Browsing by Author "Basalirwa, Daniel"

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Agronomic potential of maize stover biochar under cowpea–maize sequential cropping in Northern Uganda
(Springer Nature Link, 2024-09-12) Basalirwa, Daniel; Wacal, Cosmas; Murongo, Marius Flarian; Tsubo, Mitsuru; Nishihara, Eiji
Biochar is a nature-based solution for sustainable agriculture but its potential adoption in some parts of sub-Saharan Africa is still minimal. In this study, we evaluated the agronomic potential of maize stover biochar in cowpea-maize sequential cropping in Uganda under field conditions. The treatments included; the common farmer practice of no inorganic fertilizer and no biochar (CTR), inorganic fertilizer (F), 10 t ha−1 biochar (B10), 40 t ha−1 biochar (B40), 10 t ha−1 biochar + inorganic Fertilizer (FB10), and 40 t ha−1 biochar + inorganic Fertilizer (FB40), arranged in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The results showed that cowpea seed yield was not significantly affected by biochar and fertilizer application but the haulm yield was significantly improved only in FB40 treatment. Maize grain and stover yield was significantly improved only in the FB40 treatment but biochar showed a high potential to also improve yield even without inorganic fertilizer. The potential for biochar to improve maize yield either in the presence or absence of fertilizers could be attributed to the residual soil fertility from cowpeas. In both seasons, biochar significantly improved soil pH, EC, SOC, total N, available P, exchangeable K and Ca, irrespective of fertilizer application. However, exchangeable Mg did not significantly vary among the treatments. This study further revealed that in cowpea-maize rotation, optimum yield could also be possible with sole biochar application. Therefore, instead of burning the maize stovers after harvest, farmers should convert the residues into biochar and return it to the soil so as to achieve sustainable food systems.
Analysis of sesame seed production and export trends; challenges and strategies towards increasing production in Uganda
(EDP Sciences, 2021-01-01) Wacal, Cosmas; Basalirwa, Daniel; Okello-Anyanga, Walter; Murongo, Marius Flarian; Namirembe, Caroline; Malingumu, Richard
Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) is one of the most ancient oilseed crops cultivated for its edible oil and uses in food. Sesame seeds are very nutritious and confer health benefits. However, its potential production in Uganda has not been fully realized. The objective of this review was to summarize the trends in sesame production, export quantity, export value, challenges, and strategies for sustainable sesame seed production in Uganda. The review revealed the sesame seed production and area harvested generally increased from 1996 to 2007 but significantly decreased between 2008 and 2018. The review also revealed that while the export quantities and values were low, they gradually increased from 2009 to 2016. The decreased production between 2008 and 2016 could have been due to challenges such as pests and diseases, loss of soil fertility, prolonged drought, poor agronomic practices, poor yielding varieties, and lack of access to credit. Therefore, it is recommended to improve breeding programs and soil management practices; strengthen agricultural credits and extension services to support marketing of sesame seeds; and improve agronomic practices and farmer knowledge on improved techniques such as sowing methods, plant spacing, intercropping practices, pests and disease control measures. These could boost sesame production in Uganda given the high domestic and global demand for sesame seeds and provide an opportunity to expand sesame production throughout Uganda. Research should focus on how to increase seed yield on farmers’ fields and bridge the yield gap between researchers and farmers while adopting good agronomic practices.
Determinants of adoption of improved agronomic practices of (Sesamum indicum L.) production, challenges and opportunities in Lango sub region of Northern Uganda
(Academic Journals, 2024-06-30) Wacal, Cosmas; Obala, Jimmy; Agole, David; Basalirwa, Daniel; Masereka, Joseph; Buwa, Ronald; Alipa, Jorem; Ewaju, Emmanuel; Andaku, Jordan
Sesame is a key oilseed crop predominantly cultivated in Northern and Eastern regions of Uganda. Despite efforts to promote sesame production, adoption of improved agronomic practices remains low. This study assesses adoption intensity, determinants of improved agronomic practices, and opportunities for enhancing sesame production in Northern Uganda. The study employed multi-stage and purposive sampling to survey 123 sesame farmers in Lira and Kole districts. Results indicate a 50% adoption intensity for ten critical agronomic practices. Highly adopted practices included early planting (91.9%), weeding (88.6%), crop rotation (72.4%), timely harvesting (90.2%), and proper post-harvest handling (96.7%). Conversely, the least adopted practices were use of improved sesame varieties, recommended spacing, pesticides, fungicides, and fertilizers. A Tobit regression model revealed that young, unmarried farmers with lower education levels, but farming as their primary occupation and having 4-6 years of production experience, exhibited higher acceptance and adoption rates of improved agronomic practices. Overall, addressing challenges such as drought, declining soil fertility, pests and diseases, limited market access, and constraints in inputs and credit is crucial for increasing adoption of improved agronomic practices in sesame production.
