Masters Dissertations

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A study of some environmental effects on the physiology of jersey and friesian cattle in the lake Crescent area of Uganda
(University of East Africa, 1969) Packham, Roger Gordon
It is hypothesized that Bos taurus breeds of dairy cattle are subjected to stress, either directly or indirectly, by the environment of the Lake Crescent region of Uganda. The response to this stress is examined by observing its effect on some blood constituents. The examination of the data produced the following results: (a). The definition of the usual values for some blood constituents of Jersey and Friesian cows in the Lake Crescent region. (b) The haemoglobin and packed cell volume levels of the Jersey animal at 10.6 gms% and 31.6% respectively were lower than published results for known temperature conditions. The corresponding Friesian results, 12.1 gms% and 34.6%, were in better agreement, though still on the low side. The values for the total erythrocyte count of both Jersey and Friesian animals were in good agreement with published results from England. The total leucocytes counts of the Jersey and Friesian animals were in agreement with some published results. (c)The various blood factors all appeared to have a reasonably normal distribution, though a skew to the left was noted in most cases. (d) The blood picture of jersey animals probably changes with age. (e) The origin of the animal, whether from a tropical or temperate environment, has no apparent effect on the erythrocyte picture. (f) The main effect of climate and of milk production was on the haemoglobin and packed cell volume results. (g) There was shown to exist an interaction between pregnancy and lactation, acting on the haemoglobin values, the packed cell volume results, and the total neutrophil counts. (h) The changes in the blood factors recorded for the Danish Friesian in-calf heifers (KDP) on introduction to the environment of the Lake Crescent region were different from those noted for the Danish Friesian calves (EDF). (i) The results of the KDF heifers and EDF calves showed considerable differences from the results obtained for the Kabanyilo cows (KKF) bred locally. (j) The measurement of stress via the blood picture, and the association of milk production and the blood picture are discussed.
Application of nitrogen and irrigation to pasture to enhance dry season cattle production in Uganda.
(University of Dar es Salaam, 1970) Tiharuhondi, Enos Robin
This study was initiated to ascertain the role of fertilizer nitrogen and/or supplemental irrigation in bridging the dry season shortage gap. Past research on Uganda pastures noted that this has mainly been on species introduced from outside the country and selection from local and introduced species and varieties for adaptation to different ecological zones under various management practices. The role of fertilizer in pasture production has also been reviewed as well as the role of water in the life of the land. Lastly a brief review has been made of the methods of measuring pasture output. The experiment was conducted at Makerere University Farm, Kabanyolo. The climate at Kabanyolo is classified as moist tropical. Annual rainfall is about 51.2 in with two peaks in April and November and two lows in January and July. The upland cultivated soils of Kabanyolo have been described as latosols or ferrallitic soils. A split plot design was employed, the main plots being for irrigation and no irrigation, and the split pots for the four levels of nitrogen. Nitrogen, calcium ammonium nitrate, potash and phosphate were applied. For irrigation a sprinkler system was used. The grazing stock included yearling ¾ Jersey ¼ Nganda crossbred heifers (first year) and yearling ¾-Jersey-1/4-Nganda crossbred steers (2nd year). The first grazing cycle of each year was used for conditioning the animals. Animals were weighed before entering the first replicate and when they completed the fifth replicate. Herbage samples were taken for yield estimation and chemical analyses. Soil samples were taken for moisture and chemical analyses. Statistical analysis using t test for the average moisture percentages of the irrigated and non-irrigated treatments for one year of recording showed that irrigated plots had higher soil moisture content than the non-irrigated plots. Generally the experimental treatments had no significant effects, diminutive or incremental, on the constitution of these nutrients. In both seasons Herbage yields increased as the level of N-fertilization increased, and with irrigation where N was applied. Irrigation had no significant effect on crude protein composition during the dry seasons but had a significant lowering effect during the wet seasons. The crude fibre composition in herbage was not influenced by irrigation but was significantly reduced by fertilizer nitrogen in all seasons. Neither season nor level of N nor irrigation enhanced the accumulation of NO3-N in herbage to a minimum level of CO.20% reported as toxic to livestock. The stocking rate increased with increasing levels of N in both irrigated and non-irrigated treatments. It was evident from the study that a combination of high levels of N with irrigation was able to maintain a steady production of large quantities of herbage yields declined progressively.
