The effect of marine green algae, Ulva sp., as compost manure on the yield of maize (var. coast composite)
Oyieke, H. A. (1986). The effect of marine green algae, Ulva sp., as compost manure on the yield of maize (var. coast composite). Kenya Aquat. 3: 72-75
In: Kenya Aquatica. Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute: Mombasa. ISSN 2077-432X; e-ISSN 2617-4936, more
|  |
| Abstract |
Due to the heterogeneous nature of the Kenyan coastline Kenya has a very rich algal flora which consists of about 300 species of algae (Moorjani, 1977). But it is unfortunate that this rich flora has not been made much use of. The value of seaweeds in fertilizing the soil was discovered early in the history of agriculture in coastal Asia and coasts and islands of northwestern Europe (Dawson, 1966). In the Kenyan market there are different types of imported marine algae products some of which use the following trade names: Chase SM3 for crops and pasture, Chase Blend 14C for cattle and chase Blend 14P for poultry. Most of the Kenyan small scale farmers are not in a position to use large sums of money buying chemical fertilizers or the above cited seaweed has been effectively used directly as compost manure by farmers (Sepheson, 1957) it is important that the possibility of using seaweed as compost manure under the prevailing local conditions is investigated. The present paper, therefore, investigates the effect that Ulva would have on the yield of maize (var. coast composite) under the conditions prevailing around Mombasa area. Ulva is genus of green algae (Chlorophyta) that is composed of species that are membranous, entire or perforated sheets, strap-like or small rounded lobes forming rosettes. They flourish in the intertidal zone. This genus is abundant around Mombasa and collects in large quantities offshore, thus making it easy to collect in mass. |
|
