training programme in integrated soil fertility management ... · potatoes. there are several ......

KENYATTA UNIVERSITY RESEARCH GRANTS

MAIN PROJECT TITLE: Training Programme In Integrated Soil Fertility Management

FUNDING AGENCY ALLIANCE FOR A GREEN REVOLUTION IN AFRICA

GRANT NO: NO 2009 SHP 024 KU

SCHOOL: AGRICULTURE AND ENTERPRISE DEVELOPMENT

DEPARTMENT: AGRICULTURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

PROJECT TITLE (MSc research project)

Evaluation of Different Local Lime Sources on Soil Properties and Yield of Irish Potatoes (Solanum tuberosum L.) in Burera District, Rwanda

DURATION September 2010 to August 2012

RESEARCH TEAM (MSc Student 1)

Researcher: Athanase Nduwumuremyi (Rwandese)

Supervisor:

Dr. Jayne Mugwe, Kenyatta University

Supervisor:

Dr. Vicky Ruganzu (The Institut des Sciences Agronomiques du Rwanda

(ISAR), Rwanda

BACKGROUND Agriculture is the most important sector of Rwanda’s economy. Irish potato

(Solanum tuberosum) underpins Rwanda’s food security but its production is

threatened by widespread acidity in many parts of Rwanda. The problems of

acid soils (pH less than 5) are widespread in Rwanda occupying approximately

45% of the total arable land or covering about 60% of the highland areas

(Beenart,1999) which are the major growing areas of the main staple food, Irish

potatoes. There are several good sources of lime in Rwanda and some local

production of this lime is currently done by using artisanal technologies. Despite

these potentials, there is a limited use by smallholder farmers. However, the

serious limiting factor to the widespread use of lime in Rwanda is the lack of

awareness among farmers on its use and the lack of appropriate

recommendation rates. The efficiency of lime utilization for acid soils

amelioration depends on its chemical interactions with soil particles and

therefore its solubility (Huang et al., 2007). In Rwanda no much work has been

done to characterize the solubility of these lime sources. This information is

vital for lime selection and uses recommendations, and would spur farmer

uptake of the liming technology. This research therefore aimed to fill the gap by

evaluating local lime (travertine) sources and their effectiveness on soil

properties/Soil pH ameliorations and crop productivity especially Irish potatoes.

For more information contact the researcher at [email protected]

http://www.agra.org/

http://www.ku.ac.ke/schools/agriculture/

http://www.ku.ac.ke/schools/agriculture/index.php/departments/agricultural-resource-management

http://www.ku.ac.ke/schools/agriculture/index.php/faculty/faculty-profiles/66-dr-jayne-mugwe

http://www.minagri.gov.rw/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=194%3Aisar-institut-des-scien...



mailto:[email protected]







PROJECT TITLE(MSc research project)

Bio-Slurry and Inorganic Fertilizers Effect on Soil Properties and Maize Yield in

Kicukiro District, Rwanda



Researcher:

Olive Tuyishime (Rwandese)

Supervisor:

Dr. Benjamin O. Danga

Kenyatta University

Supervisor:

Prof. Benson Evans Mochoge;

Kenyatta University

Supervisor: Dr. Charles

Karamangingo Higher Institute of

Agriculture and Animal Husbandry

(ISAE Busogo)

BACKGROUND Low soil fertility is widespread in Rwanda and is a major cause of low maize yields

facing smallholder farmers. Presently, smallholder farmers tend to overly rely on

chemical fertilizers which are often subsidized and easily available in the local

markets (Guy Dekelver et al., 2005). This has contributed to increased soil

degradation processes such as low soil organic matter, increased acidity and soil

structure deterioration (IFDC 2007). Despite this, farmers lack knowledge and

awareness about the value of organic soil amendments such as bio-slurry and

farmyard manure. However, constraints in the production of organic fertilizers and

high import costs of mineral fertilizers could threaten the long-term production of

maize crop in Rwanda. Bio-slurry use as organic fertilizer and as a component of

integrated soil fertility management technologies could help in improving soil fertility

and increase the yield and hence contribute to food security in Rwanda. Although the

