns of the experimental site Normal amount of rainfall was received during the two seasons of the experimental petiod (Appendix I), Bukura received a total of 617 mum and 1077 mam of ran during the 20098R and 2010LR respectively. It this is atributed unusual rans received in Jamary and February, 2010, 33 Soil sampling and analysis Soils wer collected from the experimental site and analyzed for physical and chemical -propesties before the commencement of field experiments 331 Soll sampling ‘Ten soll samples fiom experimental site were taken fiom the top 0-20 em depth, randomly using a soil auger and bulked to get a representative sample. These were put in labeled paper bags before being taken fo the laboratory for analysis, The samples ‘vere air dred by spreading tiem on polythene sheets in a well ventilated room. Airey soil samples were crushed using pestle and mortar and passed through a 2 mm sieve7 ‘Tho resuant sub-samples wore crushed further and pasod through @ 60 mm mesh screen for total nitzogea snd organic carbon ales 33.2 Determination of sol pt Procedure outlined in Okalebo ot a, (2002) was used 19 measue the soil AHL Ap meter with 35 electrode was used to meas the pH wiere a ratio of 2S: (water ta soil suspension) was use, Thus $0 ml of distilled water was added to 20 g ofthe 2 maa sided soils in» beaker then stared. ‘The resltant suspension was allowed to stand for 30 minutes and stined again, The pH meter was calibrated by immersing its evade in buller solitons of pH 7 aad 4 for one mite. Soil pl was measused by immersing the calibrated pH meter electrode in the soil water suspension 33.3 Determination of total organ carbon Procedure outlined ia Okalebo eo, (2002) was used to determined toal organic carbon (OC) by wet combustion oxidation using sulphusie aid (H:S0. and porasiam icnomate (K:Ci0 oxidation 33.4 Available sol phosphorus (Olsen F) Available P was determined by extraction of soils using 0:5 Mi Sodium bicaronste {(Net1C0}) solton buffered to pH S.S (Olea ofa, 1954). Orthophospiate ion i the ceract was analyzed by ascorbic aid based colorimetry as given in Okalebo a (2002 S341 Soll extraction The arried soll 2mun) was weihed to 25g and pot into a stopered plastic bot and 50 ml of Olsen extractant added before shaking in mechanical shaker for 30 minutes 4s desribed by Okslebo er al, (2002) The suspension was thea fered though ‘Whatman No. 42 iter paper to give a clear filtrate that was analyzed colorimetrically. 10 mil of eacs standard and sample solution was pipetted into 50 ml volumetric Hasks38 and topped with distilled water. The mixture was stoppered and shaken before being leit to stand for one hows, 33.4.2 Colorimetric determination of P ‘The soll extractants were assayed for available P by ascorbic acid reducing solution (Mp and Riley, 1962). The standtdP soitionconcesttation of 250 pp was Used. 3.3.5 Total nitrogen “oval niogen was detemied by Kiekal oxidation method, which involves complete breakdown of soil organic mater by digesting the soil to 360°C in onder to conver ‘organic N to anunonivm ntogen (NHL-N) befor is determination i the digest 3.3.5.1 Sol aid digestion (0.3 go ir ried sol sieved through < 0.25 mm (60 mesh) was weighed int dry clean labeled digestion the and 4 ml digestion mitre (HaS0y/LiS0/SelH,0:) was added “The digestion mistre was stored at 2° From te digestion mixture, 44 ml was taken snd add to each ofthe two ceagent blak ues. Digestion was ctried out a 360°C far ‘vo hours and futher one hour toa clear sand white colour afer whic the digest was allowed to edo. The digest was topped up to SO ack wit distil water and mixed wl 33.82 Colorimetric determination of nitrogen ‘The entire soil digest and two seagent blanks were dite to a ratio 1:9 (wy) with stiled wate. Using reagent Ni (sodium salicylate! sodium eitate! sodium tartrate sodiusssttopresside), reagent N2 (NOOHNGHCL) was also and vores. The mitre was allowed 10 stand for 2 hows befre the absorbance was measured using a spectophotometer at 650 nin The concentration ofW in the solution was read from @ standard calibration curve,9 3.346 Exchangeable bases