Effects Of Spacing And Fertilization On Growth And Grain Yields Of Mung Beans Vignaradiata L Wilckzeck In Dry Areas Of Subukia Kenya

Mung bean Vigna radiata L Wilckzeckis an important source of easily digestible high-quality protein for vegetarians and sick persons. The seeds are said to be a traditional source of cures for paralysis rheumatism coughs fevers and liver ailments. It contains 24 protein 0.326 phosphorus 0.0073 iron 0.00039 carotene 0.0021 of niacin and energy 334 Cal100g of Mung beans. Lack of use of the right spacing and either organic manure or inorganic fertilizers have greatly contributed to low yields of Mung beans in ASALS of SubukiaSub County. The gap between realizable and actual yields needs to be bridged up with appropriate technologies. Knowing the right spacing and correct fertilizer rates would be of paramount importance to low income farmers who depend on the crop. This study was carried out todetermine the effects of spacing and fertilizer application rates on growth and grain yields of mung beansof variety K22 locally referred to as Ndenguspecial. It was a randomized complete block design RCBD with threereplicates. Theindividual plots measured 2.1 x 2 m and were separated by 0.5 m path. Application of P was done at the rate of 46kg P205 hafrom DAP 18460 fertilizer at a rate of 100kghaDAP. Farm Yard Manure FYM was applied at the rate of 5 and 10 tons per ha and a control plot included. Sowing of Mungbean wasdone at 3 spacing i.e.40 x 15cm45 x15cm and 50 x 15 cm. Data was recorded on Plant height Number of leaves at flowering number of pods per plant number of seeds per pod 100 seed weight dry matter yield grain yield and harvest index. The results showed that there was significant difference in growth and grain yields of mung beans due to use of different spacing and different fertilizer application rates. The spacing for economic yield of mung beans was established as 45 x 15 cm given that this is the spacing that provides optimum plant population. The fertilizer application rate that gives improved productivity of mung beans is DAP applied at the rate of 100kgha. Nonetheless FYM applied at the rate of 10 tonsacre has potential for improving productivity despite its low rate of nutrient release as well as low percentages of major plant nutrients NPK. The study therefore recommended spacing of 45 x 15cm and application of DAP at the rate of 100kgha for improved growth and grain yields of mung beans in Subukia Sub County of Nakuru County. It is also important to note that spacing of 45 x 15 cm and 10 tonsha of FYM provides an alternative where the cost of inorganic phosphorus is a limiting factor.