Evaluation of Activated Charcoal Based Hydrogels Functionalized with Maleic Acid on Growth Performance of Zea Mays in Semi-arid Regions of Kenya

International Journal of Agriculture & Environmental Science

© 2022 by SSRG - IJAES Journal

Volume 9 Issue 3

Year of Publication : 2022

Authors : Titus M. Kasimu, Harun M. Mbuvi, Francis M. Maingi

10.14445/23942568/IJAES-V9I3P110

How to Cite?

Titus M. Kasimu, Harun M. Mbuvi, Francis M. Maingi, "Evaluation of Activated Charcoal Based Hydrogels Functionalized with Maleic Acid on Growth Performance of Zea Mays in Semi-arid Regions of Kenya," SSRG International Journal of Agriculture & Environmental Science, vol. 9,  no. 3, pp. 69-76, 2022. Crossref, https://doi.org/10.14445/23942568/IJAES-V9I3P110

Abstract:

A Zea may (DH-02) is an early maturing crop mostly grown in arid and semi-arid regions of Kenya. A progressive productivity reduction has been witnessed due to inadequate rains and is expected to worsen in the future due to climatic changes and the increasing human population. Poor water conservation management is the major problem facing agricultural productivity in arid and semi-arid regions resulting in a lack of enough food to counter the high population growth rate. Advanced technologies are required to conserve moisture, macronutrients, and proper farm practices to boost production. The application of biodegradable superabsorbent hydrogel, capable of absorbing and retaining a large amount of water and making it available for crops during dry seasons, is of prime importance. This study applied superabsorbent hydrogels derived from activated charcoal linked with ethylenediamine and functionalized with maleic acid (HCE-2). Experimental application of HCE-2 was carried out in a randomized complete block design on a farm at Mwala Machakos County in April-July 2020. The study aimed at studying the effect of hydrogel on growth and post-harvest parameters of Zea mays. The treatment comprised the main plot with five subplots applied with doses of hydrogel HCE-2 (control, 15, 30, 45, and 60 kg/ha). The study was done in triplicates; the highest mean (%) moisture content at flowering obtained was 91.8±0.30. The highest mean growth parameters were obtained at a growth period of 60 days. The mean plant height (cm) (223.80±0.30), the number of leaves (12.33±0.58), and the mean leaf surface area (cm2 ) (82.33±0.15) were obtained during a growth period of 60 days. The post-harvest mean values of the number of cobs per plant (2.00±0.00), cob length (cm) (18.10±0.27), the girth of the cob (cm) (7.90±0.10), and shelling (%) (86.43±0.31) were obtained. The mean yields (kg/ha) of Grain (1780.13±3.42), Stover (3391.33±2.81), Cob (962.73±1.27), Biological (4928.73±0.42), and Harvest index (66.53±0.31%). The findings showed that applying HCE-2 in maize plants improved the growth parameters, increasing the yields of maize planted in semi-arid regions of Mwala Machakos County, Kenya. The study shows that superabsorbent hydrogels have potential applications in agriculture.

Keywords:

Activated charcoal, Functionalized, Hydrogels, Maize productions, Semi-arid.

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