Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering

EFFECTIVENESS OF SMALLHOLDER INDIGENOUS CHICKEN HATCHING SYSTEMS IN SIAYA COUNTY, KENYA

2025-04-15T06:47:03Z

EFFECTIVENESS OF SMALLHOLDER INDIGENOUS CHICKEN HATCHING SYSTEMS IN SIAYA COUNTY, KENYA NAKHULO, EVANS NADECHO Poultry farming in Kenya plays a major role in complementing rural and peri-urban households’ food security and income. Farmers are increasingly shifting to rearing improved indigenous chickens (IC) because of their rapid growth rates and higher egg production. One of the strategies used by development agents in Kenya to enhance growth and meet market demand of IC is to supply day old chicks to producers. However, the demand for day old chicks outstrips supply because of low hatchability experienced in small holder hatcheries. Current study characterized the hatching systems of IC in Siaya County, evaluated and modified the performance of existing hatching systems and evaluated the performance of the adjusted schemes. Baseline survey was conducted on small holder farms and hatcheries to establish the characteristics of hatching systems in Siaya County. The study showed that breeding stocks were reared in enclosed and free-range systems, 55% of the farms attained the standard cock to hen ratio of 1:7 and eggs were stored using both conventional and non-conventional methods. The results further showed that the critical parameters of hatchability were outside the array with a mean hatchability percentage of 56%, Relative humidity (RH) and incubation temperature ranged from 54 to 64%, and from 37.2 to 39.5oC respectively. This study modified incubating system to; temperature range of 37.1 to 38.5oC, RH ranged from 56.5 to 62% and evaporative rate of 8.415*10-5m3/hr. The modified hatching environment yielded mean hatching of 95.3%. A model relating the amount of water to be added in the evaporative pan on a daily basis was developed and evaluated. The results showed that improvement of moisture management in incubators coupled with the physical and physiological management of hatching systems enhanced hatchability to 95.3%. This study provides specific technical modifications that can improve the design and operation of incubation systems, which can then be applied to the development of better hatcheries.

EVALUATION OF WATER QUALITY AND MODELLING POLLUTANTS DISPERSION USING QUAL2K MODEL: CASE STUDY OF RIVER SOSIANI IN WESTERN KENYA

2025-04-07T07:11:57Z

EVALUATION OF WATER QUALITY AND MODELLING POLLUTANTS DISPERSION USING QUAL2K MODEL: CASE STUDY OF RIVER SOSIANI IN WESTERN KENYA OKORI, MAEMBA River Sosiani catchment area and River Sosiani provide drinking water for the city of Eldoret. During its course, River Sosiani receives untreated point-source pollutants as it winds through different agricultural, industrial and urban zone. Additionally, in wet season, the river receives non-point (diffuse) pollutants from the catchment containing soil, fertilizer and pesticide residues. The study assessed River Sosiani water quality and modelled pollutant dispersion using Qual2K model. Water samples were collected from six (6) sampling along River Sosiani for six months. American Public Health Association guidelines for water sampling and processing procedure were applied in sample analysis. In situ water quality parameters measured were Temperature, TDS, pH and DO while NO3-N, TP and BOD5, NO3-N were determined in the laboratory. The resultant data was analysed using both the descriptive and inferential statistics. The results showed statistically significant spatial variation of all water quality parameters between the means for DO (P=1.20E-19), BOD (P=8.32E-83), Temperature (P=6.00E-13), EC (P=5.32E14), TDS (P=3.18E-13), pH (P=1.15E-28), Nitrate-N (P=1.49E-33) and TP (P=1.06E-30). Seasonally, all parameters indicated significant temporal variation between the means for DO (P=5.66E-18), BOD (P=2.38E-03), Temperature (P=3.92E-11), EC (P=3.81E-10), TDS (P=1.31E-09), pH (P=1.35E-02), NO3-N (P=1.38E-13) and TP (P=6.72E-08). The Qual2K model was calibrated using dry season data and validated using wet season data. The model performance was evaluated using R2 , RSR and NSE. The Qual2K model performance values for R 2 , RSR and NSE ranged 0.82-0.95, 0.20-0.45, and 0.75-0.95 respectively. Conclusively, the study showed that River Sosiani water quality deterioration was caused by point and non-point pollutant sources.

