Meru County

FARM MANAGEMENT HANDBOOK OF KENYA

VOL. II

– Natural Conditions and Farm Management Information –

ANNEX:

– Atlas of Agro - Ecological Zones, Soils and Fertilisingby Group of Districts –

Subpart C1Eastern Province

M e r u C o u n t y

This project was supported by the German Agency for Technical Cooperation

(GTZ), since 2011 it is GIZ = Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (German Society

of International Cooperation)

Farm Management Handbook of Kenya

VOL. I Labour Requirement, Availability and Costs of Mechanisation

VOL. II Natural Conditions and Farm Management Information Part II/A WEST KENYA Subpart A1 Western ProvinceSubpart A2 Nyanza Province

Part II/B CENTRAL KENYASubpart B l a/b Rift Valley Province, Northern (except Turkana) and Southern PartSubpart B2 Central Province

Part II /C EAST KENYASubpart C1 Eastern Province, Middle and Southern PartSubpart C2 Coast Province

VOL. III Farm Management Information - Annual Publications were planned. The idea changed to Farm Managament Guidelines, produced by the District Agricultural Offices annually and delivered to the Ministry in April

VOL. IV Production Techniques and Economics of Smallholder Livestock Production Systems

VOL. V Horticultural Production Guidelines

Publisher: Ministry of Agriculture, Kenya, in Cooperation with the German Agency for TechnicalCooperation (GTZ)

VOL. II is supplemented by CD-ROMs with the information and maps in a GeographicalInformation System. Additionally there will be wall maps of the Agro-Ecological Zones per district group (= the former large districts) for offices and schools.

Vol. II/B Printed by Brookpak Printing & Supplies, Nairobi 2010Layout by Ruben Kempf, Trier, Germany.

FARM MANAGEMENT HANDBOOK OF KENYAVOL. II

Annex:

- Atlas of Agro - Ecological Zones, Soils and Fertilising by Group of Districts in Eastern Province -

Subpart C1

MeruCounty(central part)

by

Dr. Ralph JaetzoldProf. emeritus of Geography,University of Trier / Germany

Helmut SchmidtFormer Farm Management Research Officer

from the former German Agricultural Team of the GTZin the Ministry of Agriculture, Nairobi

Dr. Berthold HornetzProf. of Agricultural Geography,University of Trier / Germany

Dr. Chris ShisanyaProf. of Agroclimatology,

Dept. of GeographyKenyatta University, Nairobi

Contributions to the 1st Edition by: C.M. Kang´e & J.G.M. Muasya – assessment of farm management data; Dr. Mechthild Kronen – soil requirements list; Prof. Dr. H. Kutsch – computing of crop-water relations for yield prob-abilities; F.N. Muchena, B.J.A. van der Pouw, W. Siderius and W.G. Sombroek – basic soil maps; H. Ritz – district climate tables; R. Swoboda – execution of Small Farm Survey; C.G. Wenner & S.N. Njoroge – soil conservation; W. Zettelmeyer – computing farm data.Additional Contributions to the 2nd Edition by: Dr. J. Ahenda & P. M. Maluku, KEPHIS; G. Awinyo (GIZ) – as-sisting R. J. & digitizing of soil maps into GIS; Th. Buettel – support by analyzing remote sensing data; M. Fiebiger – rainfall data analysis, probability calculations, yield probabilities by simulation programs; B. Girkens - final comput-erized drawing of maps in GIS and other maps; Heike Hoeffler – project coordination in GIZ Nairobi; Ph. Karuri – as-sistance in the Farm Survey; Ruben Kempf – typing and layout; Elizabeth Kimenyi & Anne Njoroge – coordination of farm survey; Z. Mairura, Senior Ass. Dir. of Farm Business Subdivision; S. N. Maobe (KARI); N. M. Maweu (KARI); Susanne Meissner - water availability & requirement diagrams, typing; M. Mueller – calculation and diagrams of grow-ing periods, ENSO influence; Dr. Anne W. Muriuki & J.N. Qureshi – soil and fertiliser recommendation maps and information; Francis Muthami (GIZ); Dr. Dorothy Mutisya and Dr. J Ochieng – crops and fodder list; Birgit Schmidt – basics for maintaining and regaining soil fertility; Joshua Shivachi & Ch. R. Wambongo– analysing the Farm Survey data using SPSS software; M. Teucher - final computerized drawing of soil and fertilizer maps; Dr. Lusike Wasilwa – horticult. part of the crop list; J. Wieczorek – computerization of maps in GIS; tables and diagrams.

PREFACE TO THE ATLASThe internet and CD versions of the handbook have technically a reduction of details:The most important information, the maps, are due to reduction of the 24 MB to the CD-size of 6 MB, not well readable (esp. formulas of the AEZ Subzones and of the soils). Therefore we prepared additional Atlas-CDs for each group of districts, containing the maps of Rainfall, Agro - Ecol. Zones and Subzones, Soils, anhd Fertilizer Recommendations together with the legends.These maps are produced as pdf-files and can be zoomed for easy reading.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTfor the Support to the First EditionIn compiling this Handbook, we have relied on the support of many officers from a variety of institutions too numerous to mention, who made available their data and experience. We would like to thank them for their invaluable assistance.I would also like to thank my colleagues, the Research Officers, the District Land and Farm management Officers, for their cooperation, and a special thank you to those who typed the draft edition.Our particular thanks go to Prof. Dr. Ralph Jaetzold, University of Trier, for his selfless support in compil-ing this handbook and for his assessment of the natural conditions including land and population. His deep understanding of the needs of agricultural extension officers and farmers was a great asset. Our thanks also to Dr. H. Kutsch, University of Trier, who computerized a large and complex amount of information involved in establishing the AEZs.Many thanks also to the staff of the Geographical Department of the University of Trier, Germany, for their major effort in drawing up maps of outstanding quality, the centrepiece of the work.

