Legume integration and application of organic fertilizers improve crop productivity

Haggai Ndhuku, Phd, Kenya

I chose this field since the demand for organic products has expanded, mainly boosted by heightened awareness of health concerns. Maize and tomatoes are important food security crops consumed by majority of Kenyans. To meet their increasing demand, low cost technologies need to be adopted to improve their yields. Use of low cost organic technologies enhanced maize and tomato yields.

A study was carried out to determine the effects of cropping systems and organic inputs on maize and tomato quality attributes and performance in parts of central Kenya. The cropping systems were; sole crops and maize/tomato intercropped and in rotation with chickpea plus farm yard manure (FYM) and Minjingu rock phosphate (MRP) as organic inputs. 

There was a 50% increase in crop yields under FYM and chickpea integration. There was a 21% P and 12% N increase in maize grain where MRP and FYM were applied respectively. Application of RP and integration of chickpea also recorded minimal incidences of diseases and pest prevalence. This may result in increased supply to meet demand. These findings will go a long way in informing farmers on how to apply organic farming innovations to enhance crop productivity to meet consumer demands thus food security.

Knowledge on technical details of organic farming is often scarce since it is not practised by many people. Many questions linger about why and how the system works. Specific research solutions are required that are adapted to environmental conditions, level of organization and participation of farmers, and existence of qualified technical support. Related scientific information lacks in extension and research services. Technicians/extension workers can greatly assist farmers in developing adapted technologies in a better position to respond to sustainability goals.

 


Find the thesis on Organic Eprints


More about the project


Haggai Ndukhu, PhD.

University of Nairobi-Kenya

Enrolment date: June 2011

Main Supervisor: R. Onwonga

External supervisor: H. H. Jensen


Haggai Ndukhu graduated in August 2015. He is teaching at Chuka University as Lecturer of soil science (Soil physics, chemistry, biology, genesis, survey and classification, fertility and crop nutrition). He is also part-time teaching Embu university in organic  agriculture and soil nutrients cycling, modelling and  management. These both at undergraduate and postgraduate  levels and he is currently supervising three masters students at Chuka and one at Embu university.


Contact

HAGGAI O. NDUKHU (hndukhu@yahoo.com)

Chuka University, P.O. Box 109-60400 Chuka.

Phone: +254 727 485 052 or +254 733 246 494