Feedback: Yes, those green construction nets can be used on seedbeds

NETS USED IN CONSTRUCTION CAN WORK ON SEEDBEDS

I can access those green nets used in buildings under construction and would like to know if they can be used on a tea seedlings nursery and where can I get them preferably in Nairobi?

Kipruto

The green/black nets can be used to provide shade in the nurseries, especially during the dry season to reduce heat stress on the young crops.

You can obtain them from a hardware or agro-vets.

Muriuki Ruth Wangari,
Department of Crops, Horticulture and Soils, Egerton University.

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KEEPING FRIESIAN BULLS FOR MEAT? NOT QUITE GOOD

I have been keeping Friesian bulls for meat but they are not doing quite well and a friend is suggesting I try the Boran or Sahiwal breeds, what’s your take?

Another question, how good is hay from rice for cows?

Alex, Makuyu

Friesian bulls are large in size, but they are bred with the traits targeting milk production (as seen when passed to their daughters) rather than beef, this is why they have more dairy character.

Borans and Sahiwals are better suited for beef and can be sourced from Kalro, Naivasha. I believe you are talking about rice straws with regard to your dairy feeds.

Their level of nutrients is too low, especially crude protein, to sustain milk production.

Remember, the rice straws, which are tough greenish at harvesting, are just remains after the important nutrients are gone with the rice (grain), manufactured by mobilising nutrients from other parts of the rice plant.

Felix Akatch Opinya,
Department of Animal Science, Egerton University.

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SEED AND FERTILISER RATES FOR POTATOES

Kindly let me get expert recommendation on the seed and fertiliser rates per acre for potatoes (shangi variety) and garden peas. I have read different accounts from different farmers.

Kipruto Thomas,
Olenguruone, Kuresoi South.

Before you start your cropping year, always test your soil for fertility levels. For potatoes, however, the recommended seed rate is 800kg/acre (2,000kg/ha).

The seed should be certified with 4-5 sprouts/eyes.

You are required to use 200kg/acre of DAP fertiliser and 10-20 tonne/ha of well decomposed manure during planting.

For garden peas, the seed rate is 32-48kg/acre, apply 80kg/acre of TSP, manure 8 tonne/acre during planting and top dress with 60kg/acre of CAN two weeks after planting.

Muriuki Ruth Wangari,
Department of Crops, Horticulture and Soils, Egerton University.

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DROUGHT-RESISTANT SORGHUM VARIETY

I read an article in July 2011 that Egerton University had started developing a sorghum variety that was ideal for arid and semi-arid areas, is drought resistant and high-yielding and at the same time an engineer from Agricultural Department at Egerton was developing a sorghum thrasher to help farmers reap maximum profit from the crop.

Are the seeds and the thrasher available in the market and if so where can I buy them?

Stanley Waitagei

The seeds are available in the market and can be obtained at Egerton University’s Seed Unit.

In the unit you will find agronomists who will advise on how to plant and take care of the crop to get maximum yields depending on where you are. Kindly call 0711446550 for more information.

Muriuki Ruth Wangari,
Department of Crops, Horticulture and Soils, Egerton University.

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LINK ME TO RELIABLE SUPPLIER OF QUALITY CASHEWNUTS

I am in dry foods business. Could you kindly link me with a reliable supplier of quality high grade raw cashew nuts?
Fredrick Ouma

Please contact Raw Cashew Nut Suppliers Agency on +254 28364494 or Sivimen Kenya Enterprises Ltd on [email protected]

Carol Mutua,
Department of Crops, Horticulture and Soils, Egerton University.

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MARKET FOR BANANAS
I have an acre of tissue culture bananas in Kitale (Kwanza) that are ready for harvest.

Do you have ready market or can you connect me to any market.

Muriithi

Please send your details to the buyers and sellers column in this magazine.

Muriuki Ruth Wangari,
Department of Crops, Horticulture and Soils, Egerton University.

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THE BEST WAY TO STORE HAY FODDER

What is the best method to store hay made from Rhodes grass? When stored in open sheds, it loses the green matter. Does this also show a deterioration of quality?

Moses

Hay producers and dairy farmers need to be aware of the changes that occur on the fodder during storage.

A serious feeding programme should best judge quality of hay near feeding time rather than at the time of baling to more accurately reflect what the animal will get out of it.

Storing hay for much longer reduces the quality (dry matter loss plus little proteins), but gradually.

Factors leading to the loss are weather changes, length of storage and storage environment. Ideally, when hay is baled with very high moisture content, more loss is seen, therefore, not all the very green hay you see is good.

When very high in moisture content, respiration of microorganisms in the bale causes heating, moulding, rotting, further dry matter and nutrient loss during storage.

This is why hay producers wilt to some extent before baling to achieve the right moisture content, normally ranging between 14-18 per cent, depending on the size of bales they use.

After buying/producing the right hay, you can store in a suitable hay barn that is dry, well ventilated and cool.

Felix Akatch Opinya,
Department of Animal Science, Egerton University.