Helmut SchmidtFarm Management Research OfficerNairobi, May 1982

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTfor the Support to the Second EditionIn revising this Handbook, various personalities and institutions were relied upon to provide the necessary data required to update the previous data sets. In this regard, we would like to sincerely thank them for their invaluable input in the exercise.Special thanks go to the Ministry of Agriculture staff who undertook the Farm Surveys to elucidate on the fundamental changes that have taken place in farming at the household level.We are indeed very grateful to the people of Germany, who despite their limited financial resources, have continued to support Kenya. Of importance here is the German Agency for Technical Cooperation (GTZ) and the German scientists who have been working for Kenya over the years. Last but not least, thanks to Mr. Reimund Hoffmann, the PSDA Coordinator, Nairobi, whose office ably managed the Handbook revision project.

Prof. Dr. Chris Shisanya Elizabeth KimenyiProfessor of Agroclimatology Assistant Director of AgricultureDept. of Geography FMD, MOAKenyatta University, Nairobi KenyaNairobi, January 2009 Nairobi, January 2009

We want to thank very much also Mr. Zachariah Mairura, Deputy Dir. of Agri-Business Dep., for his en-gaged support of our inquiries in the districts 2009 and 2010.

Prof. em. Dr. Ralph Jaetzold Prof. Dr. Berthold HornetzRetired Professor of Geography Professor of Agricultural GeographyUniversity of Trier, October 2010 University of Trier, October 2010

PREFACE to the Second Edition

Institutional memory is of paramount importance for planning and development. For any research or agri-cultural extension to be successful, information on the natural farming potential is equally important.

In an effort to consolidate research - extension work of many years, the first edition of the Farm Manage-ment Handbook (FMHB) of Kenya Vol II (Natural conditions and farm management information), which described the conditions of the Kenyan farming community at that time, was produced in 1982/83. The handbook was in three parts i.e.:

A – for Western Kenya (Western and Nyanza provinces) B – for Central Kenya (Central and Rift Valley provinces). C – for Eastern Kenya (Eastern and Coast provinces)

For more than two decades, the handbook has proved very valuable to researchers, planners, extensionists, developers etc. This is a document that has been sought for enormously and hence the need to revise it in order to accommodate the changes that have taken place in our country since the production of the first edition. Some of these include: changes in the administrative boundaries, opening up of new farming areas due to population pressure, etc.

This second edition has been produced on the basis of Provincial administrative boundaries for the six Provinces i.e. Western, Nyanza, Rift Valley, Central, Eastern and Coast. The information will be availed in hard copies and in CD – ROMS to facilitate updating any future changes.

It is not possible to acknowledge the contribution of all the individuals who made this edition a reality but I need to mention the following individuals:

Thanks to the Ministry of Agriculture officers, especially the Farm Management Division officers at the headquarters (Mrs. E.W. Kimenyi, Mr. F.N. Nderitu, Mrs. H.W. Njoroge, Mrs. A.W. Njoroge, Mrs. A. W. Wanyama, Mr. P.T. Karuri and most engaged Mr. Z. Mairura), and the District staff, for their selfless contribution; Prof. Dr. Chris Shisanya, leader of the revision team, for his tireless efforts and guidance; Prof. em. Dr. Ralph Jaetzold for his enormous knowledge on the definition of the agroecological zones and his great contribution to their mapping; George Awinyo (German Technical Cooperation (GTZ) – Private Sector Development in Agriculture (PSDA)) for his expertise and contribution in the area of Geographical Information Systems (GIS).

I also wish to thank the GTZ who have facilitated the production of this edition both financially and by the use of their personnel, specifically the late Prof. Werner van der Ohe who supported the idea of the revision, and Mr. Reimund Hoffmann (GTZ – Team Leader Private Sector Development in Agriculture PSDA), for supporting and taking up the task to completion.

Dr. Wilson Songa, OGW AGRICULTURAL SECRETARY Nairobi, May 2009

MERU COUNTY 1

3.3 MERU CENTRAL AND MERU SOUTH GROUP OF DISTRICTS

TABLE OF CONTENTS District Page3.3.1 Natural Potential. 2

Introduction 2Annual Rainfall Map 3Table 1: Annual Rainfall 4Table 2: Temperature 6Table 3: Potential Evapotranspiration 6Seasonal Rainfall Maps 7Table 4: Climate in the Agro-Ecological Zones 9Agro-Ecological Zones Map 11Agro-Ecological Zones and Subzones (=Legend to the AEZ Map), with Land UsePotentials and Water Availability &Requirement Diagrams 12Table 5: Climatic Yield Potentials in Marginal and Semi-arid Zone 22Soil Map 23Soil Distribution, Fertility and Major Characteristics with Legend to the Soil Map 24

3.3.2 Population and Land. see the big Vol. C13.3.3. Agricltural Statistics see the big Vol. C13.3.4. Farm Survey 27

Table 19: Farm Survey Sites Representative of the DominatingAgro-Ecological Subzones and Units 27Farm Survey Areas and Fertiliser Recommendations Map 28

3.3.5 Introduction to the Actual Land Use Systems and to the Potential Intensificationby Better Farm Management in Dominating Agro-Ecological Subzones .29Tables 22 a-g: Increase of Yields by Better Farm Management 30LH 1 m/l i m of the Tea-Dairy Zone 30LM 3 s + s of the Cotton Zone 32LH 3 - 4 f(m) i (s/vs) of the Wheat/Maize - Barley & Cattle - Sheep - Barley Zone 33UM 5 vs/s + vs/s of the Livestock - Sorghum Zone 34UM 2 m + m/s of the Main Coffee Zone 36LM 3 s + s of the Cotton Zone 38LM 4 s/vs + s/vs of the Marginal Cotton Zone 40

3.3.6 Fertiliser and Manure Recommendations for Important Agro-Ecological Units 42Map of Important Agro-Ecological Units 43Tables 23 a-h: Fertiliser and Manure Recommendations 44LH 1 m/l i m, MV 2 and RB 1 of the Tea Zone 44UM 1 fl i m, RB 1 of the Tea - Coffee Zone 44UM 2 m + m & m + s/m, RB 2 of the Main Coffee Zone 46UM 3 m/s + m/s, RB 3 of the Marginal Coffee Zone 48LM 3 s + s, UI 1 of the Cotton Zone 48LM 4 s/vs + s/vs, UI 1 of the Marginal Cotton Zone 50LH 3 f(m) i (s/vs) & LH 4 (m/s or s/m) i (vs/s), RB 5 of the Wheat/Maize-Barley and Cattle-Sheep-Barley Zone 52UM 5 vs/s + vs/s, LB 11 of the Livestock-Sorghum Zone 52