A pedological study of the Ukiriguru soil catena and the classification of its units according to the taxonomy system
(University of Dar es Salaam, 1975) Samki, John Kinyala
A detailed pedagogical study of the Ukiriguru soil catena with the objectives of investigating its pedological features and classifying its integral components according to the soil Taxonomy system was carried out. The Ukiriguru soil catena consists of four soil types locally called Kikungu, Lusenye, Itogoro and Mbuga. The Kikungu soil type is found at the uppermost slope and Mbuga in the valley others are located in between with the Lusenye at higher elevation then the Itogoro. Among all the soil types in the catena, the Lusenye contained the highest amount of sand and the lowest amount of clay. Whereas their amounts in the Mbuga soil were reversed, the contents o sand and clay in the Kikungu and Itogoro were in between. The distribution of soil separate in different soil types was related to their sizes and the slope in the catena which probably rendered differential deposition of the separates. While the content of bases and the percentage base saturation decreased with depth in the Kikungu and Lusenye, they increased in the Itogoro and remained consistently high with depth in the Mbuga. Lateral leaching of bases from the upper components (soil types) into the lower ones of the catena is a probable reason for such variations. The content of sequioxide was highest the Kikungu and Mbuga and lowest in Itogoro and Lusenye. The silica content followed a trend almost similar to that of sand. On the basis of the diagnostic properties the integral components of the Ukiguru catena were classified according to the soil taxonomy system as follows. Kikungu as Ustropept. Lusenye as Uslipsamment. Itogoro as Tropaqualf and Mbuga as Pelustert
Some agricultural field experiments in Tanzania: a study in their statistical analysis and further prospects.
(University of Dar es Salaam, 1976) Fumbuka, S S
This study consists of three chapters. In the first chapter the study analyses an experimental which was conducted at the Faculty of agriculture, Morogoro to investigate the effect of fertilizes N, P and K on the dry matter yield of a grass legume pasture and also any change in the effect of fertilizers were effective with N being the most important factor in this respect and especially in its linear effect. There is also evidence of a strong interdependence among the factor N, P and K as indicated by the high significance of two factor interactions notably NXP. Indeed even three factor interaction shows significance. In the second chapter the study considered two experiments from the 1975/76 set of trials in selection of cotton varieties conducted at the Ukiriguru Agricultural Research Institutes Mwanza. Variety differences are significant but owing to the incomplete nature of the experiments analysed, it is not possible to appraise the effect of fertilizer, spraying or their interaction on the performance of varieties with respect to the different quality variable studied. No variety or group of varieties can be considered to be best with respect to all quality variable and to their selection of best varieties can only be a compromise process. In the third and final chapter it is pointed out that the traditional method at Ukiriguru of conducting the experiments under “unfertilized and unsprayed” and “fertilized and sprayed” condition, does not permit the estimation of the effect of fertilizer spraying or their interaction separately and hence it is impossible to determine the effect of their respective interactions with treatment (variety) effects. As a remedy it is suggested that the experiments should instead be conducted under all the four possible combinations of fertilizer and spraying and a method of analysing such experiments is briefly considered.
Causes of decline in major crop production in Bukoba: Banana, coffee and tea
(University of Dar es Salaam, 1976) Kabwoto, Ernest
There is proof that the production of major crops namely banana, coffee and tea in Bukoba has declined. The available statistics show that yield per hectare for banana and coffee has been declining over time since 1910 to the present day. The decline for tea production is reflected in the failure of the Bukoba Tea Scheme to hit its target set by 1974 and lack of enthusiasm on the part of the peasants and their withdrawal from participating in the scheme. One cause of this decline originates from the inherent physical characteristics of the soils which besides being naturally infertile are very susceptible to leaching of essential plant mineral nutrients under Bukoba climatic conditions. This process has been observed to be due to very high rainfall in Bukoba and other climatic factors which make the soils continually lose their mineral nutrients. Under such conditions there is rising demand for manure/fertilizer inputs to restore and maintain soil fertility. This also calls for better husbandry methods on the part of the peasants which currently seem to be lacking. Besides, the costs of the inputs are so high that an ordinary peasant cannot afford them without assistance in the present conditions. These conditions are against the peasant. The market situation is such that producer price of the two cash crops (coffee and tea) has been kept low for long time and the future does not seem bright. This is partly due to domestic policies. While the earnings realised in the world marker are low, a large part of them do not reach the producer. Instead they are either spent on administrative costs or other things outside the coffee and tea industries. The marked effects are that potential productive peasants withdraw from participation in the production of the crops and shift to other sectors of the economy or become less productive within the industries themselves. The author suggests that this situation should be rectified if crops production is to be kept at the required level and quality. This is possible if the government is ready to reinvest proceeds in the three industries and create necessary incentives for farmers so that they can produce more and raise the quality of the crops. For example the government may subsidize the peasant through providing fertilisers and insecticides and may improve infrastructural facilities in the area in order to boost his production means.
