A MULTIVARIATE ANALYSIS OF HOW CROPS RESPOND TO FERTILIZER AND

DIFFERENT TYPES OF SOIL

GICHUNGE CHRISTOPHER M

SB01/SR/MN/10148/2019

This is a research proposal submitted to the department of mathematics and

physical sciences, school of science of Maasai Mara University in partial fulfillment
of the requirement for the award of Degree of bachelor of science mathematics

February, 2023
DECLARATION
This is my unique work, and neither the Maasai Mara University nor any other university
has submitted it for academic credit.

GICHUNGE CHRISTOPHER SB01/SR/MN/10148/2019

Signature………………………….Date………………………………..

This proposal has been submitted for the examination with approval as a university
supervisor.

DR. MUTHIGA

Signature………………………Date……………………………………..
 DEDICATION

This research proposal is dedicated my dad, Joseph Gichunge for his support and encouragement
during the study
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I give thanks to the All-Powerful God for giving me the stamina, health, and bravery to finish
this thesis while I was conducting this research.

I want to thank my supervisor, Dr. Muthiga, for always being there for me and offering advice
when it was needed throughout the process.

I also want to thank the agricultural experts who helped me out by giving me the data I needed
for my study endeavor.

Finally, I want to thank my family, friends, and coworkers who helped me finish this research
assignment on time and provided a terrific support system.
ABSTRACT
Nutrients are necessary for the growth and reproduction of plants. The majority of plants get
these nutrients from the soil. When crops are harvested, the nutrients they contain are removed
from the fields (grain, stalks, etc.). The crop species yield and crop percentage that is removed all
affect how much nutrients are removed. The response of a crop to fertilizer application is
influenced by crop physiology and morphology in addition to the quantity of nutrients that are
available to plants in the soil.
The rate of nutrient supply to the roots must match the rate of nutrient required for growth in
order to provide well-balanced nutrition. It is critical to preserve the fertility of our agricultural
soils for both the present and the future. In order to determine when it is necessary to apply
nutrients in the form of fertilizers and/or manures in order to maintain soil fertility, soil analysis
and its interpretation are crucial management tools. Crop output is improved by using the right
fertilizer and soil combination.
Farmers and researchers are equally concerned about the best type of fertilizer to use among
organic and inorganic fertilizers to increase crop yield. Researchers want to know whether the
performance of organic or inorganic fertilizers depends on the soil. Farmers are also curious
about the connection between soil type and crop yield.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
DECLARATION..............................................................................................................................i
DEDICATION................................................................................................................................ii
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT..............................................................................................................iii
ABSTRACT...................................................................................................................................iv
Symbols and notations.....................................................................................................................v
CHAPTER ONE..............................................................................................................................7
1.0 BACKGROUND OF INFORMATION....................................................................................7
1.1 INTRODUCTION.....................................................................................................................7
1.2 Types of fertilizers.....................................................................................................................7
1.3 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM.........................................................................................8
1.4 objective of the study.................................................................................................................8
1.5 justification of the study............................................................................................................9
1.6 significance of the study............................................................................................................9
1.7 Definition of terms.....................................................................................................................9
CHAPTER TWO...........................................................................................................................10
Literature review............................................................................................................................10
2.1 Introduction..............................................................................................................................10
2.2 Conceptual and theoretical issues............................................................................................10
2.3 Conceptual framework.............................................................................................................11
2.4 Empirical review......................................................................................................................11
CHAPTER THREE.......................................................................................................................12
Research methodology...................................................................................................................12
3.1 Introduction..............................................................................................................................12
3.2 Research design.......................................................................................................................12
3.3 data collection method.............................................................................................................12
3.5 Multivariate specification........................................................................................................12
3.5 method of data analysis...........................................................................................................13
Work plan......................................................................................................................................15
Budget............................................................................................................................................16
Symbols and notations

1. GDP –Growth Domestic production.

2. ST-Soil Type.
3. CP-crop performance
4. FTU-Fertilizer Type used
 CHAPTER ONE

1.0 BACKGROUND OF INFORMATION

1.1 INTRODUCTION
Agriculture's other key component is animal production, in addition to crop production. There
are two levels of crop production: commercial and subsistence. When a farmer produces on a
huge scale for the market and just a little amount is intended for personal consumption, it is
considered commercial.

