Browsing by Author "Wacal, Cosmas"

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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.
Combined effect of biofertilizers and chemical fertilizers on growth, yield potential of maize (Zea mays L.) varieties and economic benefits
(Academic Journals, 2024-08-22) Wadria Peter Dennis; Wacal, Cosmas; Okello, Tom Richard
This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of biofertilizers, diammonium phosphate (DAP), and urea fertilizer treatments on maize growth, yield, and economic benefits. The experiment, carried out over two consecutive seasons in 2022, included five treatments: control without fertilizers (T1), biofertilizers only (T2), DAP + urea (T3), biofertilizers + DAP (T4), and biofertilizers + DAP + urea (T5), arranged in a randomized complete block design. Three maize varieties—UH5355, Longe 10H, and Longe 5—were evaluated. The results indicated that the combined application of biofertilizers + DAP + urea (T5) led to the highest plant height, leaf length, leaf width, stem girth, and grain yield. Among the varieties, Longe 5 showed optimal growth, while Longe 10H achieved the highest yield under the T5 treatment. The integration of biofertilizers with DAP and urea (T5) produced the best results in terms of maize growth and yield, although it incurred higher costs. However, compared to the use of DAP + urea alone, integrating biofertilizers helped reduce overall production costs while maintaining optimum yield. Therefore, adopting an integrated application of biofertilizer with DAP and urea fertilizers is recommended for achieving optimal maize yield.
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.
Insect pests in apple (Malus domestca Borkh) gardens: review
(GSC Online Press, 2023-04-05) Kamusiime, Emilly; Ssali Nantongo, Judith; Wacal, Cosmas
Apple (Malus domestica), is one of the most important fruit trees cultivated in temperate regions but, newly introduced in Uganda for its income and nutritional importance. However, apples are found to be susceptible to arthropod pests, some known to cause damages on both the plant and fruits. Some of these insect pests are known while others are still unknown and could be effectively managed through integrated pest management methods. For any effective Integrated insect Pest Management, it is necessary to have enough information about the biology and ecology of a given pest, including, spatial distribution and factors that affect pest species’ distribution. Therefore, in this paper, systematic information on insect pests damaging apple fruit trees was reviewed. Different recent literature on insect pests hosted by apples under different agroecological systems of the world was reviewed. The review focused on classifying common insect pests, preferred varieties and their ecological distribution. This was achieved by using the ISI Web of Science bibliographic database and search terms such as apple entomofauna and insect pests were used, with specific keywords of [apple*] AND [insect*] AND [pest]. It was found out that, insect pests in apples belong to several groups of invasive pests which include Coleoptera and Polydrusus (beetles, weevils), Diptera (leaf, seed, fruit flies), Hemiptera (aphids, psyllids, bugs and scales), Hymenoptera (sawflies, wasps ants, bees), Thysanoptera (thrips), Trombidiformes (mites) and Lepidoptera (moths and butterflies) that are of economic value. This work, again reveals dramatic rates of appearance of isect pests in orchards in Africa and elsewhere, which have compromised apple industry’s growth. The review pieced together known information about the insect pests that occurs in apples in different geographical locations. But, information on insect pest in Uganda’s apple orchards remained scanty, which calls for an immediate detailed study on the same.
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.
Potential of neem (azadirachta indica) extract in managing fall armyworm on maize
(Canadian Center of Science and Education, 2024-06-15) Okello, Tom Richard; Wacal, Cosmas; Wadria, Denis Peter; Obonyom Tekkara, Allan; Gumisiriya, Costa; Kanahe Kagorora, John Patrick
This research assessed the effect of neem leaf extract on the larval population of the fall armyworm and the level of damage, growth, and yield of maize. A Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with four treatments (Control, 50 g per L, 100 g per L and 200 g per L of neem leaf extract) applied within the two seasons of 2022A and 2022B. The findings showed that a higher concentration (200 g per L) of neem leaf extract-treated maize plants registered the least leaf damage (0.15), severity (0.15), and larvae population (0.1). This effect was most attained during the 1st season of maize production and at the earliest vegetative weeks of maize growth (3 WAP to 5 WAP, i.e., weeks after planting). The higher neem leaf extract concentration of 200 g per L produced the most significant (p < 0.001) effect on maize growth traits. A higher plant height (162.51 cm), longer leaf length (112.5 cm), wider leaf width (11.7 cm), and broader stem girth (11.91 cm) were attained under 200 g per L of neem leaf extract treated plots during the 1st season of maize production and 11 WAP. The findings of this showed that a relatively high concentration of neem leaf extract produced a higher cob weight (200 g per L = 180.1 g) followed by 100 g per L (174.1 g), 50 g per L (140.9 g) and control (139 g). The weight was optimised during the 1st season of maize production (163.8 g). The grain yield was higher under 200 g per L (153.7 g) of neem extract. The above findings demonstrated that a high concentration of neem leaf extract reduced fall armyworm infestation and increased maize plant growth and yield. Farmers should, therefore, be encouraged to apply 200 g per L of neem leaf extract in the management of fall armyworms and improve plant growth and yield because it contains antifeedant and insecticidal properties against the fall armyworm.
Variations in soil chemical properties and growth traits of tissue culture banana under bio-slurry soil amendments in Uganda
(Springer Link, 2023-09-06) Murongo, Marius Flarian; Ayuke, Frederick O.; Apori Obeng, Samuel; Wangai, K. John; Wacal, Cosmas
Organic bio-slurry soil amendments’ effect on soil chemical properties and the growth traits of tissue culture banana (TCB) were studied from 2017 to 2020 at Uganda Martyrs University Farm. Mpologoma and Kibuzi banana cultivars of the AAB East Africa Highland cultivar were treated with NPK fertilizer and two bio-slurries at different rates. Treatments included the control (CNTRL), 3810 L/ha banana bio-slurry (BBS1), 7620 L/ha banana bio-slurry (BBS2), 11,430 L/ha banana bio-slurry (BBS3), 3810 L/ha cow dung bio-slurry (CDBS1), 7620 L/ha cow dung bio-slurry (CDBS2), 11,430 L/ha cow dung bio-slurry (CDBS3) and 300 kg/ha NPK. The soil was analyzed for variations in pH, nitrogen (N), phosphorous (P), potassium (K) and organic matter (OM) at different depths. The growth parameters of TCB were recorded months after planting (MAP). Soil amended with 11,430 L/ha bio-slurry had high potassium, nitrogen, and organic matter contents for the three soil sampling depths (0–8, 8–16, 16–32 cm), and soils amended with CDBS had higher K, N and OM contents than those amended with BBS. The Soils amended with CDBS3 recorded the maximum pseudostem girth and the number of suckers for both cultivars. Soils amended with BBS3 recorded the highest total number of leaves for the Mpologoma cultivar. The interaction effect of the bio-slurry on the variation of stem girth and height, the number of suckers, and the total number of leaves at 12 MAP for Mpologoma and Kibuzi cultivars was significant (p < 0.05). The banana cultivar and the bio-slurry interaction significantly (p < 0.05) affected the number of clusters per bunch, the number of fingers per cluster, the weight of the bunch (kg) and weight per cluster (kg). Amending soils with 11,430 L/ha of banana and 11,430 L/ha of cow dung bio-slurries provides the soil with sustainable nutrients for TCB growth up to 12 MAP and sustainable environmental health in the long run.