and cation exchange capacity Soils were analyzed for exchangeable bases and cation exchange capacity (CEC) atthe Department of Agronomy laboratory, Mumias Sugar Company. Exchangeable bases ‘were determined by exiraction ofthe soil samples with excess 1 M.NH,OAC solution. ‘The contents of potassium, calcium and magnesium in the extract were determined by ‘Dame photometry (K) and atomic absorption spectrophotometry (Ca, Ma). Standard ccuves were constructed far each cation from which readings were takes. A similar procedure as above was used to determine cation exchange capacity (CEC) except that $ ‘2 acid washed sand was used with 25 gof soil sample in ethanol elution. KCI solution ‘was used inthe second leaching stage 3.3.7 Soll particle size analysis ‘The soil particle size was determined using the hydrometer method. This method is ‘sed on the effect of particle size differential setting velocities within a water columa (Okslebo et sl, 2002). The setting velocity i also a funtion of liquid temperature, viscosity and specific gravity of the flling particle, When all other factors are held ‘constant, the settling velocity is proportional tothe square of the radi ofthe particle as stated in CEEECIDIOD NCD CECT CHET TET oc CHEMIE OCCT CAE and classify ther textures based on the sol textual triangle by USDA. 34 Initial sol physieal and chemfeal properties Results of sol physical and chemical properties were as shown in table 4.1, while stings developed by Landon (1991) and used in interpretation of soil analysis results| are shoven in appendix J. The pH at site was Jos (54) and this is rated as ave (Landon, 1991), Low levels of soil exchangeable potassium ranging between 0.1 to 0.2 Cunt ke" ‘vas recorded at all he sit. The amount of nitrogen was medium in soils while that of ‘organic carbon range was low. Soil CEC was medium. The soil physical properties in40 ‘table 3.1 indicat thatthe soll textural class atthe site is sandy clay. A higher content of sand compared to te other particles was rvorded at este “Table 3.1: Physieal and chemical analysis of the experimental sol at Bukura in 20099R season. Physical properties ‘Chenleal properties Sind [Sit [Chy [Tex [PH [ToalN [PK Cnol [OC [CEC % |% |x |e {erm |e’ [09 |cmotks* 486 ]154}30 | Sand [54 17 [ot 2ia|ate yeay| ost 3.5 Sources of experimental material Seeds of egeplant (So/amon mefongena TL.) used in both seasons were obtained from. Kenya Seed Company. Inorganic fertilizers were purchased from local agrochemicel dealers while the compost was locally made using msily maize stovers andthe farm yard manure was collected at Bukuta agricultural college farm. The same farmyard manure and compost were used during short ins season of 2009 and long rans season ‘£2010. The manure and compost were stored in a waterproof sole. 3.6 Inorgante sources of ferllizer used Inthe study 346.1 Calelum ammonium nitrate (CAN) CAN is @ misture of Ammonium nitrate (produced by neutralizing nitric acid and ammonia) and finely pulverized limestone of dlomite, granulated together. ft contains 21:27 percent N, half inthe form of ammonium and the rest in the form of nate. Is se does not make the sol acl by itu of the carbonate init ‘36.2 Di-ammonium phosphate (DAP) Diamuoonivm phosphate, (NEA)2HPOS, is manufactured by the reaction of mania and phosphoric acid. Is ittogen to phosphate ratio makes it an excellent dirct pplication product or one that blends well with other fertilizer murals to produce a4a variety of NPK ferilizrs. 1 rypially contains 18 percent N~ 46 percent P.O, DAP is typically 90% ater soluble (expressed asa percentage of salle P.O) andthe et citrate soluble. The typical pH ofthe product i 7.5 when i s measured on saturated Cn ECT CoE ETE CoD ECT ETE smsmoni (NH) and causes a small zone aroun the DAP particles i he silo ave a pH of about 8.0, AReca short ime aad as the DAP coatines to beak dow, the podvet snot fl f acing the soil (Tisdale ra, 1985). kn some countries, efforts are ‘underway to fortify DAP wit he needed micrautiet. £37 Organic inputs used inthe stacy 3.7.1 Compost Compost can be defined as organic manuse or