Tag: calliandra
Use of calliandra–Napier grass contour hedges to control erosion in central Kenya
Contour hedgerow systems consisting of various combinations of tree and grass species can be used on sloping lands to minimize erosion, restore fertility, and improve crop productivity, but there is need to evaluate the effectiveness of each system for its suitability at any locality as effective erosion control. The objectives of this study were to determine the amount of soil conserved by contour calliandra (Calliandra calothyrsus)–Napier grass (Pennisetum purpureum) hedgerows, and then develop a support practice P-subfactor for conservation planning in central Kenya. As a benefit beyond soil conservation, biomass yield and N and P retention by the hedgerows were determined. Cumulative data for five cropping seasons from 1997 to 1999 indicated that the contour hedges on 20% slope conserved more soil (168 Mg ha1) than on the 40% slope (146 Mg ha1) compared to the control plots. For both slopes, this was equivalent to a 0.7 P-subfactor for use by the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) model in predicting soil erosion. The N and P losses between the hedges and control were statistically significant only on the 20% slope (P=0.05). Combined biomass yield from the calliandra–Napier grass hedges were 12 and 9 Mg ha1 per year and 40% slopes, respectively. This soil conservation technology may be used by small-scale farmers that use mixed farming systems in the highlands of central Kenya and similar ecoregions as a step towards sustainable farming.
Kaliayandra: endabirilan’enkozesa y’omuti
Kaliayandra (Caliandra calothyrsus) kati katono, nga kamulisa ebimuli bimyufu. Kakula bulungi mu buli mbeera z’obudde, kumpi n’embalama z’enyanja, ku nsozi, naye kasinga kukola bulungi mubifo omulimibwa emmwanyi. Akati kano kakula mangu nnyo era nga kasobola okuvaako emmere y’ebisolo, enku, empagi, ebikoondo, n’emmere y’enjuki, ate era kayamba mu kugyimusa ettaka n’okukendeeza ku mukoka n’okukola nga ekimuli. Otandika okuganyulwa mu muti guno mu bbanga Iya mwaka ggumu nga gumaze okusimbibwa ate era osobola okweyongera okuganyulwaamu okusukka emyaka kkumi.
Decomposition rates of legume residues and N-mineralization in an ultisol in Lampung
Preference and adoption of livestock feed practices among farmers in dairy management groups in Kenya
This report presents the results of a study that assessed farmer preferences and adoption of livestock feeds and feed practices promoted by the East Africa Dairy Development (EADD) Project. The study was carried out in nine out of 21 sites where the EADD project operates. The sites are situated in central Kenya, north Rift Valley and South Rift Valley regions of Kenya. They include Kabiyet, Siongiroi, Sirikwa, Olkalou, Olenguruone, Metkei, Sot, Cherobu and Taragoon. The sample was drawn from farmers belonging to dairy management groups. Collection of data was through a formal household survey that was conducted by interviewing individual dairy farmers using a structured questionnaire. Data collected was on socioeconomic and demographic characteristics, feed practices on farm, farmer preferences and criteria used for selection, constraints faced in the production of livestock feed practices, proposed interventions and future plans.Farmers interviewed comprised 60 percent men and 40 percent women out of the total sample of 181 dairy farmers. The farmers were middle-aged; about 44 years old with an average of about 46 years and 41 years respectively for men and women. Almost all farmers (97%) had basic education. Overall land owned was about 13 acres with femaleheaded households owning less land than their male counterparts. The main enterprises practiced in order of importance were dairy farming, food crops (e.g. maize, beans and sweet potatoes), poultry and cash crops (e.g. tea and wheat). On average, farmers had about 13 years of experience in dairy. Livestock owned ranged from pure, cross and local breeds of cattle, goats, sheep and poultry. The majority of farmers (92%) had cross-breed dairy cows with an average number of 3 for both male and female-headed households. Only 13.8 percent of households had pure breed dairy cattle with an average of 6 per household. A higher proportion of male-headed households (14.6%) had pure breed adult cows compared to only 5.6 percent of female-headed households.All dairy farmers interviewed had knowledge on the improved feed and feed practices introduced by EADD and other institutions. Almost all respondents (99.4%) were aware of Napier grass and about three quarters were aware of Boma Rhodes. Only about 5 percent farmers were aware of Sudan grass, Molasses grass, giant setaria, serato and Guetamala grass. Among herbaceous legumes, lucerne was the most known by 74 percent of farmers compared to desmodium (42%). Among fodder shrubs, calliandra was the most known by 36.5 percent of respondents followed by sesbania (12.7%). Other fodder crops known by over 40 percent of dairy farmers included sweet potato vines and oats. The most known fodder crop residue was dry maize stover (42%). Among feed practices, silage ranked highest.