Yield declines during six years of continuous maize grown at Misamfu Research Station were reduce... more Yield declines during six years of continuous maize grown at Misamfu Research Station were reduced by returning the maize stover. The decline of organic matter following forest clearing is discussed. On a long-term trial in Northern Zambia with continuous maize grown on highly weathered soils, initial responses obtained to N applications ceased after three years when yields fell substantially and deficiencies of P and Mg became important. Changes in the pH of tropical soils are discussed in relation to their net permanent charge and point of zero charge. Soil acidity dynamics were studied in a long-term-trial in Northern Zambia begun in 1982: a fall in pH to 3.9 was associated with toxic levels of Al and with zinc deficiency, but lime applications gave good responses. Sampling fields every 2-3 years and determining soil pH, exchangeable bases and organic carbon should give the information needed for soil fertility management.
In Zambia, small holder farmers depend on producing maize (Zea mays), which is a major staple foo... more In Zambia, small holder farmers depend on producing maize (Zea mays), which is a major staple food for many Zambians. Maize productivity among the smallholder farmers is quite low, giving only 2.3 tons per hectare. The low yields are attributed to insufficient and erratic rain fall, low soil fertility, and poor farming practices. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the performance of maize genotypes for nitrogen use efficiency and soil moisture utilisation under conservation farming system. The trials were carried out at two sites with different soil types. Three maize varieties i.e. ZMS 606, GV 640 and GV 635 were evaluated in maize – cowpea rotation. Four cowpea varieties used for rotation with maize, i.e. Bubebe Lutembwe, BB 14-16-2-2 and LT 11-3-3-12. BB 14-16-2-2 and LT 11-3-3-12 are mutation-derived lines of Bubebe and Lutembwe cowpea parent varieties respectively. The experimental design used was split plot with three replications. The NUE was significantly...
Peanut production in Zambia is often characterized by low yields and high aflatoxin incidence in ... more Peanut production in Zambia is often characterized by low yields and high aflatoxin incidence in harvested kernels. Soil amendments such as farmyard manure have shown potential to increase yields and reduce pre-harvest aflatoxin incidence. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the effects of composted cattle manure on soil properties that relate to yield and pre-harvest aflatoxin contamination of peanut kernels. Research evaluated the effects of composted cattle manure on soil respiration, plant-available water (PAW), peanut yield and pre-harvest aflatoxin contamination in a field experiment conducted in two successive rain-fed cropping seasons starting in December, 2015 and ending in April 2017, in Chongwe District, Zambia. Six (6) levels of compost were incorporated into the top 10 cm of the soil at rates of 0, 4.5, 12.0, 19.5, 27.0, and 34.5 metric tons/ha 1 wk before planting. There was a strong positive relationship between levels of compost and soil microbial respiratio...
Nitrogen is a major plant nutrient which is most limiting in the soil due to soil losses of miner... more Nitrogen is a major plant nutrient which is most limiting in the soil due to soil losses of mineral nitrogen (N) form. To ensure availability of nitrogen in the soil, the study was conducted to screen four cowpea genotypes for Biological Nitrogen Fixation (BNF) and their contribution to maize yield in maize- cowpea rotation. The cowpea genotypes used were mutants LT11-3-3-12 (LT) and BB14-16-2-2 (BB) and their parental varieties Lutembwe (LTPRT) and Bubebe (BBPRT) respectively. Trials were established at two sites (Chisamba and Batoka) of different soil types. The Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications was used. Labelled 15N urea was applied at 20kgNha-1 on the four cowpea genotypes during 2015/16 growing season. Cowpea plant parts were dried and milled for 15N isotopic analysis. The data collected included Nitrogen content and atom % 15N excess in the fixing cowpea genotypes and non-nitrogen fixing pearl millet to determine total nitrogen derived from the a...
International Journal of Current Research in Biosciences and Plant Biology, 2017
A field experiment was conducted to determine the effect of combining Ca, N and P on yield of gro... more A field experiment was conducted to determine the effect of combining Ca, N and P on yield of groundnuts. The 3 3 factorial experiment involved applying the nutrient-elements at three levels of P at P 0 , P 30 and P 60 kg P ha-1 ; Ca at Ca 0 , Ca 100 and Ca 200 kg Ca ha-1 and three levels of starter N at N 0 , N 10 and N 20 kg N ha-1. Treatment combinations were randomly allocated in each of the three blocks. Groundnut variety MGV 5 was grown as a sole-crop for two consecutive growing seasons of 2014/15 and 2015/16. Results revealed that application of Ca, N and P either alone or in combination resulted in significant increase in the 100 seed weight and yields of haulm, pods and kernels of groundnuts. The application of the fertilizer combination at the rate of Ca 200 N 20 P 60 kg ha-1 had an additive synergistic effect on MGV 5 and consequently resulted in the highest kernel yield of 4.18 t ha-1 , pod yield of 6.72 t ha-1 , haulm yield of 5.87 t ha-1 and the highest 100 seed weight of 102.7 g. It was, therefore, concluded that the fertilizer combination of Ca 200 N 20 P 60 kg ha-1 is appropriate for obtaining optimum yields of groundnuts.
