School of Science and Technology

Permanent URI for this communityhttp://41.89.31.6:4000/handle/123456789/12

Welcome School of science and technology Masters theses and dissertation Sub-community

Browse

Now showing 1 - 20 of 126

An Evaluation of the Factors Influencing Coffee Production and Farmer Incomes in the Highlands of Mount Kenya
(KeMU, 2007-05) Mutua, Joseph Mwiti
Kenyan farmers face a lot of challenges in production and marketing of coffee. A field study was carried out in three districts in the highlands of Mount Kenya, a region which produces about 80% of the national coffee production where coffee production and farmer incomes have been declining for the last ten years. The objective of the study was to quantify changes in coffee production, quality, prices and farmers incomes. It was also to determine the interrelationships between production, quality, prices, farmer earnings and finally establish the influence of the trends in coffee production, quality, prices and payments on farmers and farmer organisations. Data were collected through questionnaires administered to coffee farmers, society executive management members, farmer organizations in Kirinyaga, Embu and Meru Central districts and also to government institutions, milling and marketing agents. A total of 137 representatives were interviewed. The study showed that the coffee industry in Kenya is affected negatively by production of low quality coffee, delayed payments, low farmer earnings, low coffee production, lack of use of farm inputs, long marketing chain, mismanagement of co¬operative societies, high prices of farm inputs and lack of credit facilities. Farmers felt that coffee earnings can be improved by shortening the marketing chain, availability of farming credit to coffee farmers, production of high quality coffee, and better management or the coffee cooperative societies. It was concluded that, the farmers require to produce high volumes of quality coffee. There is need to set a fund to avail affordable credit to farmers. Strategy for value addition and production of specialty coffee should be evolved in coffee marketing. A change of government policy in coffee production and marketing requires to be effected, in order to improve organizational coffee marketing structures. .
Social Economic and Environmental Impact of Community Based Small Holder Irrigation: A Case Study of Kabaru Location, Nyeri
(KeMU, 2007-06) Karimi, Barnabas Kinyua
A field survey was carried out to establish the socio economic and environmental impact of community based smallholder irrigation in Kabaru a semi-arid region in the leeward side of Mount Kenya. The broad premise is that the introduction of an irrigation project in an area can increase agricultural production and serve as an engine of agricultural and general economic growth and development. A sample of 120 farmers from nine irrigation projects was used. The study attempted to identity the social, economic, technical and environmental constraints and has suggested possible mitigation measures. The study findings show that community based small-scale irrigation has increased agricultural diversity and the number of crops in a year. In general, it has increased horticultural production but reduced the capacity of food grain crops. Its environmental impact is reflected in degraded soils, deforestation, and increased health risks to farmers and farm workers. Generally, water extraction and use has been deregulated and misused. It was concluded that there is need for proper water pricing and management and adequate monitoring of the projects. It is important to track the subtle changes in soil and water quality for effective control of social and environmental problems that are so far observed. Providing adequate production resources to farmers is also critical in improving productivity in the irrigated farms.
