Sustainable Agriculture

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Factors Influencing Development of Farm Forestry in Lugari District, Kakamega County, Western Kenya
(Agricultural and Food Sciences, Environmental Science IOSR Journal of Agriculture and Veterinary Science, 0002) Otsieno Fredrick Sikuku; Apudo Musa Gweya; Ototo Gilbert O.
This study was conducted to establish the factors influencing the development of farm forestry in Lugari Division, Western Kenya. Data was collected between December 2007 to January 2008. Structured questionnaires/schedules, key informant interviewing, and secondary sources of data were used to collect data. All collected data were entered in SPSS 13.5 to facilitate statistical analysis using descriptive statistics such as frequency distributions and cross tabulations. Significant differences between expected and observed attributes were analyzed by non-parametric Chi- square tests. Farm sizes, species preferences, end use of tree products, access to and availability of preferred germplasm and planting materials, availability of resources for raising seedlings, access to extension services, and marketing constraints as well as biological and technical factors such as diseases, pests and planting methodologies were established as important factors influencing farm forestry and tree planting in general, in the division. This study has also demonstrated that farm forestry can be a useful tool for enhancing the livelihoods of many people and contributing to rural development in Lugari, and can be readily adopted if identified challenges can be comprehensively addressed. It is recommended that tree propagation techniques and distribution networks should be developed to enable affordable access to a wide range of appropriate germplasm. Small scale farmers should be assisted, through extension services, to manage and enhance the value of their tree crops. Institutional support through incentives such as credits, subsidies, technical support and creation of market opportunities including forest policy and legislation sensitization and implementation would boost farm forestry Collapse
Flavour Compounds in Backslop Fermented Uji (An East African Sour Porridge)
(ResearchGate, 2000-12) Onyango Calvin; Heike Raddatz; Bley Thomas
The potential of Lactobacillus plantarum, Pediococcus acidilactici, Pediococcus pentocaceus, Lactobacillus cellobiosus, different mixtures of these lactic acid bacteria and backslop starter cultures to acidify and form flavour compounds in uji was investigated. The bacteria chosen are the most prevalent species in fermented uji. Flavour compounds were analysed using GC-MS and GC-FID with HP5 non-polar column and DB-Wax polar columns respectively. Use of pure single or mixed cultures did not improve the flavour profile of fermented uji. On the basis of peak areas of unfermented and fermented uji aromagrams, pentanal, hexanal and hexadecanoic, 9,12-octadecadienoic, oleic and octadecanoic acids were found to be native to the flours, while 3-methyl-1-butanol, octanoate, nonanoate, hexadecanoate, linoleate, oleate and hexanoic, heptanoic, octanoic and nonanoic acids were synthesised during submerged culture fermentation. Ethanol, 1-pentanol, 1-hexanol, lactic acid and ethylacetate were synthesised prior to fermentation and synthesis of these compounds continued during fermentation.
Production of High Energy Density Fermented Uji using a Commercial Alpha-Amylase orby Single-Screw Extrusion
(ScienceDirect, 2003) Onyango Calvin; Henle Thomas; Hofmann Thea; Bley Thomas
The effects of alpha-amylase and extrusion on the viscosity and energy density of uji, a spontaneously fermented thin porridge from different combinations of maize, finger millet, sorghum and cassava, were investigated. Fermentation alone was not able to reduce the viscosity of uji, but addition of 0.1–2.1 ml/100 ml alpha-amylase to the fermented slurry or extrusion of the fermented and dried flour at 150–180°C and a screw speed of 200 rpm reduced the viscosity of 20 g/100 ml uji from 6000–7000 to 1000–2000 cP, measured at 40°C and a shear rate of 50 s−1. The amount of flour required to make uji could thus be increased by a factor of 2.0–2.5 and consequently it was possible to produce uji with acceptable energy densities (0.6–0.8 kcal/g) for child feeding.
