Josephine Nakanwagi | Makerere University (original) (raw)

Papers by Josephine Nakanwagi

Research paper thumbnail of Gender, agricultural risk perceptions, and maize seed systems: A case study of drought-tolerant maize varieties in Uganda

Agricultural systems, May 1, 2024

Research paper thumbnail of Soil Textural Inactivation of Residual Faecal Indicator Organisms in Bio Slurry Used for Carrot Production

Journal of Agricultural Science and Food Technology, 2021

A screen house pot study using bio-slurry at the rate of 7.8 t N / ha was conducted at Makerere U... more A screen house pot study using bio-slurry at the rate of 7.8 t N / ha was conducted at Makerere University Agricultural Research Institute (MAURIK) Kabanyolo, Uganda. This was monitored using fecal indicator organisms (coliforms, Escherichia coli and Enterococci) in loamy sand, sandy loam and sandy clay loam texture obtained at the study site within 5litres pots under a Complete Randomized Design under a screenhouse. The different textures significantly (p<0.05) reduced the fecal indicator organisms. Conditions within the loamy sand texture reduced the pathogenic microorganisms within 90 days due to its high sand content. In this soil texture, E. coli and enterococci were reduced to undetectable levels within 90 days unlike the coliforms. Fecal, Bio slurry, coliforms, Escherichia. coli, Enterococci

Research paper thumbnail of Affordability and Willingness to Pay for Hybrid Drought Tolerant Maize Seed: Anchoring and Learning

Maize is an important crop grown in most parts of the Uganda for food, feed and income (Asea. et ... more Maize is an important crop grown in most parts of the Uganda for food, feed and income (Asea. et al, 2014). Given climate risk to agricultural seasons, drought tolerant maize varieties can play an important role in maintaining production and protecting livelihoods. Potential barriers for uptake of advanced seed technology could be that farmers lack information to assess benefits of drought tolerant maize, or because of liquidity constraints, or downside risk. Recent empirical literature argues that downside risk, for example risk of substantial income loss associated with weather shocks, may deter farmers to invest in production enhancing technology such a certified seed (Emerick et al., 2016). This despite the fact that the seed has a much higher yield potential and is often more drought tolerant than the varieties traditionally grown by farmers (CCAFS, 2019). Farmers rely mostly on home-saved seed and low quality products from local markets. Research shows that Drought Tolerant Ma...

Research paper thumbnail of Smallholder Livelihood Risks and Barriers to Adoption of Drought Tolerant Maize Varieties in Uganda

Maize is an important crop grown in most parts of the Uganda for food, feed and income, (Asea. et... more Maize is an important crop grown in most parts of the Uganda for food, feed and income, (Asea. et al, 2014). Given climate risk to agricultural seasons, drought tolerant maize varieties can play an important role in maintaining production and protecting livelihoods. Potential barriers for uptake of advanced seed technology could be that farmers lack information to assess benefits of drought tolerant maize, or because of liquidity constraints, or downside risk. Recent empirical literature argues that downside risk, for example risk of substantial income loss associated with weather shocks, may deter farmers to invest in production enhancing technology such a certified seed (Emerick et al., 2016). This despite the fact that the seed has a much higher yield potential and is often more drought tolerant than the varieties traditionally grown by farmers (CCAFS, 2019). Farmers rely mostly on home-saved seed and low quality products from local markets. Agricultural production outputs cannot...

Research paper thumbnail of Financial losses due to soil erosion in the Mt. Elgon hillsides, Uganda: a need for action

Research paper thumbnail of Improving Water Hyacinth-Based Compost for Crop Production

A study was carried out to hasten maturity, improve nutrient content and determine agronomic perf... more A study was carried out to hasten maturity, improve nutrient content and determine agronomic performance of water hyacinth-based composts. Water hyacinth (WH) was composted using pile method and six treatments: WH + cattle manure (WH+CM), WH + poultry manure (WH+PM), WH + effective microorganisms, WH + molasses at 25% total sugar content, WH + molasses at 50% total sugar content and WH composted singly. Macro nutrients, C/N ratio, mineral nitrogen, temperature and pH were monitored. The composts obtained were applied at rates of 3 and 6 t ha -1 using maize (LONGE 4) as test crop. All compost treatments reached maturity after 6 weeks and the highest total contents of 2.2%, 1.3% and 1.5% of N, P and K respectively were determined in WH+PM. Grain yields of 6.8 t ha -1 harvested in (WH+CM) applied at 6 t ha -1 and 6.5 t ha -1 harvested in (WH+PM) applied at 3 t ha -1 were statistically similar, and the highest in the experiment. Co-composting with poultry manure shortened maturity perio...

