Response of Dry Beans (Phaseolus vulgaris t.) To The Application of Fertilizers in Kenya. Results of on-farm experiments with fertilizers (Grain Legume Project)

Abstract

Since 1977, the Grain Legume Project has carried out fertilizer trials on farmers' fields with dry beans (Phaseolus Vulgaris L.) in some of the major bean growing areas in Kenya. The objective of these experiments was to study the response of beans to the application of fertilizers, taking into account the large variation that exists between soils and soil conditions of various areas. Experiments were conducted in five areas, viz. Machakos-, Embu-, Kisiiand Kakamega District, and the area around Thika. In total 200 fields yielded useful and reliable information. The experiments were carried out with a pure bean crop, planted at a densi2Y of 200.000 plants per ha. The gross plot size was 10.5 m. The experiment was planted in one replication per farmer.