Aerobic mineralization and recovery of nitrogen as affected by soil organic matter status in three sites in Kenya
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Date
2005
Authors
Karunditu, M.W.
Mugendi, D.N.
Kung'u, J.B.
Vanlauwe, B.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
The Soil Science Society of East Africa National Research Laboratories
Abstract
Pressure on available land has increased due
to high population density and other
competing land-use demands which have led
to reduced use of traditional fallows and
subsequent decline in soil fertility. Aerobic
Nmineralization potential as affected by soil
organic matter status in the soil was
determined by a 56 day aerobic incubation
at25°C. Calliandra treatment at Maseno and
Embu trials had the highest mineralization
over the incubation period. This was
attributed to its low quality (slow
decomposition and N release) and its ability
tobuild up soil organic matter (SOM) in the
soil. Recovery of nitrogen in maize plants
was also determined and recovery was
highest at Embu trial followed by Maseno
trial while Kabete trial had the lowest
recoveries. Rainfall distribution and resource
quality were the main factors affecting
recovery of nitrogen at the three trials.
Description
Proceedings of the 21st Annual Confrence of the SSEA that was held in Eldoret Kenya from 1st-5th December 2003
Keywords
Mineral N, decomposition, organic resources, immobilization