Socio-Economic and Related Technological Factors Influencing Productivity in the Smallholder Sub-Sector of the Kenya Tea Industry: A Case Study of Nandi District
(KeMU, 2007-06) Kiprono, Paul Kiprop
Tea continues to be one of the main foreign exchange earners in the Kenyan economy and the industry employ 75% of the rural population. It is composed of the large scale sub sector owned by the multinationals and the smallholder sub sector mainly owned by the local farmers. Tea production in the smallholder sub sector is still very low compared to the large scale/estate subsector. The low production in the sub sector has been attributed to several socio-economic and technological factors which include, poor labour utilization, low fertilizer application, low adoption of improved technologies, and low plant population among others. A study was carried out to identify the socio-economic and technological related factors which influence tea productivity in the smallholder sub sector of Nandi district. A field survey was carried out among 126 farmers who were randomly sampled from the list of registered tea growers in Chebut tea factory. Key informants were also identified and interviewed, data from the survey and secondary sources was analyzed, and the following were identified as the main socio-economic factors that influence tea productivity, low labor allocated to tea production, low number of tea bushes owned, and low proportion of land under tea where as low use of mineral fertilizer and low number of plucking rounds are the technical factors which do influence productivity. It was concluded that the factors that influence yield significantly include rate of fertilizer application, number of bushes owned by the farmer, amount of labor utilized and its efficiency. Other factors such as off-farm income, number of clones, proportion of land under tea and tea as a main income were not significant in explaining tea productivity in the catchment. It was recommended that proper system of remuneration should be developed to motivate and employ a higher percentage of the available family labor in tea production. The extension service department should sensitize farmers on proper fertilizer use. This study indicated that fertilizer application highly influenced productivity
Relationship between Agricultural Practices and Incidence of Malaria in Small-Scale Farming Sector: Case Study of Meru Central District, Kenya
(KeMU, 2007-06) Marete, Peninah Nkirote
Abstract. A field study was carried out to investigate the relationship between incidence of malaria and agricultural practices in small-scale sector in three ecological zones of Meru Central District. Ninety farmers were interviewed on how they perceive malaria incidence in relation to agricultural activities. The perceived time of high incidence of malaria affects various farming activities. According to the farmers, the most affected activities were weeding and harvesting. Other affected activities were land preparation and planting. Significant associations were observed between incidence of malaria and irrigation, livestock grazing system, planting of bananas and proximity of crops and weeds to the house. In addition farmers associated malaria with consumption of some foods. The farm family was found to be affected by malaria illness in various other ways. These include high expenditure on medical bills, loss of productive time in sickness, sale of food and livestock to meet medical expenses, purchase of nets and other protective measures, social beliefs against some food products and absenteeism for school going children. It was concluded that malaria has a great impact on farming and that some farming practices influence incidence of the disease. The effects of irrigation, livestock system and bananas on incidence of malaria as well as the association with some foods should be investigated further to determine the nature and extent of the association.
Gender Parity in the Smallholder Tea Sub-Sector in Imenti South District ,Kenya
(KeMU, 2007-06) M'itunga, Albert Miriti
Tea is an enterprise that utilizes a lot of labor. This study was conducted to compare women and men in ownership, production, and post production management of tea. The study was organized into two parts; one, covering ownership and production activities, and the other, post production management. It covered 104 registered smallholder tea farmers in three factory companies, one Savings and Credit Cooperative Organization (SACCO), and one hundred and fifty (150) public tea buying centers in Imenti South District. Women owned 1% of registered land parcels and 0.2% of the total land area. Approximately 25% of tea SACCO bank accounts were registered in their names. In terms of total productivity, there was no significant difference between farms owned by men or women. Women did more than twice the number of roles performed by men and spent more hours awake per day. However they spent fewer hours on tea. On an equal working day, women significantly picked more tea than men. They also provided the bulk of family labor as well as casual and overall total labor used for picking. Approximately 94% of total labor was sourced from the tea growing areas within Imenti South District, and 51 % was hired. Women were disadvantaged in the recruitment of directors, senior management staff, technical and skilled staff, and unskilled staff. There was no significant difference in gender for the factory office staff cadre. From the study results it is concluded that women were disadvantaged and the situation requires redress through specific policy changes in the sub sector.
