Browsing by Author "Macharia, P.N."
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Item Annual Report of Kenya Soil Survey 2011(Kenya Agricultural Research Institute, 2011) Kenya Agricultural Research Institute; Macharia, P.N.; Wanjogu, S.N.; Kenya Agricultural Research InstituteIn the development and implementation of its research mandate, the Kenya Soil Survey (KSS) of Kenya Agricultural Research Institute (KARI) Kabete is guided by the vision and mission of the KARl and the mandate of KARl Kabete. This annual report is divided into seven sections. Section I covers the technical project reports in terms of the completed and on-going projects. Section 2 covers other technical activities executed such as map correlation work, editing of reports, GIS databases, laboratory analytical and advisory services and accreditation of the laboratories. Section 3 gives a list of staff who attended various conferences, symposiums, meetings, seminars, workshops, exhibitions and field days during the year. Section 4 shows papers published in conference proceedings and in peer reviewed journals. Section 5 shows officers who completed various trainings and those that were on-going during the year. Section 6 gives a list of constrains experienced during the year. Finally, section 7 shows a list of all staff in KSS during the year. This report was compiled through joint efforts of the technical staff and co-coordinators of all the three units of which I express my sincere gratitude.Item Effect of Burning Natural Pasture on Soil Chemical Properties and Dry Matter Production of Introduced Glycine and Siratro Grass Legume Mixed Pastures In Semi-Arid Rangelands of Kenya(2013) Macharia, P.N.; Mureithi, J.G.; Kinyamario, J.I.; Ekaya, W.N.; Gachane, C.K.K.; Thuranira, E.G.Fire is often used as g tool to stimulate new pasture growth that is of higher quality. However, fire has profound effects on the soil's nutrient dynamics and dry matter (DM) production of the pasture. This study was conducted in Kajiado District to study the effect of pasture burning on soil chemical properties and dry matter yield (DM) of introduced Neonotonia weight (Am.) Lackey (Glycine) and Macroptilium atropurpureum (DC) Urb (Siratro) forage legumes. On one site, herbage was subjected to a back fire while herbage in an adjacent site was slashed to ground level. Before planting the legumes, soil samples were collected at 0-15 cm depth and analyzed for pH (H20), organic carbon (C), nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K) and calcium (Ca). The results showed that the soil pH in the burned site (5.25) was higher (though not significant at PS:0.05) than in slashed plots (5.06). The soil organic C and N was higher in slashed plots than in burned plots. However, the soil's P, K and Ca levels increased after burning with P achieving a significant increase while the increase in K and Ca was not significant. Specifically, the soil N content was significantly higher in slashed (0.17 %) than in burned plots (0.15 %). The soil P was higher in burned (177.9 ppm) than in unburned plots (166.8 ppm). Potassium levels in burned plots (1.25%) was higher (though not significant) than in slashed plots (1.20 %). Calcium levels were also higher (though not significant) in burned (5.34 %) than in slashed plots (5.12 %). Glycine grown as monocultures yielded more DM in burned site (6.87 tlha) than in slashed plots (4.81 tlha). Monoculture stands of Siratro yielded more DM in slashed plots (2.84 tlha) than in burned plots (2.73 tlha). When the two legumes were grown as mixtures with natural pasture, the pattern was the same as in monocultures.Item Effect of Introduced Forage Legumes on Productivity of Traditional Pasture Enclosures in Semi-Arid Rangelands of Kenya(2013) Macharia, P.N.; Mureithi, J.G.; Kinyamario, J.I.; Ekaya, W.N.; Gachene, C.K.K.; Thuranira, E.G.This study was carried out to investigate the effect of introduced forage legumes on improvement of the quality and quantity of fodder in traditional pasture enclosures of Maasai livestock keepers in semi-arid rangelands of Kajiado District, Kenya. The forage legumes Glycine, Siratro and Shrubby Stylo were integrated into the natural pastures and their effects on natural pasture productivity studied. Data on dry matter (DM) production was collected at two defoliation heights (15 and 30 cm) and three defoliation intervals (2, 4 and 6 months). The highest DM yield was obtained at the two months defoliation interval at 15 cm height (though there were no significant differences between treatments), and inclusion of Glycine and Siratro into natural pastures resulted in combined DM yield of 3.79 and 3.84 tJha, respectively, which was 40 and 42%, respectively higher than the DM yield of the natural pasture (2.71 tI ha). Due to slow growth of Stylo as an intercrop, the mixed pasture yielded 2.59 tJha. Stylo as an intercrop needed more than four seasons of growth for it to contribute higher DM yield than the natural pasture. Forage quality determinations at vegetative, flowering and senescent stages showed that grasses in mixed pastures contained higher crude protein (CP) content and had higher digestibility and lower fibre content than grasses in natural pasture at all stages of growth.Item Effect of Introduced Forage Legumes on Productivity of Traditional Pasture Enclosures in Semi-Arid Rangelands