Effect of foliar fertilization on wheat Triticum aestivum (l) in marginal areas of Eastern Province, Kenya.

Abstract

This field study was conducted to determine the effect of foliar fertilization on bread wheat (var. Chozi) grain yield (GY) and quality under limiting soil moisture regimes at Katumani a marginal area of the Eastern Province- of Kenya. The trial was laid out in a randomized complete block design and replicated four times. Plant nutrients were sprayed at tillering as foliar urea (46-0-0) 20 kg N ha-1 20kg N ha-1 + Bayfolan® (11-8-6) 5 l ha-1, 30 kg N ha-1 , 30 kg N ha-1 + Bayfolan® 5 l ha-1 , Bayfolan® 5 l ha-1 and 0 (no spray). Starter fertilizer was supplied at sowing at 100kg ha-1 (NPK 18.46.0)). Results indicated that urea application at 20kg N ha-1 increased (GY) significantly (P<0.05) while 30kg N ha-1 increased thousand kernel weight (TKW) and grain protein (GP) significantly (P<0.05). It was concluded that foliar application of urea is beneficial to wheat crop under limiting moisture conditions. Farmers can use foliar application of urea at 20 kg N ha-1 for wheat production in these areas.