Status of Yam (Dioscorea Spp ) Production ,Distribution and Utilisation in Meru Central ,Kenya
(KeMU, 2007-06) Mugambi, Joseph Murithi
In Kenya yam is treated as a minor crop despite its high potential for income generation and provision of food security. A field study was undertaken to establish the status of yam in Meru Central, a major yam production area in Kenya. The study focused on identification, characterization and distribution of existing cultivars in three agro ecological zones. Methods of utilization were also determined. A total of 120 farmers, 40 traders and 10 extension and research officers were interviewed. The crop has a rich biodiversity. Twenty four different cultivars were identified by local names. They were distinguishable through tuber, stem, leaf and maturity characteristics. Farmer's preference for cultivars was based on yields, maturity period and ease to harvest. It was concluded that further work should be carried out to characterize cultivars at molecular level. . Yams were always grown as intercrops with other crops. No farm inputs were used other than farm yard manure. The crop matured within 4 to 36 months and yielded between 25-260kg per plant per year. The roots were primarily used in boiled form. Approximately 80% of farmers relied on oral literature for yam production and utilization. The crop appeared to have potential for provision of food security and income generation. It was concluded that knowledge on yam production and utilization with elderly members of the society should be harnessed and documented .
Effects of Food Safety and Quality Standards on Smallholder Vegetable Farming in Meru Central District ,Kenya
(KeMU, 2007-06) Mwoga, Gilbert Muthee
Household interviews were conducted during the months of May to September 2006 covering eighty-five smallholder farmers operating in major vegetable growing areas of Meru Central District. The study was conducted to find out the current status of smallholder farming in relation to compliance with food safety and quality standards. Contract farming, membership in a marketing group and level of incomes from export crop influenced compliance to food safety and quality standards. However, households tended to diversify in and outside the farm as a way of spreading risks and consolidating incomes. There were alternative crop enterprises in cases of non¬conformity but this was dependent on the agro ecological zone. Enforcement of food safety and quality standards has caused some positive changes in the sector. Despite uncertainty caused by implementation of "EUREPGAP", there has been a spill-over of benefits in the production of other crops. The stringent requirements have moved some players out of the business but the effect was nullified by new entries leading to an increase in production . It was concluded that the future of smallholder export vegetable farming is dependent on the influence of smallholder organization arrangement such as contract farming and marketing groups and earnings from the export vegetables. Enforcement of food safety and quality standards has positively influenced the sector towards a more streamlined production and marketing
Productivity and Profit of Small Scale Dairy Farming in Kiambu District.
(KeMU, 2007-07) Mwangi, Solomon Maina
Small scale dairy farming (commonly known as zero grazing units) has become an important enterprise in central Kenya. This is because of lack of adequate land to practice other farming activities, but still it faces a number of challenges. As a result of lack of adequate land and consequent enough feed. A study was carried out in Kikuyu division of Kiambu district using a structured questionnaire. The results showed that the small scale dairy farming was not attracting new investors as those who were interviewed indicated that they have been in the practice for more than five years.One of the reasons sought to explain the reason to the failure to attract new investors was found to be lack of adequate feeds. A majority (82%) depended on napier grass as the major fodder for their livestock, which had to be grown within the farm. The napier grass they grew from their farms was not adequate for their dairy cows due to small land sizes; a majority had less than one acre of land where napier and other household crops were to be grown together and hence were forced to buy feed to make up for the balance or search from road sides. It was apparent that a good number (50%) of the farmers did not keep dairy health records and less than 40% had training in dairy farming. This made the farmers to depend mainly on private veterinaries for their livestock health. Calving interval was sacrificed and lactation period extended to be able to have at least some milk for a longer period of time but the milk yields were on average low; between ten to fifteen litres per cow per day. Economic evaluation of the enterprise showed that a majority of the farmers were working at a loss due to low milk market prices and exploitation by middlemen who were paying them poorly for one litre of milk. Although some cooperatives were available, the price fetched from them was far low to offset the small scale dairy farming daily expenses and hence the farmers were forced to borrow finances from other sources to fund their dairy farming. Therefore, a policy needs to be put in place that will take care of milk market prices and protect small scale dairy farmers from exploitation by cooperatives and middlemen compounded with regular training in dairy farming will make the enterprise a success .
