RP-Department of Agricultural Sciences and Technology

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Browsing RP-Department of Agricultural Sciences and Technology by Subject "adoption"

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    Influence of Nitrogen Levels and Planting Architecture on Grain Amaranth in Kenya
    (London Journals Press, 2018) Gweyi-Onyango, Joseph P; Korir, Nicholas K; Ngetich, Alice
    Due to the stated unique seed composition, grain amaranth has certainly a potential to become a more considerable non-wheat material in composite flours used for fortified food production. In Kenya, the crop is grown in small plots and has not been fully utilized. Because of the many advantages it has there is need to improve on its production and adoption among the farmers. To achieve these there should be proper recommendations on the best agronomic practices for the crop. The study was carried out at Kenyatta University Farm, Main Campus during short and long rains cropping seasons of 2015 and 2016. It was laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with two arrangements (Conventional and Diagonal Offset) and three N rates (0 Kg/ha, 50 Kg/ha and 100 Kg/ha) and replicated thrice. Data collected were subjected to Analysis of Variance using SAS computer software and Fischer’s Protected LSD test was used to separate treatment means at 95% confidence level. The root weight increased with increasing nitrogen rate application with those under the 50 kg/ha rate having the highest on the diagonal offset arrangement. The root length was significantly influenced by application of nitrogen with the 50 kg/ha N showing the longest roots(22 cm) with no application having the shortest(15 cm) from week 5 after planting through to week 8. The highest leaf weight (63.4 g) was exhibited in the highest nitrogen rate during the first season while the lowest(23 g) was on the control. The grain yield per plant was highest(52g) under the diagonal offset planting architecture on the two highest rates of nitrogen fertilizer for both seasons. It is therefore recommended that the diagonal offset planting arrangement is suitable for grain amaranth at a rate of 50 kg/ha N