ferilizer produced as a result of aerobic anaerobic or partly aerobic decomposition of a wide varity of crop, animal, human and industrial wastes (FORMAT, 2008) Compost is material of animal or plat origin COON CHIEN CN cD CLE wD EEO OED ENED CI {chemical iolgial a physical (Bi, 1988) Composting involves combining and decomposing various forms of plant and anal smarter (eral stove, leaves, weeds, wood, kitchen wastes, naturale, clothes, bai ‘bones ete) (BiL1995). Low quality plant residues such as maize stover, banana residues, wheat saw and sweet portato vines ae not largely eyed iat the fies but ‘sed ether as lvestoek fer or burt at plnting. The quality of compost fom these materials canbe improved by fortification of he residues with application of nitogea feilier aod mame during composting (Fommat, 2004). Unlike the use of chemical fetilizers which target feeding the crop, compost feds the soi; crops then sequester ‘utrents from soil leaving the surpus (Finstein and Miller, 1985). Application ofthis2 compost can greatly improve crop yield especially that of maize hence a suitable fenilizer for ws in mutint depleted small hol farms “The major advantage of compos lies in ts ability to promote sil heath, making it more favourable fr the survival of may miro-ora and mieo-huna tht iababit int (De Bertolt al 1985), Fetes tend to exhaust soil hums which is ren slid into mutrients foe pts in the presence of chemical ferilizers (Fasten and Miller 1085). the presence of hums, the rai soluble and excess mtriets dot reach cesily t coatamiaate ground and surface water asin soil devoid of humus (Oni, 1999) 3.7.2 Farm yard manure Fannyard maar i a mixture of cate urine, ding, fed refuse and balding material eg, sraw (Wild, 1988). In mixed farming systems that characterize many smlholer farms, animal production is stoagly dependeat on local cop production, while sal crop production is stonely dependent on the amouat of mame produced and the amount and of autiets therein (Willan «fo, 1998) Faryard manure therefore an integral componeat of soil fertility mamagemeot in maay areas of topics aad its importance esa source of mitiets for erop production s widely recognized (Baton et al, 2004), For example, FYM is used by over 79% ofthe farmers in westem Keaya (Bekunde and Woomer, 1996), Use of fm yacd manure is one of the traditional methods of returning mitre othe land. ‘There is @ major difeence between FYM aod commercial fetlizers in tems of ‘tint availability in that some of the nutrients in FYM exist organic forms and eed tobe converted to inorganic forms before beng available to plant use (Bationo and Mulraye, 1991), When sed as fertiizer, the short-term (Le. within several spots) release of nutrients ftom FYM is important, Famyard manure may be regarded as a4 slowly available sours of plant nutrients compare to inorganic fertilizer. Along with tints, manure supplics valuable organic matter to belp improve soil physical opeties, and increase the activity of beneficial soil microbes (Kapkiyai et al, 1999).Brady (1974) ideatiied three outstanding characteristics of anital masues These are Considerable variability in moisture and mutren eontent 33) Arlatvely low mutint conten in comparison with consmercal fertilizer. ii) An imbalanced nutrient ratio, being considerably lower in P than N and K, “The murat conten of manure can vary, according to whats boca fe to the aia methods of collecting, handling and storage (Probe eta, 1998: Kibaada, 1996). Its uit content depends on the species and size of the animal fom which it was evved, the qualty of fodder the animal received, the composition of the bedding ‘material and is banding and storage bere itis spread om the land (Brady 1974; ‘Tisdale ea, 1985) Characterization studies by Wiliams ot (1995) gave the following ranges in mutint content of manure in tie; 0.25-1.76 NP; .081.0% P; 0.2-1.46% Ki 01-13% Ca nd 01-03% Mp. High quality mame bas bee defined as that with > 685N or C: N :ato of =10 while low quality manure has <0.65N or C:N ato of 17 Bationo er a 2004), Several studies suggested methods to improve the quality of manures