Sediments Yields in Saimo Catchment of Tugen Hills in Baringo County, Kenya

2022-09-05T09:04:10Z

Sediments Yields in Saimo Catchment of Tugen Hills in Baringo County, Kenya Chesire, A. K.; Kollongei, J. K.; Ng’etich, W. Soil erosion by water is one of the primary causes of land degradation and occurs throughout the world. Soil erosion contributes negatively to the already declining agricultural productivity thereby negatively impacting on people’s livelihoods and economic empowerment in Baringo County. There is need therefore, to understand the erosion processes and quantify sediment yield from catchments in order to propose technically viable, economically achievable and environmentally sustainable mitigation measures. This study focused on estimation of sediment yield from Tugen Hills particularly in Saimo catchment in Baringo County. Run-off plots measuring 5metres by 2metres with average slope of 17% were set up in the catchment, a bean crop was planted under three tillage treatments; conventional, mulching and control. These were done in triplicates in a randomized complete block design yielding nine run-off plots. Soil erosion parameters: run-off volume (Q) and peak flow rate (qp) were determined from the run-off plots in the catchment. Soil erodibility (K) was calculated mathematically based on soil samples collected and analyzed in the laboratory. Cover management (C) and support practice (P) factors were determined through observation and use of conversion tables. In terms of results, mean bulk densities for top soil and bottom soil were 1.05g/cm3 and 1.07 g/cm3 respectively meaning that low bulk densities for the top soil. The total value for fine sand and silt was 37.1%. The saturated hydraulic conductivity varied from 8.0 μm/s to 41.3 μm/s with a mean value of 24.1 μm/s. There were only two classes high and moderately high translating to code 2 and 3, respectively. Block three under no planting (control) had the highest percent cover (93%) towards the end of the growing season. The maximum sediments for each day had the highest value of 414 grams observed in block 2 with mulching. The MUSLE model did not accurately predict surface run-off and sediments yield compared to field data. Plots under cover crops had reduced soil erosion and lesser sedimentation yield. Future work is needed for new plots under different slopes.

Estimation of Soil Erosion as a Function of Land Use and Rainfall Using rMMF Model on Amukura Hills, Busia County

2022-06-22T08:16:36Z

Estimation of Soil Erosion as a Function of Land Use and Rainfall Using rMMF Model on Amukura Hills, Busia County Waswa, M. B.; Kollongei, J. K.; Mutai, E. B. K. Soil erosion by water is considered as the most critical problem on cultivated steeply sloping lands in Kenya. On the Amukura hills in Busia County, Kenya, there have been increased farming activities and indiscriminate infrastructural expansions which are affecting the biophysical environment of the area. The aim of this study was to estimate the amount of soil loss as a synergistic action of rainfall and land use on the hills using the revised Morgan Finney model and compare model generated soil erosion with that obtained from field measurements. One topo-sequence was selected for validating the model. Current soil loss was determined by measuring the dimensions of rills and multiplying the average width, depth and length to get actual volume of soil moved. The model was chosen because of its simplicity in structure, low input requirements semi-empirical basis and distributed application. The equations comprising the model were translated into Microsoft excel spread and the input parameters measured from the field and weather station used. The model calculations were based on daily rainfall time steps and the results presented here were a sum of individual rainfall events. While any amount of Hortonian flow is erosive, it was found that all the detached soil particles go into transport at a rainfall intensity of 7mm/hr in this watershed. The model estimated soil loss was 17 t/ha to 50 t/ha while that from field measurement was 11 t/ha to 107 t/ha for the period studied. There was a positive correlation between field measured and model generated soil loss. The model continuously generated soil erosion data and can be applied to other areas with steep slopes and can be used to extrapolate past and future soil erosion rates based on rainfall, land use and soil properties. On the steep slopes where cultivation has taken place mechanical soil erosion control measures such as terraces and contour stone bunds along with orchard trees should be undertaken.

Effect of Land Use and Land Cover Changes on Land Degradation in Upper Turkwel Watershed

2022-04-13T06:15:00Z

Effect of Land Use and Land Cover Changes on Land Degradation in Upper Turkwel Watershed Toromo, A. K.; Ucakuwun, E. K.; Kipkorir, E. C. Land use and Land Cover changes continue in Turkwel watershed owing to climate changes and anthropogenic activities and has led to land degradation. Due to the increasing population in watersheds and growing unplanned human settlement with cultivation extending into ecologically fragile areas, others with relatively good agricultural potential, there is a need to manage the changes taking place. The study examined the land use and land cover changes that have taken place in the Upper Turkwel watershed in the period 1987 to 2017 and its effect on land degradation. The research used spatial land use supervised classification approaches to examine trend changes in land use to understand the changes taking place in the watershed and how it is affecting sustainable development of the watershed and in particular Turkwel dam reservoir. The research findings established six dominant land uses namely forest, farmland, shrubland, grassland, bare land, and water and that forest cover, farmland, and shrubland were on the decline in the watershed with a reduction of 73 km2, 116 km2, and 14 km2, respectively and this led to more land degradation dynamics across the watershed.

