EFFECT OF QUANTITY OF FERTILIZER APPLIED ON SUGARCANE PRODUCTIVITY IN URIRI SUB-COUNTY, MIGORI COUNTY

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to analyze the relationship between quantity of fertilizer applied and Sugarcane Productivity in Migori County, particularly in Uriri sub-county. The study sought to investigate how quantities of fertilizer applied affect sugarcane productivity. Cobb-Douglas production theory and a cross-sectional research design were used in the study. A multistage sampling technique was used to choose a sample of 297 respondents and a semistructured questionnaire were used to gather primary data. The study adopted descriptive statistics and inferential statistics to examine the relationship between dependent and independent variable. The study revealed that quantity of fertilizer applied during planting (β=3.15, p<0.001), top dressing in plant crop (β=4.43, p<0.001), top dressing in the first ratoon crop (β=4.90, p<0.001), top dressing in the second ratoon crop (β=1.97, p=0.002) had positive significant effect on cane productivity. In order to enhance the productivity of sugarcane in the country, the government should support farmers by ensuring affordable quality fertilizers through subsidies.