Whatever form of production a farmer chooses, understanding fertilizer and soil characteristics is
crucial because it will determine the farmer's output. Kenya's economy is heavily dependent on
agriculture, which accounts for 33% of GDP growth and another 27% of GDP indirectly through
connections to other industries.

Over 70% of Kenya's rural residents work in this sector. Kenya's agriculture is extensive and
intricate, involving numerous public, non-governmental, and commercial sectors. Crop output is
greatly influenced by soil quality and fertilizer composition. Due to its extreme heterogeneity, a
plot of land planted to the same crop at the same time and with the same management strategy
experiences varying rates of growth and production (Olalokun, 1998).

Particularly in the West African subregion, intensive agriculture and fertilizer application have
become a crucial component of soil management. The response of a crop to fertilizer application
is influenced by crop physiology and morphology in addition to the quantity of nutrients that are
available to plants in the soil. The rate of nutrient supply to the roots must match the rate of
nutrient required for growth in order to provide well-balanced nutrition. Numerous farmers have
been forced to abandon their farms since, in certain instances, the reaction to fertilizer
application isn't quite outstanding.

1.2 Types of fertilizers

Fertilizers can only be grouped into two namely:

i. Natural fertilizers

These are nitrogen-rich fertilizers made from leftover plant material and animal products.

Organic fertilizers' benefits

• When used on farmlands, they have long-term beneficial benefits on farmlands and do not
harm ground water.

 When sprayed excessively to crops, they don't hurt or burn the plants.
 Organic fertilizers are regenerative and safe for the environment.

• Composting allows you to create your own organic fertilizer, despite it being rather pricey in
packages.

Disadvantages of organic fertilizers

• Although the overall percentage is lower than with chemical fertilizers, nutrient ratios
are frequently unknown. Some organic products, however, really contain more of a few
specific nutrients.
• Often, it takes longer to aid in the growth of your plant.

ii) Organic fertilizers

Synthetic fertilizers made from chemical or synthetic materials with a specific ratio of
desired compounds that are good for crops are known as inorganic fertilizers.

Benefits of using inorganic fertilizers

• They undergo extensive analysis to produce the precise balance of nutrients

required.
 Why because the plants can directly access the nutrients, changes happen quickly.
 Ratios and chemistry are easier to understand with standardized labeling.
Disadvantages of inorganic fertilizer

• Extended usage of chemical fertilizers may alter the soil's pH and increase greenhouse gas
emissions.
 Chemical fertilizers filter away from plants and need to be applied more frequently.
• If used in excess, they may burn or damage plants.
• When used, it may contaminate the air and water.

1.3 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

Today's crop output in Kenya has been generally variable due to ignorance of the best soil type
and fertilizer to use. This has caused Kenya's overall agricultural yield to be below average.
Knowing the right combination will aid in boosting crop output.
Farmers and academics are equally concerned about the optimal form of fertilizer to utilize
among organic and inorganic fertilizers to boost crop productivity. Researchers want to know
whether the performance of organic or inorganic fertilizers depends on the soil. Farmers are also
curious about the connection between soil type and crop yield.
1.4 objective of the study

Main objective
To determine whether crop output, fertilizer type, and soil type are related.
Specific objective
i. To determine whether crop yield and soil type are related.
ii. To determine whether the type of fertilizer and crop output are related.
iii. To identify the soil type and fertilizer mixture that produces the most crops.

1.5 justification of the study

Due to ignorance about the ideal fertilizer and soil type combinations, crop productivity is low in
Kenya. According to the theme of this study, the study will concentrate on how crops react to
various forms of fertilizer in various types of soil.
Crop output is improved by using the right fertilizer and soil combination. The methodologies
and procedures utilized to judge whether crops responded well to fertilization or not by
examining their performances are thoroughly covered in the study's early stages.