of Kenya(2013) Macharia, P.N.; Mureithi, J.G.; Kinyamario, J.I.; Ekaya, W.N.; Gachene, C.K.K.; Thuranira, E.G.; Kenya Agricultural Research Institute, , P.O. Box 14733-00800, Nairobi, KenyaThis study was carried out to investigate the effect of introduced forage legumes on improvement of the quality and quantity of fodder in traditional pasture enclosures of Maasai livestock keepers in semi-arid rangelands of Kajiado District, Kenya. The forage legumes Glycine, Siratro and Shrubby Stylo were integrated into the natural pastures and their effects on natural pasture productivity studied. Data on dry matter (DM) production was collected at two defoliations Heights (15 and 30 cm) and three defoliation intervals (2,4 and 6 months). The highest DM yield was obtained at the two months defoliation interval at 15 cm height (though there were no significant differences between treatments), and inclusion of Glycine and Siratro into natural pastures resulted in combined DM yield of3.79 and 3.84 tlha, respectively, which was 40 and 42%, respectively higher than the DM yield of the natural pasture (2.71 tJ ha). Due to slow growth of Stylo as an intercrop, the mixed pasture yielded 2.59 tlha. Stylo asan intercrop needed more than four seasons of growth for it to contribute higher DM yield than the natural pasture. Forage quality determinations at vegetative, flowering and senescent stages showed that grasses in mixed pastures contained higher crude protein (CP) content and had higher digestibility and lower fibre content than grasses in natural pasture at all stages of growth.Item KARI - National Agricultural Research Laboratories - Kenya Soil Survey Annual Report 2006(Kenya Agricultural Research Institute, 2006) Kenya Agricultural Research Institute; Macharia, P.N.; Wanjogu, S.N.; Kenya Agricultural Research InstituteKenya Soil Survey (KSS) is a section of the National agricultural Research Laboratories (NARL) under the Kenya Agricultural Research Institute (KARl). The section has four units, which are Administration Unit (AU), Natural Resource Unit (NRU), Laboratory and Analytical ServicesUnit (LASU) and the Information Unit (lU). The units collaborate in the provision of information to different clients for a better management of the soil natural resource. The main activities undertaken or executed by KSS are based on the following objectives: * To conduct inventories on soils, environment and their inter-relationship with agricultural production and natural resource management * To provide services on soil survey, soil fertility and other land resources for recommendations on specific or alternative land uses for purposes of land development, soil natural resource and environment management. The recommendations give possible management remedial measures for sustainable crop production. * To undertake soil characterization for research on request. * To carry out research on the most effective methods of collecting and presenting land resource information (soils, vegetation, land use and environmental aspects) information. * To do research on the characteristics of the major soils, their environmental conditions and potential limitations for crop production in time and space. * To assess the possible impacts on the environment resulting from agricultural activities. This Annual Report gives a general overview of the activities that took place during year 2005 and is divided into three parts. Part I gives a general overview which covers a summary of the technical work, staff matter, donors financial assistance, collaboration with other programs and institutions, conferences, meetings and workshops attended and publications produced during the year. Part II covers technical and research work executed while part III covers non-technical activities undertaken by the different units in the section.Item Kenya Agricultural Research Institute Research Highlights 2009(Ministry of Agriculture, 2009) Kenya Agricultural Research Institute; Macharia, P.N.; Kenya Agricultural Research InstituteThis report features teh research highlights undertaken during the year 2009 at the Kenya Agricultural Research Institute.Item Livestock carrying capacities of Kenya rangelands. Kenya Soil Survey NO.M 50 1996.(Kenya Agricultural Research Institute, 1996) Macharia, P.N. ; Kenya Soil SurveyThis paper is written on the basis of a recommendation that arose from "Makueni Land Resources Information Workshop" which was held at Garden Hotel- Machakos from 13th - 17th November, 1995. The recommendation was:- "Having recognized the need for accurate data on the carrying capacity of the various soil types in the rangelands and due to scarcity of information of the same, it is recommended that a literature search be conducted to collect existing information with a view to providing approximate carrying capacity of the rangelands." The paper is thus based mainly on literature search as documented by previous authors and is not exhaustive in content. Little information is available on the relationship between soils of the rangelands and the livestock carrying capacity.Item Soil, Environmental Conditions and Management Requirements of BAT Growing Area, Eastern Province : Site Evaluation Report 2008(Kenya Agricultural Research Institute, 2008) Kenya Agricultural Research Institute; Muya, E.M.; Gachini. G.N.; Macharia, P.N.; Kenya Agricultural Research