2024, Vol. 7, Issue 12, Part G

Soil analysis identified various nutrient deficiencies and characteristics that guided fertilizer application strategies. Factorial experiments in randomized complete block design (RCBD) of three replications and five treatment combinations performed. Three sites with 225 experimental plots all running together within a replicate blocks with a total of 75 experimental plots per site was designed. An individual experimental plot measured 40 m length 10 m width, with six ridges each of 37.5 m long, 0.2 m hips prepared. Seedlings transplanted 1 m between ridges, 0.5 m between holes. Application of NPK was 14 days after transplanting, CAN was applied 7 days later. Fertilization of 700 kg ha^-1 NPK and 175 kg ha^-1 CAN resulted in higher number of leaves and barn dry weight (kg) throughout the sites. Sikonge, 600 kg ha^-1 NPK and 175 kg ha^-1 CAN provided high economic returns. Similarly, Tabora 500 kg ha^-1 of NPK, 125 kg ha^-1 of CAN enhanced higher economic benefit. Uyui, highest economic return at 700 kg ha^-1 NPK and 175 kg ha^-1 CAN. The study advocates for precision in fertilizer applications tailored to address identified soil nutrient deficiencies.