Effect of Defoliation on the Grain Yield of Hybrid Maize in the Kenyan Midlands
(KeMU, 2010) Marangu, Collin Micheni
Maize is an important agricultural commodity in the Kenyan midland grown by about 70% of farmers as food crop. Majority of these are small scale holders practicing mixed farming i.e. crop and livestock production as a major source of income. These areas experience fodder shortage due to diminishing land size as a result of increased population. The purpose of this study therefore was to (i) Quantify the impact of defoliation on the final grain yield of hybrid maize and (ii) Quantify the amount of forage obtained at various levels of defoliation done after anthesis. (iii) To assess the best method of defoliating the maize crop after anthesis. The levels of treatment were removal of 25%, 50% and 75% of leaves of the hybrid maize removed from the bottom. There were two sampling schemes of defoliation and each was replicated four times (treatments). In the sampling scheme I defoliation was done once at anthesis, where by 25%, 50% and 75% of the total leaves were removed. In sampling scheme II defoliation was done in stages at interval of two weeks after anthesis, the defoliation rate was 25% of the total leaves. The main study findings revealed that increasing leaf defoliation decreases grain yields while increasing the quantity of fodder from the maize plants. When defoliation is done in phases at 25% intervals then yields are reduced but not greatly reduced as compared to when done at once. Striking a balance between maximizing fodders without compromising the grain yields is a desirable phenomenon of subsistence farming in midlands. This study therefore concluded that 50% defoliation to be done in phases on the other hand it recommends that 75% and above defoliation should not be done on maize crops because this treatment reduces the grain yield significantly.
Pesticide Usage and Safety among Small Scale Farmers in Meru Central District, Kenya
(KeMU, 2010-04) Marete, Gabriel M.I.
Pesticides have been known to be toxic to man, other organisms and to the environment. Maintaining proper and acceptable handling practices can immensely reduce the adverse effects of such pesticides. This research study has established that majority of small scale farmers in Meru Central District are not informed about proper methods of handling pesticides. This study aimed at investigating whether small scale farmers had adequate knowledge before applying, when mixing & applying pesticides and finally during the disposal of the unused pesticides or empty containers. From the research it was established that most farmers did not have records on pesticide application hence the findings relied on subjective opinions and estimations rather than actual records. A simple random sampling technique was applied and 90 households were enumerated. The data collected were manually entered in a computer system spread sheets, and descriptive statistics performed on the same. It was found out that majority of the small scale farmers did not adhere to the recommended instructions before application, when mixing and applying and finally when disposing the unused pesticides or the empty containers.
The Efficiency of Botanicals and Inorganic Chemicals in Management of Pest and Diseases in Snow Peas (Pisum Sativum Var. Saccharatum) in Ngusishi Location , Buuri District ,Kenya.
(KeMU, 2010-04) Thuranira, James Gitonga
Snow pea is a high value export crop grown in Ngusishi location and about 65% of farmers derive their income directly from the crop. The problems of Snow pea production are low yields, poor pods quality and chemical residue on pods. The general objective was to determine the effect of selected botanicals on insect pests and fungal diseases, plant growth, and pods yields and quality of Snow peas. On-farm experimentation was done for two seasons to evaluate four botanicals and two chemical pesticides. The experimental design used was a randomized complete block design with eight treatments namely; Garlic, Pyrethrum, Citrus peel, and Mexican marigold water extracts; Dynamic 018 EC (Abamectin 18g per litre), Decis 025 EC (synthetic pyerthroid with deltamethrin 25g per litre); Hand wash liquid Soap; and absolute control. The treatments were significantly different at a<0.05 on mortality rate of insect pests and fungal diseases severity. Garlic water extracts was the best in management of leafminers and thrips with efficacies of 87.3 and 85.2%. Pyrethrum water extract was also the best in control of aphids with efficacy of 86.7% and Mexican marigold water extract was the most effective against whiteflies with efficacy of 85.9%. Plots sprayed with botanicals had the lowest fungal diseases (powdery mildew, downy mildew, and early blight) severity as compared to those sprayed with Soap, Decis, and Abamectin and the absolute control. There was significant difference in export grade and reject weights across treatments. The results suggest that the four botanicals can be used as suitable replacements for chemical pesticides in managements of specified insect pests and fungal diseases in Snow peas.
