Abstract:
This study investigated the effects of intercropping arrangements and fertilizer combinations on
growth and yields of African nightshade (ANS) (Solanum nigrum L.). The study was carried out
at the KALRO research station, Kisii County. The experiments were laid in a complete
randomized block design with a split plot arrangement replicated thrice. The main plots were
intercropping arrangements (0:16, 1:14, 1:2, 1:3, 1:4 (Spider plant: ANS). The sub plots were
fertilizer combinations of Farm yard manure (FYM), urea (NPK: 46-0-0) and triple super
phosphate (TSP) (NPK: 0-46-0). Data was collected on number of branches, leaves and fresh leaf
yield. The results indicated that an application of urea (60kg N ha-1
) + TSP (40kg P ha-1
)
resulted in the highest number of branches (10) and leaves (32) per plant while the sole
application of FYM (60kg N ha-1+ 36 kg P ha-1
) resulted in the lowest number of branches (6)
and leaves (21) per plant. Further, ANS grown as a pure stand supplied with Urea (60kg N ha-1
)
+ TSP (40Kg P ha-1
) resulted in the highest leaf yield (35.1 tons ha-1
) that was not different from
32.5 tons ha-1
obtained when the sole ANS was supplied with urea (40 kg N ha-1
) + TSP (30 kg P
ha-1
) + FYM (20 kg N ha-1+ 9 kg P ha-1
). To boost ANS production, farmers should grow it as a
pure stand supplied with urea (60kg N ha-1
) + TSP (40kg P ha-1
) or urea (40 kg N ha-1
) + TSP
(30 kg P ha-1
) + FYM (20 kg N ha-1+ 9 kg P ha-1
). |
