Global Advanced Research Journal of Agricultural Science
November 2012 Vol. 1(9), pp 261-274
Copyright © 2012 Global Advanced Research Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Effects of Cropping System, Planting Location and Inorganic Nitrogen on Quality of Bean Seed  in Western Kenya

Ogutu M.O*., Muasya R., Ouma G.,

*Kenya Agricultural Research Institute, P.O Box1490-40100, Kisumu, Kenya

, Department of Seed Crop and Horticultural Sciences, Moi University P.O Box 1125-30100, Eldoret, Kenya

, School of Agriculture, Food Security and Biodiversity, Bondo University College P.O Box 210-40601 Bondo, Kenya

*Corresponding Author’s E-mail: ogutumourice@yahoo.com;  goumaoindo@yahoo.com

Accepted 16 October, 2012

Abstract

Common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) are important crop in Kenya and the world for consumption and the attainment of quality food security. Studies were conducted in Kenya  in the year 2006  to investigate the effects of N fertilizer application at the rates 0kg N per ha and 50 Kg N per ha and cropping system ofmbili technology and pure stand of beans on bean seed quality at the Kenya Agricultural Research Institute (K.A.R.I) centre at Kisii and Kibos. Maize hybrid seed, 614D and bean variety, KK8 were used. The design of the experiment was a 2 × 2× 2 factorial arrangement in a Randomized Block Design replicated four times. Data was collected using standard procedures, comprising seed length, seed width, seed vigor, and seed germination percent, shoot and root length and seedling growth rate. Statistical analysis was carried out by analysis of variance and mean separation by the Least Significant Difference method at 5%.The results showed that mbili system significantly (p≤0.05) increased seedling dry matter and seed vigor by 42% and 42% respectively. However, bean quality parameters such as seedling growth rate, shoot length and seed sizes were unaffected by the cropping system. Addition of N fertilizer increased 1000 seed weight at Kisii by 45% while at Kibos it reduced the shoot length by 42%. Shoot length, seed germination, 1000 seed weight were higher at Kisii than Kibos while cropping System × fertilizer ×  location interactions increased seedling growth rate and vigor by 20% and 18% respectively. It is concluded that cropping system increased seedling dry matter and seed vigor while application of N fertilizer increased 1000 seed weight and reduced shoot length. Bean seed quality was affected by planting location while cropping system × N fertilizer location increased seed vigor.

Keywords: cropping, seed quality, fertilizer, seed vigor, seed germination, seedling growth rate.