oa smallholder farms (Lekasi eral, 2001). These include; feding concentates, zo ‘raing rater than the traditions sain, string manne under cover eater than ia ‘ne open anon concrete ater than sil ors. According to Gill etal (1997), crop CEEEEEIEDAD OCI CCEEIMND CCH CED COED Cghly variable due to ilfrences among farmers and betcen sepions in the chemical composition of manures, in the rates of manure application and inthe frequency of application on each,“4 field, Akbough the butkness of FYM is a major constant in ts use, i is nevertheless valued as «source OfN whore tilts are expensive and where thre cop labour (wile, 1988. Although the application of manure alone produces signeant response it not a complete aernative to mineral fertilizers (Quinones eta, 1997). In most cass the use ‘of manures is part ofan itera ow of mucins witia the firm and doesnot add tints from outside the fm (Bationa ol, 2008). The efetive whlization of ‘mance a a source of plant autriets i ofea constrained by poor quality and limited svilbilty mainly dv to poor management, Rescarch highlights have shown that wse- ficiency of manures can be enhance by different management pratze acing the ‘ining ond methods of manus application, sa integrated nutrient management (Ojiem fal, 2008) Atbovgh bulkiness and availabilty’ of FYM are major consents in its ‘sei nevertheless valued asa source of N where tiers are expensive and where ‘ete i cheap Ibour (Wil, 1988). Most nataue are chvasterized as intermedinte-ow quality resources and ence peseribed to he used in «mime with inorganic fertilizers (ain et al, 2001), However, statis in investigating the benef of sole versus combined application of mares and snorsoni fertilizers ave given variable and inconsistent results (Palm or a, 19976) and no coschisve revommendations have, ‘ereore, been possible 3.7.3 Green manure Green manures play a key role in providing subsequest crops with uti, rmaintining sil quality, and helping to con weeds and pests (Kraus et el, 2010). ‘Green manucing involves spreading plant material with high nitrogen content on fields and sometimes alsa working i ato the soil (Verteeg, MLN. ct al, 1998). The most important features of a green manure are large dry matter production and high ability to45 fix nivogen (Wivsta, 1997).Green manure can be used diet or ater composting as a nutiat inp that will ater decomposition, be taken up by crops to produce biomass and grin, The effectiveness of green manuring as a soil fetity’ management technology depends on the stage of ep during incorporation, placement (icorpoated cor sucice placement, strict content and carbon to nitogem ratio of material whi influences decomposabiity and mineralization, ‘Young and succult plat materials tend to decompose at fstr rate compared to ‘materials fom mature plans, while incorporation enhances mineralization cela to surface applied plant tera. Using green manures from deep rooting peensial agro- forestry toes allows organic matter to he tapped a utes to be dase fom deeper levels of soil more than is posible fom animal o annual plat manures (Larson, 196). For instance, se of Crtaiia 3s areen manure sheen ound to improve produit ‘of mnize-bean cropping systems in este Aiea Fischer ea, 1999). As hiahlighted by Byeree and Heisey (1992), een manuces may ot provide sufficient and balanced mtsiens (teh as phosphors, potassium, ete) required by subsequent op for improved productivity although they ae good souce of nitrogen, The key to chiving the maximum benefit fom green manure i symchronization of nutint release from decomposing green maaure with demands of subsequent crop. (Fischleret aL, 1999) Herbaceous groen mame legumes like mucuna grown specifically or soi fetilty restoration have not been widely adopted by farms in SA. Given tht green ames compete for land resources with other food crops, and donot conrbue disc income or food security (Stapp et al, 2002) and given that land is very limited, patie challenge as this as this is a oil fry minagement option tht might not always or realy fit in farmers eropping cycles. potentially pratiel solution to this46 