number of biogas plants has been increasing in Rwanda, bio-slurry has not been

studied for generating adequate scientific data regarding its importance in

agricultural production. Its impact on the soil physical, chemical and biological

properties as well as on crop yield improvement is not well documented. Therefore a

scientific study needs to be conducted to generate data which can be used to

integrate bio-slurry in soil fertility management technologies and create farmers




http://www.ku.ac.ke/schools/agriculture/index.php/faculty/faculty-profiles/64-dr-benjamin-o-danga


http://www.ku.ac.ke/schools/agriculture/index.php/faculty/faculty-profiles/62-prof-benson-mochoge


http://www.isae.ac.rw/





awareness on its impact in agricultural productivity in Rwanda.

OBJECTIVES:

The main objective of this study was to evaluate the combined effect of bio-slurry

and inorganic fertilizers on soil improvement and maize production in Kicukiro district

in Rwanda.










Effects of Phosphorous Sources and Starter Nitrogen on Soil Properties and

Soybean Yield in Central Highlands of Kenya.



Researcher:

Abuli Sianje Jackson

(Kenyan)

Supervisor:

Dr. Jayne Mugwe Kenyatta University

Supervisor:

Dr. Monica Mucheru Muna Kenyatta University

BACKGROUND The farmers of central highlands of Kenya are experiencing low soil fertility that is

affecting land productivity and incomes. Their attempts at addressing the situation

have been hampered by high fertilizer prices. Integration of legumes into farming

systems is one of the Integrated Soil Fertility Management (ISFM) options for

improving soil fertility. By using legumes, farmers’ cost of production can be

minimized considering; legumes can convert atmospheric nitrogen in association with

Rhizobia. To function effectively as nitrogen fixers, legumes require phosphorous (P),

which is inadequate in central highland farms. This study assessed the effects of

different sources of Phosphorous on soybean’s Biological Nitrogen Fixation (BNF),

yield and soil properties. The study also assessed the effects of Starter N on soybean

BNF. The study areas were Kigogo in Meru South District and Kamujine in Tigania

district. The study purposed to enhance production and improve soils through use of

appropriate source of P, and small amount of starter N application. Triple Super

Phosphate (TSP), Manjingu rock phosphate, Mavuno fertilizer, DAP, manure and

fortified manure (manure with Manjingu fertilizer at 5-:50 ratio) were the P sources

all giving 30kg P ha -1. The study is completed and thesis under examination. The

study results will contribute to existing body of knowledge on soybean production

whose use may translate to improved soil fertility, higher yields, sustainable farming

systems and better farm incomes.





http://www.ku.ac.ke/schools/environmental/index.php/faculty/staff-profiles/47-dr-m-mucheru-muna









Efficiency of Integrated Incorporation of Manure and Mineral Fertilizers on

Maize Yield in Acidic Soils of Biera Corridor, Mozambique



Researcher:

Arlindo Muambole

(Mozambique)

Supervisor:

Dr. Benjamin O. Danga

Kenyatta University

Supervisor:

Prof. Reuben M. Muasya;

Supervisor:

Dr. Magalhães M. Amade

(Agricultural Research Institute

of Mozambique (IIAM))

BACKGROUND Currently, Mozambique lags behind all Southern and Eastern African countries in

maize productivity leading to maize imports. Declining maize production has been

attributed to degradation of soil physical-chemical properties, soil acidity with P

sorption and soil nutrient depletion due to low chemical fertilizer use by most small-

scale farmers who cannot afford the expensive fertilizer (MINAG. 2009). The empirical

knowledge on the relationship between fertilizer use, yield response, and profitability

is not considered as most important. For these reasons, it is difficult to understand

whether the reasons for low fertilizer use are related primarily to market failures that

prevent farmers from using fertilizer despite being profitable for them to do so, or

whether input/output price conditions and low response rates make fertilizer use

unprofitable. Apart from the erratic and unreliable rainfall, rudimentary cultivation

techniques and use of low yield varieties contributing to the crop yield decline, soil

nutrient depletion and lack of measures to increase soil organic matter content have

been identified as main causes of the declining crop yields and consequent food

insecurity (MINAG, 2007 and SETSAN, 2009). Though most farmers in Nhamatanda







http://www.seuco.ac.ke/


http://www.iiam.gov.mz/




and Barue Districts own large numbers of cattle, the use of cattle manure as source of

nutrients to increase crop productivity is less than 3% in the central region of

Mozambique (DNSA, 2009). Nevertheless, very few studies have examined the use of

organic manure for increased crop production in this region with none at all for

maize. Using cattle manure as the only means to maintain soil fertility is possible, but

in that case very large quantity of manure is needed. Moreover, the efficiency of

chemical fertilizer applied alone is low in physically degraded soils.

OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study therefore was to identify and recommend the optimum

combination of cattle manure and mineral fertilizer to increase maize yield while

improving soil chemical and physical properties in Nhamatanda and Barue Districts,

central region of Mozambique. The study is completed and thesis under examination.

Updated on 20. Feb 2013.

More information needed, please contact the researcher at Arlindo Muambole

[email protected].









Effect of Cattle Manure and Mineral Fertilizer on Climbing Bean Production

and Soil Properties Changes in Musanze District, Rwanda



Researcher:

Nadia

Musaninkindi

(Rwandese)

Supervisor:

Prof. Benson E. Mochoge;

Kenyatta University

Supervisor:

Dr. Jean Jacques Mbonigada

Muhinda (Ministry of

Agriculture and Animal Resources)

Supervisor:

Dr. Isaac Osuga;

Kenyatta

University

BACKGROUND Agriculture remains unproductive due to intensive exploitation of shrinking land

brought about mainly by high population density. In that context, 56% of farm

households in Rwanda exploit less than 0.5 hectare and with no simultaneous

measures to maintain soil health, which results in soil fertility decline (MINAGRI,

2004). Though expensive to small scale farmers, mineral fertilizers are still not

efficiently used in terms of rates, time of application as well as choice of the right

fertilizer. Cattle manure, as one of farm available organic resources is not well

managed in order to transfer its benefits to soils (Uphoff et al., 2006; Azeez and Van

Averbeke, 2010). Moreover, the combination of mineral and organic fertilizers is not

well understood by smallholder farmers, yet its results in increased yields and good

soil conditions. The important contribution of climbing beans in livelihood

improvement is also being negatively affected by such inadequate use of inputs.

OBJECTIVES This study evaluated the effect of organic and inorganic fertilizers on climbing beans

yield as well as soil properties. The study is completed and thesis under examination.

For more information contact: "Nadia Musaninkindi" < [email protected] >






http://www.minagri.gov.rw/



http://www.ku.ac.ke/schools/agriculture/index.php/faculty/faculty-profiles/65-dr-isaac-maina-osuga









The Effect of Method, Rate and Time of Urea Application on Nitrogen Use

Efficiency and Yield of Wetland Rice in Rwamagana District of Rwanda



Researcher: Imaculee

Nyampinga

(Rwandese)

Supervisor:

Prof. Benson E. Mochoge; Kenyatta

University

Supervisor: Dr. Isaac Osuga.

Kenyatta University

Supervisor:

Prof. Mambani

Banda Pierre

Department of Soil

and Environmental

Management,

National University

of Rwanda)

BACKGROUND Rice is increasingly becoming staple cereal in Rwanda. Through the promotion of rice

intensification by the government, there has been a significant raise in area under rice

cultivation. However the production is low mainly due to the fact that farmers are still

broadcasting NPK as application method into floodwaters to fertilize paddy plants

(ISAR, 2009). This is highly inefficient because the fertilizer nutrients are not taken up

by the plant because they are applied at the wrong time or in the wrong place or

transformation of nutrients makes them unavailable to plant uptake. About 60% of

Nitrogen fertilizer applied is lost as greenhouse gas or becomes a groundwater

pollutant (Savant and Stangel, 1990). Urea fertilizer applied at different rate and

applied at deep placement methods are more efficient and environmental

responsible methods of fertilization. This study compared the effectiveness of surface

application and deep placement on rice yield and the generated information from the

study is used to advice farmers on the proper fertilizer management which will lead to

increased yields as part of food security and improved income.






http://www.ku.ac.ke/schools/agriculture/index.php/faculty/faculty-profiles/65-dr-isaac-maina-osuga

http://nur.academia.edu/Departments/Soil_and_Environment_Management





OBJECTIVES The overall objective of the study is to increase yields through efficient use of inputs

and hence improve livelihoods of many small-scale farmers in Rwanda.










