Nitrogen fixation by common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) in pure and mixed stands in semi-arid south-east Kenya
The field experiments were made up of eight treatments as follows:
1.
common bean in pure stands with N-fertiliser and no inoculation;
2.
common bean in pure stands with no N-fertiliser and no inoculation (control);
3.
common bean in pure stands inoculated with Rhizobium strain 446 and no N-fertiliser;
4.
common bean–maize intercrop with N-fertiliser added and no inoculation;
5.
common bean–maize intercrop with no N-fertiliser and no inoculation;
6.
common bean–maize intercrop inoculated with Rhizobium strain 446 and no N-fertiliser;
7.
maize pure stand with N; and
8.
maize pure stand with no N.