Evaluation of the quality and effectiveness of some commercial microbial products in enhancing the growth and yield of soybean and maize
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Date
2015-04-22
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Abstract
Field studies consisting of five treatments each for soybean and maize were conducted
to assess the quality and effectiveness of some commercial products on soybean (Eco-Rhiz-Soya and Eco-T) as well as maize (Enrich and Eco-T). The treatments were
arranged in a Randomised Complete Block Design with three replications. The quality
of the commercial products was tested in the laboratory based on microbial density, pH
and moisture content. The study showed that, although the products had microbial
density lower than that labeled on them, the colony forming units (CFU’s) determined
met the Kenyan standards of biofertilizer specifications. The application of Eco-Rhiz-Soya + Eco-T significantly increased (P<0.05) soybean nodulation by 69% and 67%
over the control at Kpongu and Akukayili respectively. Furthermore, shoot biomass
yield increased by 45% and 58% respectively at Kpongu and Akukayili. Grain yield of
soybean was increased by Eco-Rhiz-Soya + Eco-T by 19% and 43% over the control at
Kpongu and Akukayili respectively. Moreover, soybean shoot N was significantly
increased (P<0.05) by Eco-Rhiz-Soya + Eco-T at both sites of the study whereas shoot P
uptake was only significantly increased at Akukayili. The soybean inoculation
treatments had no significant effect on grain P uptake while grain N was significantly
increased at Akukayili only.
With respect to maize, the treatments had no significant effect (P>0.05) on grain yield
shoot biomass, shoot and grain N and P at both sites of the study. The products used for
the maize experiments need to be evaluated further to assess their efficacy before
concrete conclusions can be made on their effectiveness and subsequent
recommendation for use by smallholder farmers.
Description
A thesis submitted to the Department of Crop and Soil Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture,
Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, in partial fulfilment
of the requirements for the degree of
Master of Science
in
Soil Science.