Digestibility and Antinutrient Properties of Acidified and Extruded Maize–Finger Millet Blend in the Production of Uji
(ScienceDirect, 2004) Onyango Calvin; Noetzold Horst; Ziems Annette; Hofmann Thea; Bley Thomas; Henle Thomas
Lactic and citric acids were used as alternatives to backslop fermentation in the manufacture of extruded uji (a thin porridge from eastern Africa). Acidity of the blends was reduced by fermentation or progressively lowered with 0.1, 0.5 and 1.0 mol/l lactic or citric acids before extrusion. The absence of ethanol soluble starch in the extrudates indicated that extrusion solubilizes starch without formation of maltodextrins. In vitro starch digestibility increased from 20 mg maltose/g starch in the raw blend to about 200 mg/g after extrusion. Extrusion reduced total dietary fibre by 39–68%, redistributed soluble to insoluble fibre ratios and had a negligible effect on the formation of resistant starch (less than 1 g/100 g). In vitro protein digestibility increased after fermentation or acid treatment followed by extrusion. Nitrogen solubility index decreased by 40–50% when the unfermented, lactic or citric acid treated blends were extruded, but increased by 20% when the blend was fermented before extrusion. Amino acid analysis showed that histidine, lysine and arginine contents were lowest in the fermented-extruded blends. Tannin content decreased from 1677 mg/100 g in the raw blend to between 551 and 1093 mg/100 g in the extrudates whereas phytate content remained unaffected by extrusion (248–286 )
Proximate Composition and Digestibility of Fermented and Extruded Uji From Maize– Finger Millet Blend
(LWT - Food Science and Technology, 2004) Onyango Calvin; Noetzold Horst; Bley Thomas; Henle Thomas
The proximate composition, amino acid profile and in vitro starch and protein digestibilities of raw; fermented; fermented and cooked; unfermented and extruded; and fermented and extruded maize–finger millet blend was studied. Aspartic acid, glycine,cystine, methionine, tyrosine and lysine increased after fermentation, while contents of all other amino acids showed no significant changes. Greater losses of amino acids occurred when the fermented blend was extruded than when cooked. Fermentation improved protein and starch digestibilities, whereas cooking or extruding the fermented blend reduced the digestibilities. Extruding the unfermented blend increased protein and starch digestibilities and reduced nitrogen solubility index by 50%. Raw flour had 0.41 g/100 g water-soluble starch which declined to 0.05 g/100 g on fermentation but increased to 20–34 g/100 g after extrusion
Effect of Extrusion Variables on Fermented Maize–Finger Millet Blend in the Production Of Uji
(ScienceDirect, 2004) Onyango Calvin; Henle Thomas; Ziems Anette; Thea Hofmann; Thomas Bley
The effects of screw speed, feed moisture, glucose, fructose, sucrose and maltose on extrusion of lactic fermented and dried maize–finger millet blend was investigated. Fermentation caused a reduction in sectional expansion index, flour bulk density and water absorption index (WAI) but increased specific volume, water solubility index and darkened the extrudates. Increase in feed moisture (13–25%) reduced sectional expansion index, specific volume and yellowness but increased extrudate moisture content, bulk density and darkness of the extrudates. Increasing screw speed (158–242 rpm) had a negative correlation only with specific volume and lightness (P<0.05). An increase in the content of any of the sugars reduced extrudate moisture content, sectional expansion index, WAI and specific volume but increased bulk density and water solubility index. Extrudates treated with monosaccharides were darker than extrudates treated with disaccharides.
Influence of Incubation Temperature and Time on Resistant Starch Type III Formation From Autoclaved and Acid-Hydrolysed Cassava Starch
(SciencDirect, 2006-11-24) Onyango Calvin; Bley Thomas; Annette Jacob; Henle Thomas; Rohm Harald
Raw cassava starch, having 74.94 and 0.44 g/100 g resistant starch type II and III (RS II and RS III), respectively, was autoclaved at 121 °C in water, 1, 10 or 100 mmol/L lactic acid. The formation of RS III was evaluated in relation to variable incubation temperature (−20 to 100 °C), incubation time (6–48 h) and autoclaving time (15–90 min). Negligible to low quantities of RS III (0.59–2.42 g/100 g) were formed from autoclaved starch suspended in 100 mmol/L lactic acid, whereas intermediate to high quantities (2.68–9.97 g/100 g) were formed from autoclaved starch suspended in water, 1 or 10 mmol/L lactic acid, except for treatments with water or 10 mmol/L lactic acid incubated at 100 °C for 6 h (1.74 g/100 g). Autoclaving times corresponding to maximum RS III contents were 15 and 45 min for water and 10 mmol/L lactic acid, respectively. Whereas, the RS III fractions from cassava starch suspended in water had melt transitions between 158 and 175 °C with low endothermic enthalpies (0.2–1.6 J/g), the thermal transitions of the acidtreated samples were indistinct.