Research paper thumbnail of Bye Laws as a Means of Scaling Up Adoption of Sustainable Land Management Options in the Eastern Africa Highlands

A wide range of technologies to mitigate farm soil and water degradation have been generated by r... more A wide range of technologies to mitigate farm soil and water degradation have been generated by research and on farm. Success stories on uptake and use are many, but in small isolated pockets. However, if years of investment in research for sustainable land management are to make significant contributions to rural livelihoods, adoption of sustainable land management (SLM) technologies needs to be accelerated and scaled up. The goal of this project is therefore to identify and promote appropriate strategies to accelerate the uptake of successful SLM innovations (technologies, institutional options, approaches and tools) that have been tested in pilot sites, by more farmers over wider geographic areas. Bye law and ordinance development seeks to strengthen decentralized systems of governance by transferring specified powers and obligations, such as those dealing with natural resources management, to lower levels. SLM Bye-laws ensure sustainable, orderly and productive use of land and l...

Research paper thumbnail of Agronomic effectiveness of water hyacinth-based composts

African Journal of Agricultural Research, 2018

Because water hyacinth-based compost contains substantial amounts of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P)... more Because water hyacinth-based compost contains substantial amounts of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) its application can boost crop production. We evaluated the agronomic performance of water hyacinth - based composts using field experiments and five treatments which were; water hyacinth compost made using cattle manure (WH+CM), poultry manure (WH+PM), molasses (WH+MO), water hyacinth alone (WH alone) and the control. The composts were applied at two rates of 3 and 6 t ha-1 using maize (LONGE 4) as a test crop. Grain yields of 6.8 t ha-1 harvested in WH+CM applied at 6 t ha-1 and 6.5 t ha-1 harvested in WH+PM applied at 3 t ha-1 were statistically similar, and were the highest in the experiment. The highest harvest index and agronomic nitrogen efficiency were obtained at 3 t ha-1 from WH+PM (4.57) and WH+MO (42.6 kg kg-1) respectively. Compost formulation WH+PM applied at 3 t ha-1 was the most effective as measured in terms of grain yield and is recommended for applic...

Research paper thumbnail of Community based risk spectrum analysis in Uganda: Male and female livelihood risks and barriers to uptake of drought tolerant maize varieties

Research paper thumbnail of Nitrogen and Phosphorus Optimization and Agronomic Nutrient Use Efficiency for Improved Wheat Performance

This study was carried out to determine the optimum nitrogen and phosphorus rates for achieving o... more This study was carried out to determine the optimum nitrogen and phosphorus rates for achieving optimum yields and nutrient use efficiency for wheat in highlands of Eastern Uganda. An on station randomized complete block design experiment was conducted at Buginyanya Zonal Agricultural Research and Development Institute. Two varieties Fahari and Pasa were treated with four levels of nitrogen (0, 30, 60, & 90 kg ha) and three levels of phosphorus (0, 7.5 &15 kg ha). The fertilizer treatments were each replicated three times. The highest grain yield of Pasa and Fahari was 3211kg ha, 2726 kg ha 1 respectively obtained at a nutrient combination of 60 kg N ha and 15 P kg ha The same nutrient combination resulted into highest number of tillers: (Pasa 4 and Fahari 5), kernel per spike of 40 for Pasa and 32 for Fahari. Maximum total kernel weight, spike length and plant height were obtained at 90 kg N ha and 7.5 kg P ha nutrient combinations. Pasa produced a significantly higher Agronomic Ni...