Low cost maize stover biochar as an alternative to inorganic fertilizer for improvement of soil chemical properties, growth and yield of tomatoes on degraded soil of Northern Uganda
(Springer Nature, 2023-10-07) Wacal, Cosmas; Basalirwa, Daniel; Byalebeka, John; Tsubo, Mitsuri; Nishihara, Eiji
Soil fertility decline due to nutrient mining coupled with low inorganic fertilizer usage is a major cause of low crop yields across sub-Saharan Africa. Recently, biochar potential to improve soil fertility has gained significant attention but there are limited studies on the use of biochar as an alternative to inorganic fertilizers. In this study, we determined the effect of maize stover biochar without inorganic fertilizers on soil chemical properties, growth and yield of tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum L.). A field experiment was conducted in 2022 for two consecutive seasons in Northern Uganda. The experiment included five treatments; inorganic fertilizer (control), biochar applied at rates of 3.5, 6.9, 13.8 and 27.6 t ha-1. In this study, maize stover biochar improved all the soil chemical properties. Compared to the control, pH significantly increased by 27% in the 27.6 t ha-1 while total N increased by 35.6% in the 13.8 t ha-1. Although P was significantly low in the 3.5 t ha-1, 6.9 t ha-1 and 13.8 t ha-1, it increased by 3.9% in the 27.6 t ha-1. Exchangeable K was significantly increased by 42.7% and 56.7% in the 13.8 t ha-1 and 27.6 t ha-1 respectively. Exchangeable Ca and Mg were also higher in the biochar treatment than the control. Results also showed that plant height, shoot weight, and all yield parameters were significantly higher in the inorganic fertilizer treatment than in the 3.5, 6.9, and 13.8 t ha-1 treatments. Interestingly, maize stover biochar at 27. 6 t ha-1 increased fruit yield by 16.1% compared to the control suggesting it could be used as an alternative to inorganic fertilizer. Maize stover biochar applied at 27.6 t ha-1 improved soil chemical properties especially pH, N, P and K promoting growth and yield of tomatoes. Therefore, maize stover biochar could be recommended as an alternative to expensive inorganic fertilizers for tomato production in Northern Uganda.
Unravelling the potential benefits of sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) incropping systems, nutritional, health, and industrial uses of its seeds –a review
(Taylor & Francis, 2024-05-23) Wacala, Cosmas; Musinguzi, Simon Peter; Ewaju, Emmanuel; Atibo, Christopher; Alowo, Docus; Alipa, Jorem; Basalirwa, Daniel
Sesame (Sesamum indicum l.) is considered as one of the important oilseed crops produced throughout the world especially in the tropical and sub-tropical regions. Sesame crop is grown mainly for its highly nutritious seeds that also offer medicinal value. Sesame seed is rich in edible oil, fatty acids mainly linoleic acid and oleic acid, lignans, tocopherols, phytosterols, phenolic acids, and minerals. Due to these essential contents, the consumption of sesame seeds promotes good health not only in humans but also in livestock. Hence, sesame crop has gained significant attention throughout the world due to its several benefits. Although the global production of sesame is increasing, there is need to understand its various uses right from benefits in cropping systems to nutritional, health and industrial level. Several reviews have been conducted with the central focus on sesame nutritional and health promoting benefits but none has provided a holistic review of its benefits in cropping systems such as intercropping sesame with other crops, inclusion in crop rotation, utilization of its crop residues as nutrient recycling, and nutritional, health and industrial uses of sesame seeds, which this study sought to address.