Growth and Yield of Potato (Solanum Tuberosum) Under Varying Water Supply Regimes
(KeMU, 2010-06) M'eruaki, Dionisia Warue
The Irish potato (Solanum tuberosum) is the second most important food crop in Kenya after maize. The crop is cultivated mainly in the high altitude areas between 1500 and 2700 metres above sea level. In the mid-altitude areas of Kenya, it is grown mainly under rain-fed conditions in two seasons per year. However, low water supply during the short rainy season to poor crop growth and low yields. A study was carried out at KARI Embu to assess the influence of varied moisture supply regimes on growth, development and yield of three potato cultivars. A field experiment was set up with the use of a line-source sprinkler irrigation system, which provided a declining water supply gradient from the main line. Rain gauges were fixed in each experimental plot to record the amount of water received by the crop. The trial was set up in a factorial randomized complete block experimental design and comprised two major factors as treatments, namely, three water regimes and three potato cultivars. It was observed that the rate of potato plant emergence after planting is dependent on the cultivar and soil moisture availability. The stem elongation rate for the three cultivars was higher during the early stages of plant growth and tended to decline towards physiological maturity. The above ground dry matter accumulation increased at different rates from one growth stage to the next for all cultivars under different moisture regimes. Potato tuber dry matter for the three cultivars was not significantly different in growth stages I to III but differed significantly at physiological maturity under varying water supply regimes. The yield was also significantly influenced by moisture availability. Findings from this study led to the conclusion that potato crop production is most suited to areas that receive seasonal rainfall of at least 600 mm. To attain high yields, supplemental irrigation would be necessary when potatoes are grown in areas with less than 600 mm of rainfall.
Comparison of Tithonia Green Manure (Tithonia Diversifolia) ,Poultry Manure and Inorganic Nitrogenous Fertilizers as a Source of Nitrogen in Growing of Kales (Brassicae Oleracea) in Nyeri Municipality (Nyeri District).
(KeMU, 2010-06) Muchiri, Peter Mwangi
The research was conducted to compare the influence of tithonia diversifolia green manure, poultry manure, calcium ammonium nitrate ammonium sulphate nitrate and urea as a source of nitrogen in growing kales (Brassica oleracea) in Nyeri Municipality, Nyeri district. It was carried at Wambugu Farmers' Training Centre and at Kagumo Teachers' Training College, located in Nyeri municipality and separated by a distance of five kilometers. The treatments were solely applied in two levels of 30 kgs N/ha and 60 kgs of N/ha. Except for tithonia green manure, all the other treatments were administered at the time of transplanting. The experiment was a completely Randomized Block design with five treatments in two levels replicated three times. Individual plots measured (4x3) meters at interplant and inter row spacing of 60 cms and 60 cms respectively. The inter-plot spacing was 50 cms and inter-block spacing was 100 cms .The fresh weight of kales was compared for all the treatments as well as the control. The data collected was subjected to F-test using SPSS proprietary software (version 12.0).Treatment means found to be significantly different from each other were separated by Duncan Multiple Range Test at (a<0.05).Results showed that tithonia applied at 60 kgs of N/ha produced the highest fresh weight of kales followed by CAN at similar rates. The difference was significant ( a<0.05) and higher by an average of 7.65 % from the two experimental sites. Nevertheless, it was not easily available during the traditional planting season in the region. Further research is needed to explore the possibility of drying and grinding tithonia green manure to produce foliar spray or organic solid fertilizer .This would solve the relatively high labor requirements required for biomass transfer.
Supplemental Irrigation Effects on Growth and Yields of Watermelon (Citrullus Lanatus) in Semi-Arid Tharaka Eastern Kenya.