challenge is lization of aornative plans suchas using water hyacinths. Gunnarsson CRC TOCTND CCD MUO TOTES [E)CETEMEICHEEETNEDCLCETT hat dried water hyacinths was a feasible alternative as green manure in many developing countries since hyacinths canbe ic in nitrogen, ‘have upto 3.2% of dry matter and have a carbon to nitrogen (CIN) ratio of about 15. (Chemical analyses have indicated a high nutrient content of water hyacinth, 20% exude protein and very high ry matter production (Abdelhamid ad Gabr, 1991), making ‘water hyacizth a potentially suitable alternative to traditional green manure crops. Legume green manures offer low cost opportunity for maintaining sol fertility by mainly improving nitrogen supply tothe soil. This can be achieved if the species chosen as green munure crops are compatible with climatic conditions and soil characteristics of the area (Buckles eral, 1998). Seeening of green manuring herbaceous legumes in the mid-altiude areas of mount Kenya region was conducted between 1995 and 1996, and out of 25 species sereened, afew best-bet species Were identified; Mucuna (Mucuna ravens) and Crotalaria (Crotalaria ochrolenca) were found to be stitable for intereropping with mize. Both legumes established easly, nadusted profusely and ‘were found tobe resistant fo pests, Although inoculation with appropriate rhizobia may increase the evel of aodulation, both legumes produced effective nodules in the abseuce ‘of aay external inoculation (Gita, ea, 1997; Mureith, etal, 1998). Tihonta diversfolia, commonly known ss Mexican sunflower, is « non-Nitrogen fixing shrub of the family Aseraceae, which was probably introduced into Altica as ‘omamental plant (lama ea, 2000), Tithona is an aggresive plant thet grows to height ‘ofabout 3 mI produces large quantities of biomass, tolerates regular pruning and can be easily estalishod from seed and cuttings (Huresh and Niang 1997), Iti widely listibuted throughout te middle aude elevations ofthe humid and sub humid topicsPa (Buresh and Niang 1997) In westom Konya it is widespread where it grows along the roadsides, waterways, abandoned lands sad on cutvated farmlands (am tc, 2000) Iris however, inky used to mark farm boundaries. The common practice by farmers is to top tithonin hedge once or twice a year to reduce competition With erops inthe adjnceat fis, and provide good ooking hedge and fie! wood (Kiptt, 2007). The abundance and adaptability of tihonia wo various environments, coupled with is rapid oth rate and very high vegetative matter tumover, make it suitable agroforestry species fo soltejuvenation (Olde ea, 2007; Ade and Om0s0, 2008) ‘Tionia as aroused saich seseatch interest because of the rlavely high sutint coneentations that are fonad in its biomess, Furthermore, the processes by which “Tituonia enhances crop yields are aot ily understood and thus Saas oa. (2000) and Kiptot (2007) recommended more research to document the occurrence and to ‘udesstand the processes for enhanced mutrieat availability’ and crop production with integrated use of tthona sed mineral ilies compared to soe vse of fies. 3.74, Characterstis of organic materials used in the study ‘Cheaieal propetis of the thee organic manus are shown in Table 32. The samples ‘of FYM and compost ha PH levels above 7, while thon hod pl 6.5.Thesitrogea levels were also quite high with values above 0.5% while organic mater levels were ‘medivan in compost, high in FYM and very high i tihonia as seen in high carbon levels In addition, the phosphorus and potassium fvels inal he manures were vey high, The N and P contents ofthe manures were teste inthe Inbortory and aconting to the resus, the doses of manures were sot in sch a way that ll the treatments contain same amount of ' and P.4 ‘Table 3.2: Chemical a ysis of diferent organie sourees use in ths study Contents| FYE ‘Compost Tithoala Neo 0 os a Pane) 216 maa 30 Kes) 2 099 a ores) os2 406 2 pH) 233 yas 6s 3.8 Experimental design and model, treatments and establishment of test plants 3.8.1 Experimental design and model ‘The experiment was done at Bukura Agricultural College farm, 20 km South West