Influence of Nitrogen and Spacing on Growth and Yield of Chia (Salvia hispanica) in Upper-midland Zone Meru County

Abstract

Production of Chia (Salvia hispanica L.) is an emerging food crop in Kenya and it has attracted a lot of attention due to its edible seeds and leaves. Efficient plant fertilization and population plays a critical role in the growth and yield of crops. To date there is still scarce information in regards to cultivation of Chia in Kenya.

 A field experiment was conducted in Meru University of Science and Technology (MUST) in two seasons (February-June 2021 and March-August 2021), to determine the influence of nitrogen fertilizer and spacing on growth and yield of Chia (Salvia hispanica L.) In upper-mid land zone Meru County. The experiment consisted of four nitrogen fertilizer rates (0, 40, 80, 120 kg/ha) and three spacing levels ([30cm x15cm] S1, [30cm x 30cm] S2, [50cm x 50cm] S3). The experiment was laid out in a split plot design in a RCBD layout with three replications having fertilizer rates as the main plots and the spacing as sub-plots.

Application of 120 kg N/ha and spacing S3 produced significantly superior plants on different growth parameters in terms of: - height, number of branches, stem diameter, number of leaves and total dry weight, as compared to other treatments in both seasons. A higher seed yield per plant was also obtained in both season after application of 120kg N/ha and spacing S3. These results could be attributed to the fact that nitrogen is involved in physiological and biochemical processes of the plant as well as reduced competition between plants. Considering the results application of 120kg N/ha and a spacing of 50cm x50cm show a strong influence on growth and yield of Chia.