Working Document Series Open Access Phosphate sorption by andisols and ultisols, and its implication on phosphorus bioavailability in the wet tropics of Tanzania E. Kisetu · J.P. Mrema Phosphorus (P) sorption and desorption behaviour of Andisols of Siha - Kilimajaro and Ultisols of Magadu -Morogoro, Tanzania was studied in pot experiments. This was to facilitate development of P management strategies for enhanced maize p… RUF-34606 2010 CC BY 4.0 8 Sep 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Assessing factors influencing types, rate of application and timing of fertilizer use among small-scale farmers of western Kenya M.K. Kifuko-Koech · A.K. Kipkoech · K.W Ndungu · A.O. Nekesa +1 more Many soil fertility amelioration technologies exist in western Kenya, but the factors that influence the adoption, and the economic returns of these technologies needs to be assessed. In this study, the value cost ratios (VCR) of five diff… RUF-34603 2010 CC BY 4.0 8 Sep 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Development of a hot pepper root rot and wilt disease management strategy through genetic resistance, chemical application and proper choice of rotational crops E. Awori · S. Nkalubo · P. Tukamuhabwa · S. Tumwekwase +1 more This study seeks to contribute to increased productivity of hot pepper (Capsicum chinense) by incorporating an integrated pest management (IPM) package for root rot/wilt disease (Phytophthora capsici). Pathogen host diversity will be deter… RUF-34591 2010 CC BY 4.0 8 Sep 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Comparative effect of farmyard manure, cowpea residues and NPK Fertilizer on maize grain yield in Morogoro G. Habonayo · C.L. Rweyemamu · J.M.R. Semoka Optimal combinations of organic and inorganic fertilizers can give rise to increased maize yields in nutrient depleted soils. In this study, we assessed the effectiveness of cowpea residues and combinations of inorganic fertilizers on maiz… RUF-34587 2010 CC BY 4.0 8 Sep 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Effects of tied ridges for rainwater harvesting on maize yields in Swaziland O. T. Edje · E.M. Ossom This study assessed options for use of tied-ridges for on-farm water harvesting in Swaziland. Results showed that farmers in sandy and loamy soils need different sizes of ridges, 4 m and 2 m, respectively. RUF-34582 2010 CC BY 4.0 8 Sep 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Strategy for improving bush bean production on a phosphorus fixing Andosol with aquic moisture regime A. Cyamweshi Rusanganwa · J.S. Tenywa In Uganda, bean is a food security and income sourcing crop, particularly for the rural poor. The highlands of southwestern Uganda are major producers and consumers of the crop. The arable soils in the highlands bordering Rwanda and DR Con… RUF-34570 2010 CC BY 4.0 7 Sep 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Development of aluminium toxicity tolerance system for sorghum in agro ecological region three of Zambia S. Chikuta The overall objective of this study was to characterize selected sorghum varieties for Aluminium (Al) tolerance. The specific objectives were to determine performance of selected sorghum varieties grown in Al prone environments, identify r… RUF-34568 2010 CC BY 4.0 7 Sep 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Effect of drip irrigation system and fertigation on growth, yield and quality of banana cv. Grand Nain (Musa AAA) B. A. Ahmed · M.I. Ihsan · A.A. Mohammed Banana cv. Grand Nain is a newly released cultivar in Sudan with high yield potential and less sensitivity to cool temperature. There is a high demand for exporting this cultivar which will replace the widely grown banana cv. Dawarf Cavend… RUF-34560 2010 CC BY 4.0 7 Sep 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Modelling the potential impact of climate change on sorghum and cowpea production in semi-arid areas of Kenya using the agricultural production systems simulator (APSIM) J.M. Githinji · G. Kironchi · J. P. Mbuvi · R.N. Onwonga Managing crop production risks associated with inter-annual climate variability and climate change has received insignificant attention in the semi-arid areas of Kenya. Against this backdrop, the potential impact of climate change on sorgh… RUF-34537 2010 CC BY 4.0 25 Aug 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Combining ability and performance of maize hybrids under low nitrogen and drought stress G. Asea · R. Edema · A. Nyombayire The main objective of this study was to develop maize genotypes that perform well under drought and low-nitrogen stresses. Twelve parents were crossed in a half-diallel mating design. The resultant F1 hybrids were evaluated in four environ… RUF-34506 2010 CC BY 4.0 25 Aug 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Combining ability analysis of quality protein maize (QPM) and non-PM inbred lines for kernel quality and some agronomic characteristics D. Lungu · J. MacRobert · C. Mutimaamba The biggest population in Zimbabwe depend on maize as a source of carbohydrates, yet it is deficient in protein and therefore makes the population prone to protein malnutrition. Quality Protein Maize (QPM) has double the amount of lysine a… RUF-34497 2010 CC BY 4.0 25 Aug 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Participatory analysis of growing season: A key for understanding and copping drought risk in northern Ethiopia A. Araya Berhe Prolonged drought is one of the most serious climatic hazards affecting agricultural production and those most at risk are those countries currently vulnerable to climate variability. Barley is one of the economical and staple food crops g… RUF-34469 2010 CC BY 4.0 21 Aug 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Sustainable crop production using hairy vetch (Vicia villosa Roth) to enrich soil fertility and conserve soil moisture for maize cropping in smallholder farming systems in Zimbabwe D. Chinamo · F Mapanda · M. Munyati · G. Nyamadzawo +2 more Crop production in smallholder farming systems of Zimbabwe