MERU COUNTY 2

3.3.1 NATURAL POTENTIAL

Introduction

On the south-eastern slope of Mt. Kenya, the main agro-ecological zones form the typical pattern from the humid Tea-Dairy Zone LH1 to the semi-humid Cotton Zone LM 3. However, the subzones and the diagrams show that the contrast between wet and dry seasons becomes eastward more accentuated, which makes it more difficult for permanent crops like coffee to survive. The result is that a higher rainfall, and careful water and soil conservation are necessary to overcome the dry seasons for tea, coffee, bananas, cotton and other crops which need more than one season for full growth. These conservation measures are also beneficial for the annual crops, because the rainy seasons have high rainfall for a short time and then end abruptly. On the northern side of Mt. Kenya there are typical wheat and barley zones (UH3, LH3). The rainfall is very scattered, due to the rain shadow of the mountain and the effects of the western Kenya rainfall pattern, and is hazardous for maize and other typical small-holder crops. For this reason, the area is more suitable for large-scale agriculture, especially in the higher zones where it is too cold for maize anyway. The volcanic soils round the mountain have a high natural fertility but the many years of cultivation without return of nutrients to the land have nevertheless caused an increasing exhaustion. This problem is even more serious in the lower parts where acid granites and gneisses are the basement which means a low nutrient content by nature already.

The colours in the rainfall maps give a first rough optical association of the possible land use. 250 mm per season are the limit of successful composite maize cultivation, more than 500 mm are necessary for the high yielding hybrids. For detailed information see AEZ maps, potentials, and soil maps..

MERU COUNTY 3

MERU COUNTY 4

TABLE 1: RAINFALL FIGURES FROM SELECTED TYPICAL STATIONS HAVING AT LEAST 15 YEARS OF RECORDS

No. and altitude Name of station

Agro-Ecol. Zone and Subzone

Kind of records

Annual rainfall

mm

Monthly rainfall in mm

J F M A M J J A S O N D

89370022499 m

Timau,Marania

UH 3fm + m/s

Average 896 38 45 101 149 69 17 18 24 15 148 180 93

66% rel.1 775 18 25 32 120 41 5 5 8 1 100 141 36

89370221947 m

Nanyuki Met.Stn. (Laik. D.)

LH 4(s/m) i (vs/s)

Av. 746 20 26 58 117 82 42 54 67 63 80 94 43

66% 650 5 1 45 100 71 36 20 52 20 61 58 32

89370342286 m

ArdencapleFarm n. Timau

LH 4(m/s)i +

(vs/s)

Av. 664 17 18 47 106 94 44 50 69 44 69 71 30

66% 556 1 4 22 63 79 25 21 40 22 40 43 19

89370381585 m

MeruForest Station

UM 3 - 2m + m

Av. 1378 51 39 119 303 141 11 12 7 17 209 317 141

66% 1130 25 12 60 250 90 3 0 1 3 128 275 55

89370402220 m

OntuliliForest Station

LH 3f(m)i (s/vs)

Av. 917 26 26 54 159 126 63 64 78 63 91 120 47

66%2 775 30 1 43 130 100 46 30 61 20 70 80 35

89370651555 m

MeruMet. Station

UM 2m + m

Av. 1301 46 47 115 273 119 11 10 11 21 215 318 116

66% 1080 23 15 57 230 78 3 0 1 4 130 276 45

89370721110 m

GiakiExp. Farm

LM 3s/m + s/m

Av. 14023 50 30 115 349 151 25 7 3 11 190 358 113

66%2 1140 22 5 58 250 55 8 0 0 3 85 283 12

89370782230 m

MucheneForest Station

LH 3m + m/s

Av. 1021 41 45 106 192 70 10 13 6 7 165 246 120

66%2 870 17 20 60 145 30 3 3 1 1 125 160 45

90370111246 m

Mujwa (Mayna)Cath. Mission

UM 3m/s + m/s

Av. 1489 57 32 120 316 172 15 11 16 22 241 367 131

66% 1226 22 10 48 286 112 0 0 0 4 130 290 78

90370271624 m

ChogoriaHigh School UM 1

m/l + m/sAv. 1709 24 38 143 379 198 23 23 34 22 253 281 144

66%2 1495 10 23 70 330 130 7 8 15 12 150 230 95

90370341494 m

Chuka CountyCouncil Farm

UM 1 - 2m/l + m/s

Av. 1572 45 32 171 387 173 18 25 26 29 209 339 118

66% 1230 23 2 80 305 115 5 18 10 12 145 303 60

90370741527 m

NkubuSec. School

UM 2 - 1m + m/s

Av. 1587 52 30 145 367 164 13 20 23 25 255 395 139

66% 1410 26 20 105 290 62 6 14 10 15 193 355 37

90370851189 m

MitunguuMeru

LM 3s + s

Av. 1365 31 24 127 318 133 11 18 7 10 207 353 126

66% 1095 12 1 60 230 45 1 2 1 3 92 280 13

90370861829 m

WathineKithurine

UM 1 - 2m + m

Av. 1940 62 56 143 413 234 19 20 19 44 315 446 169

66% 1670 30 21 75 350 175 9 10 10 22 220 345 125

90371021844 m

MarimbaAgric. Farm

LH 1m/l i m

Av. 2128 72 74 182 449 233 21 15 21 38 349 470 204

66% 1805 44 50 98 390 186 18 5 13 18 275 368 101

90371241524 m

Mariene CoffeeRes. Sub.-Stn.

