Browsing by Author "Gachini, G.N."
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Item The Comparison of Methods for Determination Of Calcium Carbonate Content 1n Some: Kenya Soils(Kenya Soil Survey, 1989) Ochieng, O.N.P.; Gachini, G.N.; Kenya Soil SurveyTwo methods (manometric and volumetric) of determining calcium carbonate content were compared on IOO soil samples drawn from 22 profile pits of different soil types with variable calcium carbonate contents occurring in different parts of Kenya (semi-humid, semi-humid to semi-arid, semi-arid and arid) with annual rainfall ranging from 300 to 1400mm. The results obtained revealed that there exists high correlation between the percent CaC0 3 determined in manometric and volumetric and the exchangeable Ca m.e. % determined in high pH soils.Item Guide for Soil Sampling and Pre-Treatment for Soil Fertility Evaluation(Kenya Agricultural Research Institute, 2009) Gachini, G.N.; Mukiira, N.; Kenya Agricultural Research Institute; Kenya Agricultural Research InstituteSummary Sampling contributes the greatest source of error in the whole process of soil analysis. It is therefore important to employ a skilled labour to carry out this very important exercise. Proper sampling results in soil samples which represent the true field conditions and therefore representative data which will be interpreted into a better management practices. No matter how good the results are, they will not be very useful if the sample was poorly taken. It is therefore important to take great consideration on variations in the field when sampling to ensure that the sample taken is a true representation of the field sampled. Various sampling strategies may be employed when collecting a representative soil sample. Some of them are: zigzag method, two way diagonal (Transect) method or stratified random and multistage sampling. All these strategies when well executed will result into a representative soil sample. After sampling the soil should be immediately taken to the laboratory for pre-treatment for the various tests, else the samples should be stored in a cool place to prevent any further soil biological processes taking place and affect the results such as samples for available nitrogen. Pre-treatment involves drying, grinding, sieving and sub-sampling and storage. Pre-treatment is usually done so that the soil can be mixed uniformly for sub-sampling and analysis. Moreover, soil samples are easily stored when dry. Sample drying is either air-dried or dried in an air-forced oven preferably at a temperature of 40°C. This guide is therefore meant to help scientists, extension staff and farmers on how to take a representative soil sample for fertility evaluation and soil amendments in conventional crop production and soil management.Item Integrated nutrient management to attain sustainable productivity increase in East African farming system: Smallholder Farming and Rural Livelihoods in Ngaita Village, Kiambaa Division Kiambu District Kenya: A Baseline Survey Report(Ministry Of Agriculture, 2004) Gachimbi, L.N.; Gachini, G.N.; Onduru, D.D.; Maina, F.; Muchena, F.N.; De Jager, A.; Kenya Agricultural Research Institute; Kenya Agricultural Research InstituteAgricultural production among the smallholder farmers of Kiambu District, Centre Kenya Highlands is increasingly being threatened by declining soil fertility. Population growth, increasing land scarcity and inappropriate land use practices are seen as the main factors explaining why soils are coming under pressure in many parts~ of sub-saharan Africa (Scoones and Toulmil1, 1999). Evidence Of field studies in the highlands of Kenya! has shown that soil fertility is declining and at the dimension of the problem varies with biophysical, socio-economic and institutional factors Addressing this seemingly bleak scenario Calls for adoption of of all encompassing strategy of managing the widest variety of possible sources of fertility in the most efficient Way as well developing practical technologies applicable to farmers.Item Run -598-22-31-3-1-2(Kenya Soil Survey, 0000) Ondico, O.; Gachini, G.N.; Kenya Soil Survey