Effect of Ploughing Techniques on Water Use and Yield of Rice in Maugo Small-Holder Irrigation Scheme, Kenya

2021-11-03T07:18:05Z

Effect of Ploughing Techniques on Water Use and Yield of Rice in Maugo Small-Holder Irrigation Scheme, Kenya Cheboi, Pius Kipchumba; et al. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of paddy rice ploughing techniques on water use and the yield of rice crop, as well as water use efficiency for rice growing in small-holder irrigation schemes. The study was conducted at a farmer’s field in Powo B sub-block of Maugo Irrigation Scheme. The period of study was from July 2019 to January 2020, which is the rice season. The experimental site was located in the vicinity of Olare Shopping Centre, Kamenya Sub-location, Kochia East Location, Kochia Ward, Rangwe Sub-County, Homa Bay County, Nyanza Region, Kenya in Maugo rice scheme in Kenya. In the study, four irrigation tillage practices were applied: ox-plough, conventional ox-plough, hand hoe and tractor ploughing. The results showed that conventional ox-ploughing consumed the highest amount of water at 1240 mm. The highest water use efficiency of 0.49 kg/m3 and highest yield of 5.7 tons/ha were observed for hand hoe ploughing. Use of the hand hoe ploughing technique increased yields by 20 percent, as compared to the conventional ox-ploughing. Therefore, the use of water for ploughing is not necessary in the study area. Future research will be needed to see how farmers are adopting the technology before scaling up to full mechanization, as partial mechanization was not profitable.

Effect of Tillage Techniques on Depth, Furrow Slice and Water Retention in Maugo Smallholder Rice Scheme in Kenya

2021-09-07T07:44:56Z

Effect of Tillage Techniques on Depth, Furrow Slice and Water Retention in Maugo Smallholder Rice Scheme in Kenya Chebo, Pius Kipchumba; Kiptum, Clement Kiprotich; Onyando, Japheth O. This study was conducted with the aim of determining the influence of tillage techniques on depth, furrow slice and water retention in Maugo Smallholder Rice Scheme in Kenya. Treatments were arranged in randomized complete block design with four replicates. Four tillage treatments were used. The first one was conventional ox plough practiced by farmers where they first flood the field with water before ploughing. The other three treatments were ox plough, hand hoe and tractor ploughing all with no flooding before ploughing. Data collected included depth of ploughing and harrowing during land preparation. Furrow slices during ploughing and harrowing as well as water retention were recorded. Tractor ploughing had the highest mean depth of ploughing of 42.00 ± 0.81 cm followed by conventional ox ploughing with 17.75 ± 0.75 cm, ox ploughing15.75 ± 0.62 cm and hand hoe ploughing had the lowest mean depth 15.50 ± 0.28 cm. Tractor ploughing had the largest mean furrow size of 62.00 ± 0.91cm followed by conventional ox ploughing 32.25 ± 0.85 cm, ox ploughing 30.25 ± 0.85 cm while hand hoe ploughing had the smallest mean furrow slice of 16.5 ± 0.50 cm. Highest mean of retained water was recorded in week 4 in paddy rice fields prepared using conventional ox ploughing (10.5 cm), ox ploughing (10 cm), hand hoe ploughing (11.5 cm) and tractor ploughing (11.5 cm) while the lowest was recorded in week 15 for conventional plots. There were significant differences in mean depths during both ploughing and harrowing. Tractor ploughing mean depths were significantly different from the other treatments. The weekly mean water depths retained in the plots were more than 6 cm for the entire growing period of rice

Effects of Infiltration Trenches and Bio-Retention Ponds on Stormwater Runoff in Eldoret Town

2021-08-23T09:20:57Z

Effects of Infiltration Trenches and Bio-Retention Ponds on Stormwater Runoff in Eldoret Town Metto, Rotich Abraham; et. al... The overall objective of the research was to evaluate the influence of low impact developments (LIDs) on the generated runoff in Eldoret town, Kenya. The specific LIDs investigated were the infiltration trenches and bio-retention ponds. On methodology, rainfall was measured using rain gauge while discharge was measured using the current meter. Simulation was done using Storm Water Management Model (SWMM) version 5. The results indicated a reduction of average runoff flow by 25% when infiltration trenches were used to an extent of 100% treatment of impervious area and a reduction in total runoff volume by 19.6%. In addition, bio-retention ponds reduced average runoff flow and volume by 1.6% and 4.4%, respectively. Therefore it was concluded that bio-retention cells and infiltration trenches have an effect of reducing flow and total volume in the study area and can be used to control flooding. Further study is recommended on effect of permeable pavements