UM 2m + m

Av. 1708 52 48 139 367 181 18 13 15 30 295 401 150

66% 1406 20 28 69 321 120 5 8 8 17 172 340 98

90371501350 m

EgojiT.Tr. College

UM 2m + m

Av. 1455 44 28 150 313 143 13 17 17 17 235 364 112

66%2 1250 15 13 102 240 62 6 11 10 12 185 325 33

MERU COUNTY 5

No. and altitude Name of station

Agro-Ecol. Zone and Subzone

Kind of records

Annual rainfall

mm

Monthly rainfall in mm

J F M A M J J A S O N D

90371851380 m

KanyakineAbogeta F. Hqs.

UM 2 - 1m + m

Av. 1719 54 29 194 420 155 7 9 16 26 261 370 177

66%2 1450 20 15 110 355 98 1 2 8 15 150 320 100

90371861280 m

IgwanjauSec. School

UM 3m/s + m/s

Av. 1469 46 47 116 383 117 14 6 11 11 250 338 130

66%2 1255 15 20 45 305 80 7 2 3 3 145 295 78

90371911250 m

Gaitu SchemeChaaria4

LM 3s/m + s/m

Av. 1280 55 22 106 396 82 9 5 2 6 149 333 115

90371951376 m

MwangarimweChief ’s Camp

UM 2m + s/m

Av. 1621 27 92 124 409 169 32 21 20 47 206 348 125

66%2 1390 15 40 80 320 100 11 10 10 23 92 275 12

90371981180 m

Mumbuni FullPrim. School

LM 3s + s

Av. 1363 45 22 103 373 97 7 4 9 20 210 339 134

66%2 1093 15 1 55 245 40 1 0 1 5 95 275 20

90372141500 m

KaguruFarmers Tr. Sch.

UM 1 - 2m + m i

Av. 1891 5 48 35 166 466 165 13 59 17 33 279 427 185

66%2 1480 19 20 80 385 110 3 15 10 18 162 350 105

1 These figures of rainfall reliability should be exceeded normally in 10 out of 15 years.2 Estimate of this reliability by correlation, no detailed data available to GTZ for enough years.3 Average too high due to some extraordinary wet years, ca. 1350 mm are realistic.4 11 years available to the GTZ only but important station.5 Average too high due to some very wet years.

TABLE 1: CONTINUED

MERU COUNTY 6

TABLE 2: TEMPERATURE DATA

No. and altitude

Name of station AEZ1 Kind of

records

Temperature in °C Belt limitsJ F M A M J J A S O N D Year

8937065 1555 m

Meru Met. Stn. UM 2

Mean max. 23.4 24.7 25.7 24.1 22.8 22.1 21.5 22.1 24.4 25.1 22.8 22.7 23.5 1560 m 2UM

1150 m

Mean temp. 17.4 18.3 19.4 19.2 18.3 17.1 16.7 17.1 18.4 19.3 18.0 17.4 18.0

Mean min. 11.4 11.9 13.0 14.3 13.7 12.0 11.9 12.0 12.3 13.5 13.1 12.0 12.6

Abs. min. 6.4 6.9 9.2 10.6 8.9 7.0 7.5 8.5 7.8 9.0 9.2 8.0 8.3

9037124 1524 m

Mariene Coffee Res. Sub. Stn.

UM 2

Mean max. 24.2 25.4 25.6 24.2 22.9 21.8 20.9 21.5 24.1 24.6 22.9 23.2 23.4

1550 mUM

1150 m

Mean temp. 17.9 18.5 18.9 18.5 17.4 16.2 15.7 16.1 17.4 18.5 17.9 17.6

Mean min. 11.5 11.5 12.1 12.7 11.9 10.5 10.5 10.6 10.6 12.4 12.8 11.9 11.6

Abs. min. 3.0 7.6 7.0 5.5 7.5 5.0 2.5 4.2 4.4 7.2 6.6 8.5 5.8

1 AEZ = Agro-ecological zone2 The actual limit of the coffee zone is ca. 150 m higher according to the relatively high minimum temperature above 11°C.3 Extraordinary low mean temperature due to a local microclimate, therefore the larger area is still belonging to the Upper Midland Main Coffee Z.

TABLE 3: AVERAGE POTENTIAL EVAPOTRANSPIRATION

No. and altitude

Name of station

Type1) AEZ

Average Potential Evapotranspiration PET in mm Av. Rainfall2)

J F M A M J J A S O N D Year Year in mm

% of PET

8937002 2499 m Timau, Marania interp.

UH 3128 125 142 115 114 100 96 103 120 138 105 110 1500 898 60%

8937022 1947 m

Nanyuki Met. Stn. (Laik. D.)

calc. LH 4

148 142 165 133 134 118 115 123 138 159 134 150 1660 746 45%

8937034 2286 m

Ardencaple Farm

interp. LH 4

140 134 150 125 126 110 107 115 130 150 125 130 1543 664 43%

8937065 1555 m

Meru Met. Station

calc. UM 2

120 126 142 120 114 103 102 117 136 144 105 105 1438 1301 90%

8937072 1110 m Giaki Exp. Farm interp.

LM 3161 168 182 152 140 130 129 131 158 170 140 140 1800 1402 78%

9037011 1246 m

Mujwa (Mayna) Cath. Mission

interp. LM 3

155 160 170 145 132 122 120 125 150 160 128 130 1687 1489 2 88%

9037034 1494 m

Chuka County Council Farm

interp. UM 1

135 140 152 118 110 95 90 120 138 115 125 126 1438 1564 101%

9037085 1189 m Mitunguu Meru interp.

LM 3160 167 180 150 138 125 123 134 150 165 140 140 1772 1365 77%

9037102 1844 m

Marimba Agr. Farm

interp. LH 1

115 120 135 113 105 90 85 110 128 110 105 105 1324 2128 2 160%

9037191 1250 m

Gaitu Scheme Chaaria

interp. LM 3

159 166 178 148 135 120 117 127 142 160 140 140 1732 1280 74%

9037198 1180 m

Mumbuni Full Prim. School

interp. LM 3

160 168 180 150 139 125 123 135 150 165 140 140 1775 1363 77%

1) Type of equation: calc. = calculated by formula of Penman & McCulloch with albedo for green grass 0.2; see McCulloch (1965): Tables for the Rapid Computation of the Penman Estimate of Evaporation.- East African Agricultural & Forestry Journal, Vol. 30, No.3, p. 286-295; interp. = interpolated from neighbouring stations, considering altitude and rainfall difference. AEZ = Agro-Ecol. Zone, explaining table see general part.

