Continuous cultivation of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) in monoculture systems represents the greatest factor deteriorating soil organic matter (SOM) smallholder farms. With an aim to breaking this norm, a 2-year field trial intercropping with two legumes: lima bean (Phaseolus lunatus) and dolichos (Lablab purpureus), was conducted upper-midland (1552 meters above sea level (masl.)), lower-highland (1854 masl.) upper-highland (2552 agro-ecologies Kenya. Residues from each cropping system...

Soil and nutrient losses due to soil erosion are pronounced in potato growing areas of East Africa largely the rugged topography high disturbance associated with cultivation. This study intercropped (Solanum tuberosum L.) three grain legumes: lablab bean (Lablab purperous L.), garden pea (Pisum sativa climber (Phaseolus vulgaris runoff plots assessed their impact on central Kenya highlands. Bare sole stands were included as controls. Vegetal cover was measured at different growth stages...

Integrating crop species with different photosynthetic pathways has great potential to increase efficiency in the use of scarce resources. In order tap resource complementarity emanating from this mix, study intercropped potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) lima bean (Phaseolus lunatas and dolichos (Lablab purpureous L.), related soil temperature radiation water productivity rainfed upper midland (1552 m above sea level (masl), lower-highland (1854 masl) upper-highland (2553 masl)) agro-ecological...

Abstract Negative nitrogen balance represents a major factor causing low potato yield in growing areas of Kenya while its excessive surplus poses significant environmental concern. In order to synchronize this tradeoff, field trial integrating ( Solanum tuberosum L.) with lima bean Phaseolus lunatus and dolichos Lablab purpureus intercropping system was conducted the upper midland [1552 m above sea level (masl), lower highland (1894 masl) (2552 masl)] agro-ecological zones Kenya. Nitrogen...

Abstract Inherent low soil fertility remains a hindrance to potato production in Kenya and continues pose threat food security. A study was conducted Nyandarua Meru counties assess the status smallholder farms. Soil plant tissue samples were collected analysed for selected nutrients (pH, OC, N, P, K, S, Ca, Mg, Zn, B Cu) from 198 Critical nutrient levels used sufficiency of growth. Soils sampled farms weakly strongly acidic (pH-CaCl 2 3.9–6.6) had high organic matter content (1.5–97.5 g Kg...

A large portion of sub-Saharan Africa is situated in belts uncertain rainfall and are characterized by low soil fertility with limited capacity to adapt mitigate the impacts climate change. field study was conducted semi-humid potato-growing belt Kenya test effect legume intercropping water soluble silicon (orthocilicic acid) on erosion, use efficiency light water. Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) grown singly intercropped dolichos (Lablab purpureus or hairy vetch (Vicia sativa L.). Each...

Soil organic matter (SOM) losses due to soil erosion may be considered low in continuous potato (<i>Solanum tuberosum</i> L.) cropping systems, but cumulated over time cause considerable degradation. A field study was conducted Kabete, Kenya, during the 2014 2015 rainy seasons determine effect of sediment particle size distribution on SOM and assess fractions most susceptible under potato-legume intercropping systems. The treatments comprised bare soil, pure stand (sole potato), + garden pea...

An accurate estimation of crop evapotranspiration and soil water balance under potato-legume intercropping is important for improving the productivity rainfed potato. This study quantified evapotranspiration, yield, potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) intercropped with lima bean (Phaseolus lunatus or dolichos (Lablab purpureus in comparison to same crops monocropping. The experiment was set up three agroecological zones Kenya: upper midland (with an altitude range 1500–1653 m above sea level...

Abstract In order to enhance sustainable intensification of potato-based cropping systems, especially in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), there is a need investigate the economic viability investing this lucrative venture. This study evaluated returns under legume intercropping systems using value/cost ratio (VCR) and benefit/cost (BCR) treatments comprising potato intercropped with dolichos ( Lablab purpureus L.) (P-D), climbing bean Phaseolus vulgaris (P-B) garden pea Pisum sativum (P-G), pure...

Phosphorus (P) is an essential element and its efficient use of global importance. This study evaluated the effect growing potato under legume intercrops on P uptake efficiency indices: harvest index (PHI), (PuPE), partial factor productivity (PPFP) balance (PPB). The experiment was carried out for four consecutive seasons with treatments comprising cultivated intercrops: none (T1), dolichos (Lablab purpureus L) (T2), peas (Pisum sativum (T3) beans (Phaseolus vulgaris (T4). Across seasons,...

Abstract Limited availability and access to quality seed is a major challenge faced by the Kenyan potato subsector. Smallholder farmers cultivate bulk of mainly planting from informal sources without any assurance which contributes low yields. In recent years, private sector businesses have engaged in certified production with positive impact on volumes available, relying minitubers multiply field over three four generations. Rooted apical cuttings (RACs) provide productive alternative...