Organic and Mineral Soil Amendments on Soybean Yields

The research objective was to propose solutions for management of acidic soils through application of organic and inorganic amendments for production of soybean in the Central Highlands of Kenya (Embu County). The study was carried out for two seasons to determine the effects of manure, lime and phosphorus fertilizer on soil fertility parameter and yields of soybean. The results showed that goat manure is an important soil amendment by providing nutrients, increasing soil pH, which in turn enhanced nutrient uptake, N fixation, microbial biomass, and increased soybean yields. Integrated application of goat manure with lime and phosphorus fertilizer contributed to improve soil chemical properties and soybean yields. Therefore, manure can substitute or supplement the inorganic fertilizers and could be recommended for the smallholder farmers of Embu County, Central Highlands of Kenya.