Working Document Series Open Access Improving biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) by groundnuts grown in acid soils through amendment with calcitic and dolomitic limestones R. Merckx · J.K. Ogega · J.R. Okalebo · D.K. Okello +5 more Groundnut (Arachis hypogeal L.) is an oil crop legume capable of symbiotic nitrogen fixation. Soil acidity is a major limitation to symbiotic nitrogen fixation. Acid soils are widespread in Western Kenya and Eastern Uganda where groundnut … RUF-34659 2010 CC BY 4.0 9 Sep 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Effects of innovative farmer practices in soil fertility and water management on soil productivity and maizeand leafy vegetable production in Harare, Zimbabwe S. Madyiwa · J. Nyamangara · B. Nyamasoka · P. Nyamugafata Poor soil fertility and increased frequency of mid-season droughts due to climate change have made it difficult for urban farmers to get sustainable crop yields especially on sandy soils. Higher yields can be attained by urban farmers if p… RUF-34657 2010 CC BY 4.0 9 Sep 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Lime requirement of selected acid soils of Lesotho and response of field beans to lime application M.V. Marake · T. Nkheloane A greenhouse experiment was undertaken to evaluate the effects of lime application (at different rates) on soil pH, exchangeable aluminium (Al3+) and plant response to lime application across four of the strongly acidic soils series of Les… RUF-34651 2010 CC BY 4.0 9 Sep 2015
Working Document Series Open Access The effect of super phosphate and planting density on mini-tuber production from true potato seed T. A. Mtaita · M. Mutetwa · M. D. Shoko Improving tuber seed quality and availability is institutionally complex in the tropics and sub-tropics. The main objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of superphosphate and plant density on mini-tuber production from true pota… RUF-34649 2010 CC BY 4.0 9 Sep 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Translating integrated soil fertility management empirical knowledge into action through participatory learning and marketing with farmers in Zimbabwe R. Chikowo · D. Dhliwayo · P. Mapfumo · F. Mtambanengwe +1 more In this paper we report on findings from a co-learning experience we undertook with smallholder farmers in two areas in Zimbabwe aimed at developing their capacity to apply integrated soil fertility management (ISFM) options to improve foo… RUF-34639 2010 CC BY 4.0 8 Sep 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Assessment of soil and landform characteristics for implementation of conservation agriculture in West Usambara Mountains, Lushoto District, Tanzania D. Kimaro · L.A. Kyaruzi · H.B. Msita Developing strategies that promote conservation agriculture in the West Usambara Mountains in Tanzania poses a particular challenge. This research used empirical and qualitative method to assess soil and landform characteristics in relatio… RUF-34613 2010 CC BY 4.0 8 Sep 2015
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 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 Evaluation of the soil fertility status in relation to crop nutritive quality in the selected physiographic units of Mbeya Region, Tanzania N. Amuri · J.M. Anthony · L. Mhoro · B.M. Msanya +1 more This study is assessing soil fertility status in Mbeya region of Tanzania in terms of adequacy for crop growth and crop nutrient status in terms of human nutrition. It will examine levels of macro and micronutrient. The study has just been… RUF-34565 2010 CC BY 4.0 7 Sep 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Climate variability and Tillage practices: Effect on soil moisture, carbon dynamics and crop productivity in semi arid Zimbabwe J. Keter · J. M. Kinama · R. Moyo · I. Nyagumbo +1 more To improve on low yields of rainfed agriculture which are a result of soil degradation, low fertility and low moisture levels in semi-arid areas and increased climatic variability due to climate change, conservation agriculture (CA) is bei… RUF-34505 2010 CC BY 4.0 25 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 An evaluation of the effect of hairy vetch (Vicia villosa Roth) on soil fertility of sandy soils in central Zimbabwe F Mapanda · A. Tumbure · M. Wuta Crop production in smallholder farming systems of Zimbabwe is limited by low inherent soil fertility, particularly N and P and available soil moisture. The use of efficient N fixing legumes is one way that can sustain soil fertility and co… RUF-34460 2010 CC BY 4.0 21 Aug 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Linkages between crop residues, termite prevalence, crop lodging and subsequent crop yield under conservation agriculture in Zimbabwe E. F. Mutsamba · I. Nyagumbo Farmers believe that addition of residues to fields in conservation agriculture (CA) attract termites hence increase lodging, although they are beliefs that termites prefer feeding on dry matter and leave the crop. This study carried out i… RUF-34415 2010 CC BY 4.0 20 Aug 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Analysis of multipurpose uses and management of Zizphus spina-christi (L.) desf. in semi-arid Ethiopia: Implications for food security Feyssa Debela Hunde · J.T. Njoka · M.M. Nyangito · Asfaw