1.6 significance of the study

The purpose of this study is usually to determine whether crop yield and soil type are related in
any way. Additionally, this assessment aids in identifying the soil type that promotes greater crop
yield.

Over-fertilization may result from fertilizer application without knowledge of your soil's actual
nutrient requirements. You can prevent using too much fertilizer by identifying your soil type
and getting fertilizer recommendations. This is better for the environment and for crops.

It is critical to preserve the fertility of our agricultural soils for both the present and the future. In
order to determine when it is necessary to apply nutrients in the form of fertilizers and/or
manures in order to maintain soil fertility, soil analysis and its interpretation are crucial
management tools.

1.7 Definition of terms

i. Organic: made from live organisms.

ii. Crops: a plant that is extensively cultivated, particularly for food.
The top layer of the earth, or soil, is where plants and trees can grow.
iv. Fertilizer: a material that is given to the soil to aid in plant growth.
iv. Inorganic: originating from nothing living.
CHAPTER TWO
Literature review
2.1 Introduction

The population is currently forecast to continue to increase which cause an increase in demand
for food items such as meat. Livestock and crop production continue to get larger but agricultural
performance continues to characterize by irregular rising and falling caused by variable climatic
change in many countries. Soil is very significant factor in crop production. It is highly
heterogeneous and this is the cause of differential rates of growth and yield on a parcel of land
planted to the same crop at the same time and with the same management package (Olaniyan,
1998). Intensive cultivation and fertilizer application have become most aspect of soil
management.
Response to fertilizer applications is not encouraging; hence many farmers have been deserted
their farmland. Farmers will get reward from the research on soil management.in Kenya Trans-
Nzoia, Narok, Bungoma, and Nakuru maize are about the most commonly grown crop because
of its adaptation and economic viability. This study was therefore set about to evaluate maize
growth and yield responses to fertilizer application and amount of precipitation under different
soil type.

2.2 Conceptual and theoretical issues

Fertilizers use
Chemicals added to soil or land to increase fertility are referred to as fertilizers. Any organic or
inorganic materials of natural or synthetic origin that are added to soil to supply specific
elements necessary for plant growth can also be considered fertilizer. Fertilizer may include one
or more of vital nutrients. Those that include one nutrient are termed simple or straight fertilizer
whereas those that have several nutrients are called mixed or compound fertilizers. The three
primary nutrients for plants are potassium, nitrogen, and phosphorus.
The application of fertilizer improves low fertility soils as well as being most effective on
enhanced fertility soils. The majority of the time, fertilizer usage is what improves crop
performance. Different crops require various forms of fertilizer.
The application of fertilizer improves low fertility soils as well as being most effective on
enhanced fertility soils. The majority of the time, fertilizer usage is what improves crop
performance. Because various crops utilize different types of fertilizer, yields have grown
globally. Overuse of fertilizers may cause groundwater and surface water to become
contaminated. Pollution levels, which are somewhat preventable, can be controlled to negligible
levels (singh et al, 1979)
Soil fertility status in Kenya
The inherent poor fertility quality of the majority of the soils, which is defined by low activity
clay, low levels of organic matter, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, and exchangeable bases,
is one of the main obstacles to crop production in the area (Osundare, 2008).
Recent trends suggest that food insecurity will persist in Kenya as the natural resource base for
agriculture continues to be depleted, as evidenced by widespread of negative nutrient balances
for most smallholder agriculture. These negative nutrients balances arise as a result of an
imbalance between nutrients inputs and harvest removal, erosion and leaching.
2.3 Conceptual framework
Crop production in Kenya
Crop production in Kenya is centered on a range of food and cash crops. Subsistence farming
farmers produce food for families and for themselves and sell if there is any surplus.at a
commercial level, crops are produced in large scale for market consumption. The sub-sector is a
major occupation of the rural population and account for large share of the total agriculture
output. The crops sub-sector provides national food security and income generation through local
and export market.
The crop sub-sector does not currently meet the countries demand for maize, wheat, rice, and
various horticultural and industrial crop commodities. Kenya continues to import large quantities
of both fresh and processed horticultural products to meet the high demand for local
consumption.