The Fate of Afiatoxins During Processing of Maize into Muthokoi - A Traditional Kenyan Food
(ScienceDirect, 2008-07) Mutungi Christopher; Lamuka Peter; Arimi Samuel; Gathumbi James; Onyango Calvin
The effect of processing muthokoi, (a traditional dehulled maize dish in Kenya) on aflatoxin content of naturally contaminated maize was investigated. Dehulling decreased aflatoxin levels by 46.6% (5.5-70%) in maize samples containing 10.7-270 ngjg aflatoxin levels. Soaking muthokoi in 0.2%, 0.5% and 1.0% solutions iati, sodium hypochlorite or ammonium persulphate for 6 or 14 h further decreased aflatoxin contents by 28-72% in maize samples containing 107-363 ng/g aflatoxin levels, and boiling muthokoi at 98°C for 150 min in 0.2-1.0% w/v iati decreased aflatoxin contents by 80-93% in samples having 101 ng/g aflatoxin contamination. Findings imply that expo¬sure to acute aflatoxin levels in maize is minimised during processing and preparation of muthokoi.
Parasites Modify Sub-Cellular Partitioning of Metals in the Gut of Fish
(Pubmed, 2011) Okoth Oyoo Elijah; Admiraal Wim; Odipo Osano; Kraak Michael; Gichuki John; Ogwai Caleb
Infestation of fish by parasites may influence metal accumulation patterns in the host. However, the subcellular mechanisms of these processes have rarely been studied. Therefore, this study determined how a cyprinid fish (Rastrineobola argentea) partitioned four metals (Cd, Cr, Zn and Cu) in the subcellular fractions of the gut in presence of an endoparasite (Ligula intestinalis). The fish were sampled along four sites in Lake Victoria, Kenya differing in metal contamination. Accumulation of Cd, Cr and Zn was higher in the whole body and in the gut of parasitized fish compared to non-parasitized fish, while Cu was depleted in parasitized fish. Generally, for both non-parasitized and parasitized fish, Cd, Cr and Zn partitioned in the cytosolic fractions and Cu in the particulate fraction. Metal concentrations in organelles within the particulate fractions of the non-parasitized fish were statistically similar except for Cd in the lysosome, while in the parasitized fish, Cd, Cr and Zn were accumulated more by the lysosome and microsomes. In the cytosolic fractions, the non-parasitized fish accumulated Cd, Cr and Zn in the heat stable proteins (HSP), while in the parasitized fish the metals were accumulated in the heat denatured proteins (HDP). On the contrary, Cu accumulated in the HSP in parasitized fish. The present study revealed specific binding of metals to potentially sensitive sub-cellular fractions in fish in the presence of parasites, suggesting interference with metal detoxification, and potentially affecting the health status of fish hosts in Lake Victoria.
Participatory Selection Of Sweet Potato (Ipomoea Batatas (L.) Lam.) Cultivars Using Mother And Baby Trial In Western Kenya
(ResearchGate, 2011-10) Odhiambo G.O; Kwach J.K.; Gichuki Simon T.; Dida Mathews
Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam) is a drought tolerant food security crop. Western Kenya accounts for 60% of the national production. Intensive production is constrained by lack of improved high yielding cultivars tolerant to pests and diseases. Currently, average farmer root yields range between 5.6-13.0 t ha-1. The objective of this study is to evaluate with the farmers eleven sweet potato cultivars improved for high yielding and high nutrition value; 'Kemb10', 'SPK004', 'Mugande', 'Namaswakhe', 'K117', 'Polista', 'Bungoma', 'Odinga', '292-H-12', 'Zapallo' and 'Improved Nyathi Odiewo'. These were tested against four local popular farmer cultivars; 'Uimprove Nyathi Odiewo', 'Jayalo', 'Amina' and 'Kuny kibuonjo'. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with 15 treatments replicated four times per each of four locations in mother and baby trials. Assessments were done on biomass and root tuber yields. Results showed that there were significant differences in yield performance between the cultivars with 'Mugande' yielding the highest across locations. Conversely, the farmers cultivars; 'Nyathi Odiewo' and 'Kuny kibounjo' were comparable to the improved cultivars; 'Mugande', 'K117', 'Improved Nyathi Odiewo', 'Namaswakhe', 'Kemb10', and 'Odinga'. All the cultivars had dry matter content above 30% except 'Zapallo' that had 21.6%. The improved sweet potato cultivars have the potential to increase farmers' food security since they yielded 14-28 t ha-1. Involvement of farmers has been decisive in the selection of preferred sweet potato cultivars for commercial and domestic use. These cultivars could be further developed through a multiplication and marketing program to incorporate the preferred qualities for
Survival and Avoidance Response of the Freshwater Gastropod Melanoides Tuberculatus (Muller) to Different Concentrations of Tobacco Waste.