Zemede Quantitative ethnobotanical study of Ziziphus spina-christi was undertaken in six areas of east Shewa, Ethiopia. Both structured questionnaire and focus-group interviews were conducted with about 200 households. Arable land cultivation, an… RUF-34380 2010 CC BY 4.0 20 Aug 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Potential of hairy vetch (Vicia villosa Roth) to improve soil physical properties of sandy soils in central Zimbabwe D. Chinamo · F Mapanda · G. Nyamadzawo · M. Wuta Most farmers in the smallholder areas practice conventional tillage which results in soil loss of between 10-34 t ha-1 yr-1. Tillage also results in breakdown of macroaggregates into smaller aggregates as well as primary particles. Close p… RUF-34374 2010 CC BY 4.0 20 Aug 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Effects of chicken and cattle manure on wheat production and soil properties in the high terrace and Karu soils in River Nile State in the Sudan Hassan Khalid Ali · Ali Alkhazin Ali Yousif This study was conducted at Hudeiba Research farm on karu and high terrace soils for two consecutive seasons (2008/09 and 2009/10). Organic manures are traditionally used for supplying plant nutrients. Eight different fertilizer combinatio… RUF-34343 2010 CC BY 4.0 20 Aug 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Preliminary compositional nutrient diagnosis for rubber tree in the humid forest zone of Cameroon E. Ehabe Ejolle · G. Elambo Nkeng · J. Njukeng Nkengafac · Ewalds. Schnug The main source of natural rubber is the rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis), an important crop to the Cameroonian economy. In order to improve yields while maintaining tree sustainability, nutrient norms must be derived for proper nutrient a… RUF-34183 2014 CC BY 4.0 14 Aug 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Vegetative growth of Lablab purpureus and Canavalia ensiformis under differing P fertiliser applications in Namibia M. G. Appollis · L. Kaholongo · A. Kahumba · E. Lutaaya +1 more The level of N fixation from effectively nodulated legumes depends on the growth rate of the legume and upon soil conditions. The main objective of this study was to compare the vegetative growth of Lablab purpureus and Canavalia ensiformi… RUF-34148 2014 CC BY 4.0 13 Aug 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Soil microbial biomass changes with application of organic and inorganic in acid soil of Embu County, Central highlands of Kenya B.O. Danga · J.N. Mugwe · B. Verde Most studies are focused on fertiliser either organic or inorganic to improve soil fertility, health and crop yields in most of the farming systems worldwide. Although organic and inorganic soil fertility improvements impact indirectly on … RUF-34133 2014 CC BY 4.0 13 Aug 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Interactive effect of goat manure, phosphate fertiliser and lime on soil fertility in Embu County, Kenya B.O. Danga · J. Mugwe · B. Verde Nutrient mining resulting from crop uptake and erosion; and soil acidity which makes plant nutrients less available through different means such as phosphorus fixation and impairment of biological mediated processes in the soil. A study wa… RUF-34126 2014 CC BY 4.0 13 Aug 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Effect of organic and urea nitrogen fertilisers on soil properties and maize yield in highlands of Rwanda B.O. Danga · C. Karemangingo · O. Tuyishime Continuous cropping without nutrient restitution under smallholder farms in Rwanda has led to serious nutrient depletion and reduced maize (Zea mays) yields. This is further exacerbated by low soil organic matter and soil erosion. The smal… RUF-34122 2014 CC BY 4.0 13 Aug 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Response of introduced soybean varieties to inoculation with rhizobium in Sud Kivu province, Democratic Republic of Congo A.A. Angelani · K.D. Bamuleke · B.J. Bashagaluke · B.L. Shukuru +1 more Soybeans are a major source of protein; they contribute to combating malnutrition especially among children. They play very important roles in NRM because they contribute to biological nitrogen fixation through the inoculation with rhizobi… RUF-34121 2014 CC BY 4.0 13 Aug 2015
Working Document Series Open Access In-season nitrogen prediction for the quality protein maize using the pocket hand-held NDVI sensor on farmers’ field around Ilu-Gelan and Bako-Tibe, Ethiopia Tolera Abera · Tolessa Debele · Haekoo Kim · Ernest Semu +1 more The “pocket” hand-held Normalized Difference Vegetative Index (NDVI) sensor for inseason highland quality protein maize nitrogen rate determination for side-dressing was conducted in 2013cropping season on seven farmers’ field around Bako-… RUF-34117 2014 CC BY 4.0 13 Aug 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Biomass accumulation and nitrogen fixation of soybean varieties, grain yields of soybean and maize intercropped at different planting densities in western Kenya F. Baijukya · R. Onwonga · M. Simbine Biomass accumulation and nitrogen fixation of soybean (Glycine max) and grain yields of maize (Zea mays) and soybean intercropped at different planting densities was assessed in two villages of Butere and Mumias district of western Kenya d… RUF-34108 2014 CC BY 4.0 13 Aug 2015