The impact of Ujamaa production on adoption of new farming practices: a case study of Morogoro district Ujamaa Villages
(University of Dar es Salaam, 1977) Tilumanywa, Adolf
Tanzania is an agrarian country which depends mainly on agriculture for its national development. To achieve rapid rural development the government and party decided after gaining independence to embark on a villagization policy which aims at bringing peasant farmers together in villages for co-operative production using modern methods. The social and economic environment in the villages is expected to make introduction and adoption of improved farming techniques easier. But while the villagization programme is now ten years old, conflicting views exist about its success in introducing new farming practices through communal production. Some people claim that government assistance channelled to villages in the form of agricultural inputs is a waste of resources since it is often not properly utilised. Meanwhile others claim that Ujamaa villages have been successful in introducing new innovations on communal farms and that cash inputs and mechanisation are in fact over- utilised. This study therefore investigated the extent to which farming practices on individual and communal farms differ and what factors account for this difference or the lack there off. A case study was made of five villages in Morogoro District by interviewing village leaders, extension workers and randomly sampled farmers. The study specifically examined maize and cotton production practices. The study found that farming practices on individual and communal plots differ, with ujamaa village groups tending to follow recommended farming practices. Maize production practices widely adopted by ujamaa groups include: use of improved seed, monoculture, planting during the long rains, row planting, thinking, and application of insecticide. However, they failed to plant maize early and to weed plots properly. Cotton production practices followed by ujamaa groups include correct spacing, thinning, and insecticide spraying. They planted and picked cotton late and failed to weed properly and to spray eight times. Individual farmers planted maize in the early short rains, used Ilonga maize seed, intercropped maize, thinned to three plants or not at all; did not use fertilizers and insecticide, and harvested maize before it has dried properly. Most individual cotton growers planted cotton early, followed correct spacing, thinned and weeded properly, picked cotton early and burnt cotton remains on time. They however failed to spray eight times. The difference in adoption of farming practices between individual and communal plots was found to be due to: free government assistance to ujamaa groups, labour availability (commitment), felt need of recommendations, group-decision making and village leadership, extension services, and force. Ujamaa groups adopted recommended practices because of free inputs and to please government officials in order to continue receiving government assistance even though they were not convinced that the practices were sound. Government assistance is detrimental, leading to loss of self-reliance. The standard blanket recommendations frequently are inappropriate and individual farmers refuse to adopt them because they conflict with traditional farming systems and the local ecological environment. Crucial operations such as planting and weeding are neglected on the communal plots because of low commitment by members to communal production, reflecting the small return realized from such undertakings. Members instead concentrate on their individual plots. Dishonest and corrupt leaders at times have demoralised members, leading to their abandoning the communal farm. Incentives for work should be increased on the communal farm and village economic plans and leadership needs to be improved. Force from local leaders has contributed to adoption of recommended cotton practices by individual farmers, and most cotton recommendations have visable benefits. Although the practices which are enforced are technically sound, persuasion is a better policy to get sustained acceptance. The extension services are geared towards communal plots only, thus neglecting individual farmers. Extension workers rarely visited individual plots except cotton plots grown in blocks. Village leaders and extension workers supervise various operations on the communal plots grown in blocks. Village leaders and extension workers supervise various operations on the communal plots an practices used on the communal plots are decided by the village agricultural sub-committee whose members must ensure that the recommendations are followed. Meanwhile individual farmers are free to follow any practices they please.
Root deformation in Pinus Patula: effects and possible causes at Turbo, Western Kenya
(University of Dar es Salaam, 1977) Arap-Konuche, Paul Kipkoviv
An evaluation of possible effects of root deformation on survival and growth of 9-year old Pinus petals was carried out. In 51 cluster plots, 391 trees were examined for root deformation, and 100 of the trees were excavated. Factors associated with root deformation were noted. The results showed that of the trees examined, 53.7 percent had deformed roots. However, only 0.77 percent had toppled over (wind damaged at root collar region). The damage was not, apparently, increasing with age. The trees with deformed roots did not appear liable to wind throw in the remaining 6 years before harvesting. There was a negative correlation between root deformation and survival. Trees with deformed roots had their mean height, d.b.h. and volume reduced by 4.3, 10.3 and 28.0 percent respectively. The reductions in d.b.h. and volume were significant. It was estimated that more than twice the mean annual increment in volume per tree at this age, had been lost because of root deformation. Root deformation was also significantly associated with leaning trees. The most likely causes of root deformation, acting singly or in combination, are polythene tube containers, poor nursery practices, and bad planting methods or practices. The basal stem snap or stem breakage at root collar is associated with some coiling roots and enlargements of root crown. The swollen root crown is possibly caused by the coiling roots impeding the flow of carbohydrates and growth hormones from the stem to the growing regions of roots. Pinus patina is susceptible to wind breakage at root collar when there is a weak connection between the stem base and the root crown. Among the suggestions made for minimising root deformation are: the use of smaller planting stock and the need to increase the size of planting holes.