Effects of Soybean Inoculation, Lime and Inorganic Fertilizer on Soil N, Grain Yield and

Profitability of Soybean-Maize Rotation on Acidic Soils of Western Kenya



Researcher:

Maurine Akinyi

Onyango

(Kenyan)

Supervisor:

Dr. Benjamin Oginga Danga;

Kenyatta University

Supervisor:

Dr. Martins Odendo. (Principal

investigator) KARI Kakamega

Supervisor:

Prof. Benson E.

Mochoge;

Kenyatta

University

BACKGROUND Kenya has become a major importer of maize due to high food insecurity and the ever

increasing population with low production levels yet the country has a potential of

producing adequate food quantities through management of low soil productivity. At

smallholder farmer levels maize production levels could reach up to 6tons/ha when

practices such as use of improved seed varieties, proper fertilization and good

management practices are put in place. Biological Nitrogen Fixation has an ability to

save up to 90% of costs incurred when using an equivalent of N fertilizers as well as

improved soil properties; this offers a best bet option especially from the resource

limited small-scale farmers. Management of the soil environment for improved BNF

and enhanced nutrient availability for improved maize production which is the main

staple food in the region can earn farmers some income and help alleviate poverty

which is one of the Millennium Development Goals (MDG) and the Government of

Kenya aims to achieve by 2015. This is also in line with the vision 2030 which

emphasis on the need to improve the agricultural sector which is the driving force o f

the Kenyan economy.

This study had three approaches in addressing the acidity of the western Kenya soil;

(1) liming approach to raise pH, increase to plants, improve soil structure which in

turn leads to reduced soil crusting, enhance microbial activities, reduce cation






http://www.kari.org/?q=content/kari-kakamega



toxicity, better emergence of small-seeded crops and improved aggregate stability, (2)

plant based approach, including legumes for N-fixation, deep roots to break soil hard

pan hence improve soil structure and nutrient cycling, (3) organic inputs to improve

the organic matter content, soil aggregate stability, soil water holding capacity,

reduction of P sorption, enhance microbial activities and increase soil pH (through

increased basic cations and ligand exchange reactions).

OBJECTIVES The broad objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of agricultural lime,

inorganic fertilizer on soil properties and performance of maize in a soybean-maize

rotation on acidic soils of smallholder farms of Kakamega District in western Kenya.

The study is completed and thesis under examination.

For more information contact researchers at; "Maurine Beckie" <

[email protected] >









Mineralogy of Africa’s Soils as a Predictor of Soil Fertility



Researcher:

Mercy Kamau Nyambura

(Kenyan)

Supervisor:

Prof. Benson E. Mochoge

Kenyatta University

Supervisor:

Dr. Keith Shepherd

World Agrofoerestry

Centre (ICRAF)

BACKGROUND Soil health surveillance systems are required to achieve information on soil functional

properties at fine spatial resolution. A key challenge to their implementation is how to

measure soil functional properties on tens of thousands of geo-referenced soil

samples in a consistent and cost effective way. To solve this problem, the African Soils

Information Services (AfSIS) deploys spectral diagnostics – low cost, high throughout

analytical techniques based on reflectance of electromagnetic radiation. The data

generated by these high-throughput techniques can all be treated as spectra and used

as input to pedo-transfer functions for predictions of soil functional properties that

are expensive or time consuming to measure (Shepherd and Walsh 2007). Up till now

soil infrared spectroscopy has been used as the key soil screening tool in soil health

surveillance systems (Shepherd & Walsh, 2002; 2007). However the importance of soil

mineralogy as a determinant of all soil functional properties, and soil fertility and

fertilizer response in particular, new developments in instruments capability for high

throughput X-ray diffraction (XRD) could provide a powerful complementary tool.