2) The average annual rainfall is very high due to very heavy rains during the rainy seasons. Therefore the percentages of potential evapotranspiration covered are relatively high too, especially in zone 3. The problem is to conserve the water surplus in the soil, to prevent the runoff! On the other hand at a place like Marima annual rainfall amounts 160% of ETo but it is not yet classified as Forest Zone, because it has 4 semiarid to arid months. Mojwa has an R to ETo relation of 88%; this would mean zone 2, but due to the dry seasons of 2 and 4 arid months the sugar cane would not grow without additional irrigation.

MERU COUNTY 7

MERU COUNTY 8

MERU COUNTY 9

TABLE 4: CLIMATE IN THE AGRO-ECOLOGICAL ZONES

Agro-Ecological Zone

Subzone Altitude in m

Annual mean temp.in °C

Annual av. rainfall in mm

66% reliability of rainfall 1)

60% reliability of cereal and legumes growing period

1st rainy season 2) in mm

Middle rains & 2nd r. s. in mm

1st rainy season 2)

in days

Middle rains

& 2nd r. s.

in days

Total 3)

in daysTA I+II Tropical Alpine Zone National Park

UH 0 Forest Zone Forest Reserve

UH 1 Sheep and Dairy Zone

Forest Reserve, important as a catchment area

UH 2 Pyrethrum -Wheat Zone

l/m i m2440-2740 13.7-11.7

950-1600 450-700 400-550 175 or more 135-155 310-330

vl i Steep slopes, Forest Reserve

UH 3 Upper Wheat-Barley Zone

fm + m/s2230-2900 14.9-10.5

700-1000 280-500 280-400 115-175 115-135 -

(l/m) i f(s) 850-1000 420-550 220-270 175 or more 75-115 250-290

LH 0 Forest Zone Forest Reserve

LH 1 Tea-Dairy Zone

l/vl m

1830-2200 17.4-14.9

Forest Reserve

fl i m Small, transitional and partly Forest Reserve

m/l i m 1700-2600 700-1100 600-900 165 or more 135-155 300-320

LH 2 Wheat/Maize-Pyrethrum Zone

m + m 1890-2130 17.0-15.4 1200-1800 450-650 400-580 135-155 135-155 -

LH 3 Wheat/(Maize)-Barley Zone

f(m) i (s/vs)2070-2220 15.8-15.0

750-900 350-400 180-220 115-175 75-85 190-260

m + m/s 700-1400 280-450 300-350 135-155 105-135 -

LH 4 Cattle-Sheep-Barley Zone

(m/s) + s2070-2210 15.8-15.1

700-850 250-300 260-300 115-130 85-105 -

(m/s or s/m) i + 600-800 300-350 180-250 135-150 65-75 -

LH 5 Lower Highland Ranching Zone

br Not suitable for rainfed agriculture

UM 1 Coffee-Tea Zone

fl i m

1520-1800 19.2-17.6

1400-1800 700-950 450-550 210 or more 130-150 330-360

m/l i m 1650-2400 700-850 650-850 160 or more 135-155 295-310

m/l i m/s 1500-1700 700-820 500-630 155-175 115-135 270-310

UM 2 Main Coffee Zone

m + m1280-1680 20.6-18.2

1500-2400 450-800 450-800 135-155 135-155 -

m + s/m 1250-1500 600-720 400-450 140-170 110-120 -

UM 3 Marginal Coffee Zone

m/s + s

1280-1520 20.6-19.2

Small, see Embu District

m/s + m/s 1400-2200 420-750 250-450 75-115 75-115 -

m/s + s/m Very small

UM 4 Sunflower Maize Zone

fs + fs 1520-1770 19.3-18.0 750-1600 250-400 250-450 75-115 75-115 -

UM 5 Livestock-Sorghum Zone

vs/s + vs/s 1520-1770 19.3-18.0 500-1100 230-300 240-300 65-75 65-75 -

UM 6 Upper Midland Ranching Zone

br Not suitable for rainfed agriculture

MERU COUNTY 10

Agro-Ecological Zone

Subzone Altitude in m

Annual mean temp.in °C

Annual av. rainfall in mm

66% reliability of rainfall 1)

60% reliability of cereal and legumes growing period

1st rainy season 2) in mm

Middle rains & 2nd r. s. in mm

1st rainy season 2)

in days

Middle rains

& 2nd r. s.

in days

Total 3)

in days

LM 3 Cotton Zone

s/m + s/m

910-1300 22.9-20.9

1200-1600 400-500 550-600 105-115 105-115 -4)

s/m + s 1200-1400 450-600 450-600 105-115 85-105 -4)

s + s 1000-1400 300-500 320-500 85-105 85-105 -4)

LM 4 Marginal Cotton Zone

s + s/vs

760-1300 23.5-21.0

900-1050 330-370 270-380 85-105 75-85 -4)

s/vs + s/vs 820-920 250-350 270-370 75-85 75-85 -4)

s/vs + vs/s 800-900 250-330 220-270 75-85 55-75 -4)

LM 5 Lower Midland Livestock - Millet Zone

vs/s + vs/s 1300-1500 22.8-21.0 590-780 160-250 160-250 55-75 55-75 -

vs/s + vs 750-820 24.0-23.5 700-800 200-270 150-210 55-75 45-55 -

vs + vs 1150-1300 23.5-22.8 580-680 150-180 150-180 45-55 45-55 -

NOTES:1) Amounts surpassed normally in 10 of 15 years, falling during the agro-humid period which allows growing of most cultivated

plants. First rainy season plus middle rains.2) More if growing cycle of cultivated plants continues into the period of second rainy season.3) Only added if rainfall continues at least for survival (>0.25 PET) of certain long term crops.4) Cotton is planted from 2nd rainy season to 1st next year, together 210-230 days of growing, 190-220, 170-220 resp. 150-170

days.

