Abstract
A field experiment assessing the effects of natural and T. vogelii fallows and Minjingu phosphate rock (MPR) on total inorganic N, Pi-P and maize grain yield was conducted for 26 months in acidic, N and P deficient Ferralsol. In the first 22 months, natural and T. vogelii fallows were established, with the latter amended with either 0 or 80 kg P ha-1 as MPR at planting. Subsequent to the fallows, maize was planted on plots treated with natural fallow, T. vogelii biomass, T. vogelii biomass co-applied with MPR, T. vogelii biomass pre-applied with MPR at T. vogelii establishment, Sulphate of Ammonia alone or co-applied with either MPR or TSP. Total inorganic N concentrations were monitored at planting and at vegetative and silking maize growth stages, whereas Pi-P was determined once at silkirg. Initially, total inorganic N concentrations were significantly (P ⩽ 0.05) higher in plots amended with T. vogelii biomass, with significantly (P ⩽ 0.05) highest values in plots treated with MPR at establishment of T. vogelii fallows. During vegetative and silking growth stages, total inorganic N concentrations were significantly (P ⩽ 0.05) higher in S/A treated plots. The Pi-P concentrations were significantly (P ⩽ 0.05) increased in plots amended with MPR, TSP and T. vogelii fallow biomass. Maize grain yield was significantly increased by T. vogelii fallow biomass applied alone or co-applied with MPR at maize planting, but significantly (P ⩽ 0.05) highest yield was obtained in plots that were treated with MPR at T. vogelii fallow establishment. Application of MPR to T. vogelii at planting is a better strategy for improvement of total inorganic N, Pi-P and maize grain yield in acidic, N and P deficient Ferralsols
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Mkangwa, C., Maliondo, S., Semoka, J. (2007). Effects of total inorganic nitrogen and phosphorus availability on Maize Yields in the First post Tephrosia vogeliifallow. In: Bationo, A., Waswa, B., Kihara, J., Kimetu, J. (eds) Advances in Integrated Soil Fertility Management in sub-Saharan Africa: Challenges and Opportunities. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4020-5760-1_74
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4020-5760-1_74
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