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Effects of land use practices on soil organic carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus in river Nzoia drainage basin, Kenya
Wabusya Moses,
Humphrey Nyongesa,
Martha Konje,
Humphrey Agevi,
Mugatsia Tsingalia
Issue:
Volume 4, Issue 4, August 2015
Pages:
153-158
Received:
12 January 2015
Accepted:
11 February 2015
Published:
19 June 2015
Abstract: Land use activities along River Nzoia Drainage Basin, Kenya, include cultivation along the river banks, over grazing, deforestation, draining of wetlands for horticulture, harvesting of sand and brick-making. These activities have brought about changes in soil properties in the drainage basin adversely affecting farming output and the ecosystem in general. Consequently, it is important to understand how the different land use activities influence the soil properties in order to design and implement effective soil management strategies. This study examined the effects of land use practices on selected soil nutrients in Nzoia River Drainage Basin in Bungoma County. Cultivation and grazing were identified as important land use practices, while undisturbed sites were treated as controls. Land use practices along the river were identified by actual surveying of the study area. Secondary data on land use practices were obtained from technical reports, from local authorities and government offices. Soil samples were collected from different land use areas using randomly placed 5mx5m quadrats. Solis were collected at depths of 15cm in zigzag grid layout in each sample quadrat using soil auger. A total of 72 soil samples were collected in the study sites and analyzed for total nitrogen (N), available phosphorus (P) and organic carbon (C). Analysis of variance and correlation were performed to determine the significant land use practices affecting soil N, C and P. Cultivation had a significant effect on soil organic C mean value of 1.91 but negatively correlated with total Nitrogen and soil C while undisturbed sites exhibited positive correlation with C (P≤ 0.05). On the basis of our findings, it is recommended that conservation agriculture be practiced in the River Nzoia and its drainage system.
Abstract: Land use activities along River Nzoia Drainage Basin, Kenya, include cultivation along the river banks, over grazing, deforestation, draining of wetlands for horticulture, harvesting of sand and brick-making. These activities have brought about changes in soil properties in the drainage basin adversely affecting farming output and the ecosystem in ...
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Survey of Nematode Destroying Fungi from Selected Vegetable Growing Areas in Kenya
Wachira P. M.,
Muindi J. N.,
Okoth S. A.
Issue:
Volume 4, Issue 4, August 2015
Pages:
159-164
Received:
19 January 2015
Accepted:
18 April 2015
Published:
2 July 2015
Abstract: Plant parasitic nematodes cause up-to 5% yield losses to a wide range of economic crops. In Kenya vegetables yield loss attributed to plant parasitic nematodes is estimated to 80%. Over the years, nematode control has heavily on the use of chemical nematicides which unfortunately leads to biological magnification and elimination of the beneficial microorganisms in the soil. This has triggered a growing interest in search of alternate management strategies. The objective of this study was, therefore, to document nematode destroying fungi in selected major vegetable growing areas in Kenya as a step towards developing self-sustaining system for management of plant parasitic nematodes. Soil samples were collected from five vegetable production zones in Kenya which were Kinare, Kabete, Athi-river, Machakos and Kibwezi and transported to the laboratory for extraction of the nematode destroying fungi. Soil sprinkle technique as described by Jaffee et al., (1996) was used to isolate the fungi from the soil while identification was done using identification keys described by Delgado et al.,(2001). From the study a total of 171 fungi isolates were identified as nematode destroying fungi. The highest population was recorded at Kabete area recording 33.9% of the total record, followed by Machakos, Kibwezi, Athi-river and the least in Kin are with 24.6, 22.2, 11.7 and 7. 6% of the total population in that order. Arthrobotrys was the most frequent genera with a mean occurrence of 7.3 followed by Monacrosporium with 6 and Stylophage with 5.2. A.dactyloides was significantly (P=0.002) affected by the agro-ecological zones with the highest occurrence being recorded in Kabete and the least in Athi-river. The highest diversity index and species richness of nematode destroying fungi was recorded in Kibwezi while the least was recorded in Athi-river. The genera Arthrobotrys had the highest number of trapped nematodes with a total population of 57, followed by Monacrosporium and least was Stylopage with 45 and 36 respectively, within a period of 104 hours. From the study, it is evident that agricultural practices affect the occurrence and diversity of nematode destroying fungi and Arthrobotrys can be developed as a bio-control agent for management of plant parasitic nematodes.
Abstract: Plant parasitic nematodes cause up-to 5% yield losses to a wide range of economic crops. In Kenya vegetables yield loss attributed to plant parasitic nematodes is estimated to 80%. Over the years, nematode control has heavily on the use of chemical nematicides which unfortunately leads to biological magnification and elimination of the beneficial m...