MERU COUNTY 11

MERU COUNTY 12

AGRO-ECOLOGICAL ZONES AND SUBZONES

TA = TROPICAL - ALPINE ZONES

TA 0 = Rocks and Glaciers No land use, National Park

TA I = Tropical-Alpine Moor- and Heathlands National Park, but in parts controlled grazing should be allowed, although limited potential

TA II = Tropical-Alpine Moor- and Heathlands National Park, very limited grazing potential

UH = UPPER HIGHLAND ZONES

UH 0 = Forest Zone Too wet, steep, and too important as a catchment area, therefore Forest Reserve. Bamboo thickets

UH 1 = Sheep and Dair y Zone Too steep and too important as a catchment area, therefore Forest Reserve. Valuable timber

UH 2 = Pyrethrum - Wheat Zone Too steep and too important as a catchment area, therefore Forest Reserve. Valuable timber

UH 3 = Upper Wheat-Bart ley Zone Too steep and too important as a catchment area, therefore Forest Reserve. Valuable timber UH 3 = Upper Wheat-Barley Zonefm + m/s with a fully medium and a medium to short cropping season

Good yie ld potent ia l ( av. 60 - 80% of the opt imum)1st rainy season, start norm. mid March: M. mat. wheat, m. mat. barley; green onions, cabbages2nd rainy season, start norm. mid Oct.: E. mat. wheat and barley; green onions, cabbages, snow peas (below 2600m)Fair y ie ld potent ia l ( av. 40 - 60% of the opt imum)1st rainy season: M. mat. sunflower like Comet (<2600m); m. mat. potatoes like Kenya Dhamana (frost free sites: March - June), peas2nd rainy season: E. mat. potatoes; m. mat. sunflowerPasture and forage1 - 2 ha/LU on natural grassland, well suitable for Merino Sheep and grade beef cattle. Clover and fodder barley as additional forage

UH 3 = Upper Wheat-Barley Zone(l/m) i with a (weak) long to medium season, intermediate rains 1) , and a (weak) fully short onef(s) No reliable good yield potential

Fa i r y ie ld potent ia l1st rainy season, start norm. mid March: Late mat. wheat, m. mat. barley, m. mat. potatoes like Kenya Akiba (frost free sties: March - Aug.); flax, linseedWhole year: Pyrethrum (on deep soils)Pasture and forageAlmost as in UH 3 fm + m/s

MERU COUNTY 13

LH = LOWER HIGHLAND ZONES

LH 1 = Tea- Dair y ZoneLH 1 = Tea-Dairy Zonel/vl i m with a long to very long cropping season, intermediate rains and a medium one

Forest Reserve

LH 1 = Tea-Dairy Zonefl i m with a long cropping season, intermediate rains and a medium one

Small, transitional, and partly Forest ReserveAgric. potential see LH 1 m/l i m, but very good yield pot. of 1st rainy season there is only good here because of too much rain

LH 1 = Tea-Dairy Zonem/l i m with a medium to long cropping season, intermediate rains and a medium one

Very good y ie ld potent ia l1st rainy season, start norm. b./mid of March: Peas 2), cabbages2nd rainy season, start norm. b. of Oct.: Peas 2)

Good y ie ld potent ia l1st rainy season: Potatoes, carrots, leeks, kales, endive, lettuce2nd rainy season: Potatoes; cabbages, carrots, kales, snow peasWhole year, best planting time mid March: Tea, loquatsFair y ie ld potent ia l1st rainy season: Late mat. maize, horse beans, Trop. Lima beans (e. of March - Dec.)2nd rainy season: Late mat. maize if planted end of Aug., m. mat. maize in Sept.; m. mat. beans (e. of July - Dec.), leek, lettuceWhole year: Pyrethrum, plumsPasture and forageAbout 0.5 ha/LU on secondary pasture of Kikuyu grass, suitable for grade dairy cows;Louisiana white clover for higher productivity, Napier grass on lower places, green maize and fodder beets as add. forage (many more see fodder list)

LH 2 = Wheat/Maize - Pyrethrum ZoneLH 2 = Wheat/Maize - Pyrethrum Zonem + m with two medium cropping seasons

Good yie ld potent ia l1st rainy season, start norm. mid March: M. mat. wheat, m. mat. maize like KH600-18a, maize baby corn, m. mat. barley; m. mat. sunflower, m. mat. rapseed, linseed; m. mat. potaotes, peas, almost all vegetables2nd rainy season, start norm. mid Oct.: M. mat. wheat and barley, m. mat. sunflower and linseed; m. mat. potatoes, almost all vegetablesWhole year: PyrethrumFair y ie ld potent ia l1st rainy season: Late mat. maize, m. mat. beans; like Cuarentino2nd rainy season: M. mat. beans, peasWhole year: Apples, pears, peaches, plums, strawberriesPasture and forage0.7 - 1 ha/LU on secondary pasture of Kikuyu grass: down to 0.45 ha/LU with Napier grass up to 2000m, Nandi Setaria above that; green maize, fodder beets, Louisiana white clover as addit. forage (and many others, see fodder list)

MERU COUNTY 14

LH 3 = Wheat/(Maize) 3) - Barley ZoneLH 3 = Wheat/(Maize)3) - Pyrethrum Zonef(m) i with a (weak) fully medium cropping season, intermediate rains, and a (weak) short to very(s/vs) short one

(See Diagram Kilord Farm)Good y ie ld potent ia l1st rainy season, start norm. mid to end of March: E. mat. wheat (~60%), m. mat. barley like BimaFair y ie ld potent ia l1st rainy season: Late mat. maize (May - Dec.), m. mat. beans (lower places, fair to poor), peas; linseed, late mat. sunflower like Kenya White, m. mat. potatoes like Akiba; kales, green onions2nd rainy season, start norm. mid of Oct.: V.e. mat. barleyWhole year: Avocadoes in lower places, peachesPasture and forage1 - 2 ha/LU on natural grassland; 0.7 - 1.5 ha/LU on artificial pasture of Rhodes grass (lower places); Bana grass (up to 2000m), Nandi Setaria; fodder barley like B 106 in 1st rainy season; glycine, yam bean, stylo, calopo, Lucerne cv. Hunter field, purple vetch. Alsike clover, subterranean clover, kudzu, velvet beans, lablab beans, Jack beans, sunhemp; calliandra, Leucaena, Tithonia