International Journal of Plant & Soil Science, 2016
A study was conducted to determine the soil fertility status and the suitability of land for the ... more A study was conducted to determine the soil fertility status and the suitability of land for the smallholder farmers' sustainable production of groundnut and maize in Chisamba District of Zambia. Composite soil samples (0 – 30 cm) were collected from the fields of 18 randomly selected major groundnut producing villages. The soils were analysed for various chemical and physical properties. Then focused group discussions as instruments of data collection were used to capture information on market availability for groundnuts. The simple limitation method was used to compute land suitability. The results showed that most (63.63%) of the soils were strongly acidic, with the mean pH of 4.95±0.35. The mean of CEC was 3.63±2.73 cmol / kg. There was a highly significant and positive relationship between pH CaCl2 and the concentration of Ca (r = 0.653,
A study was conducted to determine the soil fertility status and the suitability of land for the ... more A study was conducted to determine the soil fertility status and the suitability of land for the smallholder farmers' sustainable production of groundnut and maize in Chisamba District of Zambia. Composite soil samples (0 – 30 cm) were collected from the fields of 18 randomly selected major groundnut producing villages. The soils were analysed for various chemical and physical properties. Then focused group discussions as instruments of data collection were used to capture information on market availability for groundnuts. The simple limitation method was used to compute land suitability. The results showed that most (63.63%) of the soils were strongly acidic, with the mean pH of 4.95±0.35. The mean of CEC was 3.63±2.73 cmol / kg. There was a highly significant and positive relationship between pH CaCl2 and the concentration of Ca (r = 0.653,
Micronutrient deficiencies are quite widespread in Sub‐Saharan Africa including Zambia. A survey ... more Micronutrient deficiencies are quite widespread in Sub‐Saharan Africa including Zambia. A survey study of selenium and zinc content in selected soils and staple food crops showed low concentrations that suggested that populations might be at risk of low intake of these micronutrients through the diet. The beneficial effects of Se and Zn are well documented in human populations (Black et al. 2008). Agronomic bio‐fortification offers a promising strategy to address micronutrient deficiency in the diet (Cakmak, 2008). This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of soil and foliar applications of Zn on Zn concentrations in maize, sorghum and wheat.
Yield declines during six years of continuous maize grown at Misamfu Research Station were reduce... more Yield declines during six years of continuous maize grown at Misamfu Research Station were reduced by returning the maize stover. The decline of organic matter following forest clearing is discussed. On a long-term trial in Northern Zambia with continuous maize grown on highly weathered soils, initial responses obtained to N applications ceased after three years when yields fell substantially and deficiencies of P and Mg became important. Changes in the pH of tropical soils are discussed in relation to their net permanent charge and point of zero charge. Soil acidity dynamics were studied in a long-term-trial in Northern Zambia begun in 1982: a fall in pH to 3.9 was associated with toxic levels of Al and with zinc deficiency, but lime applications gave good responses. Sampling fields every 2-3 years and determining soil pH, exchangeable bases and organic carbon should give the information needed for soil fertility management.
In Zambia, small holder farmers depend on producing maize (Zea mays), which is a major staple foo... more In Zambia, small holder farmers depend on producing maize (Zea mays), which is a major staple food for many Zambians. Maize productivity among the smallholder farmers is quite low, giving only 2.3 tons per hectare. The low yields are attributed to insufficient and erratic rain fall, low soil fertility, and poor farming practices. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the performance of maize genotypes for nitrogen use efficiency and soil moisture utilisation under conservation farming system. The trials were carried out at two sites with different soil types. Three maize varieties i.e. ZMS 606, GV 640 and GV 635 were evaluated in maize – cowpea rotation. Four cowpea varieties used for rotation with maize, i.e. Bubebe Lutembwe, BB 14-16-2-2 and LT 11-3-3-12. BB 14-16-2-2 and LT 11-3-3-12 are mutation-derived lines of Bubebe and Lutembwe cowpea parent varieties respectively. The experimental design used was split plot with three replications. The NUE was significantly...
Peanut production in Zambia is often characterized by low yields and high aflatoxin incidence in ... more Peanut production in Zambia is often characterized by low yields and high aflatoxin incidence in harvested kernels. Soil amendments such as farmyard manure have shown potential to increase yields and reduce pre-harvest aflatoxin incidence. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the effects of composted cattle manure on soil properties that relate to yield and pre-harvest aflatoxin contamination of peanut kernels. Research evaluated the effects of composted cattle manure on soil respiration, plant-available water (PAW), peanut yield and pre-harvest aflatoxin contamination in a field experiment conducted in two successive rain-fed cropping seasons starting in December, 2015 and ending in April 2017, in Chongwe District, Zambia. Six (6) levels of compost were incorporated into the top 10 cm of the soil at rates of 0, 4.5, 12.0, 19.5, 27.0, and 34.5 metric tons/ha 1 wk before planting. There was a strong positive relationship between levels of compost and soil microbial respiratio...
