Maize yield response to the combined application of Tundulu rock phosphate and Pigeon Pea residues in Kasungu, Central Malawi

Malawi is endowed with several large deposits of rock phosphate (RP) occurring in the southern part of the country that remain unexploited due to limited knowledge on their agronomic usefulness. A study therefore, was conducted to assess the potential of improving maize yield through use of Tundulu Rock Phosphate (TRP) and pigeon pea residues. Maize yield responses to sole application of either pigeon pea biomass or TRP and the application of these in combination were evaluated. In the study, researcher designed but farmer managed trials involving eight farmers were mounted on farm. Treatments were laid out in a randomized complete block design. The results indicated a non significant maize yield increase from 683 kg ha -1 in the control (sole maize) plot to 1,396 kg ha -1 (104.4%) in the treatment where TRP was applied. Maize yield was increased significantly (p<0.05) from 683 kg ha -1 in the control (sole maize) plot to 1,999 kg ha -1 (192.7%) in the treatment where pigeon pea biomass was applied in combination with TRP and that maize yield was increased significantly from 683 kg ha -1 in the control plot to 1,887 kg ha -1 (176.3%), in the treatment where sole pigeon pea biomass only was applied. The result suggests that the combined application of legume biomass and TRP to the soil can improve maize yields to some extent.