Inorganic fertilizer
Homeowners understand that timely fertilizer applications will promote plant development in
their gardens and landscapes. To provide the right amount of plant nutrients, different fertilizers
must be administered at various rates. While properly applied fertilizer is safe for both plants and
animals, improper fertilizer application adds to environmental contamination.
Improper fertilizer application can result in salt burn, nutrient shortage or toxicity in plants, and
surface and ground water pollution. Inorganic fertilizers are healthy for plants and the
environment when used properly. This manual's main goal is to give broad advice on choosing
and applying inorganic fertilizers. For comparable information on organic products, see the
linked page, Selecting and Using Organic Fertilizers.
Calculating a crop's nutritional requirements
The type of plants planted, the soil's composition, any previous fertilizer or organic matter
additions, and their nutritional requirements all have a significant impact. Testing the soil is the
best technique to know which nutrients are required and in what amounts.
For landscapes and gardens, a thorough soil test is advised every two to three years; more
frequently if issues occur. For information on how to get soil samples and where to send them for
examination, speak with your Extension County Agent. Nutrient recommendations and
interpretations will be included with a soil test report. The most frequently required nutrient is
nitrogen. Depending on the landscaper's objectives and the level of management, slower
development rates may be preferable. In a garden environment, nitrogen recommendations for
vegetables are made to achieve the highest yields possible.

Using organic fertilizers

If you're a gardener switching from chemical to organic fertilizers, you might be concerned that
using organic materials will be more difficult and inconvenient than using chemical fertilizers
that have already been combined. Not so! Mixes of organic fertilizer can be just as practical and
efficient as blends of synthetic fertilizer. Unless it's a hobby you enjoy, you don't need to custom
feed your plants organically.
Since this is the case, most gardeners will be content to apply one or two applications of general-
purpose organic fertilizer throughout the garden. Some experts, however, will spread a little
blood meal around their tomatoes at planting and then some bone meal right before the blossoms
are about to pop.Houseplant fertilization is made simple by goods like liquid seaweed and dried
organic cow dung pellets.

2.4 Empirical review

Agriculture is the economic heart of most countries and most likely source of significant
economic growth (DFID, 2003). It has been noted as the primary and certain route to economic
sustainability and growth. Agriculture has always been and will undoubtedly always be a
significant and essential sector of the Kenyan. It is predicted that the agricultural sector will be
required to provide more food to a population that is both increasing and more affluent in the
future, as well as serve as a source of foreign exchange (Nagay and Edun, 2002). Kenyan
agriculture has to use science-based technology and the use of fertilizer in order to boost
productivity. Due to limited land growth and a lack of such information, agricultural productivity
will diminish. At the African Fertilizer Summit on June 19, 2006, African leaders, international
policy makers, and agricultural experts all emphasized both the significant challenges that
African farmers face as a result of declining soil fertility and the potential productivity gain from
the modest fertilizer use. They also reported that, soils which are depleted of nutrients and
organic matter are unable to effectively retain and use water (Batino, 2006). The structure and
performance of the agriculture market need to be improved, according to Olomola (2005).
Many farmers and agribusiness companies are unable to predict where to buy or sell
commodities in advance in order to optimize profit and lower marketing risk. This has led to the
emergence of a class of market agents in Nigeria who have taken advantage of the lack of
transportation and knowledge to defraud both farmers and agribusiness companies, consequently
lowering and deterring the purchase and use of such inputs. According to Grace et al. (2003), the
poor yield issue is caused by the inefficient use of fertilizer as an input, confirming that soil
fertility is actually a requirement for sustainable crop production.
 CHAPTER THREE

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

3.1 Introduction
This chapter describes how the study was designed by indicating the techniques and procedures
used for the research and accumulation of data for the study. It includes a description of the study
strategy, the population, sample, and sampling procedures, the data sources, the data collecting
device, and the methods for data analysis.

3.2 Research design

This is a causal study. A casual study involves an investigation of what causes the other among
different variables. Causality approach to this study is most preferred because the study will be
investigating the response of crops to fertilizer and soil types. This study adopted both
descriptive and explanatory research design. First, the study describes the trend of crop
performance on soil and fertilizer type.

