Determination of selected micro and macronutrients in sugarcane growing soils at Kakamega North District, Kenya

Abstract

Kakamega North district is situated in Kakamega County in the western region of the Republic of Kenya. It is a major sugarcane producing area. The soils in the area were analyzed for selected macro and micronutrients. Macronutrients analyzed included potassium, sodium, calcium, phosphates and nitrates while the micronutrients analyzed were copper, iron and zinc. The techniques employed were Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometry, Flame Emission Spectrometry and UV/Visible Spectrophotometry. The soil pH measurement was also taken. The average levels obtained in mg/kg for potassium, sodium, calcium, nitrates and phosphates were 110, 240.8, 540, 71 and 100 respectively. Recommended nutrient range levels in mg/kg as per Kenya Agricultural Research Institute (KARI) are: potassium 1 -100 mg/kg, sodium 20-300mg/kg, calcium 2-400mg/kg, nitrates above 42 mg/kg and finally for phosphates 2000-5000mg/kg. The results indicate generally that macronutrient levels of phosphates and nitrates were low and below the required minimum required levels for normal plant. Micronutrients were within the limits for normal plant growth. The average soil pH was 5.48 which is acidic and within the limits for normal plant growth.