(Wiley online library, 2011-11) Ochieng Eric; Omondi Reuben; Opiyo Mary A.; Charo-karisa Harrison; Muguti Jonathan; Aura christopher Mulanda
The Gastropod Melanoides tuberculatus plays a significant role in hampering fish larval production in earthen ponds. This study investigated use of tobacco waste to assess behavioural and survival responses of M. tuberculatus at different concentrations of tobacco waste solution of 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1.0, 1.25, 1.5, 1.75 and 2 g L−1. Mean escape time varied significantly among concentrations (P < 0.05). Escape time decreased in 1-, 2- and 3-day-old solutions. Percentage survival decreased significantly with increasing concentrations of tobacco waste solution and exposure time (P < 0.05). Concentrations of 1.75 g L −1 and 2.0 g L−1 had high hazard ratios and low survival rates of gastropods and were the most effective in eradication of M. tuberculatus, hence recommended dose for preparing ponds for stocking. We conclude that tobacco waste solution can be used for control of M. tuberculatus.
Effect of intercrops on thrips species composition and population abundance on French beans in Kenya
(2011-12-12) Nyasani, J.O; Meyhöfer. R.; Subramanian, S.; Poehling, H.-M.
The study aimed at determining thrips species composition and thrips population density on French bean planted as a sole crop and as an intercrop with either sunflower, Irish potato, or baby corn, in various combinations. Field experiments were conducted in two seasons to examine: (1) thrips population development and thrips species composition over time, (2) effect of intercrops on thrips population density and natural enemies, and (3) effect of intercrops on French bean yield. The experiments were conducted at the Kenya Agricultural Research Institute, Embu, Kenya in a randomized complete block design with four replicates. The thrips population on French beans increased with time. It showed a peak at the flowering stage then started declining when the crops were nearing senescence. French beans hosted four thrips species, Megalurothrips sjostedti (Trybom), Frankliniella schultzei (Trybom), Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande), and Hydatothrips aldolfifriderici (Karny) (all Thysanoptera: Thripidae) in order of decreasing abundance. The main thrips species on Irish potato and sunflower was F. schultzei. Baby corn hosted only Frankliniella williamsi (Hood) and Thrips pusillus (Bagnall). A monocrop of French bean hosted more thrips than a French bean intercrop mix. Thrips natural enemies such as Orius spp. and Ceranisus spp. were recorded in all crop plants but in especially high numbers on French bean and baby corn, respectively. Plots with French bean alone had about 1.4 times higher yields compared to intercropped plots of French bean with sunflower and French bean with baby corn. However, the percentage of pods that could get rejected on the market due to thrips damage was highest on plots with French bean alone (68 and 63%) and lowest on plots with French bean and baby corn (35 and 37%) in the first and second seasons, respectively. This study showed that a complex of thrips is found in the field and its composition varies with crop stage and species. Intercropping French bean with other crops compromises on French bean yield but reduces damage to the French bean pods, thereby enhancing marketable yield.
Agriculture Projects Offered for Examinations in Secondary Education:: Perceptions towards Factors Influencing Initiation and Implementation in Kisii District,Kenya Paperback
(‎ LAP LAMBERT Academic Publishing, 2012-03-14) Nyang'au Martha K.