New instrumentation developments in high-throughput X-ray diffractometry (XRD)

and study improvements in mineral identification databases and software have

opened up new opportunities for quantitative determination of mineral phases on

large sample number. The recent launch of bench-top XRD technology opens up the

technology as a routine high throughput technique in soil science. Until now use of






http://www.worldagroforestry.org/about_us/organisation.../Shepherd

http://www.worldagroforestry.org/

http://www.worldagroforestry.org/

XRD has been largely confined to detailed analysis on small sets of samples (Dixon and

Weed, 1989; Dixon and Schulze, 2002) and the links between soil function and soil

mineralogy have remained largely descriptive (Cornu et al., 2009; Andrist-Rangel et

al., 2006).

OBJECTIVES The main objective was to evaluate the ability of X-ray diffraction (XRD) technique to

rapidly predict soil functional properties and to develop pedo-transfer functions for

Africa’s soils. The study is completed and thesis examined.

For more information contact researchers at: "Nyambura, Mercy (ICRAF)" <

[email protected] >









Effects of Farmyard Manure and Mineral Fertilizers on Maize Yield and Soil

Properties in Two Districts of Rwanda.

DURATION September 2011 –August 2013


Researcher: Innocent Munyabarenzi

(Rwandese)

Supervisor:

Prof. Benson E.

Mochoge;

Kenyatta University

Supervisor:

Dr. Nabahungu L

Rwanda Agricultural Board

BACKGROUND Agriculture in Rwanda is today characterized by low agricultural productivity due to

soil fertility decline. This is mainly attributed to the mining of nutrients due to

continuous cropping without external addition of adequate nutrients coupled with

small land sizes which promotes limited scope for crop rotation and inadequate land

productivity. The adoption of ISFM technologies such as the combination of organic

manure and mineral fertilizers is being taken as one of solutions to the situation. The

objective of this study is to investigate the effect of farmyard manure and mineral

fertilizers on maize yield, determine the crop nutrient uptake and nutrient use

efficiency and evaluate changes due to treatments on bio-chemical soil properties.

The study is being conducted in Huye and Bugesera Districts in Southern and Eastern

Rwanda. The experiments is being conducted in the field where maize crop has been

planted in plots measuring 4.5x4.5 m with spacing of 75 x 30 cm. Treatments have

been in a factorial design arranged in a randomized complete bloc design (RCBD) with

three factors (nitrogen, phosphorus fertilizers and manure) at three levels for

nitrogen (0; 50 and 100 kg/ha), three levels for phosphorus (0; 25 and 50 kg/ha) and

two levels for manure (0 and 10 tons/ha). Soil samples will be analyzed for aggregate

stability, soil PH, soil organic carbon, available N, total N, Phosphorus, available

Potassium, CEC and ECEC. Maize grains will be dried after harvest and be weighed at

12.5% moisture content. The experiment has been replicated three times.






http://www.rab.gov.rw/

OBJECTIVES This study will provide information on response of NP fertilizers and manure on maize

yield and soil bio-chemical properties. By complementing cattle manure and mineral

fertilizers, soil productivity and smallholder farmers’ livelihoods can be improved and

come better through increased income resulting from higher yields of maize. Lastly,

the study will bring useful information which can guide extension services.

For more information contact researcher at [email protected]









Effects of Manure, Lime and Mineral Fertilizer on Soil Properties and Soybean

(Glycine Max L. Merrill) Yields in Central Highlands of Kenya.

DURATION Jan 2012- Dec 2013


Researcher:

Benvido Verde Mukithi

(Mozambique)

Supervisor:

Dr. Jayne Mugwe; Kenyatta University

Supervisor:

Dr. Benjamin Danga; Kenyatta University

BACKGROUND Declining soil fertility and acidity are the major constraints facing agricultural

production in Sub-Saharan Africa. Continuous cultivation associated with P sorption

and Al toxicity in acid soils are the causes of low soybean (Glycine max L. Merrill)

yields in Central Highlands of Kenya. This study aims to determine: (I) the effect of

manure, lime and P fertilizer on soil chemical properties and soybean yields; (ii) the

effect of manure, lime and P fertilizer on P uptake and N-fixation; (iii) the effects of

manure, lime and P fertilizer on Soil Microbial Biomass. The study will be carried out

in Embu district, central highlands of Kenya. The treatments comprise: 1 - manure (10

ton ha-1), 2 - lime (2 ton ha-1), 3 - TSP (60 kg ha-1 P2O5), 4 - manure (5 ton ha-1) +

lime (2 ton ha-1), 5 - manure (5 ton ha-1) + TPS (30 kg ha-1 P2O5), 6 - manure (5 ton

ha-1) + lime (2 ton ha-1) + TPS (30 kg ha-1 P2O5), 7 - lime (2 ton ha-1) + TSP (30 kg ha-

