Theses & Dissertations Open Access Critical shoot Nitrogen curve for potato varieties Asante and Tigoni in Kenya Mugo James Njeru Potato is a major crop in Kenya with its production area increasing as a result of people opting for potatoes than other crops. The production is however lower than what is expected due to several challenges, among them being low fertility… RUF-35338 2013 CC BY 4.0 21 Sep 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Upscaling the use of efficient and affordable soil fertility replenishment practices for small holder farmers of western Kenya B. Amar · M. A. Bekunda · A. K. Koech · M. N. Koech +4 more The study assessed the agronomic effectiveness of fertilizer use recommendations in western Kenya on maize yields. The treatments included: FURP – 75kg N/ha CAN and 26kgP/ha DAP; 2) FURP – 75kg N/ha CAN and 26kgP/ha DAP plus lime (2t/ha); … RUF-35093 2010 CC BY 4.0 16 Sep 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Nitrogen dynamics and removal by algal turf scrubber under high ammonia and organic matter loading in a recirculating aquaculture system J.S. Valeta · M.C.M. Verdegem High total ammonia nitrogen (TAN) concentrations were introduced to an Algal Turf Scrubber developed under loadings of Clarius gariepinus recirculating aquaculture system effluent to determine its potential and dynamics of TAN removal. TAN… RUF-35087 2010 CC BY 4.0 16 Sep 2015
Journal articles Open Access Epidemiology of Epizootic Ulceration Syndrome on fish of the Zambezi river basin: A case study for Zambia W. Mfitilodze · A. Nsonga · K.L. Samui · D. Sikawa Objective: An epidemiological investigation on the fish disease Epizootic Ulcerative Syndrome (EUS) was conducted from January to December 2011 in the Zambezi River System (ZRS) of Sesheke District in the Western Province of Zambia. The st… RUF-35063 2013 CC BY 4.0 15 Sep 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Soil properties effects and management of organic residues to improve C sequestration, reduce N losses and improve crop yields B.O. Danga · Z. Getenga · B. Mochoge · J. Mugwe Rates of decomposition of organic materials in soil determine the amount of carbon (C) which is mineralized and released as CO2 versus the amount of C that is retained in various forms in the soil. Decomposition rates also greatly influenc… RUF-35037 2010 CC BY 4.0 15 Sep 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Effect of nitrogen and phosphorous rates and sources on grain and forage yield of maize in river Nile State A. Abd Elrahman · Ezeldeen Ahmed The study was conducted at two locations, namely, Hudeiba Research Station Farm (moderately fertile soil) and Matera (poor soil) in River Nile State for two seasons between 20082010. The objective of the study was to investigate the effect… RUF-34716 2010 CC BY 4.0 10 Sep 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Response of tomato to coffee pulp and phosphate rock composts applied to a phosphorus deficient Ultisol J.P. Mrema · M. J. Shitindi A glasshouse experiment was conducted using tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum M.) var. Carl J to investigate the effect of composting coffee pulp with Minjingu phosphate rock (MPR) on phosphorus availability, plant growth and yield response … RUF-34686 2010 CC BY 4.0 9 Sep 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Effects of lime and phosphorus fertilizer on maize performance in acid soils of western Kenya J.R. Okalebo · V.S. Omenyo · C.O. Othieno Western Kenya continues to experience food insecurity due to increasing soil acidity and consequent phosphorus deficiencies with 0.9 million hectares of land having pH < 5.5. Liming is one of the interventions recommended to ameliorate … RUF-34675 2010 CC BY 4.0 9 Sep 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Strengthening researcher-extension-farmer participation in soil fertility restoration for sustainable crop production in western Kenya E. Adipala · B. Amar · L. Didier · S.O. Gudu +14 more Food insecurity in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) results mainly from common and prolonged droughts, fertility depleted soils, poor economies and insignificant researcher-extension-farmer contacts to demonstrate technologies. The soils are predo… RUF-34673 2010 CC BY 4.0 9 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 effects of Minjingu phosphate rock and triple super phosphate on residual P in an Ultisol A.M. Kalala · J.M.R. Semoka A glasshouse experiment was conducted at Sokoine University of Agriculture to