EFFECTS OF SOIL COMPOSITION, CULTIVAR AND RAINFALL ON ESTABLISHMENT OF SWEET POTATO IN KENYAN HIGHLANDS

Abstract

Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) is grown for human consumption, animal feeding, and industrial products. Six sweet potato cultivars were on farm planted during the long rains in different agro-ecological zones (AEZ); Kieni (Dry), North Nandi (Moderate) and Bomet East (Wet) within the Kenyan Highlands. A piece of land measuring approximately three-quarters of a hectare was subdivided into 18 plots. Each cultivar was planted in three (3) randomly selected plots, 60 basal vine cuttings per row. One-month post planting, the seedlings in different areas were recorded and data anlysed using general liner model for completely randomized design in Statistical Analysis System, 2003. Copper levels was higher (p<0.05) in Kieni than in both North Nandi and Bomet East. Soil pH level was higher (p<0.05) in Keni and North Nandi than in Bomet East. Total nitrogen, carbon, potassium, manganese and zinc level was higher (p<0.05) in Bomet East than in both Kieni and North Nandi. In Kieni, cultivar 103001and Gweri had a higher p<0.05 establishment rate than the rest. In North Nandi, Gweri, Kembu 23 and Wagabolige cultivars had a higher p<0.05 establishment rate than the rest. In Bomet East, Gweri and Wagabolige cultivars had a higher p<0.05 establishment rate than the rest. Establishment rate for cultivar 103001, Gweri and Naspot 1 was higher p<0.05 in Kieni than in North Nandi and Bomet East. Soil composition, cultivar and rainfall affected the establishment rate of sweet potato cultivars in the three study areas.