Phosphorus Sorption and Lime Requirements of Maize Growing Acid Soils of Kenya

• DOI: 10.5539/sar.v2n2p116
• Publication Date: 2013-01-29T11:19:09Z
• Authors: P. O. Kisinyo; C. O. Othieno; S. O. Gudu; J. R. Okalebo; P. A. Opala; J. K. Maghanga; W. K. Ng’etich; J. J. Agalo; R. W. Opile; J. A. Kisinyo; B. O. Ogola
• Keywords: 0106 biological sciences; 2. Zero hunger; phosphorous sorption; 500; 15. Life on land; 01 natural sciences; acid soils; 6. Clean water; lime requirements

<p>In Kenya, maize (<em>Zea mays</em> L.) is mainly grown on acid soils in high rainfall areas. These are known for low available phosphorus (P), partly due to its sorption by aluminium (Al) and iron oxides. The study determined soil P sorption, lime requirements the effects of pH, Al levels main growing acids highlands east west Rift Valley (RV), Kenya. Burnt containing 21% calcium oxide was used. were strongly extremely (pH 4.85-4.07), had exchangeable Al<sup>3+</sup> (> 2 cmol kg<sup>-1</sup>) saturation 20% Al), which most germplasm Kenya sensitive to. base cations, cation exchange capacity (< 10 mg kg<sup>-1</sup> bicarbonate extractable P) low, except at one site RV indicative with history fertilizer applications. Highlands higher (343-402 than (107-258 kg<sup>-1</sup>), probably because their Al<sup>3+ </sup>ions<sup> </sup>and also energies bonding between colloids phosphate ions. (11.4-21.9 tons ha<sup>-1</sup>) (5.3-9.8 ha<sup>-1</sup>). Due differences acidity, capacities within RV, blanket recommendations may not serve all equally well.</p>