Effect of different potting mixtures and nutrient treatments on the survival, growth and development of pinus caribaea seedlings.
(University of Dar es Salaam, 1977) Maghembe, J. A.
The effect of different soil mixtures, cow manure, crushed charcoal and NFK fertilizer application methods on survival yellowing, growth and development of Pinus caribaes Nor. Var. hondurensis Barr and Golf. Seedlings were studied over a 63/4 month period at the University of Dar Es Salaam forest nursery, Mafiga, Morogoro. The study period covered late August 1976 to early March 1977. The mean monthly minimum and mean monthly maximum temperatures during this period ranged from 14.9 to 22.5oC and from 28.0 to 33.6oC respectively. The total monthly rainfall ranged from 3.9 to 61.6mm in the period August to December 1976 (dry period) and from 128 to 158.2mm from January to March 1977 (rainy period). The study involved a 4x3x2x2 factorial arrangement in which sandy soil was given four levels of forest top soil, two levels of cow manure, two levels of crushed charcoal and three NFK fertilizer regimes. The mixtures were filled into polythene tubes and transplanted with Pinus caribaea seedlings. The results show that manure causes adverse effects on the survival and growth in pinus caribaea seedlings and induces yellowing of their needles under lowland high calcium and magnesium content and its alkalinity which jointly cause marked nutrient imbalances in the growth media. Crushed charcoal similarly affected the survival and growth of the seedlings but its effect on the yellowing of the seedlings were not significant. The incorporation of manure and charcoal in the mixture had additive adverse effects on all the parameters studied due to extreme nutrient imbalance. While sandy soil alone (without any additive) produced satisfactory survival, it did not produce panting size seedlings in the 63/4-month growth period. However, soil and fertilizer (without manure and-or-charcoal) produced satisfactory results in the same period. The100% sand soil + F1 or F2 fertilizer regimes produced satisfactory results and are recommended as suitable potting mixtures for raising Pinus caribaea seedlings. The mixture given the F2 regime being better than the F1. Other suitable potting mixtures were also those containing 70% sandy soil +30% forest top soil + F2 fertilizer regime; and 50% sandy soil +50% forest top soil + F2 fertilizer regime. The results of this study have demonstrated the importance of the composition of the potting mixture on raising Pinus caribaea seedlings.
An economic assessment of small holder Tobacco village project in Tabora region
(University of Dar es Salaam, 1977) Kange, Sebastian Nziabo
Tanzania, as in many developing countries, depends on agriculture as a major source of overall income and foreign exchange. Her policies stress vigorously an increased production of food and cash crops for social and economic development. The major export crops in Tanzania for the ten years after independence have been coffee,sisal,and cotton. The need for increased export earnings plus the problem of price fluctuation of the major crops promoted the government to expand other crops that were minor, especially those combining domestics and export demand. Flue-cured tobacco was one of these crops. The world demand for this type continued to rise, especially in the mid -1960’s. The export opportunities for Tanzania tobacco became brighter especially since 1965 when a major producer, Rhodesia, lost its markets due to a unilateral declaration of Independence and subsequent economic sanctions against her. Until then, the Tanzania crop was mainly sold for local cigarette manufacturing. This new Increased export opportunity plus this already exsting domestic demand for cigarettes called for more production of flue cured tobacco, which averaged 1.6 million kg per annul by 1964 and scared to over 10 million by 1970. The development trend of Tanzania tobacco is discussed in chapter I. Further government emphasis on flue-cured tobacco was incorporated in the second five-year plan – 1969/1974. It was envisaged that tobacco output would increase at a growth rate of 25 percent per annual, bringing the annual output to 17.5 million kg flue-cured leaf by the of the plan period. In order to successfully implement this ambitious programmed the government planned to spend over 30 million from internal resources as credits to small holder growers. In addition, the government negotiated a soft loan with the World Bank to finance the tobacco industry. This loan was approved and affected through the International Development Association (IDA). The IDA and the Tanzania government agreed jointly to contribute and undertake the “Tobacco Project” in Western Tanzania, aimed at raising the productivity of small farmers in village communities and increasing export earnings of the country as a whole. It is this project for which the author attempts to make some assessment. The drive to study this project originated through discussion with various people indicating that the project target in the appraisal report is not being