(KeMU, 2010-06) Kirambia, Rosemary Karimi
Agricultural water scarcity and frequent drought periods limit crop productivity and farm incomes in many arid and semi-arid regions. The goal of this study was to investigate if watermelon production could be enhanced in the semi-arid Tharaka District using supplemental irrigation to improve rural livelihood and development. The objectives were to determine the effect of the supplemental irrigation on the watermelon growth, yield, quality and economic feasibility. The experiment was conducted in a split plot complete randomized design with supplemental irrigation method as the main plot and watermelon cultivar as the minor plot. The data collected was subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) to evaluate the treatment effects. Principal component analysis was done to determine the most significant factors to the treatment responses. The statistical package used to analyze the data was JMP version 8 (SAS Institute, 2008).The vegetative growth under the various supplemental irrigation methods was statistically similar in all the treatments because all plots were initially uniformly irrigated. The highest total economic yield of 4.05 Mg/ha in the short rain season (SRS) and 4.95 Mg/ha in the long rain season (LRS) was obtained in Charleston grey irrigated by drip. These Charleston grey fruits weighed 6.07 kg and 7.42 kg in the SRS and LRS respectively. The highest soluble solids concentration was obtained in Sugar baby. It was 6.77° in the SRS under drip irrigation and 9.63° in the LRS without supplemental irrigation. However it was not economical to apply supplemental irrigation to achieve these soluble solids concentrations. The highest net benefits of KES 63,700/ha in the SRS was obtained in Sugar baby irrigated with drip and KES 369400 in the LRS was obtained in Charleston grey irrigated with sprinkler method and KES 227560 irrigated with drip. It was concluded that with a 2 to 4 week basal irrigation drip supplemental irrigation can be used to boost Charleston grey production in semi-arid conditions.
The Influence of Fertilizer Rates and Plant Density on Grain Yield ,Yield Components and Head Blast of Finger Millet (Eleusine Coracana(L.) Gaertn ) in Kisii Highlands.
(KeMU, 2010-06) Wakhungu, Judith Nafula
This study investigated the effect of plant population density and fertilizer levels (specifically N and P) on finger millet grain yield, grain yield components and head blast incidence and severity in Kisii highlands specifically at Kisii Agricultural Training Centre as the experimental site. The broad objective of this study was to develop a package on appropriate fertilizer levels and plant population for reduced blast disease and improved finger millet production in Kisii highlands. The treatments were population density and fertilizer level in a split plot design where the population levels was in the main plots and the fertilizer levels in the sub plots. The experiment was replicated thrice with variety P224 as the plant material. The data collected included; plant parameters (for direct analysis) as levels of head blast incidence, levels of head blast severity, number of productive tillers per plant, number of fingers per head, grain yield and 1000-seed weight (g) at 14% moisture content all of which taken at physiological maturity. Also taken were soil parameters initial organic carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, pH and soil texture and Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC), base saturation (BS), % Al and % Mn at harvest these being mainly to help understand some responses and define circumstances surrounding the experiment. The data was analyzed using Statistical Analysis System (SAS) and means separated using the least significant difference (LSD). Correlation coefficients of the parameters were derived using pearsons correlation coefficients. The result showed that high grain yields and low head blast severity of finger millet is achievable through use of proper agronomic practices of proper fertilization regime and plant population. Population level of 222,222 plants ha-1 and fertilizer level of 10 kg P and N ha-1 or unfertilized plots lowered blast severity and increased number of tillers per plant, fingers per head and grain yields.