Agriculture projects were introduced in Secondary Education examinations in 1989 to equip learners with basic skills for self-reliance. However, the primary objective is often down played. The initiation and implementation of the projects might be poor since schools struggle to exploit the examination process at the expense of equipping learners with the practical skills; hence there is need for improvement. It is recommended that the Ministry of Education should organize regular workshops to develop and sustain the positive perceptions of school principals and agriculture teachers towards factors influencing project initiation and implementation. And to encourage co-operation among them during initiation. Further, the Ministry, should incorporate in the training curriculum for agriculture educators the factors perceived to be influencing the projects. School principals, and possibly Board of Governors should provide financial resources to improve and sustain positive perceptions of learners towards the factors influencing implementation of the projects
Improving crop productivity and water use efficiency in basin rice cultivation in Kenya through SRI
(International Journal of Agricultural Science Research., 2012-05-23) Nyamai, Matolo; Mati, Bancy Mburia; Home, Patrick Gathogo; Odongo, Benson; Wanjogu, Raphael; Thuranira, Elias
Improving the yield of rice (Oryza sativa L) in existing irrigated areas rather than further expansion is more likely to be the main source of growth for the crop in Kenya, especially due to limited land and water resources. In order to achieve this, there is need to identify and adopt solutions that are environmentally more sustainable. That is, the production systems adopted should reduce water consumption and increase productivity. This study evaluated whether the System of Rice Intensification (SRI) could increase water use efficiency and crop productivity relative to the conventional production system of continuous flooding. The effects of SRI on total water input and the growth characteristics of three rice varieties were investigated in a split-plot factorial at the experimental farm of the Mwea Irrigation Scheme of Kenya during the August - December 2009 growing season on vertic clay soils. The production practices of SRI were found to be beneficial to rice growth. SRI gave higher average grain yield (14.85 t/ha) than the conventional production system (8.66 t/ha) at P=0.006, while the average yield across production systems was 15.89 t/ha, 11.26 t/ha and 8.10 t/ha for BW196, NERICA1 and Basmati370 varieties respectively, with P
The impact of Desmodium spp. and cutting regimes on the agronomic and economic performance of Desmodium–maize intercropping system in western Kenya
(Elsevier, 2012-10-20) Kifuko-Koech, M.; Pypers, P.; Okalebo, J. R.; Othieno, C. O.; Khan, Z. R.; Pickett, J. A.; Kipkoech, A. K.; Vanlauwe, B.
Low soil fertility, stemborers (particularly, Chilo partellus) and Striga weeds (Striga hermonthica and Striga asiatica) are major limitations to production of maize in western Kenya. The “Push–Pull” technology (“PPT”) has been described as an appropriate innovative technology capable of addressing these constraints. The technology involves intercropping maize with Desmodium and planting Napier grass (Pennisetum purpureum) around the intercrop, but in the current study a modified PPT was used and Napier grass was not included. Field trials were conducted in two locations in western Kenya during 4 subsequent seasons to test the hypothesis that maize yield, the degree of Striga suppression and economic benefits of intercropping maize with Desmodium are affected by: (i) the related biomass production by different Desmodium species and (ii) the cutting regime of the Desmodium. Maize was intercropped with Desmodium uncinatum (Jacq.) DC, cv Silverleaf or Desmodium intortum (Mill.) Urb. cv Greenleaf, and treatments with sole maize (with and without urea) were included for comparison. To eliminate phosphorus (P) deficiency, all treatments received basal P. The first two Desmodium cutting events were fixed at land preparation i.e. at the start of every season, and 4 weeks later, following the recommended practice, while the third cutting was varied and conducted at 9, 12 or 18 weeks after planting maize. Maize yield in the Desmodium–maize intercropping system was only higher than sole maize without urea from the third season. This implies that when P is not limiting inclusion of Desmodium spp. into the maize cropping system would provide a substitute for inorganic N fertilizers to enhance crop growth and yield after Desmodium becomes well established. Cumulative maize grain yield over the four seasons with the D. intortum and D. uncinatum intercrops were 6.3 and 7.0, and 10.9 and 11.6tha−1 in Busia and Siaya, respectively, and significantly higher than or comparable to a maize monocrop (5.8 and 11.8tha−1). Average net benefits from Desmodium intercropping over the four seasons were increased by 1290 and 918$ha−1 relative to the maize monocrop in Busia and Siaya, respectively. Biomass yields were significantly higher for D. intortum than for D. uncinatum. Varying the time of the third Desmodium cutting had little effect on Desmodium biomass yields or maize grain yields in Busia, while in Siaya, D. intortum biomass yields were highest when cut at 12 weeks after planting. In the Desmodium intercropping systems, Striga counts were reduced by 95% in Busia and by 65–90% in Siaya with higher reductions when Desmodium was cut at 18 weeks after planting. In summary, the use of PPT provides robust and high economic benefits to smallholder farmers in western Kenya. The use of D. uncinatum with the third cutting at 18 weeks after planting is recommended, but can be modified according to the need for fodder without much effect on maize yield or revenue.