Research paper thumbnail of Corresponding Author: Nitrogen and Phosphorus Optimization and Agronomic Nutrient Use Efficiency for Improved Wheat Performance

Nakanwagi et al, 2019

This study was carried out to determine the optimum nitrogen and phosphorus rates for achieving o... more This study was carried out to determine the optimum nitrogen and phosphorus rates for achieving optimum yields and nutrient use efficiency for wheat in highlands of Eastern Uganda. An on station randomized complete block design experiment was conducted at Buginyanya Zonal Agricultural Research and Development Institute. Two varieties Fahari and Pasa were treated with four levels of nitrogen (0, 30, 60, & 90 kg ha-1) and three levels of phosphorus (0, 7.5 &15 kg ha-1). The fertilizer treatments were each replicated three times. The highest grain yield of Pasa and Fahari was 3211kg ha-1 , 2726 kg ha-1 respectively obtained at a nutrient combination of 60 kg N ha-1 and 15 P kg ha-1. The same nutrient combination resulted into highest number of tillers: (Pasa 4 and Fahari 5), kernel per spike of 40 for Pasa and 32 for Fahari. Maximum total kernel weight, spike length and plant height were obtained at 90 kg N ha-1 and 7.5 kg P ha-1 nutrient combinations. Pasa produced a significantly higher Agronomic Nitrogen Use Efficiency and Agronomic Phosphorus Use Efficiency obtained at 30 kg N ha-1 and 7.5 kg P ha-1 nutrient combinations, compared to Fahari at the same N and P rates. Optimum N and P fertilizer combination for best grain yield of both wheat varieties tested is 60 kg N ha-1 and 15 kg P ha-1 combinations.

Research paper thumbnail of Corresponding Author: Nitrogen and Phosphorus Optimization and Agronomic Nutrient Use Efficiency for Improved Wheat Performance

Nitrogen and Phosphorus Optimization and Agronomic Nutrient Use Efficiency for Improved Wheat Performance, 2019

This study was carried out to determine the optimum nitrogen and phosphorus rates for achieving o... more This study was carried out to determine the optimum nitrogen and phosphorus rates for achieving optimum yields and nutrient use efficiency for wheat in highlands of Eastern Uganda. An on station randomized complete block design experiment was conducted at Buginyanya Zonal Agricultural Research and Development Institute. Two varieties Fahari and Pasa were treated with four levels of nitrogen (0, 30, 60, & 90 kg ha-1) and three levels of phosphorus (0, 7.5 &15 kg ha-1). The fertilizer treatments were each replicated three times. The highest grain yield of Pasa and Fahari was 3211kg ha-1 , 2726 kg ha-1 respectively obtained at a nutrient combination of 60 kg N ha-1 and 15 P kg ha-1. The same nutrient combination resulted into highest number of tillers: (Pasa 4 and Fahari 5), kernel per spike of 40 for Pasa and 32 for Fahari. Maximum total kernel weight, spike length and plant height were obtained at 90 kg N ha-1 and 7.5 kg P ha-1 nutrient combinations. Pasa produced a significantly higher Agronomic Nitrogen Use Efficiency and Agronomic Phosphorus Use Efficiency obtained at 30 kg N ha-1 and 7.5 kg P ha-1 nutrient combinations, compared to Fahari at the same N and P rates. Optimum N and P fertilizer combination for best grain yield of both wheat varieties tested is 60 kg N ha-1 and 15 kg P ha-1 combinations.

Research paper thumbnail of Financial losses due to soil erosion in the Mt. Elgon hillsides, Uganda: a need for action

Onesmus Semalulu , 2014

Although soil erosion is a major problem in Eastern Africa, conservation efforts are limited part... more Although soil erosion is a major problem in Eastern Africa, conservation efforts are limited partly by inadequate information among farmers and policy makers on its impact and severity. The objective of this study was to assess the financial loss associated with nutrients lost through soil erosion under different cropping and soil management practices. Gerlach troughs measuring 0.6 m length, 0.4 m width and 0.5 m high were installed on runoff plots (15 m x 2 m) established on farmers’ fields under perennial (banana (Musa × paradisiaca), bananaarabica coffee (Coffee arabica), or annual crops (maize (Zea Mays L), tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum), beans(Phaseolus vulgaris)), without or with soil conservation practices (contour bunds, trenches, terraces, mulching). Higher nutrient (N, P, K) losses were observed on annual crop fields than perennials resulting in higher financial losses (US $ 250 vs US $ 12 per ha per year) or US $ 1,456 ha-1 yr-1 worth of would be maize grain. Higher nutrient losses were measured on fields without conservation treatments, showing that farmers cultivating land without conservation practices do suffer a greater financial (US $ 172 vs 91 ha-1yr-1) loss than those who invest in conservation practices. These losses increased with slope, showing that a farmer would incur a heavier financial loss through soil erosion if he/she cultivated steeper slopes compared to the less steep ones. The results call for immediate and concerted action to upscale sustainable land management practices.

