Effect Of Zai Pits, Mulch and Manure on the Growth and Yield of Green Grams in Maragua Sub County

Abstract

Green grams are crucial for human nutrition and environmental sustainability. Abundant in protein, fiber, and other nutrients, they enhance global food security, especially in areas with restricted protein consumption. Their cultivation boosts soil health and fertility, diminishes reliance on synthetic fertilizers via nitrogen fixation, and bolsters agricultural sustainability. Green grams are essential for human health, environmental sustainability, and agricultural success. However, erratic rainfall and temperature patterns significantly affect agricultural productivity, especially in arid areas such as Maragua Subcounty, Kenya. The research was directed by the subsequent objectives: (i) Evaluation of the impact of zai pits, mulch, and manure on the growth parameters and yield of green gram production, (ii) Investigation of the impacts of mulch and manure on the yield of green gram production. The data gathered throughout the experimental phase encompassed growth metrics of green gram, including leaf count, girth, height, and yield. The field experiments employed a randomized complete block design (RCBD) to guarantee the reliability and robustness of the results. The study employed an experiment to assess the impact of various treatments on the growth and yield of green gram production. Two replicates, each with its corresponding experimental units. Each replication comprises eight primary plots. The total number of plots per experimental site will be 16, yielding 96 sub-plots as each plot is divided into two sub-plots to accommodate the 8 types; this configuration will constitute a split-plot design. Each plot spans 2 meters by 2 meters, and each sub-plot has treatments implemented within an area of 60 cm by 60 cm, with a spacing of 80 cm by 20 cm between treatments. The analysis and data management of the collected data were performed using SPSS. An ANOVA test was performed to statistically evaluate the significance of the observed variations in plant height among the various treatments. The results indicated that the treatments had a statistically significant impact on plant height (p < 0.001), but site and block effects were not significant, demonstrating uniformity in the treatment response across the experimental conditions. Yield statistics corroborated these findings, indicating incremental gains from traditional farming to the integrated zai pit, manure, and mulch treatments. The traditional treatment yielded the least, whereas zai pit-based treatments, particularly when supplemented with manure and mulch, yielded the most. Duncan’s multiple range test identified seven unique subsets, demonstrating incremental and statistically significant yield enhancements with each additional treatment component. The research concludes that the incorporation of zai pits with organic soil amendments such as manure and mulch markedly enhances green gram development and yield in semi-arid conditions. The integration of these strategies improves soil moisture retention, nutrient accessibility, and general plant health, leading to enhanced vegetative growth and optimal yields. Smallholder farmers in semi-arid regions should implement integrated zai pit technology alongside organic inputs, such as manure and mulch, to optimize green gram productivity and enhance resilience to moisture stress.