Nitrogen is a major plant nutrient which is most limiting in the soil due to soil losses of miner... more Nitrogen is a major plant nutrient which is most limiting in the soil due to soil losses of mineral nitrogen (N) form. To ensure availability of nitrogen in the soil, the study was conducted to screen four cowpea genotypes for Biological Nitrogen Fixation (BNF) and their contribution to maize yield in maize- cowpea rotation. The cowpea genotypes used were mutants LT11-3-3-12 (LT) and BB14-16-2-2 (BB) and their parental varieties Lutembwe (LTPRT) and Bubebe (BBPRT) respectively. Trials were established at two sites (Chisamba and Batoka) of different soil types. The Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications was used. Labelled 15N urea was applied at 20kgNha-1 on the four cowpea genotypes during 2015/16 growing season. Cowpea plant parts were dried and milled for 15N isotopic analysis. The data collected included Nitrogen content and atom % 15N excess in the fixing cowpea genotypes and non-nitrogen fixing pearl millet to determine total nitrogen derived from the a...
International Journal of Current Research in Biosciences and Plant Biology, 2017
A field experiment was conducted to determine the effect of combining Ca, N and P on yield of gro... more A field experiment was conducted to determine the effect of combining Ca, N and P on yield of groundnuts. The 3 3 factorial experiment involved applying the nutrient-elements at three levels of P at P 0 , P 30 and P 60 kg P ha-1 ; Ca at Ca 0 , Ca 100 and Ca 200 kg Ca ha-1 and three levels of starter N at N 0 , N 10 and N 20 kg N ha-1. Treatment combinations were randomly allocated in each of the three blocks. Groundnut variety MGV 5 was grown as a sole-crop for two consecutive growing seasons of 2014/15 and 2015/16. Results revealed that application of Ca, N and P either alone or in combination resulted in significant increase in the 100 seed weight and yields of haulm, pods and kernels of groundnuts. The application of the fertilizer combination at the rate of Ca 200 N 20 P 60 kg ha-1 had an additive synergistic effect on MGV 5 and consequently resulted in the highest kernel yield of 4.18 t ha-1 , pod yield of 6.72 t ha-1 , haulm yield of 5.87 t ha-1 and the highest 100 seed weight of 102.7 g. It was, therefore, concluded that the fertilizer combination of Ca 200 N 20 P 60 kg ha-1 is appropriate for obtaining optimum yields of groundnuts.
International Journal of Plant & Soil Science, 2016
A study was conducted to determine the soil fertility status and the suitability of land for the ... more A study was conducted to determine the soil fertility status and the suitability of land for the smallholder farmers' sustainable production of groundnut and maize in Chisamba District of Zambia. Composite soil samples (0 – 30 cm) were collected from the fields of 18 randomly selected major groundnut producing villages. The soils were analysed for various chemical and physical properties. Then focused group discussions as instruments of data collection were used to capture information on market availability for groundnuts. The simple limitation method was used to compute land suitability. The results showed that most (63.63%) of the soils were strongly acidic, with the mean pH of 4.95±0.35. The mean of CEC was 3.63±2.73 cmol / kg. There was a highly significant and positive relationship between pH CaCl2 and the concentration of Ca (r = 0.653,
A study was conducted to determine the soil fertility status and the suitability of land for the ... more A study was conducted to determine the soil fertility status and the suitability of land for the smallholder farmers' sustainable production of groundnut and maize in Chisamba District of Zambia. Composite soil samples (0 – 30 cm) were collected from the fields of 18 randomly selected major groundnut producing villages. The soils were analysed for various chemical and physical properties. Then focused group discussions as instruments of data collection were used to capture information on market availability for groundnuts. The simple limitation method was used to compute land suitability. The results showed that most (63.63%) of the soils were strongly acidic, with the mean pH of 4.95±0.35. The mean of CEC was 3.63±2.73 cmol / kg. There was a highly significant and positive relationship between pH CaCl2 and the concentration of Ca (r = 0.653,
Micronutrient deficiencies are quite widespread in Sub‐Saharan Africa including Zambia. A survey ... more Micronutrient deficiencies are quite widespread in Sub‐Saharan Africa including Zambia. A survey study of selenium and zinc content in selected soils and staple food crops showed low concentrations that suggested that populations might be at risk of low intake of these micronutrients through the diet. The beneficial effects of Se and Zn are well documented in human populations (Black et al. 2008). Agronomic bio‐fortification offers a promising strategy to address micronutrient deficiency in the diet (Cakmak, 2008). This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of soil and foliar applications of Zn on Zn concentrations in maize, sorghum and wheat.
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