Publication: Evaluation of Common Bean Production Systems and Fertilizer Use in Nandi South
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2017
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McKnight Foundation
Publisher
University of Nairobi
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Abstract
High fertilizer cost and increased concern for ecological sustainability have led to improved interest on green manure and organic fertilizer. The study evaluated common bean production systems and organic fertilizer use by farmers in Nandi South. A semi structured questionnaire was administered to individual farmers in the form of interviews and the data was analyzed through descriptive statistics, frequency counts and percentages. Results showed that majority of the farmers were women with a mean age of 51.6 years. Many farmers 59% cultivated improved bean varieties sourced from their own farms and applied fertilizers albeit different quantities. The results further indicated that 67% of farmers in Koibem and 57% in Kapkerer applied green manure as a soil amendment. Addition of green manure to soils helps in improving soil conditions and increasing crop yields in low soil fertility areas. Green manure use as soil amendments is an ecologically sustainable way of increasing yield. Relevance to innovation. Many modern agricultural practices have unintended negative consequences and therefore there is growing concern about sustainable and better agricultural systems. It is therefore time to assess the importance and future role that soil improving legumes may play in agricultural system. Application of lablab legume species as green manure is an important practice for sustainable agriculture production as the crops fix nitrogen and has deep and extensive root system that allows for nutrients extraction and recycling. Green manure has favou..rable N to P ratios and has predictable N activity hence its application will increase yield.
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Keywords
. Chemical fertilizers, Common beans, green manure, smallholder farmers