1 P2O5), 8 - reference crop (non-nodulating), and 9 - control ( no inputs). The

experiment will be laid out as a RCBD with 4 replicates on 4.5 m x 4.0 m plots with a

net plot of 18 m2. After the soil is ploughed soybean will be planted at a spacing of 50

cm x 10 cm. Soils will be sampled before, mid season and after the experiment to

determine changes as a result of treatment application. Soil measurements will

include soil pH, exchangeable cations, extractable P, exchangeable acidity, and

Microbial Biomass (MB). Plant will be sampled at mid and at harvesting to determine

the concentration of P in the tissues. N2 fixation will be assessed at flowering. At






harvest yields will be determined. This study will bring additional knowledge to

extension agents or services on soybean production with emphasis on acidic soils. In

addition, the smallholder farmers will use the results to improve soil management

practices in soybean production that is envisaged to increase soybean yields in the

Central Highlands of Kenya.

For more information contact researcher at [email protected]>









Effects of sorghum- cowpea intercropping, Rhizobial inoculation and inorganic

phosphorus on soil properties and yield in Lower Eastern Kenya

DURATION September 2011- August 2013

RESEARCH TEAM (MSc Student 11

Researcher: Damaris Musyoka

(Kenyan)

Supervisor:

Prof. Reuben Muasya.

Supervisor:

Prof. Benson Mochoge Kenyatta University

BACKGROUND Agriculture constitutes the dominant source of livelihoods for the smallholder farmers in

rural areas. However, in the arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs), grain productivity is

diminishing due to declining soil fertility and frequent droughts. This has led to severe food

insecurity, hunger and extreme poverty, with increased cases of malnutrition, especially

protein deficiency. Approximately 83% of Kenyan land is ASALs. Nitrogen (N) is the

principal nutrient element limiting crop productivity in these regions, followed by

phosphorus (P). Biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) is a vital process in the N depleted soils

as it aids in availing N into plant tissues through symbiotic relationship between legumes

and Rhizobium spp. Low integration of grain legumes in smallholder cropping systems is

cited as limiting maximum exploitation of the advantages of the mechanism of BNF in

ASALs. Moreover, insufficient levels of P in the soil are major constraints to the BNF

process. The use of Rhizobial inoculants in N-depleted smallholder fields can reduce

reliance on inorganic N. Inoculation, is however, not universal and does not always elicit

positive responses. It is necessary in absence of compatible Rhizobia and when Rhizobial

populations are inadequate in fixing N.






OPJECTIVES This study, therefore, aims at determining the effects of intercropping sorghum and

cowpea, Rhizobial inoculation and inorganic P on soil properties and yield in semi-arid

Eastern Kenya. Specifically, this study will,

(1) determine the effects of intercropping on BNF, soil properties and yield of the

intercrops;

(2) examine the effects of Rhizobial inoculation on BNF, soil N and yield of the intercrops;

(3) assess the effects of inorganic P on BNF and yield of the intercrops; and

(4) calculate gross returns of sorghum – cowpea intercropping in response to the

treatments.