An Evaluation Of Farmers’ Perceptions Of And Adaptation To The Effects Of Climate Change In Kenya
(Alanya Alaaddin Keykubat University, Department of Economics and Finance, 2013) Ndambiri, Hilary K.; Ritho, Cecilia N.; Mbogoh, Stephen G.
The study was carried out to evaluate how farmers in Kyuso District have perceived and adapted to climate change. Data was collected from 246 farmers from six locations sampled out through a multistage and simple random sampling procedure. The Heckman probit model was fitted to the data to avoid sample selection bias since not every farmer who may perceive climate change responds by adapting. The analysis revealed that 94% of farmers in Kyuso District had a perception that climate was changing and as a result, 85% of these farmers had responded by adapting. In this regard, age of the household head, gender, education, farm experience, household size, distance to the nearest market, access to irrigation water, local agro-ecology, on and off farm income, access to information on climate change through extension services, access to credit, changes in temperature and precipitation were found to have significant influence on the probability of farmers to perceive and/or adapt to climate change. With the level of perception to climate change being more than that of adaptation, the study suggests that more policy efforts should be geared towards helping farmers to adapt to climate change.
Genetic parameters for production and feeding behaviour traits in crossbred steers fed a finishing diet at different ages
(NRC Research Press, 2013-03) Durunna, Obioha N.; Mujibi, Fidalis D. N.; Nkrumah, Donald J.; Basarab, John A.; Okine, Erasmus K.; Moore, Stephen S.; Wang, Zhiquan
Durunna, O. N., Mujibi, F. D. N., Nkrumah, D. J., Basarab, J. A., Okine, E. K., Moore, S. S. and Wang, Z. 2013. Genetic parameters for production and feeding behaviour traits in crossbred steers fed a finishing diet at different ages. Can. J. Anim. Sci. 93: 79–87. Because cattle can be raised postweaning under several feeding regimes, this study examined the consistency of phenotypic and genetic parameters of some production and feeding behaviour traits between two feeding periods that beef cattle received a finisher diet. Crossbred steers (n=851) were used for feeding trials from 2002 to 2009 where the steers received a finisher diet either during the fall–winter season (FP1) or during the winter–spring season (FP2). The steers evaluated in FP2 received a backgrounding diet in FP1. Traits examined include dry matter intake (DMI), average daily gain (ADG), gain: feed ratio (G:F), residual feed intake (RFI), and ultrasound measures of backfat thickness (UBF), rib-eye area (UREA) and marbling (UMB). Others include feeding duration (FD), headdown time (HDT) and feeding frequency (FF). As expected, there was no difference (P=0.90) between the RFI measured in the two periods. The two periods were similar for UBF (P=0.87) and UREA (P=0.25),while DMI, ADG and UMB were greater (P<0.04) in FP2 than in FP1. The FD, HDT and FF were greater (P<0.0001) in FP1 compared with FP2. Heritability estimates were calculated in FP1 and FP2, respectively, for ADG (0.38, 0.28), DMI (0.52, 0.42), RFI (0.16, 0.27), G:F (0.18, 0.33), HDT (0.35, 0.18) and FF (0.26, 0.46). More importantly, genetic correlations between FP1 and FP2 were estimated for DMI (0.61), RFI (0.65) and G:F (0.60). The results may indicate the influence of age or feeding period or both on these traits, which may suggest the need for multi-environment genetic evaluations to identify superior animals.
Comparison of Water Use Savings and Crop Yields for Clay Pot and Furrow Irrigation Methods in Lake Bogoria, Kenya
(The International Institute for Science, Technology and Education (IISTE), 2013-07) Kefa C. C.; Kipkorir E. C.; Kwonyike J.; Kubowon P. C.; Ndambiri H. K.