MERU COUNTY 15

LH 3 = Wheat/(Maize)3) - Pyrethrum Zonem + m/s with a medium and a medium to short or short to medium cropping seasonor sm Good yie ld potent ia l

1st rainy season, start norm. end of March: E. mat. wheat, e. mat. barley, m. mat. wheat and barley good to fairFai r y ie ld potent ia l1st rainy season: Late mat. maize, m. mat. beans (lower places), peas, m. mat. sunflower; kales, green onions2nd rainy season, start norm. mid of Oct.: E. mat. wheat and barley; e. mat. beans (lower places), peas, kales, green onionsPasture and forageAlmost as in LH 3 f(m) i (s/vs) but additionally e. mat. fodder barley like Amani in 2nd rainy season

LH 4 = Catt le-Sheep-Barley ZoneLH 4 = Cattle-Sheep-Barley Zone(m/s) with a weak medium to short and a short cropping season+ s Fair y ie ld potent ia l

1st rainy season, start norm. end of March: E. mat. barley (50-60%), e. mat. wheat (40-50%); green onions2nd rainy season, start norm. mid of Oct.: E. mat. barley; green onionsPasture and forage2 - 4 ha/LU on natural grassland, higher stocking rate on Elmba or Boma Rhodes (up to 2050m). Add. forage useful: E. mat. barley (both rainy seasons); yam bean, velvet beans, lablab beans, kudzu, sunhemp

LH 4 = Cattle-Sheep-Barley Zone(m/s or with a (weak) medium to short or short to medium cropping season, intermediate rains, and as/m) i + (weak) very short to short one(vs/s) Fair y ie ld potent ia l

1st rainy season, start norm. end of March: E. or m. mat. barley (50-60%), e. mat. wheat (40-50%); green onionsPoor y ie ld potent ia l1st rainy season: Late mat. maize4)

2nd rainy season, start norm. end of Oct.: V.e. mat. barleyPasture and forage2 - 4 ha/LU on natural grassland; fodder barley B 106 (first rainy season)

LH 5 = Lower Highland Ranching ZoneLH 5 = Lower Highland Ranching Zonebr with bimodal rainfall 1)

Not suitable for rainfed agriculture (except for v. e. mat. barley in 1st rainy season)Pasture and forageNormally 3 - 6 ha/LU on natural grass savanna; no proper forage. Severe erosion danger if overgrazed, then stocking rate is much less

UM = UPPER MIDLAND ZONES

UM 1 = Coffee-Tea ZoneUM 1 = Coffee - Tea Zonef l i m with a fully long cropping season, intermediate rains, and a medium one

Very small, potential see Embu District

MERU COUNTY 16

UM 1 = Coffee - Tea Zonem/l i m with a medium to long cropping season, intermediate rains, and a medium one

Very good y ie ld potent ia l1st rainy season, start norm. mid March: Late mat. finger millet; cabbages, kales, lettuce, carrots2nd rainy season, start norm. mid Oct.: M. mat. beans, kales, carrotsWhole year: Passion fruitsGood y ie ld potent ia l1 st rainy season: Potatoes; m. mat. sunflower like HS 301 A; sweet potatoes; m. mat. beans, onions; Meru foxtail millet (May - Sept. in Gathano rains)2nd rainy season: M. mat. finger millet; m. mat. sunflower like 252; cabbages, kales, onions, tomatoesWhole year: Tea, Arabica coffee; bananas, yams, mountain paw paws, loquats, avocados, khat (=miraa)Fair y ie ld potent ia l1st rainy season: M. mat. maize; tomatoes, snow peas2nd rainy season: Late mat. maize (Aug.-Feb.)Whole year: Taro (near water good)Pasture and forage0.4 ha/LU, feeding Napier grass, banana leaves and stems, sweet potato vines and many others (see fodder list Table XII)

UM 1 = Coffee - Tea Zonem/l i m/s with a medium to long cropping season and a medium to short one

(see Diagram Chuka)Very good y ie ld potent ia l1st rainy season, start norm. mid March: Cabbages, kales, leek, lettuce, carrots2nd rainy season, start norm. mid Oct.: Leek, lettuce, carrotsWhole year: Passion fruits, black wattleGood y ie ld potent ia l1 st rainy season: M. mat. maize H 511, 512, 513-18 (if soil moisture is well stored), finger millet; e. mat. beans, m. mat. dolichos beans, peas; potaotes; m. mat. sunflower, onions2nd rainy season: E. mat. maize, finger millet; beans (Sept. - Jan.), m. mat. sunflower like HS 301 A; cabbages, kales, onions, tomatoesWhole year best pl. time mid March: Tea, Arabica coffee; bananas, yams, mountain paw paws, loquats, avocados, passion fruit, khat (=miraa)Fair y ie ld potent ia l1st rainy season: Sweet potatoes; tomatoes2nd rainy season: M. mat. maize, finger millet; potatoesWhole year: Citrus, loquatsPasture and foragePotential almost as UM 1 m/l i m

UM 2 = Main Coffee ZoneUM 2 = Main Coffee Zonem + s/m with a medium and a short to medium cropping season5)

Small, potential see Embu District

MERU COUNTY 17

UM 2 = Main Coffee Zonem + m with two medium cropping seasons

Good yie ld potent ia l1st rainy season, start norm. end of March: M. mat. maize and finger millet, e. mat. sorghum (lower places); beans, sweet potatoes; e. mat. sunflower like 252 (70-80%) or m. mat. like HS 301 A; cabbages, kales, tomatoes, onions2nd rainy season, start norm. mid Oct.: E. mat. maize, e. mat. sorghum (lower places); m. mat. beans, sweet potatoes; e. mat. sunflower; cabbages, kales, onions, tomatoesWhole year: Arabica coffee6); bananas, mountain paw paws, loquats, avocadoes, passion fruits, citrus (lower places), dolichos beans (perennial var.)Fa i r y ie ld potent ia l2nd rainy season: M. mat. maize; potatoes (higher places)Whole year: Cassava, yams (50-60%), sugarcane in lower valleysPasture and forageOriginally about 0.6 ha/LU on secondary pasture of star grass (Cynodon dactylon), down to about 0.12 ha/LU feeding Napier or Bana grass, banana leaves and stems, sweet potato vines, maize stalks

