POWON M.P., AGUYOH J.N., MWAJ. A V.
Abstract
Low soil fertility is a major constraint to potato production in most Parts of Kenya. To enhance growth and yield of potato field research was carried on potato (Asante variety) for 2 seasons at NARC - Kitale and on farm Psigirio in 2002 and 2003. The experimental design was Randomized Complete Block (RCB), with three replications. Nine treatments of phosphorus rates (0, 52.2 and 100.4 kg ha-1and farmyard manure 0, 10 and 20t ha-1) either singly or in combination were used. Data were recorded on tuber dry weight; shoot dry weight and total yield of potatoes. Phosphorus and FYM had a significant (p< 0.05) influence on tuber dry weight; shoot dry weight and total yield depending on the season and year. A combination of P at100.4 kg ha-1 and FYM at 20t ha-1 resulted in an increase of 82% tuber dry weight and 62% of fresh tuber yield compared to the control. Tuber number and shoot dry weight were also affected by the application of P and FYM. Potato yield can therefore be improved through application of phosphorus and farm yard manure
Key words:
Solanum tuberosum, soil fertility, farmyard manure, phosphorus, yield.