Research paper thumbnail of Effect of nitrogen stress amelioration on status of break flour yield of soft wheat for making bread

Josephine Nakanwagi, 2018

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is the largest cereal source of protein (20%) and the second largest... more Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is the largest cereal source of protein (20%) and the second largest source of calories (21%) worldwide. Nitrogen is a major factor that affects bread wheat production in most soils in Uganda. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of nitrogen stress amelioration on break flour yield. A field study was conducted at Buginyanya Zonal Agricultural Research and Development Institute (BugiZARDI) in the highlands of Eastern Uganda, during 2013-2014. Treatments included 0, 30, 60 and 90 Kg N ha-1 with UW400 as test genotype. Site soil N was 0.15%, way below the critical limit of 0.25%. Maximum break flour yield was obtained at 60 kg N ha-1 and the least at 0 kg N ha-1. There was a direct negative effect of Nitrogen on the level of grain starch; while no significant effect was displayed between Nitrogen application rates and crude protein levels. A weak negative, but significant (P < 0.05) correlation accrued between grain yield and BFY (r=-0.3); while the relationship between starch and crude protein was strong, though equally negative (r=-0.9). The agronomic nitrogen rate required ameliorating nitrogen stress to obtain high break flour and grain yield is 60 kg ha-1.

Research paper thumbnail of Bye Laws as a Means of Scaling Up Adoption of Sustainable Land Management Options in the Eastern Africa Highlands

A wide range of technologies to mitigate farm soil and water degradation have been generated by r... more A wide range of technologies to mitigate farm soil and water degradation have been generated by research and on farm. Success stories on uptake and use are many, but in small isolated pockets. However, if years of investment in research for sustainable land management are to make significant contributions to rural livelihoods, adoption of sustainable land management (SLM) technologies needs to be accelerated and scaled up. The goal of this project is therefore to identify and promote appropriate strategies to accelerate the uptake of successful SLM innovations (technologies, institutional options, approaches and tools) that have been tested in pilot sites, by more farmers over wider geographic areas. Bye law and ordinance development seeks to strengthen decentralized systems of governance by transferring specified powers and obligations, such as those dealing with natural resources management, to lower levels. SLM Bye-laws ensure sustainable, orderly and productive use of land and l...

Research paper thumbnail of Gender, agricultural risk perceptions, and maize seed systems: A case study of drought-tolerant maize varieties in Uganda

Agricultural systems, May 1, 2024

Research paper thumbnail of Soil Textural Inactivation of Residual Faecal Indicator Organisms in Bio Slurry Used for Carrot Production

Journal of Agricultural Science and Food Technology, 2021

A screen house pot study using bio-slurry at the rate of 7.8 t N / ha was conducted at Makerere U... more A screen house pot study using bio-slurry at the rate of 7.8 t N / ha was conducted at Makerere University Agricultural Research Institute (MAURIK) Kabanyolo, Uganda. This was monitored using fecal indicator organisms (coliforms, Escherichia coli and Enterococci) in loamy sand, sandy loam and sandy clay loam texture obtained at the study site within 5litres pots under a Complete Randomized Design under a screenhouse. The different textures significantly (p<0.05) reduced the fecal indicator organisms. Conditions within the loamy sand texture reduced the pathogenic microorganisms within 90 days due to its high sand content. In this soil texture, E. coli and enterococci were reduced to undetectable levels within 90 days unlike the coliforms. Fecal, Bio slurry, coliforms, Escherichia. coli, Enterococci

Research paper thumbnail of Affordability and Willingness to Pay for Hybrid Drought Tolerant Maize Seed: Anchoring and Learning

Maize is an important crop grown in most parts of the Uganda for food, feed and income (Asea. et ... more Maize is an important crop grown in most parts of the Uganda for food, feed and income (Asea. et al, 2014). Given climate risk to agricultural seasons, drought tolerant maize varieties can play an important role in maintaining production and protecting livelihoods. Potential barriers for uptake of advanced seed technology could be that farmers lack information to assess benefits of drought tolerant maize, or because of liquidity constraints, or downside risk. Recent empirical literature argues that downside risk, for example risk of substantial income loss associated with weather shocks, may deter farmers to invest in production enhancing technology such a certified seed (Emerick et al., 2016). This despite the fact that the seed has a much higher yield potential and is often more drought tolerant than the varieties traditionally grown by farmers (CCAFS, 2019). Farmers rely mostly on home-saved seed and low quality products from local markets. Research shows that Drought Tolerant Ma...

