TY - JOUR AU - M Gunga AU - M.W Mburu AU - J Nyabundi AU - B Jama PY - 2008/09/08 Y2 - 2024/03/29 TI - Influence of line-planted trees and phosphorus application on water JF - East African Agricultural and Forestry Journal JA - EAAFJ VL - 69 IS - 1&2 SE - Articles DO - UR - https://www.kalro.org/www.eaafj.or.ke/index.php/path/article/view/60 AB - Planting of trees in rows is common on farms in western Kenya where phosphorus deficiency is also a major constraint to maize production. The influence of soil P status and simultaneous agroforestry systems on water us have, however, not been reported in the region. Effects of line-planted Grevillea robusta (upperstorey trees), Calliandra calothyrsus and Senna spectabilis (both managed as hedges) and P on water use efficiency were investigated in maize. The experiment was laid out as a split-plot with tree species forming main plots while 250 kg P/ha and no P formed sub-plots. Seasonal evapotranspiration was greater under Grevillea by 40.8 mm (5.2%) in the Long Rains (LR) and by 49.3 mm (10.2%) in the Short Rains (SR). Phosphorus significantly increased seasonal evapotranspiration (ET) by 1.7% in the LR and 2.4% in the SR. Maize water use efficiency was higher with P (6.9 kg/ha/mm in the LR and 9.5 kg/ha/mm in the SR) than without P (0.8 kg/ha mm in the LR and 2.1 kg/ha/mm in the SR) The results revealed enormous potential for increasing maize WUE in these soils by overcoming P deficiency. Combining Grevillea trees with P enhanced use of seasonally available water. ER -