ISSN 2375-1231
African Journal of Crop Science ISSN 2375-1231 Vol. 5 (12), pp. 001-003, December, 2017. © International Scholars Journals
Full Length Research Paper
Decreased row spacing as an option for increasing maize (Zea mays L.) yield in Trans Nzoia district, Kenya
Owino Charles Onyango
Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service. P.O Box 249, Kitale, Kenya. E-mail: [email protected].
Accepted 16 April, 2017
Abstract
Maize yield trend has been declining in recent past. Farmers in Trans Nzoia District rarely intercrop maize with other crops like beans. With good nutrition and favourable weather conditions, decreased maize row spacing can maximise maize production per unit land area by increasing plant population density, optimal light interception and nutrient uptake. The experiment was carried out during the long rain season (April - September) for two successive years starting 2006. There were significant treatment differences (at 5%) between row spacing, varieties and interaction between row spacing and varieties. The mean yield increased with decreasing row spacing. Decreased row spacing combined with improved maize varieties is a possibility of increasing maize yield in Trans Nzoia District.
Key words: Row spacing, maize varieties, yield, interaction.