Research paper thumbnail of Smallholder Livelihood Risks and Barriers to Adoption of Drought Tolerant Maize Varieties in Uganda

Maize is an important crop grown in most parts of the Uganda for food, feed and income, (Asea. et... more Maize is an important crop grown in most parts of the Uganda for food, feed and income, (Asea. et al, 2014). Given climate risk to agricultural seasons, drought tolerant maize varieties can play an important role in maintaining production and protecting livelihoods. Potential barriers for uptake of advanced seed technology could be that farmers lack information to assess benefits of drought tolerant maize, or because of liquidity constraints, or downside risk. Recent empirical literature argues that downside risk, for example risk of substantial income loss associated with weather shocks, may deter farmers to invest in production enhancing technology such a certified seed (Emerick et al., 2016). This despite the fact that the seed has a much higher yield potential and is often more drought tolerant than the varieties traditionally grown by farmers (CCAFS, 2019). Farmers rely mostly on home-saved seed and low quality products from local markets. Agricultural production outputs cannot...

Research paper thumbnail of Financial losses due to soil erosion in the Mt. Elgon hillsides, Uganda: a need for action

Research paper thumbnail of Improving Water Hyacinth-Based Compost for Crop Production

A study was carried out to hasten maturity, improve nutrient content and determine agronomic perf... more A study was carried out to hasten maturity, improve nutrient content and determine agronomic performance of water hyacinth-based composts. Water hyacinth (WH) was composted using pile method and six treatments: WH + cattle manure (WH+CM), WH + poultry manure (WH+PM), WH + effective microorganisms, WH + molasses at 25% total sugar content, WH + molasses at 50% total sugar content and WH composted singly. Macro nutrients, C/N ratio, mineral nitrogen, temperature and pH were monitored. The composts obtained were applied at rates of 3 and 6 t ha -1 using maize (LONGE 4) as test crop. All compost treatments reached maturity after 6 weeks and the highest total contents of 2.2%, 1.3% and 1.5% of N, P and K respectively were determined in WH+PM. Grain yields of 6.8 t ha -1 harvested in (WH+CM) applied at 6 t ha -1 and 6.5 t ha -1 harvested in (WH+PM) applied at 3 t ha -1 were statistically similar, and the highest in the experiment. Co-composting with poultry manure shortened maturity perio...

Research paper thumbnail of Bye Laws as a Means of Scaling Up Adoption of Sustainable Land Management Options in the Eastern Africa Highlands

A wide range of technologies to mitigate farm soil and water degradation have been generated by r... more A wide range of technologies to mitigate farm soil and water degradation have been generated by research and on farm. Success stories on uptake and use are many, but in small isolated pockets. However, if years of investment in research for sustainable land management are to make significant contributions to rural livelihoods, adoption of sustainable land management (SLM) technologies needs to be accelerated and scaled up. The goal of this project is therefore to identify and promote appropriate strategies to accelerate the uptake of successful SLM innovations (technologies, institutional options, approaches and tools) that have been tested in pilot sites, by more farmers over wider geographic areas. Bye law and ordinance development seeks to strengthen decentralized systems of governance by transferring specified powers and obligations, such as those dealing with natural resources management, to lower levels. SLM Bye-laws ensure sustainable, orderly and productive use of land and l...

Research paper thumbnail of Agronomic effectiveness of water hyacinth-based composts

African Journal of Agricultural Research, 2018

Because water hyacinth-based compost contains substantial amounts of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P)... more Because water hyacinth-based compost contains substantial amounts of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) its application can boost crop production. We evaluated the agronomic performance of water hyacinth - based composts using field experiments and five treatments which were; water hyacinth compost made using cattle manure (WH+CM), poultry manure (WH+PM), molasses (WH+MO), water hyacinth alone (WH alone) and the control. The composts were applied at two rates of 3 and 6 t ha-1 using maize (LONGE 4) as a test crop. Grain yields of 6.8 t ha-1 harvested in WH+CM applied at 6 t ha-1 and 6.5 t ha-1 harvested in WH+PM applied at 3 t ha-1 were statistically similar, and were the highest in the experiment. The highest harvest index and agronomic nitrogen efficiency were obtained at 3 t ha-1 from WH+PM (4.57) and WH+MO (42.6 kg kg-1) respectively. Compost formulation WH+PM applied at 3 t ha-1 was the most effective as measured in terms of grain yield and is recommended for applic...