Effectiveness of Commonly Used Insecticides and Methods for Maize Storage in Koroma Location ,Kirinyaga District ,Kenya
(KeMU, 2010-06) Komunga, Julius Ewart
An increased demand for food due to a rising population growth has resulted to increased the limited arable land. which is less than 20% of the total land area of Kenya. This necessitates proper management and preservation of harvested food grains to last longer and feed more people and (or) fetch better market prices. Previous studies show that 25-40 % of grains are lost to storage insect pests. This loss if not mitigated can contribute to food insecurity and poverty levels in Koroma location and the country at large. Various grain loss control methods and storage insecticides have been in use to manage the loss. Their effectiveness on maize grains storage has not been tested and therefore the need for this study. The study aimed at ranking some locally and commonly used dusts following a performance trial, so as to recommend such products to farmers. The experiment was conducted in Koroma location of Kirinyaga district using an RCBD design. In this study Sumicombi, Actellic Super, and Spintor dust were tested along eucalyptus ash and metal silo grain storage container. The treatments were arranged in an RCBD layout. Grain damaged due to pests were observed and counted within samples taken from the treatments. Each treatment was replicated thrice within the storage space. A trial run was done before the actual experiment. Data was taken monthly for four months from the samples which had been exposed to insect pests in the storage space. The data was then subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) using the Statistical stem (SAS) package. Results revealed that all the chemical treatments better than ash treatment and were ranked on their performance levels. Treatment by storage in de-aerated containers showed better results than most of the chemical insecticide treatment. Grain damage levels for the treatments were found to be as follows, metal silo storage seven percent, Sumicombi dust nine percent, Spintor dust nine Actellic super twelve percent, Eucalyptus ash twenty eight percent, and the free grain storage (control) thirty five percent. These percentage proportions give relative comparisons for the losses incurred in three months for the commonly used treatment practices in Koroma location. This study concluded that control of post harvest insect pest losses if taken effectively can save the farmer and the country heavy economic loss. Concerns geared to making food sufficient must include both research efforts on increasing yield, quality prevention against storage losses. Monitoring effectiveness of insecticide dusts in the other grain storage methods is important for agronomists when advising the farmers appropriately. This study recommended use of Sumicombi and Spintor dusts among the chemical control for best results. The use of metal silo bin emerged to be the best with the least grain damage, therefore farmers willing to spend a little more cost on their purchase can protection for their grains than chemical control method. This study highly discourages farmers from storing maize grains without any measure to control pest as results showed this resulted to heavy loss. Use of ashes cannot adequately as loss was incurred even after this traditional method was used.
Effects of Different Tillage Practices and Planting Time on Maize Growth in AEZ III of Marsabit and Kirinyaga South Districts
(KeMU, 2010-08) Gitari, Francis Karani
The experiment was aimed at studying the effects of different tillage practices and different planting time on yields in maize in Agro-Ecological Zone (AEZ) III of Kirinyaga South and Marsabit districts. Three tillage practices and three planting times were put under study in the sites. Maize variety DH04 was identified as a suitable variety for the zone and was used in the study. The three different tillage practices (minimum, conventional and oxen plough) did not show any significant difference in yield in both sites. Planting time gave significant differences in yields with early planting giving highest yields followed by mid - planting. The late planting treatment resulted into total crop failure in the two sites. The results suggest that farmers can use any of the tillage practices and early planting time to achieve superior maize grain yield for improved food security.
Effect of Defoliation and Spacing on the Leaf and Grain Yields of Grain Amaranth
(KeMU, 2011-05) Gesora, Vincent Morara
Grain amaranth is an emerging crop which is highly nutritious, drought tolerant vegetable which can be promoted in ASAL areas as it can do well with as little rainfall as 200mm.The crop is being promoted in Turkana County but the effects of different row spacing and defoliation intervals on yields in the region are not known. Because the leaf and seed are both consumed, the study therefore sought to establish the effect of spacing and defoliation on the rate of growth, leaf yield, and grain yields of the crop. Due to its high nutritional value the crop is able to address the malnutritional problems which are rampant in the county. The county relies on animals for protein source which is very expensive hence the need to promote the crop to subsidize the protein source. Different intervals of defoliation of 0, 7, 10 and 14 days, at a fixed 50% defoliation level and row spacing of 60cm, 75cm, and 90cm by drill were used. The treatments were arranged in completely randomized block design (CRBD) to establish their effects on the growth rate, leaf and grain yields. The within line spacing was thinned to 20cm, I4days after sowing. Data collected was subjected to SPSS, ANOVA (to determine if there were any mean differences) and post hoc tests (to determine if the differences were significant). Results indicated that, the closer the spacing (60cm), other factors held constant gave highest leaf and grain yield. The longest defoliation interval of 14 days gave the highest total leaf yield while the no defoliation treatment gave the highest amount of grain. The best combinations from the experiment were 60cm spacing with 14 day defoliation interval for highest leaf yield while 60cm spacing with no defoliation treatment yielded the highest amount of grain.
