Benefits of Rhizobial Inoculation and Phosphorus Application on Growth of Lucerne (Medicago-Sativa) In Kenya
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Date
2018
Authors
Miriko, Mutuerandu C.
Korir, Nicholas K
Gweyi-Onyango, Joseph P
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Abstract
Lucerne during the long and short rain seasons of 2016-2017 at Kenyatta University farm in
Kiambu County in Kenya. The experiments were laid out in split-plot arrangement in a Randomized
Complete Block Design (RCBD) with four replicates. The treatment factors were: (i) Main plot factor
– Lucerne, (ii) Sub-plot factor – inoculation and no inoculation and (iii) Sub-sub plot factor - different
phosphorus forms, no phosphate, RP and TSP totalling to twelve treatment combinations which
were replicated three times. Rows of 50cm apart were made, leaving 25 cm on the edge. The
maximum number of branches (18) was recorded on plants under the TSP treatment, followed by
RP (15) whereas the plants in the control had the lowest number of branches (11). Inoculation
significantly reduced the number of nodules in Lucerne probably due to the high population of
indigenous rhizobia already present in the soil which might have led to negative competition
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Keywords
Biological nitrogen fixation, phosphorus supply, inoculation, rhizobia
Citation
Miriko, M. C., Korir, N. K., & Gweyi-Onyango, J. P. (2018). Benefits of Rhizobial Inoculation and Phosphorus Application on Growth of Lucerne (Medicago sativa) in Kenya. International Journal of Plant & Soil Science, 21(6), 1-7.