Institute; British American TobaccoSite evaluation was conducted in eastern province following the request from BAT Company from 18/3/08 to 2/3/08. The main objective of the exercise was to collect the biophysical data that will assist in formulating the recommendations for improved soil quality, nutrient availability and productivity. The sites were characterized in terms of observable soil characteristics such as slope, colour, depth, texture, and compactness. These characteristics helped in making quick decision on the possible soil units. These characteristics, to a certain extent, relate to non-observable soil characteristics that must be determined in the laboratory. Where there were marked differences in soil conditions, soil and tissue samples were taken for laboratory determinations. The results show both uniformity and sharp variations in soil conditions in some areas. The main challenge in management lies where there are variations in soil conditions in the same farmers' fields, such that such variation have a serious implication on management. This means that different soil units occur in the same fields and each unit differ from any other adjoining units to the extent that it will respond differently to management. Other challenges are in the area with special problems such as high ground water table, salinity, sodicity and compaction in the subsoil. However, there are cases in which farmers have, over years, developed appropriate mechanisms to cope with some of the observed biophysical constraints with good potential for sustainable agriculture. Such innovative practices should be incorporated in the long-term development agenda. In addition to this, technologies being developed in the demonstration plots should address all the critical problem issues identified on the farms. Based on these findings, the following are recommended as the way forward: 1) Identification of appropriate biophysical and socio-economic indicators of sustainability to be done for the farms and for demonstration plots through detailed characterization of area with sharp variations in soil conditions, demonstration plots and farms with success stories or innovative practices. This will assist in formulating strategies for sustainable crop production. 2) Demonstration plots to be characterized in details in terms of the relevant biophysical indicators to facilitate the up scaling of the technologies in broad geographical scales. 3) Areas with evidences of salt and sodium problems should be studied in details to establish characterize the physical and hydrological conditions of the area for the identification of the cause and appropriate mitigation strategies.Item Soils and Vegetation of the ICRAF Experimental Farm (Machakos District), Detailed Soil Survey Report No.D23, 1981(Ministry of Agriculture, 1981) Kibe, J.M. ; Ochung', H.; Macharia, P.N.; Ministry of Agriculture; Ministry of AgricultureThe survey area covers approximately 42 ha. It lies between latitudes o 0. 0 0 1 30'S and 1 35'S and long1tudes 37 and 37 IS'E and at a mean altitude of 1560 metres above sea level. The survey area experiences two short rainfall periods: March-May and October-December with average seasonal rainfall values ranging from 340 to 4lOmm (former Period) and 310 and 370mm for the latter period. The two rainfall periods are separated by a long dry season (June-Sept.) with an average 5 mm of rainfall per month, resulting in a severe water shortage. The area falls within agro-climatic zones IV and V which point to a medium to marginal agricultural potential.Item Vegetation and Present Land Use of the Chuka - Nkubu Area (Meru District) Miscellaneous Report 1989(Kenya Agricultural Research Institute, 1989) Kenya Agricultural Research Institute; Macharia, P.N.; Kenya Agricultural Research InstituteThe vegetation and present land use survey of the Chuka-Nkubu area was carried out as part of land resource data collection for the land evaluation of the area. The vegetation and land use of the area is influenced by climate, altitude, soils and relief. Due to these factors, it was observed that the vegetation and land use have a west-east zonation. This zonation ranges from the moist Mt. Kenya Forest to the semi-arid areas of Ishiara. Seventeen major vegetation units and nine major land use units were identified. The survey was executed from May 1986 to October 1987.Item Vegetation of Malindi Area - Kenya Soil Survey Miscellaneous Report 1996(Kenya Agricultural Research Institute, 1996) Kenya Agricultural Research Institute; Macharia, P.N.; Kenya Agricultural Research InstituteThe vegetation survey of Malindi area was carried out as part of a multidisciplinary team to collect data on the land resources of the area. Other teams were composed of soil surveyors and land use surveyors. The land resources survey of Malindi area was part of the Kenya Soil Survey mandate to carry out systematic reconnaissance soil surveys in Kenya. The main objective of carrying out the vegetation survey was to provide data on vegetation to be used for evaluating land for various land use planning purposes. The other objective of the survey was to provide an inventory of the vegetation as a land resource of the area. The purpose of undertaking the land evaluation process is to come up with recommendations for multipurpose land use planning of the survey area.
