Evaluating The Effects Of Cobalt/Molybdenum, Rhizobium Inoculants And Diammonium Phosphate Fertilizer On The Growth And Yield Of Soya Beans In Kisii County

ABSTRACT

Soya bean is an important crop grown globally. It is the main source of dietary protein and oil and is used commercially to produce livestock feed and food for humans as well. Soy farming is mostly practised in the western and central regions of Kenya but the yield is low compared to other countries. Production is low in Kisii yet the potential for optimum yield is documented. Poor soya bean yield is thought to be caused by infertile soils due to poor agronomic and management practices, acidified soil, deficient nutrients in the soil and use of unimproved seed varieties. The study evaluated the effects of cobalt/molybdenum, rhizobium inoculants and diammonium phosphate fertilizer on the growth and yield of soya beans in Kisii County. A randomised complete block design experiment replicated in four blocks was done at Kisii Agricultural Training Centre.Treatments used for seed dressing per kg/seed included: Rhizoliq Top Soya 3mls, Wuxal Extra CoMo15 at 1ml, Wuxal Extra CoMo 15 at 1.5 mls, (Wuxal Extra CoMo 15 at 1.5 mls / Rhilizic top 3mls) and (Waxul Extra15 CoMo1m/Rhizoliq top 3ml, Control (Without Treatments), DAP 125kg/ha-1 , of soya seed. Analysis of variance was conducted using SPSS version 22 and any significant means were further analysed using DMRT all at 95% confidence level. Soil analysis revealed moderately acidic soil (pH 5.5) low nitrogen (0.12%), moderate Phosphorus (20ppm) and low potassium levels (40%). Cobalt was 54.6 and Mo 6.44 Mg/lg. On germination CoMo1ml+Rhizob yielded the highest percentage, followed by CoMo1.5ml, with a significant statistical difference between treatments (< 0.05). CoMo1ml+ Rhizobium had the highest flowering percentage. Above ground biomass was highest with the use of CoMo1.5ml/ Rhizobium. CoMo1ml/ Rhizobium treatment showed highest pod weight per plant and had a statistically significant difference (