3.3 data collection method

The study utilizes secondary data extracted from the published annual reports of the commercial
bank used for the study. With the secondary data collected, returns on assets and equity for the
relevance years were computed.

3.5 Multivariate specification

The model for the study comprises of three constructs as described below:

Soil type (ST)

The soil type used consist the following three elements:
 loamy soil type
 clay soil type
 sandy soil type

Fertilizer type used (FTU)

 organic fertilizers
 inorganic fertilizers
Crop performance (CP)
The performance of crops was rated on a scale of 1 to 4. With 4 signifying crops that performed
very well and 1 signifying poor performance of crops.

3.5 method of data analysis

In analyzing data collected for the purpose of carrying out this research, the statistical tool
known as the multivariate analysis was used.
REFERENCES
Roy, 2006. A speech at the Africa fertilizer summit held in Nigeria. Abuja/Africa Fertilizer
Summit/IFDC/NEPAD, Africa Fertilizer Summit.

National Economic Empowerment and Development Strategy (NEEDS), 2004.The NEEDS

Secretariat.National Planning Commission, Abuja, Nigeria.

Dickson, A.O., 2004. Regional study on agricultural support.Nigerias Case-special Study Report
Prepared for Food and Agricultural Organization.

Grace, J., 2003. Agricultural Development: Issues of Sustainability Central Bank of Nigeria:
Contemporary Economic Policy Issues in Nigeria. Central Bank of Nigeria Publication,
Abuja, Nigeria.

Irz, X., L. Lin, C. Thirtle and S. Wiggins, 2001.Agricultural growth and poverty alleviation. Dev.
Policy Rev., 19: 449-456.   

Bum, B., 2002.An Action Plan for Developing Sustainable Agricultural Input Supply System in
Malawi. IFDC Publications, Alabama, USA.

Nagay, J.G. and O. Edun, 2002.Assortment of Nigerian Government Fertilizer Policy and
Suggested Alternative Market Friendly Policies. IFDC, Nigeria.

Norman, B., 2006. A speech at the africa fertilizer summit held in Nigeria. June 11/Africa
Fertilize Summit/IFDC/NEPAD/Africa Fertilizer Summit.

Central Bank of Nigeria, 2004.Economic Report of Regional Research and Statistics Units.Vol.
3, CBN, Nigeria.

Okoloko, J., 2006. A Speech at the African Fertilizer Summit Held in Nigeria.Abuja/Africa
Fertilizer Summit /IFDC/NEPAD Africa.

Olomola Ade, S., 2005.Dimension and consequences of exclusive mechanism in the

globalization of agricultural. Proceedings of the GNS 2nd International Conference,
(GIC`05), Novotel, Darker, Senegal, pp: 29-31.

Batino, K., 2006. Speech at the africa fertilizer summit. Batino is a Nairobi-based Soil Scientist
with the International Centre for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT).

Thompson, T., K. Vander-Meer, G. Alex and S. Kane, 2004. Agricultural Investment Source
Book: Promoting Private Sector Fertilizer Distribution System. World Bank Group, UK.

Pedro, S., 2004. Agricultural Investment Source Book: Promoting Private Sector Fertilizer
Distribution System. World Bank Group, UK.
 WORK PLAN

Activity Sub-activity Period/duration

Week Week Week Week Week Week
1 2 3 4 5 6
/concept Concept development
proposal Literature search proposal
Write up proposal
presentation

materials Book and pen

methods Multivariate analysis

Data Multivariate analysis

analysis

project Compiling
 BUDGET

Activity Sub-activity Item Unit cost No. of units Total cost

ksh

Concept Concept Internet 1600 1.6gb 1600

development

Proposal Literature internet 800 1gb 500

review

Sampling Sampling internet 1000 1.2gb 1000

collection

Materials 1.book 500 1 500

2.pen 2 2 50
3. laptop 30,000 1 30,000

Data analysis Multivariate Ms excel 0.00 0.00 0.00

analysis

Project write Compiling laptop 0.00 0.00 0.00

up

Total 33,650