Sugar Beet Trials in West Kenya

Abstract

A series of 18 field experiments with sugar-beet was planted in the Turbo, Soy, Kipkabus and Nandi Border districts of the Uasin Gichu in 1959/1960. Overall, the crop was not successful, but very good growth occurred at Kipkabus on forest soil and good growth was also obtained on granite soil at Soy, and on anthills. The common factors of these soils are higher pH (>5.4) and calcium content of the soil (>5 m.e.9%). Growth was poor on the common red phonolitic clay of the plateau. Vlei soil also proved unsuitable. Climatic conditions were most suitable at Kipkabus; in other districts, shade appears to be required to prevent wilting. Marked responses to phosphate and nitrogen were obtained; the application of 100 lb. triple superphosphate planted with or below the seed and 100-150 lb. ammonium sulphate/acre as a topdressing is recommended. Lime gave a slight improvement, but gypsum, salt and potash had no effect. Triplex was the best variety out of four tested. Early planting is essential; subsoiling had no effect where deep ploughing had been carried out.