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Analyzing Risks Related to the Use of Pesticides in Vegetable Gardens in Burkina Faso
Rayim Wendé Alice Naré,
Paul Windinpsidi Savadogo,
Zacharia Gnankambary,
Hassan Bismarck Nacro,
Michel Papaoba Sedogo
Issue:
Volume 4, Issue 4, August 2015
Pages:
165-172
Received:
30 September 2014
Accepted:
14 November 2014
Published:
4 July 2015
Abstract: In West Africa, the uncontrolled use of pesticides by vegetable farmers leads to contamination of soils as well as surface and ground water. Farmers also use various sources of organic amendments which could impact the fate of the pesticides in soils. This study was conducted to identify the type of pesticides and organic amendments used in the main vegetable gardens in Ouagadougou, Ouahigouya and Bobo-Dioulasso three cities of Burkina Faso. Farmers were interviewed individually on their practices regarding organic amendments and pesticides. Sixty one percent (61%) of farmers do not know the instruction regarding the application of pesticides. Fifty three percent (53%) of farmers did never receive training on pesticide application. We found that pyrethroid-based insecticides like lambda-cyhalothrin and delthametrin were the most used by farmers. About 69%, 59% and 100% of the farmers apply the pesticides periodically in their fields respectively in Ouagadougou, Ouahigouya and Bobo-Dioulasso. All the farmers interviewed attested that they do not respect the recommended doses of pesticides. Manure was the organic amendment mostly used in the three cities (41-75%), followed by household garbage (15-41%). In Ouagadougou most of farmers (69%) apply organic amendment at the recommended rate or more while in Bobo-Dioulasso (69%) and in Ouahigouya (57%), the majority apply low rates. There is a correlation between the social status (sex and the education level) and the pesticide and organic amendment management.
Abstract: In West Africa, the uncontrolled use of pesticides by vegetable farmers leads to contamination of soils as well as surface and ground water. Farmers also use various sources of organic amendments which could impact the fate of the pesticides in soils. This study was conducted to identify the type of pesticides and organic amendments used in the mai...
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Plantlet Regeneration of Somatic embryos from Leaf Explants of Mentha arvensis(L.) A medicinally important Plant
Sammaiah D.,
Odelu G.,
Venkateshwarlu M.,
Srilatha T.,
Anitha Devi U.,
Ugandhar T.
Issue:
Volume 4, Issue 4, August 2015
Pages:
173-178
Received:
6 June 2015
Accepted:
21 June 2015
Published:
9 July 2015
Abstract: The present study was conducted with the aim of evaluating some of the factors that influence induction and plantlet regeneration of somatic embryos in Mentha arvensis ( L) var piperascens Holmes (menthol or Japanese mint)since there are no available reports on Somatic embryogenesis and regeneration of plantlet in this medicinally important plant species. Leaves from plants growing under temporary shed were cultured on Murashige and Skoog medium fortified with (0.5-5.0mg/L) Napthlene acetic acid (NAA)+(0.5 mg/L)Thidizuron(TDZ). High frequency of somatic embryo formation was found at (2.5mg/L) NAA+ (0.5mg/L) TDZ in leaf explants respectively, Secondary somatic embryogenesis was also observed when primary somatic embryos were sub cultured same somatic embryo induction medium well developed cotyledonary stage embryos were germinated on MS medium supplemented with (0.5mg/L) (NAA) + (0.5-5.0mg/L)TDZ maximum 80% of somatic embryos germination and plant let formation was found at (2.5 mg/L) NAA+ (0.5 mg/L) (TDZ). The post translation survival rate of plants was 80% plants and flowers formation were morphological similar to the mother plants.
Abstract: The present study was conducted with the aim of evaluating some of the factors that influence induction and plantlet regeneration of somatic embryos in Mentha arvensis ( L) var piperascens Holmes (menthol or Japanese mint)since there are no available reports on Somatic embryogenesis and regeneration of plantlet in this medicinally important plant ...
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Farmers’ Awareness of the Effects of Climate on Growth and Yield of Potato (Solanum Tuberosum) in Jos-South Local Government Area of Plateau State, Nigeria
Wuyep Solomon Zitta,
Samuel Akintayo Akinseye,
Yakubu Pwajok Mwanja
Issue:
Volume 4, Issue 4, August 2015
Pages:
179-183
Received:
2 July 2015
Accepted:
13 July 2015
Published:
28 July 2015
Abstract: This study assessed farmers’ knowledge on the effect of climate on growth and yield of potato in Jos -South Plateau State. The instrument of data collection used for this study include structured questionnaire. Purposive sampling design was followed in the selection of 200 farmers. The study was undertaken in four districts of Jos- South (Du, Vwang, Kuru and Gyel). One village was selected from each district using the simple random technique to avoid bias. Primary data collected from the farmers include socio-economic characteristics such as gender, age, marital status, years of farming experience as well as relevant questions in order to assess farmers’ knowledge on the effect of climate on growth and yield of potato. Descriptive techniques of data were employed such as simple percentages to describe the knowledge of the respondents. Findings indicate that farmers have good knowledge of the effect of climate on growth and yield of potato. The effect identified includes reduced yield due to excessive rainfall during tuber bulking stage. The disease by late-blight is the most important disease that reduces the yield in the study area. It reduces between 40-80% of the total yield. However, there is need for adequate knowledge of the effect of climate on potato and adaptative strategies.