compare the effects of Minjingu Phosphate Rock (MPR) and Triple Super Phosphate (TSP) on Residual Phosphorus in an Ultisol. The soil was collected after seven ye… RUF-34593 2010 CC BY 4.0 8 Sep 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 Soil nitrate and nitrite in different soil profiles of Peri-Urban and horticultural farm soils of Gaborone as indicators of nitrogen leaching. T. Mpuisang · T. Mubyana-John · N. Pabalinga · F. Pule-Meulenberg Soil nitrite (NO2-) and nitrate (NO3-) along the soil profile can be used as indicators of nitrogen loss by leaching. Preliminary studies have shown that excess usage of fertiliser is common amongst farmers who were aiming to increase crop… RUF-34098 2014 CC BY 4.0 13 Aug 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Effects of ethephon and potassium nitrate on off-season flower induction in mango J. Ambuko · M. Hutchinson · S. Maloba · W.O. Owino Mango (Mangifera indica) fruit production in Kenya is seasonal with peak and off seasons – one of the contributing factors to postharvest losses. Off-season flower induction is a strategy that can be used to address mango seasonality. Mani… RUF-34031 2014 CC BY 4.0 12 Aug 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Evaluation of the repellent effects of four chemicals in the control of red-billed in rice in chókwè irrigation scheme T. F. Chiconela · A. K. Ngazero Red-billed (Quelea quelea) is one of the most damaging pests of rice in Mozambique. For its control, smallholder farmers rely on different frightening techniques to scare birds from their crops. Apart from providing a temporary relief, thi… RUF-34026 2014 CC BY 4.0 12 Aug 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Isolation and characterisation of Chilembwe and Sinda rock phosphate solubilising soil microorganisms A. P. Armstrong · G. Chilombo · E. A. Eckhardt · A. Mutiti Mweetwa +3 more The availability of native phosphorus in most Zambian agricultural soils is relatively low. This necessitates the use of organic and inorganic fertilizers for crop production. There are several deposits of rock phosphate in Zambia that can… RUF-34020 2014 CC BY 4.0 12 Aug 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Minjingu phosphate rock extractability by white lupin and chickpea in Njoro and Kiambu sub-counties, Kenya J.J. Lelei · R. O. Onwonga · J.P. Ouma Declining phosphorus (P) fertility is a major production constraint in Kiambu and Njoro subCounties of Kenya. Use of Minjingu phosphate rock (MPR) to rebuild soil capital P is limited by its insolubility in water. Field experiments were co… RUF-33952 2014 CC BY 4.0 11 Aug 2015
Working Document Series Open Access The Effect of Fish Farming Systems on Water quality and community livelihoods in Mbale: A Socio Economic and Biophysical Assessment A. Akol · H. Gidongo · T.S. Hyuha · F. Muyodi +1 more Fish farming contributes to people’s livelihoods, nutrition security, and foreign exchange. However, these potential may be achieved at the expense of the environment. This study determined the effect of fish farming on water quality and l… RUF-32831 2012 CC BY 4.0 19 May 2014
Working Document Series Open Access Determination of sugarcane yield advantages of Mycorrhiza inoculants on Ferralsols S.O. Kibirango · C.L. Kizza · J.G.M. Majaliwa · E. Sebuliba +1 more Sugar cane (Saccharum officinarum L.) is the source of sugar in all tropical and subtropical countries of the world. Understanding the performance of sugarcane in Uganda is therefore vital in light of the new challenges for the development… RUF-32743 2012 CC BY 4.0 18 May 2014
Working Document Series Open Access Effectiveness of White Lupin (Lupinus albus) and Chickpea (Cicer arietinum ) in Enhancing Phosphorus Release from Rock Phosphate J.J. Lelei · R.N. Onwonga · J.P. Ouma Smallholder farming systems are characterised by application of suboptimal rates or non utilisation of inorganic fertilisers due to their exorbitant prices vis-à-vis low financial return from crops. Minjingu rock phosphate (MPR) would be a… RUF-32687 2012 CC BY 4.0 18 May 2014
Working Document Series Open Access Developing Management Options for Optimising Water and Nitrogen Utilisation for Maize Production in Malawi F.C. Kahimba · J. Mthandi · B.A. Salim · A.K.P.R. Tarimo Nitrogen (N) is the most important determinant of plant growth and crop yield. Plants lacking N show stunted growth and yellowish leaves. Plant growth and crop yield usually increase when N is added. However, too much N lead to weak stems … RUF-31931 2012 CC BY 4.0 12 May 2014