Physico-Chemical Study of Soil from Selected Maize Farms in Kamelilo, Kericho County
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Date
2015
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Int.J.Curr.Microbiol.App.Sci (2015) 4(10): 438-447
Abstract
Physico-chemical study of soil was performed in this study to determine the levels
of different physical and chemical parameters in seven selected maize farms. A
total of 21 samples were collected in ploughed maize farms in Kamelilo Village in
Kericho County for physico-chemical study. Samples were obtained from seven
selected maize farms in triplicates. The physical parameters that were studied are
pH and organic carbon while the chemical parameters like phosphorus, Sulphur and
Nitrogen were determined. From the study, 71% of the soil samples had a low pH
which makes the soil unsuitable for maize farming. The recommended pH for
maize growing is 5 7 which has a positive effect on the availabilty of nitrogen and
other plant nutrients. The percentage of organic carbon was rated as high in 90% of
the soil samples with a minimum value of 1.03% organic carbon to a maximum
value of 2.85% except in two sampling sites, sample 3a with 0.45% and sample 5a
with 0.49% respectively exhibiting a low organic carbon value. It is the
recommendation of the researchers that regular soil testing should be done to
determine if the soil is in the ideal condition for a specific crop.
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