Research paper thumbnail of Community based risk spectrum analysis in Uganda: Male and female livelihood risks and barriers to uptake of drought tolerant maize varieties

Research paper thumbnail of Nitrogen and Phosphorus Optimization and Agronomic Nutrient Use Efficiency for Improved Wheat Performance

This study was carried out to determine the optimum nitrogen and phosphorus rates for achieving o... more This study was carried out to determine the optimum nitrogen and phosphorus rates for achieving optimum yields and nutrient use efficiency for wheat in highlands of Eastern Uganda. An on station randomized complete block design experiment was conducted at Buginyanya Zonal Agricultural Research and Development Institute. Two varieties Fahari and Pasa were treated with four levels of nitrogen (0, 30, 60, & 90 kg ha) and three levels of phosphorus (0, 7.5 &15 kg ha). The fertilizer treatments were each replicated three times. The highest grain yield of Pasa and Fahari was 3211kg ha, 2726 kg ha 1 respectively obtained at a nutrient combination of 60 kg N ha and 15 P kg ha The same nutrient combination resulted into highest number of tillers: (Pasa 4 and Fahari 5), kernel per spike of 40 for Pasa and 32 for Fahari. Maximum total kernel weight, spike length and plant height were obtained at 90 kg N ha and 7.5 kg P ha nutrient combinations. Pasa produced a significantly higher Agronomic Ni...

Research paper thumbnail of Corresponding Author: Nitrogen and Phosphorus Optimization and Agronomic Nutrient Use Efficiency for Improved Wheat Performance

Nakanwagi et al, 2019

This study was carried out to determine the optimum nitrogen and phosphorus rates for achieving o... more This study was carried out to determine the optimum nitrogen and phosphorus rates for achieving optimum yields and nutrient use efficiency for wheat in highlands of Eastern Uganda. An on station randomized complete block design experiment was conducted at Buginyanya Zonal Agricultural Research and Development Institute. Two varieties Fahari and Pasa were treated with four levels of nitrogen (0, 30, 60, & 90 kg ha-1) and three levels of phosphorus (0, 7.5 &15 kg ha-1). The fertilizer treatments were each replicated three times. The highest grain yield of Pasa and Fahari was 3211kg ha-1 , 2726 kg ha-1 respectively obtained at a nutrient combination of 60 kg N ha-1 and 15 P kg ha-1. The same nutrient combination resulted into highest number of tillers: (Pasa 4 and Fahari 5), kernel per spike of 40 for Pasa and 32 for Fahari. Maximum total kernel weight, spike length and plant height were obtained at 90 kg N ha-1 and 7.5 kg P ha-1 nutrient combinations. Pasa produced a significantly higher Agronomic Nitrogen Use Efficiency and Agronomic Phosphorus Use Efficiency obtained at 30 kg N ha-1 and 7.5 kg P ha-1 nutrient combinations, compared to Fahari at the same N and P rates. Optimum N and P fertilizer combination for best grain yield of both wheat varieties tested is 60 kg N ha-1 and 15 kg P ha-1 combinations.

Research paper thumbnail of Corresponding Author: Nitrogen and Phosphorus Optimization and Agronomic Nutrient Use Efficiency for Improved Wheat Performance

Nitrogen and Phosphorus Optimization and Agronomic Nutrient Use Efficiency for Improved Wheat Performance, 2019

This study was carried out to determine the optimum nitrogen and phosphorus rates for achieving o... more This study was carried out to determine the optimum nitrogen and phosphorus rates for achieving optimum yields and nutrient use efficiency for wheat in highlands of Eastern Uganda. An on station randomized complete block design experiment was conducted at Buginyanya Zonal Agricultural Research and Development Institute. Two varieties Fahari and Pasa were treated with four levels of nitrogen (0, 30, 60, & 90 kg ha-1) and three levels of phosphorus (0, 7.5 &15 kg ha-1). The fertilizer treatments were each replicated three times. The highest grain yield of Pasa and Fahari was 3211kg ha-1 , 2726 kg ha-1 respectively obtained at a nutrient combination of 60 kg N ha-1 and 15 P kg ha-1. The same nutrient combination resulted into highest number of tillers: (Pasa 4 and Fahari 5), kernel per spike of 40 for Pasa and 32 for Fahari. Maximum total kernel weight, spike length and plant height were obtained at 90 kg N ha-1 and 7.5 kg P ha-1 nutrient combinations. Pasa produced a significantly higher Agronomic Nitrogen Use Efficiency and Agronomic Phosphorus Use Efficiency obtained at 30 kg N ha-1 and 7.5 kg P ha-1 nutrient combinations, compared to Fahari at the same N and P rates. Optimum N and P fertilizer combination for best grain yield of both wheat varieties tested is 60 kg N ha-1 and 15 kg P ha-1 combinations.