realized. The evaluation is not designed to criticize and/or discredit anyone but simply to provide a simultaneous assessment of all aspect (social, economic institutional and managerial) of the on-going project. The main purpose of the study is to point out the shortcoming and the constraints which hinder achieving the target envisaged. The study lays emphasis on the performance of the small holder farmers, especially on the constraints which limit their access to public service like credit, marketing and extension details are elaborated in chapter II. The study is directed mostly to small farmers situated in two tobacco complexes namely Igagala and uyowa in Urambo District in Western Tanzania. The farms were visited once in August/September 1976 to collect data gross margin analysis was the main techniques used to gauge the financial performance of the farmers. The empirical fare results are discussed in chapter V. Although gorse margin analysis is a simple tool, it is an important and widely -used technique in farm management. The analysis has established economic and technical indicators which were useful in throwing light on the performance and potential of the farms and the project as a whole. The major argument in this study is that application of recommended inputs plus proper husbandry practices could result in higher output and subsequently increased family incase. An important finding of the study is that family labor is the key element in these farms and at the peak season cannot be stretched to cover all activities of the farm. Thus, labor tends to be used for subsistence crops which have higher priority for the farmer rather than to meet tobacco targets. On the performance of the project as a whole, costs are higher than anticipated due to inflation. Some construction has been delayed due to lack of funds. It is hoped that when investment in social infrastructures is over the project will generates a profit. This expectation will only be true if the operating expenses are minimized. Also, the administrative bureaucracy should be relayed to re-juvenats the extension worker’ enthusiasts of doing their duties. This study highlights the achievements of the project and sometime emphasizes some of the bottleneck that hamper tobacco hectarage and output expansion. In this way it provides information which could be useful to the government and other interested bodies in undertaking and carrying out similar development projects, especially if they relate to smallholder tobacco production in Tanzania
Phenotypic response to intecropping with Soybean "CV" IH/192 in Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench
(University of Dar es Salaam, 1977) Mwambene, Reuben O.
Four groups of sorghum genotypes were compared, both as sole crops and in intercrops with soybeans, in a replicated experiment. S1 and S2 genotypes were superior both as intercrops and as sole crops, and intercropping was better than sole cropping for all genotypes. The economic yield was 28 per cent higher through intercropping. When the S1 and S2 genotypes were intercropped, there was increased yield per plant. This increase was attributed to more grains per head. Their growth was rapid and vigorous and did not allow soybeans'to become the dominant crop in the mixture. The best intercrop combinations of sorghum and the variety of soybeans used was found to consist of those involving low tillering short stature sorghum types with rapid and vigorous growth at the seedling stage. Intercropping caused yield reductions of both sorghum and soybeans in the mixture, with soybeans being more adversely affected. The yields of slow growing sorghum genotypes were also greatly reduced. Sorghum plant height and seed size were reduced in the mixture indicating that competition for nutrients, moisture and perhaps other factors had occurred.
The effect of intercropping maize (Zea mays L.) genotypes with soyabean (Glycine max (L.) merrill) cv IH/192 and its implication on maize breeding for intercropping
(University of Dar es Salaam, 1977) Marandu, Wilson Yauke Fathael
Two trials were grown to investigate the effect of intercropping maize genotypes with the soya bean cultivar IH/192 and its implication on maize breeding for inter cropping. Genotype x Cropping systems interactions were low. It was thus considered possible to select maize genotypes for intercropping under either monoculture or intercropping with little lass of precision. Maize genotypes which are prolific, early Bilking and with long grain filling periods were considered suitable for intercropping with the soya bean cultivar. There was, in maize genotypes, a positive correlation between plant height and grain yield. Positive correlations were also observed between grain yield and either ear height or top height; but these correlations were not independent of plant height. Although the cultivar of soya been used in these trials appeared to have adjusted its yield components more or less in the same way under different genotypes, it was considered soya bean grain yield could be increased by using short maize genotype for intercropping.