Evaluation of Tropical Sugar Beet (Beta Vulgaris Saccharifera) Varieties Based on Allometric Measurements and Tool Sugar Yields in Nyandarua County, Kenya
(KeMU, 2011-05) Gitahi, Daniel Ndiang'ui
This Sugar beet trial on comparative performance evaluation of four varieties on the basis of allometric measurement and total sugar yields was set up in year 2009. The broad objective of the study was to promote commercial small scale sugar production in the high lands of Kenya. The site was in Nyandarua West at the farmers training centre, 01 joro Orok. Season one crop was planted in the long rains and season two crop in the short rains. All operations within the trial were standardized, with the three varieties EB0503, EB0618 and EB0505 forming the main treatment. The varieties were replicated four times in blocks set in a randomized complete block design with the fourth variety, EB0621 being the control. A comparison of means was done after analysis by use of Analysis of Variance f test and means separated using the t test on version 9.2 of statistical analytical computer software. The results of this study indicated no significance difference between the control and the other three varieties at a = 0.05 to total sugar levels for the two seasons. A significance difference was observed between the varieties in both seasons to tuber yield in t ha-1 at a= 0.05 at the established plant population of 98,999 plants per hectare. No significance difference was observed between the control and the other three varieties on leaf biomass. There were no significance differences also observed between the control and other varieties on leaf area index (LAI). The slight incidences of Cercospora leaf spot disease observed on all varieties under the operating field conditions did not influence total sugar levels.
Effects of Plant Population Density and Leaf Harvesting on both Grains and Vegetable Yields of Amaranth.
(KeMU, 2011-06) Mwai, Benard Wahome
Amaranth (Amaranthus spp.) is a newly introduced C4 dicotyledonous pseudo-cereal crop in Kenya. Amaranth has high potentials in seeds used as a grains and leaf as vegetables, yet factors affecting grains and leaf yields have not been fully investigated. Field experiments were carried out in Meru Imenti north district of eastern Kenya to investigate the effects of plant density and leaf harvesting on both gains and leaf weight of amaranth (A. cruentus). A randomized complete block design (RCBD) experiment was used where inter and extra rows spacing with different plant density (1 million ha-1, 2 million ha-1, 3 million ha-1, and 4 million ha-1,) and Leaf harvesting intervals (four, six and eight days) were the treatment. Data was collected on Leaf dry weight (g) and grain yields dry weight (g) and then analyzed using SPSS software (vision 15.0). One-way ANOVA and Tukey post-test method was performed to determine statistical difference for group means, while LSD was used to separate the means. Fresh leaf harvested from amaranth plants varied slightly with the plant density. However, beyond a plant density of 3 million plants ha-1, there was a decrease in leaf weight. Increasing plant density did not affect individual plants since the inter-space between plants was not altered. However there was no statistical significant difference in leaf yield p>0.05 between leaf harvest interval of six days leaf harvest interval of eight days. Grain yield was indirectly proportional to leaf harvesting intervals. The study revealed that planting amaranth at 3 million plants per ha-1 and harvesting leaf at six days interval regime, yielded more fresh leaves and grains were obtained. This study recommends that, the best combination between harvesting regime was harvesting amaranth after every six days for optimum fresh leaves and grain yield.