Improving Sorghum Grain Yield through Use of Mineral Fertilizer and Manure

for Smallholder Farmers in Makueni and Machakos Counties, Eastern Kenya

DURATION Jan 2012- Dec 2013


Researcher:

Riziki Umazi Mwadalu (Kenyan)

Supervisor:

Prof Benson Mochoge Kenyatta University

Supervisor:

Dr. Maina Mwangi Kenyatta University

BACKGROUND Reduced food productivity in smallholder farms is the principal cause of food

insecurity in semi-arid parts of Kenya. This is mainly attributed to soil fertility

decline, land degradation and adverse effects of climate change. The solution

herein lies in the efficient use of nutrients, addition of nutrients to the soils and

planting of drought tolerant crop varieties which are able to cope up with the low

rainfall in the ASALs. This study will investigate the effects of farmyard manure,

mineral fertilizer and their combination on Sorghum Gadam grain yield, nutrient

uptake and nutrient use efficiency, manure effect on soil moisture storage and

nutrient intensity at different growth stages and bio-chemical properties of the

soil. The experiment will be conducted in the field in plot sizes of 4.5x4.5m with a

spacing of 75x20 cm between the rows and within the rows respectively where

sorghum Gadam will be planted as the test crop. Soil samples will be analyzed for

soil PH, soil organic carbon, available N, total N, phosphorus, available K, CEC, and

microbial status of the soil. Plant tissue samples and sorghum grains will be

analyzed for total N and P. The experiment will include two trials and treatments

will be in a factorial design arranged as a Randomized Complete Block Design

(RCBD). The first trial will have two factors (nitrogen and phosphorus, each at four

levels; 0, 25, 50, 75 kg/ha). The second trial will contain two levels of N P (0,





http://www.ku.ac.ke/schools/agriculture/index.php/faculty/faculty-profiles/57-dr-maina-mwangi

50kg/ha) and three levels of FYM (0, 5, 10 ton/ha). Treatments will be replicated

three times. The data will be subjected to analysis of variance using SAS software

at 95% confidence level. The treatment means will be examined using Least

Significant Difference (LSD) test. Regression and correlation analyses between

various variables will be done to draw key relationships and determine the extent

of the existing relationships.








DEPARTMENT: AGRIBUSINESS MANAGEMENT

PROJECT TITLE Effects Of Maize (Zea Mays L.) – Soybean (Glycine Max (L.) Merrill) Intercropping

Patterns On Yields And Soil Properties In The Central Highlands Of Kenya

DURATION September 2011- August 2013


Researcher:

Jossias Mateus Materusse Matusso

(Mozambique)

Supervisor:

Dr. Jayne Njeri Mugwe Kenyatta University

Supervisor:

Dr. Monicah Wanjiku Mucheru-Muna

Kenyatta University

BACKGROUND In the central highlands of Kenya, the low soil fertility and inability to replenish it are

amongst the major constraints affecting maize productivity and income generating crops,

leading to hunger and poverty, where over 90% of farmers are resource poor smallholders.

The situation is worsened by continued mining of nutrients, poor nutrient conservation

practices, increasing population growth and land scarcity. The adoption of ISFM

technologies such as maize-soybean intercropping system is being promoted as one of the

options to address low crop productivity among the farmers of this region. However, small

scale farmers of this region lack information on optimum cropping pattern and the

profitability of maize-soybean intercropping system.

OPJECTIVES This study therefore aims to:

(i) determine the effects of maize-soybean intercropping patterns on yields and N uptake,

and soil properties;

(ii) determine the effects of different maize-soybean intercropping patterns on light

interception and leaf area index (LAI);

(iii) quantify the land equivalent ratio (LER) of various maize soybean intercropping

patterns;



http://www.ku.ac.ke/schools/agriculture/index.php/departments/agribusiness-management-and-trade




(iv) assess the economics of various maize soybean intercropping patterns.










Quantifying Fertility Gradient Variations, Effects Of Inoculation And P Levels

On Soybean Production And Soil Properties In Central Highlands Of Kenya


RESEARCH TEAM (MSc Student 14 )

Researcher:

Albert Mwaniki Ndung’u

Supervisor:

Dr. Jayne N. Mugwe; Kenyatta University

Supervisor:

Dr. Monica Mucheru Muna; Kenyatta University

BACKGROUND African agriculture stands at crossroads with Food security remaining elusive with isolated successes fueling a sense of false optimism in an otherwise dismal situation. Poor soil fertility, nutrient depletion and unavailability continue to represent huge obstacles to securing needed harvests. Improving nutrient availability is a necessary countermeasure, particularly when farmers develop Integrated Soil Fertility Management (ISFM) skills in selecting the required soil nutrients and to derive utmost benefits from their application. Farmers can better returns to investment in fertilizer through its combination with agro-minerals and available organic resources. The study will determine farmer soil fertility levels, effectiveness of Rhizobia inoculation and P fertilization, and soil liming from commercial sources that can be used by farmers to enhance soil nitrogen resource availability and Biological Nitrogen Fixation (BNF) in soybean-Rhizobia symbiosis. This will be on hypothetical basis that soil pH, C and major nutrients significantly vary in CHK, Rhizobia inoculation significantly increases soybean nodulation and FUE, inorganic P significantly influences soybean yield and liming significantly change soil pH. The study will be undertaken in Imenti South, Maara, Meru South, Embu North, Embu East, Embu West, Mbeere north and Mbeere south Districts, in Meru and Embu Counties. Soil characterization will be done on 70 farms at 0-20cm and 21-40cm depths to assess soil nutrients.

OBJECTIVES To improve soybean yields and soil chemical properties to farmers in CHK, by






increasing soil nitrogen through Rhizobia inoculation, P fertilization and liming.






DEPARTMENT: AGRIBUSINESS MANAGEMENT AND TRADE


Evaluating The Economic Benefits of Soya bean (Glycine Max), Maize (Zea Mays) and

Climbing Bean under Varied ISFM Regimes in Central Highlands of Kenya

DURATION

RESEARCH TEAM (MSc Student )

Researcher:

Nicholas Karuku

Muba

(Kenyan)

Supervisor: Eric K. Bett.

Kenyatta University

Supervisor:

Dr Jayne Mugwe;

Kenyatta University

Supervisor:

Dr. S. K.

Wambugu;

Kenyatta University

BACKGROUND Soil fertility is a main factor that inhibits agricultural growth in Kenya, the use of

inorganic fertilizers is limited to a few financially able farmers. The small-scale

farmers’ intake of inorganic fertilizer application has been on the decline due to high

cost associated with it. In Kenya, the decline in land productivity caused by among

others decline in soil fertility, leading to decrease in the contribution of agricultural

sector to the national GDP. Due to high cost of mineral fertilizers majority of farmers

are unable to replenish the fertility levels in their soil. Scientists have developed soil

nutrients replenishment technologies involving organic and inorganic inputs or a

combination of both which are cost effective and farmer friendly such as the

integrated soil fertility management (ISFM) technologies. However, the country faces

a deficit in supply of major food crops especially common beans and soya bean due to

low soil fertility and low production variety. Kenya has the largest area under

common beans in the Eastern and Southern African region but comes second after

Uganda in terms of production (Katungi et al., 2009). This depicts a less efficient

production system. Legumes plays a key role in replenishing soil nutrients as well as



http://www.ku.ac.ke/schools/agriculture/index.php/departments/agribusiness-management-and-trade

http://www.ku.ac.ke/schools/agriculture/index.php/faculty/faculty-profiles/75-eric-kiprotich-bett


http://www.ku.ac.ke/schools/agriculture/index.php/faculty/faculty-profiles/45-dr-stephen-wambugu

http://www.ku.ac.ke/schools/agriculture/index.php/faculty/faculty-profiles/45-dr-stephen-wambugu

being a major source of cheap human and animal dietary source.

This study aims to investigate the profitability of ISFM regimes at the on-station level

and comparative profitability of soya bean and climbing beans against the common

bean at farmer level. The study will adopt both type I and II research models to

achieve its objective, costs and benefits analysis will be assessed, gross margins, net

benefits, benefits cost ratio, return to labor and break-even points for the ISFM

technologies and the selected legumes. The study will also perform a scenario analysis

to simulate the future of climbing bean if adopted to address the current bean supply

deficit in the country. The expected outputs of this study will be to find out the most

profitable ISFM regimes under soya bean (Glycine max) and maize (Zea mays), the

break-even points for the production of these test crops under the technologies.

Additionally, come up with the comparative profitability of soya bean, climbing and

bush beans under farmer management. Lastly, the study will identify the production

potential of climbing beans needed to cover the national beans supply gap.



training programme in integrated soil fertility management ... · potatoes. there are several ......

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