Improvement of low quality roughages by alkali treatment under Tanzanian conditions
(University of Dar es Salaam, 1977) Urio, Ndelilio Athanas
A study was undertaken on the improvement of the nutritive value of maize stover and Hyparrhenia grass by alkali treatment. Two chemicals, sodium hydroxide (NaoH) and sodium carbonate (Na2CO3) were used as far as 3 x 3 factorial design. Three levels of each chemical i.e. Og. 3g and 6g per 100g of roughage were tested Eighteen black head Persian entire male sheep were used for the studies. In vivo digestibility and intake studies were carried out on maize stover supplemented with a protein, minerals and vitamins source. In vitro suties were conducted on maize stover as such and on Hyparrhenia grass. Both alkalies in increased the in vivo dry matter and organic matter digestibilities of the maize stover based diets. A significant interaction between the action of NaOH and Na2CO3 was observed in all the paramenters studied. There was no significant differences between the use of either NaoH or Na2CO3 in the digestibility studies. However, in the intake studies where feed was offered ad libitum intake was higher for the NaOH than Na2CO3 treatments.. Similarly in the in vitro studies, better results were obtained with NaoH than with Na2CO3 treatments. The action of Na2CO3 appears to be more effective in vivo than in vitro. It is suggested that the logner treating times for Na2CO3 might give equally good results as those of NaoH treatments. Due to the low cost of Na2CO3 and its abundance in the country in the form of ‘Magadi’ it is recommended that more studies be done on its use as well as making more detailed studies as to the origin and extent of its interaction with other chemicals.
Cupressus lucitanica miller, growth and yield studies in Kenya
(University of Dar es Salaam, 1977) Mathu, Winston
This is a growth and yield study of Cupressus lusitanica Miller under the present sawtimber management schedules in Kenya. It is based on 133 permanent sample plots maintained by the Kenya Forest Department. Site, size quality and site indexing systems are discussed and site index curves for C. lusitanica in Kenya constructed, using the periodic dominant height increment method and a reference age of 20 years. The mean diameter of thinning, basal area and basal area development are discussed and the relevant equations derived. Basal area increment for understocked, normal and overstocked stands are also studied. Understocking was found to result in lower basal area increment at early age (up to age 20 years on average site). This indicates that the three first thinnings are probably too heavy. Finally a volume yield table is constructed for the average site index class in Kenya (S.1. 24.1). The volume is calculated using the tree volume equation by H. L. Wright (1999) which has dominant height and diameter at breast height as independent variables. The current and mean annual volume increments are discussed and the biological rotation for the average site in Kenya determined.
Improvement of low quality roughages by alkali treatment under Tanzanian conditions.
(University of Dar es Salaam, 1977) Urio, Ndelilio A.
A study was undertaken on the improvement of the nutritive value of maize stover and Hyparrhenia grass by alkali treatment. Two chemicals, sodium hydroxide (NaoH) and sodium carbonate (Na2CO3) were used as far as 3 x 3 factorial design. Three levels of each chemical i.e. Og. 3g and 6g per 100g of roughage were tested Eighteen black head Persian entire male sheep were used for the studies. In vivo digestibility and intake studies were carried out on maize stover supplemented with a protein, minerals and vitamins source. In vitro suties were conducted on maize stover as such and on Hyparrhenia grass. Both alkalies in increased the in vivo dry matter and organic matter digestibilities of the maize stover based diets. A significant interaction between the action of NaOH and Na2CO3 was observed in all the parameters’ studied. There was no significant differences between the use of either NaoH or Na2CO3 in the digestibility studies. However, in the intake studies where feed was offered ad libitum intake was higher for the NaOH than Na2CO3 treatments.. Similarly in the in vitro studies, better results were obtained with NaoH than with Na2CO3 treatments. The action of Na2CO3 appears to be more effective in vivo than in vitro. It is suggested that the logner treating times for Na2CO3 might give equally good results as those of NaoH treatments. Due to the low cost of Na2CO3 and its abundance in the country in the form of ‘Magadi’ it is recommended that more studies be done on its use as well as making more detailed studies as to the origin and extent of its interaction with other chemicals.
Diffusion of an agricultural innovation - hybrid maize in Njombe district
(University of Dar es Salaam, 1978) Mgeni, Bernard Christopher
The problem of this study was the identification of the reasons of acceptance and rejection of the hybrid maize innovation in Njombe and also to test the universality of the diffusion’s model as applied to the area of study. The methodology applied included questionnaire interviews, informal discussions with the officials and peasants, the results being analysed both qualitatively and quantitatively with the Chi-square test and TAU (Kendall's correlation coefficient). A number of socio - economic is and political variables have been considered as to how they influence the innovativeness of farmers. The outcomes show that the diffusion’s model should not be adapted as a piece meal to different social environments and that economic reasons are the principal deterrents to early adoption i.e. innovativeness.