of ‘Kakamega town, Kakamega Distt during shor sain of 2009 and Jong rains of 2010 ‘The experimental design was a split plot with three replications, where the ro levels of mineral ferilizers treatments of $0%% research recommended rte (110 kaha"DAP and 300 kgha°CAN) which contains 83kg N hat" and 61.Skg P ha and 100% Research recommended rate (220 kgha DAP and 600 kgha"CAN) containing 160kg N ha" and 123kg P ba (KARI, 1994) were randomized in main plots aad while thee types of ‘organic manures; FYM, Compost at rte of 10-15ton ha (12-18 Kgiplet o 1-5 kg’Mt) and Tithonia at rte of 6 ton ba" (7.2 ky/plot of 06 kg per Mand contol treatments ‘were randomized within the subplots. Each plot measured 3 x 4-m with I m paths ‘between the blocks and 0.5 m pas between pls “The Generalized statistical model forthe split plot design experiment is 2iklm = w+ D+ CO k+ CO CDCI Whereby: “Xiklm= plot observation mean ofplt observation49 1) =tmain treatment effect D) = replication or block elect perimental error) SD = subareotment effet 1D = Interaction: main treatment X sub-treatmeat com ooeTEMCETECKTED 3.482 Treatments ‘The main treatments consisted of two levels of inorganic fertilizer derived from the 2 application of DAP (18460) and CAN ( ) applied during transplanting and top essing respectively. The research recommended rates are 220 kg ba (10gzhole) of DAP and 600 ke lt (100u/plant) of CAN applied in tree spi. This translates to 166 ‘kg N ho and 123 kg P tor" Three types of organic manures and control (without addition of organic manures) were sub-treatments, (Table 3.3).The inorganie fertilizer ‘weatments were applied 35 follows; SOMRRR (83 Kg N be, 61.5 Ka P ba) and 100%RRR (166 Kg N he, 123 Kg P ha")-The Organic fertilizer types and their control comprised the sub- treatments; Contol (Without addition of organic manures). The ‘weatment combinations are shown in Table 33so ‘Table 3.3: Treatment combinations of the inorganic fertilizer two levels and the three organte manures and control ‘Tesiment | NivopeaiKe Nba") | PhospboratigP ba") | Organic Yeiizer Tr B as Contzol R 8 as Tithonia B 3 as Compost ™ 2 as PYM 1s 165 23 Conical 16 166 13 Tithonia v 166 1s Compost 1s 165 23 FYM ‘NBs FYM-fhrm yard manure, S0°GRRRIST Ke W ha", 61.5 Kg P ha") and TOOGRRR, (166 Ka N ba, 123 Ka P ba) Farm yard. manure and tithonia were applisd to the marked plots eo weeks before ‘wansplanting of the seedlings by evenly spreading them within the appropriate ‘experimental plots and incorporte toa depth of 15 cm, 3.8.3 Experimental layout ‘The experiment was conducted at Bukura Agricultural College firms in Kakamegn District. The experimental plot sizes were 3 x 4m and soil sampling done on the plots before traasplanting for sol analysis. Split plot design with three ceplicatious was used where; the levels of inorganic filzer rates (S06 and 100%RRR) were randomized in the main plots. The thee sourees of rgini manures; FYM, Compost apple at ate of 10 ‘Stan (12-18 kpplot or 1-L5 kp-M?) and Titnoaia applied at at of 6 tonha "(7.2 ky plt or (0 kg pee NE) an onto teeta Were aadomsizes within he spots3. BLOCKI a BLOCK WB ee BLOCKIE wn BR Ee Fig.3.1, Experimental layout at Bukura farm during 2009 SR season (See Table 3.1 for treatment combination deseriptions) SAA Establishment of test plants Eggplant seedings were raised ina sesdbed of 1m wide and convenient length on $* August, 2009 and 17° Jomuny, 2010. DAP (18%N, 406.0, a recommended rate was ‘item applied tothe Seed bed and lighly med wih the soil using a rake: seeds ‘were sown in Snows 30 cin apt ad tial covered wi topsoil The sedings were ready for transplanting 42 days afer sowing Le, on 1S" September, 2009 and 1 Marc, 2010 when they were 8-10 ca ia eight. The experimental fell was ploued and Jmseowed into a fine ith an pots were marked. Farm yard manute a thon were spplied tothe marke plots to weeks before transplanting ofthe seadlings by evealy spreading them wii the eppropsnte experimental plots and incorporated 0 & depth of 0-015 m Foury two (42) dey olf seelings of ufo size were seleted ond ‘ranpluted iat the make plots as per the