Abstract: This study assessed farmers’ knowledge on the effect of climate on growth and yield of potato in Jos -South Plateau State. The instrument of data collection used for this study include structured questionnaire. Purposive sampling design was followed in the selection of 200 farmers. The study was undertaken in four districts of Jos- South (Du, Vwang...
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Structure and Regeneration Status of Menagesha Amba Mariam Forest in Central Highlands of Shewa, Ethiopia
Abiyou Tilahun,
Teshome Soromessa,
Ensermu Kelbessa
Issue:
Volume 4, Issue 4, August 2015
Pages:
184-194
Received:
7 July 2015
Accepted:
21 July 2015
Published:
30 July 2015
Abstract: This study was conducted in Menagesha Amba Mariam Forest, a dry evergreen afromontane forest in central highlands of Ethiopia. The aim of the study was to determine vegetation structure, and regeneration status of the forest. Sixty- nine sample plots (20 m x 20 m) were laid following altitudinal gradient and each quadrat has a 125 m altitudinal drop. Herbaceous species were collected from five (1 m x 1 m) sub-plots laid at four corners each and one at the centre of the large quadrat. All plant species found in each plot were recorded, collected, pressed and identified following Flora of Ethiopia and Eritrea. Diameter at Breast Height (DBH) and height were measured for trees and shrubs having DBH > 2.5 cm. The analysis of vegetation revealed that the forest possesses the highest number of DBH, height and density of species at the lower classes. Vertical stratification revealed that most of the species in the Menagesha Amba Mariam Forest were found in the lower storey. The total density of tree stems per hectare and basal area of trees with DBH >2.5 cm were 4,362.08 and 84.17 m2 ha-1 respectively. The total density of tree species greater than 2 cm and 10 cm DBH were found to be 860.56 which is greater than those with DBH >20 cm (197.46). Thus, the regeneration prevalence of small individuals (seedlings and saplings) was at good condition. Menagesha Amba Mariam Forest, which is one of the remnant dry evergreen afromontane forests in central Ethiopia, is under high degree of anthropogenic impact, which needs further attention as it is quite close to the nearby towns.
Abstract: This study was conducted in Menagesha Amba Mariam Forest, a dry evergreen afromontane forest in central highlands of Ethiopia. The aim of the study was to determine vegetation structure, and regeneration status of the forest. Sixty- nine sample plots (20 m x 20 m) were laid following altitudinal gradient and each quadrat has a 125 m altitudinal dro...
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Key Informant Perceptions on the Invasive Ipomoea Plant Species in Kajiado County, South Eastern Kenya
Kidake K. Bosco,
Manyeki K. John,
Kirwa C. Everlyne,
Ngetich Robert,
Nenkari Halima,
Mnene N. William
Issue:
Volume 4, Issue 4, August 2015
Pages:
195-199
Received:
27 July 2015
Accepted:
5 August 2015
Published:
19 August 2015
Abstract: Invasion of rangelands by undesirable plant species is one of the challenges facing rangeland productivity and to an extension livestock production in East Africa. They have affected communities in different ways in areas where they grow. Focus group discussions and interviews were held in two sites in pastoral and agro-pastoral regions of Kajiado County to get perceptions of farmers, livestock keepers and other stakeholders concerning the invasive plant species Ipomoea. This was accompanied by visits and field excursions to areas heavily infested by the invader species. The interviewed key informants agreed that the plant has more detrimental effects to the environment, ecologically and to the economy of the region. There is need for urgent interventions involving all stakeholders to curb the spread of the species, which is currently at an unprecedented rate. These include efforts by relevant institutions such as Government, Non-Governmental institutions through mobilization, training and capacity building and demonstrations in order to reverse the trend. Any trainings should however include aspects of recovery of invaded and degraded land primarily through pasture improvement and other interventions as this will enhance the utilization of these areas for increased livestock productivity and reverse degradation
Abstract: Invasion of rangelands by undesirable plant species is one of the challenges facing rangeland productivity and to an extension livestock production in East Africa. They have affected communities in different ways in areas where they grow. Focus group discussions and interviews were held in two sites in pastoral and agro-pastoral regions of Kajiado ...
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