The effect of cereal height on performance of strands intercropped with soya beans
(University of Dar es Salaam, 1978) Thompson, David Ross
Two experiments were carried out on the university farm in which the effect of cereal height on intercropped soya bean stands was investigated. In the first experiment short and tall forms of three cereals (maize, sorghum and bulrush millet) were intercropped with two soya bean varieties of different maturity lengths. In the second experiment tall and short maize types were grown at four spacing with three fertiliser rates. Soya beans were spaced every 10 cm between maize plants. Cereal height was found to significantly affect the intercropped soya beans which yielded less under the tall cereals. The reduction in soya bean yield under tall cereals mainly resulted from a decreased number of pods per soya bean plant. In Experiment 2 the overall yield was affected very little by cereal height but in Experiment 1 combined maize and soya bean yield was significantly greater in the tall maize plots. The large yield differences between tall and short mil et plots are thought to have resulted from large genetic differences between these varieties rather than just height differences. The differences are the cause of a number of significant in the 1. Although cereal height did significantly affect the intercropped soya beans its effect was not as marked as the effect of other factors incorporated in the two experiments. The earlier maturing Improved Pelican variety of soya bean out yielded the 1H/192 variety under maize and sorghum while the differences between them under millet was not significant. Wider cereal spacing caused a significant decrease in cereal yield while soya bean yield increased significantly because of a higher population and an increase in pod numbers per plant. Fertility level greatly affected maize and soya bean yields with fertiliser application significantly increasing maize decreasing soya bean yield through more severe competition. All components of soya bean yield were reduced when fertiliser was applied. Increased fertility level tended to make the effects of height and more marked giving significant interactions in several instances.
Financial feasibility of irrigated farming: a case study of tube-well irrigation in Mombasa district
(University of Dar es Salaam, 1978) Thiongo, Michael Njoroge
Whereas some studies have evaluated large-scale irrigation schemes in Kenya, little economic research has been done on the Minor Irrigation projects. Government to increase emphasis on development of Minor Irrigation Schemes necessitates studies on these particularly from the financial and economic standpoint. Tube-wells are part of the minor irrigation development programme in Coast Province which is characterized by a general shortage of big rivers and streams. This shortage of surface water in the Province in particular and generally in the republic had been realised even during the colonial days. Government effort has been carried out mainly by construction of tube-wells, which progressed steadily so that by the early I970s avers 80 tube-wells were being bored annually by the Kenya Government. The substantial costs involved in this tube-well development were justified by the fact that the projects were undertaken by the Government or the municipality for community water development. As such boring of tube-wells was restricted to the community centres only. Unfortunately most of these tube-wells especially those in Coast Province were abandoned when no personnel was available to maintain them. A survey of the area between Gazi and Mtwapa in Coast Province in 1969 to study the distribution of tube-wells, their yields, and water quality rated this as "a good area of groundwater resources". It was recommended in this report that same elected tube-wells which were yielding considerable quantities of good quality water should be rehabilitated and fitted with powered pumps for the purpose of irrigation and domestic water supply. This recommendation was not implemented because information was lacking concerning their financial viability as irrigation projects. This thesis is therefore concerned with evaluation and appraisal of tube-well irrigation projects in Mombasa District to establish their financial worth. Mombasa District was selected for the study on account of the concentration of tube wells. The focus of the thesis involved collection of primary data from a sample of 10 farms using each diesel and electric pumps. Irrigated farming is capital and labour intensive. High initial investment capital is required to start-off a tube well irrigation project. Because of the high costs involved in supplying irrigation water, only crops with high gross margins per hectare can be grown profitably. The study revealed that tube-well irrigation farming based on high-value horticultural crops can be a highly profitable venture if properly designed and planned. Knowledge of the important factors affecting returns is invaluable. A high degree of managerial ability, innovativeness and first-hand market intelligence and knowledge of irrigation techniques is indispensable for successful irrigation. In spite of the high investment and running costs involved in tube-wells irrigation projects, they are financially viable and yield high rates of return to investment and internal rates of return.
Adsorption of nitrate and chloride in some Tanzania soils dominant in allophanic and kaolinitic clays
(University of Dar es Salaam, 1978) Parmar, Kokila Hasmukh
Nitrate and chloride adsorption in some virgin Tanzanian soil dominant in allophanic (x-ray amorphous) and kaolinitic clays as affected by the electrolyte (equilibrating solution) concentration, pH and anionic composition (complementary ion effect) were investigated. The adsorption of both N03 and C1 (in both leached and unleached samples) in all the solid increased with increasing electrolyte concentration. A transition from negative absorption of both anions at lower concentration to positive adsorption at higher concentration was observed in nearly all the soils. The Freundliah adsorption isotherm model was suitable to N03 adsorption in all and C1 adsorption in some of the soils. Description studies revealed that the amount of C1 desorbed increased with the increasing concentration of N03 in the electrolyte and on the colloidal surfaces. The N03 ion was found to be a better extractant of C1 than the S04 ion which in turn was better than the 0H ion. Adsorption of N03 (except in two soils) and C1 in all the soils increased with increasing pH of the electrolyte solution. This was contrary to the usual observation that anion adsorption increases with decreasing electrolyte pH. Surface preference (anionic competition) study revealed that the soils preferred N03 over C1. The adsorption of N03 increased in the presence of C1 in the mixture and vice versa. Destruction of the soil organic matter prior to equilibration with the electrolyte solutions of different pH values increased the magnitude of N03 adsorption at pH 3.3 and 6.0. However, the adsorption of C1 was decreased by a similar treatment.