teats. The spacing of 75x60 em was ‘sed resting in. fn plnt population of 35 plants pe plo. Dung transplanting, DAP aod compost was applied while CAN applied three weeks later The nonmalroin fied management practices sich as weeding, pest and disease control were cated out as recommended by Ministry of Agriculture in Kenya,2 3.9 Parameters for observation 3.944, Plant growth [At the vegetative stage on I December, 2009 and 13° April 2010 i.75 days after ‘wansplanting random samples of five plants fiom each plot were taken for determination of and Plant height cm) and Fresh weight of the plant (including stem and Jeaves) the measurements Were determined using a tape measure forthe plant eight and spring balance forthe plat fesh weight 3.9.2. Fruit yield and its quality Ege plat fits were picked weekly stating 10% December, 2009 and 25th April.2010 through the harvesting period for estimation of yield parameters total yield as tonnes per ba. The surfice ofthe fut should be bright and glossy. The Suits were ready to Irvest from the time it was one quarter grown to near rip. Harvesting was done by cutting the suit ftom the stem and leavin a short pieve of sak on the fut when they ave about two thirds mexinm size, Ranom samples of 10 fits fom each plot were taken inthe third picking to determine the physical fait quality i.e. fut length and diameter. The fvits were cut though fongitudinslly aud measured their Feng and diameter using arte. 39.3 Data analysis Analysis of varimce (ANOVA) was done to determine the teatment differences in, _rovth, yield and fit quality parameters sing Gensttstatstieal package (3° edition) ‘The Duncan Multiple Range Test (DMRT) was used to compare treatment means at p< 0s.s CHAPTER FOUR RESULTS 4.1 Plant growth 441.1 Pant height ‘There was significant aeration (p-0.05) between the at of inorganic fertilizers and to organic manures onthe pln height (Table 4.10) an ()). Table 4.1(4) ANOVA table for plant helzht (em) of eggplants during 2009SR Source ofvaraiion [aE [sa me VE Fee Biosks Z Bs [IAT [TIS TNORGANIC 7 T8370 | 118.3708 | 101.03 [O07 Residual) z 2a [ITI [sas ‘ORGANIC 3 1272.9986_| 424298 _[ 197348 | 00 TNORGANICORGANIC | 3 1779 [48360 [2245 |< 001 Residual) 12 [2.5800 [0.2150 Total 23 160.2365 NB: di=degiees of feedom, 55 =sum of squares, mS=mean Sums OF squares, W variance ratio(F),F pr=F probability Table 4.100) ANOVA table for plant helght (cm) of eggplants during 2010LR Source ofvarntion [GE] ss ms, VE Fer ‘Blocks z Grass [30077 [3730 INORGANIC 1 100.ds08 | 100.4508 [8886 | O0IT Residual) z 22608 [1308 [432 ‘ORGANIC z 1163 3646 387.7882 [14804 | =0OT TNORGANICORGANIC [3 3seie [1280 [492 [0019 Residual) [3183 [02619 Total 23 [138.0306 NB: di=degiees of feedom, S5=sun of squares, mS=mean Sums OF squares, W variance ratio(F),F pr=F probability As indicated in Table 4.4, the combination of farm yard manure (FYM) and inorganic fenilizers ad ifiantly (P0205) higher plant beight of $8 em and 64S emx compared to other organic soures of manure in 2009 SR. During 2010 LR. a similar tread was observed with plant height of $7.3 cas and 62 cin for FYM compared to 39 ‘em ans 42.33 em for controls respectively. The interaction effect of inorganic and organs nutrient sources on plant height generally ineeased fom ihonia, compost and farmyard manure in thet order (Fig. 4.1)-The combinations of SO%RRR (Conte!) inorganic frtiers and the organi manures (T2, TS and 4) resulted in plat taller shan 100%6RRR (Control testa! (15). ‘The inorganic ferizer level significa (p< 0.05) affected the men plat height. A significantly hher (p< 0.08) mean plant healt was recorded on 100°4RRR than the ‘SO%RRR during both 2009 SR and 2010 LR seasons (Table 4.5) significantly higher (p-0.05) mean plant was recorded during 2009 SR than 2010 LR. Applying 100% RRR ge significantly higher mean plant height of S1.89 cm and $0.77 em during 2009 SR. and 2010 LR respectively ‘The diferent sources of organic manvtes had a highly signficast(p°TIILL) effect on the plant mean height and caused an increase on growth of eggplant (Table 4.3). During both seasons, « significantly higher (p<0.05) mean plant belt was recorded among plants treated with organic manure compared with their control (Table 46). FYM bad the greatest effect on plant height followed in descending order by compost, tihonia ad contol Generally, 2009 SRS had higher mean plant height compared to the 2010 LR. For instance the min treatment of 100%% RRR of inorganic fetize had plant mean height ‘of 5.89 em and 50.77 em during the 2009 SR and 2010 LR season respectively.ss | z #00 i ssrrenitton 200888 z ” do serrtbitlon) 201008 Fig.LPlant mean helgbt (em) of eggplant 7S days after transplanting from the “ifferent treatments (T1-TS) In both the 2009 SR and 2010 LR.Table 4 able of means on effect of inorganic fertilizers combined with different organie manures on vegetative characters of ‘eggplant during the two seasons 2009SR and 2010LR. Treatments Plant heihi(em) Phawt fresh weigh) Tae of morgane Trias | Ongaaio maT 20095K 2010LR 20098 210K Wahonicoaral ws B Ter 1 Toa Ta # EE 3067 Compo 7 wa a TR S076 of RRR FY aaa 3 a3 oar HT Tess Ta 6 Tose 79 Withenicoaral Eas ee Be Bo Tea TT aa IGF 280 Compost a sit 0 37 100% of RRR. FY mane ae @ wre 208 Tea EEO sor Ts B09 Wianieonral ae aT SDE Eres Toa % se aT 5H Compost wat oF ro TF Mean Fae wae we TD ag Taorgens a 3 1 Ta 706 Orie ma Te O68 Tar Te Lebar Taco Ta Tar cy ue‘Table 4.3: Table of means on effect of inorganic fertilizers combined with diferent organic manures on frit yield and its quality “Treatment Frat peonnay Fi ems Fruit diameter) Teva of organi tertiee Organic 209s} 20101] 20095K) 2010LK| 20095] 2010LR Winer a) _am[ 78,78 cor @ “Tonia ToaT] 1938 835] 86 war oar Comper =e, ane] eB] 8 a a7 soworree | FYammre war] 3583] 938] 98 ee 708 Tier 3190] 3033 8] 878 a 3@ Wincor 3699] 2833] oT] 9a Ta Ta “Tiboaia He 3a] 38S Ta Tat Compo war] sees] _oas] tos Ta T67 toorsotRRR [FY aamire war] aur] toas | 100s 7 zy Tie wai] sans] 9m] 97 Ts 76 Winowronea) was] isos] 838] 805 aT or “Titonia 3559] 2540] ao7] 9a or 707 Compo wae] 2893[ 933] sar 7 Tat Mean FY mame 3] 3800) a7] oT 7a Tar Tarai Tar aus] ow] ous6] 035 0 ‘Ore RTS oe zie] ans] toe] oa 00% LsDats% Titers TF as} oB] air is)‘omparison of means of parameters of eggplant as influenced by different treatments at Bukura college farm, Treatment [Phat Hehiven) | Phot weigh(@) | Fru yelit tou) | Frat engibtem) | Fut dameterny )2009SR [2010LR | 209SR [2010LR | 2007 SR [210K] 2000 SR [2010LR | 2009 SR | [I0TR TT wae [oe [isla [Tera aT [THe [Tea _~( OT [ae TE Hse [He [22a [B07 [aT foe [RF [Ser [eae | 6oTF TF aid [asad —]Sode SRR [Sse LIST [Ese [39° fer oaTe TF 3a STS [SOIT [SHI |DASTE ISAT OTT [9K [SRI | FONT TS jaion [azasr[osierr [aor —[as000 [2aase [outa —[9ard [7330 [737 T6 Ford [AIM [LSTA [REM [IRIE [RTI [S& [SRW [Tae | TATE T7 Saa8e [S127 [3706 [3697 [3937 [36a ORI | ToOse [Te | 7.67 TS 5a [Ga aT Ta [aOR aoa HRTTa | TO0Sa Tosa | TRA] 790 ‘NB Means flowed by the sane Iter along the colamns are wot Sani anlly diferent using DMIRT at (P<0.03), ss9 “Table 4.5: Comparison of means of growth and yield parameters of egg plants as influenced by inorganic fertilizer levels at Bukura college farm Torganic | Plat Heahivem) | Plat weighia) | Fra elt ton'bay — | Fru Ieagtbvem) | Frat diametertomp fen. levels 2009 SK | 2OIOLR | 2009 SK |IOIOLR |2009SR |IOIOLR |3009SK |IIOLR [2009SK | IOOLR 7a [ASGRH [SOSRH [79H 21905 |I0IIH [RSI [ATI [OSI | Baw Sia [S07 [SORTS [D099 [ITI [ITS |S.GGa—[ORTA [THe | THe ‘NB Means flowed bythe sane letter along the columns are not sgniicanly dierent sing DMIRT at (P=0.05). ‘Table 4.6: Comparison of means of growth and yleld parameters of egg plants 28 Influenced by organke fertilizer levels at Bukura cong farm Cre Par ECG] Pa ERG) [FRI RCT) ee — Fa eT oe 2009SR~[3010LR [2009SR [2010LR [2009SR [2010/2009 SR |2010LR ]2009SR | 2010LR Cannot arose — Paar ea aoe aaa oar fsa fear fare — fo Taina || ERIE ane | TIE BIDE | BEA] BITE [HE] ave] TE Congas [aT — PaaS — fs — sans faosae feo] 355 fear r1a — PTH FIST —arae — [nate Pacem — PER Pema PUREE PTT 1B: Neans followed by Ue sane Leiter aloog the columns ae aot Significantly Giffereat using DMRT at (P= 005). PYM Farm Yard ‘Maaure