Research paper thumbnail of Financial losses due to soil erosion in the Mt. Elgon hillsides, Uganda: a need for action

Onesmus Semalulu , 2014

Although soil erosion is a major problem in Eastern Africa, conservation efforts are limited part... more Although soil erosion is a major problem in Eastern Africa, conservation efforts are limited partly by inadequate information among farmers and policy makers on its impact and severity. The objective of this study was to assess the financial loss associated with nutrients lost through soil erosion under different cropping and soil management practices. Gerlach troughs measuring 0.6 m length, 0.4 m width and 0.5 m high were installed on runoff plots (15 m x 2 m) established on farmers’ fields under perennial (banana (Musa × paradisiaca), bananaarabica coffee (Coffee arabica), or annual crops (maize (Zea Mays L), tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum), beans(Phaseolus vulgaris)), without or with soil conservation practices (contour bunds, trenches, terraces, mulching). Higher nutrient (N, P, K) losses were observed on annual crop fields than perennials resulting in higher financial losses (US $ 250 vs US $ 12 per ha per year) or US $ 1,456 ha-1 yr-1 worth of would be maize grain. Higher nutrient losses were measured on fields without conservation treatments, showing that farmers cultivating land without conservation practices do suffer a greater financial (US $ 172 vs 91 ha-1yr-1) loss than those who invest in conservation practices. These losses increased with slope, showing that a farmer would incur a heavier financial loss through soil erosion if he/she cultivated steeper slopes compared to the less steep ones. The results call for immediate and concerted action to upscale sustainable land management practices.

Research paper thumbnail of Effect of nitrogen stress amelioration on status of break flour yield of soft wheat for making bread

Josephine Nakanwagi, 2018

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is the largest cereal source of protein (20%) and the second largest... more Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is the largest cereal source of protein (20%) and the second largest source of calories (21%) worldwide. Nitrogen is a major factor that affects bread wheat production in most soils in Uganda. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of nitrogen stress amelioration on break flour yield. A field study was conducted at Buginyanya Zonal Agricultural Research and Development Institute (BugiZARDI) in the highlands of Eastern Uganda, during 2013-2014. Treatments included 0, 30, 60 and 90 Kg N ha-1 with UW400 as test genotype. Site soil N was 0.15%, way below the critical limit of 0.25%. Maximum break flour yield was obtained at 60 kg N ha-1 and the least at 0 kg N ha-1. There was a direct negative effect of Nitrogen on the level of grain starch; while no significant effect was displayed between Nitrogen application rates and crude protein levels. A weak negative, but significant (P < 0.05) correlation accrued between grain yield and BFY (r=-0.3); while the relationship between starch and crude protein was strong, though equally negative (r=-0.9). The agronomic nitrogen rate required ameliorating nitrogen stress to obtain high break flour and grain yield is 60 kg ha-1.

Research paper thumbnail of Bye Laws as a Means of Scaling Up Adoption of Sustainable Land Management Options in the Eastern Africa Highlands

A wide range of technologies to mitigate farm soil and water degradation have been generated by r... more A wide range of technologies to mitigate farm soil and water degradation have been generated by research and on farm. Success stories on uptake and use are many, but in small isolated pockets. However, if years of investment in research for sustainable land management are to make significant contributions to rural livelihoods, adoption of sustainable land management (SLM) technologies needs to be accelerated and scaled up. The goal of this project is therefore to identify and promote appropriate strategies to accelerate the uptake of successful SLM innovations (technologies, institutional options, approaches and tools) that have been tested in pilot sites, by more farmers over wider geographic areas. Bye law and ordinance development seeks to strengthen decentralized systems of governance by transferring specified powers and obligations, such as those dealing with natural resources management, to lower levels. SLM Bye-laws ensure sustainable, orderly and productive use of land and l...