Supplementary feeding of daily heifers on dry season grazing with maize silage, maize stover and Urea
(University of Dar es Salaam, 1978) Rugambwa, Valentine Kamugisha
Supplementary feeding of Friesian, Ayrshire and Ayrshire x Zebu heifer on day time grazing of dry season pasture was evaluated at Morogoro, Tanzania, over a period of 11 weeks, using a 3x2 factorial randomized complete block design with five replicates. Main effects were balk supplement (control), maize silage, maize stover; fed ad libitum for 3 hours per night); and non-protein nitrogen (minus or plus urea; fed at 0.09% LW 0.75). all animals received molasses at 0.72% LW 0.75. Pasture intake was estimated with chronic oxide. Mean initial liveweight was 190 kg; liveweights were recorded twice weekly during supplementation and for eight weeks after onset of rain. In vive digestibility of supplementary feeds was estimated with shed in split plot design. Bulk supplements and area had no significant effect on heifer growth rates during dry, early-wet and combined dry/wet seasons, over all means being 0.59, 0.31 and 0.47 kg/head/day respectively. Treatment means for the supplemented dry season for control, silage and stover were 0.64, 0.57, 0.56 and for minus and plus area were 0.59, 0.58 kg/ head/day respectively. During supplementation mean intakes for silage and stover, and minus and plus area, were 1.58, 1.47 (NS) and 1.47, 1.59 (NS) kg DM/ head/day. Mean intakes of pasture during weeks 6 and 11 were 5.69 and 3.75 kg DM/head/day respectively; bulk supplements partially replaced pasture (p<0.05 in week 11), but area reduced this effect. Nutritive values of feeds over the supplementation period for pasture, silage and stover (DM basis) were crude protein 11.5,6.0, 3.6% digestible crude protein 6.8, 0.6,-0.2% dry matter digestibility 55.9, 47.9, 47.9; metabolizable energy 2.11, 1.76, 1.83 Mcal/kg respectively. Growth rates observed are discussed in relation to the dry matter and digestible nutrient intakes schieved. It is concluded were adequate pasture is available no benefit will be obtained from supplementing dairy heifers with bulk feeds or area. The results are related to the feeding potential of farm residues in Tanzania and suggestions made for further research.
A genetical analysis of yield and yield components in an 8-parent dialle cross of spring barley (HordeumVulgare, L.)
(University of Dar es Salaam, 1979) Mrimi, Geremiah A
An 8 x 8 dialled experiment involving parental F2 progenies was conducted in the field at the Uyole Agricultural Centre, Mbeya, Tanzania is the 1977-78 growing season. The aim was to obtain information on the magnitude and type of genetic variability for yield and its components, to estimate the magnitude of the various genetic components and to investigate the nature and magnitude of the correlations between yield and its components. Results indicate that additive and non-additive variation was present for all characters measured. The non-additive portion was greater than the additive portion for all characters except number of ears plant. Dominance was found for all characters and it was the main source of non-additive variation. Average degree of dominance for the characters measured varied from partial dominance to over dominance. Epistasia was found to be small, and it was detected in the characters plant height, number of grain per grain yield per plant and 1000 grain weight. Overall heterosis was found in the characters number of days to heading, plant height, ear length, grain yield per plant and 1000 grain weight. However, its magnitude and direction was specific to the cross.Heterosis for yield was generally associated with heterosis for the yield components, particularly number of ears per plant, member of grains per ear, earliness and plant height. Maternal effects were found for grain yield per plant and 1000 grain weight. Estimates of narrow sense heritability showed that all characters, except plan height, had values greater than 40%. Number of ears per plant showed the highest value (93.0%) while plant height had the lowest (24.3%). High yield per plant and high 1000 grain weight were associated with dominance, while lateness and high number of grains per ear were associated with recessiveness. Correlation studies showed that the characters number of ears per plant, plant height, ear length, grain yield per plant and 1000 grain weight were positively inter correlated. Number of grains per ear was negatively correlation with number of ears per plant and 1000 grain weight. Number of days to heading showed significant negative correlation with all characters except ear length and number of grains per ear. The implications of the results to barley improvement are discussed.

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