CHARACTERIZATION OF WATER HYACINTH (EICHHORNIA CRASSIPES) COMPOSITE BRIQUETTE AS AN ALTERNATIVE DOMESTIC ENERGY SOURCE

2021-07-12T13:02:37Z

CHARACTERIZATION OF WATER HYACINTH (EICHHORNIA CRASSIPES) COMPOSITE BRIQUETTE AS AN ALTERNATIVE DOMESTIC ENERGY SOURCE OKIA, DANIEL OTIENO Biomass is one of the most promising energy sources to mitigate greenhouse gas emission during production and utilization. However, majority of biomass are not suitable to be utilized as fuel without an appropriate process since they are bulky, uneven and have low energy density. These characteristics make them difficult in handling, storage, transport and utilization. One of the promising solutions to overcome these problems is the briquetting technology. The study was conducted to characterize water hyacinth composite briquette as an alternative domestic energy source. Water hyacinth was chopped using a shredder and left for two weeks in a heap to partially decompose. The material was thoroughly mixed manually with dried and crushed charcoal dust and cow dung in the ratios of water hyacinth: charcoal dust: cow dung of 100:0:0 (control), 80:10:10, 70:20:10, 70:10:20, 60:30:10, 60:20:20 and 60:10:30 (by weight). The resulting material was then mixed into soupy slurry in water. Simple prototype briquetting mold was fabricated to facilitate densification of these residues into hollow cylindrical briquette at a pressure of 1MPa. The experimental results revealed that the mixture that gave optimal combustion characteristics was 60:30:10 and the calorific values ranged from 16.215 to 21.585 MJ/kg. Water hyacinth alone (100:0:0) gave the best emission characteristics having 28.51 ppm carbon monoxide and 452.80 ppm carbon dioxide though ranking third with 13,623 μg/m3 in particulate matter. For quality control, water hyacinth composite briquette gave good indications on physical parameters that were measured. The results showed that resistance to water penetration range from 79.5% to 88%, durability index range from 57.9% to 99.6% with 60:30:10 and 60:20:20 ratios exhibiting poor index of 57.88% and 59.23 respectively probably due to high charcoal dust content which is known to have low bonding. The rest of mixtures gave 80% and above, with water hyacinth (100:0:0 ratio) showing the highest durability index of 99.63% probably because of partial decomposition which increases the binding effect of biomass. Equilibrium moisture content range from 8.5% to 15.2% at 29 oC and 58% relative humidity; water hyacinth alone was having the highest. This study therefore demonstrates that water hyacinth composite briquette have good physical and combustion characteristics and can therefore be utilized as alternative domestic energy source.

ASSESSMENT OF SOIL COMPACTION LEVELS BY FARM MACHINERY IN CULTIVATED SANDY LOAM SOILS

2021-07-12T11:42:05Z

ASSESSMENT OF SOIL COMPACTION LEVELS BY FARM MACHINERY IN CULTIVATED SANDY LOAM SOILS TONUI, WESLEY KIPRONO The increasing soil degradation due to soil compaction may be linked to the increase in weight of agricultural machinery, in the more use of machinery even under unfavorable soil conditions and to poor crop rotation. The objective of the research was to assess the levels of soil compaction in cultivated fields. The research experiment was done in Elfam farm in Moiben Sub County, Uasin Gishu County, Kenya. The soils type was classified as Ferralsols with sandy loam texture. A four wheeled 70 kN tractor was used in the experiments. A multiple linear regression was used to describe the relationships of load, depth and number of passes for both bulk density and penetration resistance. The experiment was conducted at three levels of normal loads of 26 kN, 30 kN and 34 kN at four levels of number of passes 1,5,10 and 15 all with three replications. The field bulk density and penetration resistance were determined at varying levels of loading and number of passes using sand replacement method and Dynamic cone penetrometer respectively. The data was analyzed using statistical software for analysis of variance (ANOVA) at 95% confidence level and p < 0.05. From the results the highest bulk density at 34 kN and 15 passes was 1513 kg/m3 on the top soil. The lowest bulk density was 1116 kg/m3 on the subsoil layer below 45cm at 26 kN and one pass. The highest penetration resistance was found to be 52.50 J/cm at 30 kN and a depth below 45cm. The lowest penetration resistance obtained was 9.52 J/cm at 26 kN on the top soil layer. During the test period the moisture content average was 25%. The findings indicated that there was an increase in bulk density with the increase of loading and number of passes. The penetration resistance increased with loading, number of passes and depth. The iv increased loading and number of passes was particularly found to affect the soil layer above 45cm. From the study it was found that the effect of number of passes on bulk density increased with the increase in the number of passes. Also, loading and number of passes were found to have significant impact on penetration resistance. The coefficients of determination (R2) for bulk density and penetration resistance were found to be of 0.8822 and 0.8674, respectively. The relative compaction from the test results indicate that the soil was 95.5% compacted.