As population grows mainly in developing countries resulting in an increase in water scarcity particularly in arid areas, irrigated agriculture is required to produce more food while using less water, and to do so without degrading the environment. The extent of improvement of water management in arid lands involves very high costs and irrigation methods that can help meet this challenge by giving growers greater control over the application of water is desirable. Clay pot is an efficient and cheap irrigation method that does not require water of high quality. Despite the significant efforts at Kapkuikui informal irrigation scheme to increase food production using furrow irrigation method, production has been declining over time due to water scarcity and fields abandoned as a result of salinity raising the need for improvement of the water productivity using an environmentally sound irrigation method. The objective of the present study was to evaluate water use savings under clay pot compared to furrow irrigation methods using field trials of maize and tomato crops and also soil water balance techniques. In addition, analysis of the salinity of irrigation water and soil at the scheme was done. Results indicate that the irrigation water sourced from springs at the scheme is saline with a salinity of 0.85g/l. The clay pot system was found to be more efficient than the furrow irrigation method by saving 97.1% of applied water for the maize crop and 97.8% for the tomato crop respectively. In terms of yield increases, the clay system was more productive per unit of water than the furrow irrigation method. The maize grain yields was 32.2% higher than that under the furrow, while fresh fruit tomato yields was 43.7% higher in the clay pot system than the furrow.
Influence of Agricultural Lime on Soil Properties and Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Yield on Acidic Soils of Uasin Gishu County, Kenya
(American Journal of Experimental Agriculture, 2013-07-04) M. A. Osundwa; J. R. Okalebo; W. K. Ngetich; J. O. Ochuodho; C. O. Othieno; B. Langat; V. S. Omenyo
A study was carried out to investigate the influence of agricultural lime (21% CaO) from Koru, Kisumu on soil properties and wheat yield on acidic soils of Uasin Gishu county. Field trials were conducted at Chepkoilel University College farm and in Kipsangui area of Uasin Gishu county. Soils were analyzed to determine their pH, available P and other nutrient levels before treatment application. The experiment was a split plot arrangement with two wheat varieties as the main plots and the lime treatments as the subplots. The two varieties compared were ‘Njoro BW 2’ and ‘KS Mwamba’ characterized as tolerant and moderate tolerant to soil acidity, respectively. Phosphorus and nitrogen were applied as a blanket treatment at the rates of 40 kg P205 /ha and 46 kg N/ha respectively. Lime was applied at the rates of 0.0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 t/ha. Soils from the two sites were acidic with low to moderate available P for Chepkoilel and Kipsangui sites respectively. Soil pH and soil available P increased with the increase in the rate of lime addition. Wheat grain yield increased significantly (p=0.05) due to soil acidity amendment above the control. There was a high positive correlation between wheat yields and soil available P at both sites at harvest. High cost of inorganic inputs, low wheat grain prices and the effects of the erratic rains made the majority of the treatments economically unviable for adaptation by farmers. However, the most profitable treatment was 2 t/ha of lime in Njoro BW 2 at Kipsangui site. There was no viable treatment at Chepkoilel site. Higher wheat yields may probably be achieved from rates of lime above 2 t/ha.
Application of AquaCrop model in deficit irrigation management of cabbages in Keiyo Highlands
(2013-07-31) Kiptum C, K.; Kipkorir E, C.; Munyao T, M.; Ndambuki, J. M.
Crop growth can be simulated under different water application using simulation models. The main purpose of deficit irrigation is high water productivity with less application of water to plants. In this research, the potential of AquaCrop to simulate the growth of cabbages in Keiyo Highlands (0°22’45’’N and 35°32’9”, 2586 m.a.s.l) under nine different irrigation treatments in the dry season between December to February was studied. Statistical comparisons of observed and simulated biomass showed that R2 = 0.96, Root mean square error (RMSE) = 0.38 tons and coefficient of residuals = -0.17. The results showed that the model overestimated the biomass of cabbages. The model also provided excellent simulation of canopy and yield. In this study water productivity of 17 g/cm2 and Harvest index of 76% were found for cabbages. Key words: Deficit irrigation, AquaCrop, cabbage ‘Riana’ and water productivity.

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