is limited by low inherent soil fertility, particularly N and P and available soil moisture. One of the major agricultural challenges in developing countries is the development of … RUF-34466 2010 CC BY 4.0 21 Aug 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Effect of varying Desmodium and maize harvesting regimes on their yields and growth attributes within the “Push- Pull” intercropping systems in Western Kenya Z. Khan · M. N. Koech · J.R. Okalebo · C.O. Othieno +3 more This study tested the hypothesis that inclusion of Desmodium spp. into maize cropping system under the push-pull technology enhanced crop growth and yield. Field trials were conducted in Siaya and Busia districts of western Kenya with the … RUF-34388 2010 CC BY 4.0 20 Aug 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Participatory management of Striga in cereal-based cropping systems in eastern Uganda J. Bisikwa · I. Kapting · M. B. Karuhanga · M. Otim +2 more Striga hermonthica is a parasitic weed that infects cereal crops often causing 30-100% crop losses on farmers’ fields. Past research has developed several effective Striga control strategies, most of which have not been adopted by farmers,… RUF-34365 2010 CC BY 4.0 20 Aug 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Creating an innovation platform for research impact: Lessons from the smallholder soyabean program in Zimbabwe S. Mpepereki This paper outlines the establishment of a broad innovation platform on to which more players were invited in efforts to meet the demands of participating farmers. We share this experience to encourage others to undertake impact-oriented p… RUF-34316 2014 CC BY 4.0 17 Aug 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Harnessing agricultural science for the people: Are African Universities doing enough? S. Mpepereki Agricultural research in many African universities has been project-based and piece-meal, failing to focus on understanding the socio-cultural context of African agricultural systems and their interaction with the physical environment, and… RUF-34315 2014 CC BY 4.0 17 Aug 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Modeling potential impact of climate change on sorghum and cowpea performance under different tillage and cropping systems in semi-arid areas of Kenya T. Kirina Kitinya · R.N. Onwonga Field trials were carried out at Kambi ya Mawe location in Eastern Kenya during the long rains (LRS) of 2010 and short rains (SRS) of 2010/2011, to evaluate effect of tillage and cropping system on performance of sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L… RUF-34272 2014 CC BY 4.0 17 Aug 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Teaching report writing in crop science to undergraduate agriculture students in a Nigerian University R.O. Akinwale · M.A.B. Fakorede · A. Oluwaranti In response to the urgent need for acquisition of technical writing skill by students, the Faculty of Agriculture, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria introduced a onesemester course on Report Writing in Crop Science (coded CPP 40… RUF-34228 2014 CC BY 4.0 17 Aug 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Effect of farming practices on the occurrence of scab of wheat and its management through cultivar resistance C.K. Mutegi · J.W. Muthomi · R.D. Narla · N.K. Njeru +2 more A survey was carried out in Nakuru and Narok Counties at hard dough stage and at harvest. A semi structured questionnaire was used to collect information on wheat production practices. Fusarium head blight incidence and severity in each fa… RUF-34118 2014 CC BY 4.0 13 Aug 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Role of soil and crop residues as sources of inoculum for Fusarium head blight of wheat C.K. Mutegi · J.W. Muthomi · N.K. Njeru · J.M. Wagacha A field survey was carried out in Narok County, Kenya, at hard dough growth stage (GS 65- 69) during the 2013 cropping season and sampling done in 51 wheat farms in different agroecological zones. Samples of soil and crop residues were col… RUF-34060 2014 CC BY 4.0 12 Aug 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Role of Universities in development of improved crop varieties, seed production, dissemination and impacts: Case studies of dry, canning, snap and runner beans, pigeonpea and onions P. M. Kimani Mandates of universities in east, central and southern Africa have considerably changed from their traditional teaching and research roles, to greater active involvement in the development agenda of their countries, a phenomenon referred t… RUF-34029 2014 CC BY 4.0 12 Aug 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Effects of different planting methods on performance of New Rice for Africa (NERICA) in Kerio Valley and Marigat, Kenya E. O. Auma · W. K. Bii · L. Ngode The New Rice for Africa (NERICA) which was developed to solve the food crisis has been adopted by farmers in Kenya. Attempts have been made to choose methods of planting for NERICA production but their effectiveness has not been well under… RUF-33833 2014 CC BY 4.0 10 Aug 2015
Working Document Series Open Access The Proximate Analysis and Sensory Evaluation of “Okpa” Prepared with Fluted Pumpkin and Scent Leaves O.C.U. Adumanya · P.C. Nwachukwu · G.A. Obi-Adumanya “Okpa” is a well cherished food, especially among the inhabitants of the eastern part of Nigeria. It is prepared using flour from bambara nut. The proximate analysis and sensory evaluation of the “Okpa” prepared with vegetables fluted pump… RUF-33057 2012 CC BY 4.0 21 May 2014
Working Document Series Open Access Incorporating Crotalaria Species in Cropping Systems for the Management of Root-knot Nematodes in Indigenous Vegetable Crops in Western Kenya A.K. Kipkoech · J.M. Mbogoh · L. Ngode · P. Njira +2 more There is rekindled interest and increased demand for African Leafy Vegetables (ALVs) by rural and urban dwellers of all socio-economic classes in Kenya. This has stimulated production of these vegetables but their supply has not been able … RUF-32950 2012 CC BY 4.0 20 May 2014