UM 3 = Marginal Coffee ZoneUM 3 Marginal Coffee Zonem/s + s with a medium to short and short cropping season7)


UM 3 Marginal Coffee Zonem/s + with a medium to short and short cropping season8)

m/s(See Diagram Mayna)

MERU COUNTY 18

Good yie ld potent ia l1st rainy season, start norm. end of March: E. mat maize like Katumani camp. B10), m. mat. maize EMCO 92 SR, e. mat. sorghum like Serena (<1500m) or KARI Mtama -1; e. mat. beans; e. mat. sunflower like HS 345 (<1500m); onions, cabbages2nd rainy season, start norm. mid Oct.: Almost the same as in 1st rainy season but due to higher rainfall normally about 10% higher yield expectations, m. mat. sorghum (60-70%)Whole year: Pineapples, perennial castorFair y ie ld potent ia l1st rainy season: M. mat. maize H 511-51810), m. mat. sorghum (50-60%); m. mat. beans, sweet potatoes, pigeon peas; kales, tomatoes2nd rainy season: Same crops but normally about 10% higher yield expectationsWhole year: Arabica coffee (fair in higher places, poor in lower places, there addit. irrigation); paw paws, cassava, citrus, bananas (lower places poor);Macadamia nuts, mangoes, passion fruitsPasture and forage0.7-1.1 ha/LU on secondary high grass savanna with zebra grass (Hyparrhennia rufa) but almost none is left; down to 0.25 ha/LU feeding Napier or Bana grass, sweet potato vines and other forage (see fodder list).

UM 3 Marginal Coffee Zonem/s + s/m with a medium to short and a short to medium cropping season

Very small, potential as UM 3 m/s+m/s in first rainy season about 10% lower yields

UM 3 Marginal Coffee Zonem/s + s with a medium to short and a short cropping season

Very small, potential see Embu District

MERU COUNTY 19

UM 4 = Maize - Sunflower ZoneUM 4 = Sunflower - Maize Zonefs + fs with two fully short cropping seasons9)

Good yie ld potent ia l1st rainy season, start norm. end of March: Katumani Comp. B maize 10) (good to fair in higher places, fair in s/vs, there Dryland Comp. better), e. mat. sorghum like Serena (lower places); e. mat. dolichos beans, v. e. mat. beans like Mwezi moja, e. mat. sunflower like HS 3452nd rainy season, start norm. mid of Oct.: Almost the same as in 1st rainy seasonWhole year, best pl. time end of Oct.: SisalFa i r y ie ld potent ia l1st rainy season: M. mat. maize EMCO 92 SR or hybrids 5..(fair to poor, recommended only on soils with good water storage), e. mat. finger millet, Meru foxtail millet; e. mat. beans, sweet potatoes; Virg. tobacco (Sept.-March, with add. irrigation during first 6 weeks); tomatoes, onions2nd rainy season: Almost the same as in 1st rainy seasonWhole year: Cassava, castor, pineapples (lower places), mangoesPasture and forage1-2 ha/LU on open high grass savanna; down to about 0.3 ha/LU feeding Bana grass, fodder legumes like siratro (Macroptilium atropurpureum), and planting fodder shrubs like horse tamarind (Leucaena tricandria) or saltbush (Atriplex nummularia)

UM 5 = Livestock-Sorghum ZoneUM 5 = Livestock-Sorghum Zonevs/s + with two very short to short cropping seasonsvs/s Fair y ie ld potent ia l

1st or 2nd rainy seasons: V. e. mat. sorghum like IS 8595Poor y ie ld potent ia l1st or 2nd rainy seasons: V. e. mat. beans like Kat/Bean 9Pasture and forageMore than 2.5 ha/LU on nat. mixed grassland; down to about 0.5 ha/LU with forage like hay or silage fodder sorghum and fodder legumes

UM 6 = Upper Midland Ranching ZoneUM 6 = Upper Midland Ranching Zonebr with bimodal rainfall

Not suitable for rainfed agriculturePasture and forageMore than 3 ha/LU on nat. short grass savanna; with vines of Marama beans and palatable shrubs like saltbush (Atriplex nummularia) as dry season forage much higher capacity

LM = LOWER MIDLAND ZONES

LM 3 = Cotton ZoneLM 3 = Cotton Zones/m + with two short cropping seasonss/m (see Diagram Mayna)

Transitional strip. Potential between LM 3 s+s and UM 3 m/s + m/s but excluding coffee and including millets, grams, cow peas and groundnuts

MERU COUNTY 20

LM 3 = Cotton Zones + s with two short cropping seasons 9)

Very good y ie ld potent ia l1 st rainy season, start norm. end of March: E. mat. foxtail millet, e. mat. proso millet2nd rainy season, start norm. mid of Oct.: E. mat. foxtail or proso millet, e. mat. bulrush millet (awned var.)11); dwarf sunflowerGood y ie ld potent ia l1st rainy season: E. mat. maize like Katumani Comp. B10) or PH 1, PH 4, ratoon of m. mat. sorghum like 2 KX 17, e. mat. sorghum like Serena (70-80%), m. mat. finger millet like Ekalakala, cow peas, green grams (spraying important), e. mat. soya beans; e. mat. sunflower like 2522nd rainy season: Katumani Comp. B maize10), e. mat. sorghum like Serere Comp. II, Serena (70-80%); green grams, cowpeas, v.e. mat. beans (higher places), e. mat. beans (lower places), e. mat. soya beans, pigeon peas (O.-S.), sweet potatoes; e. mat. sunflower like HS 345, Virginia tobacco (Sept.-March, higher places, with add. irrig. during first 6 weeks); cotton on deep black or dark reddish brown volcanic soils (~60%)Whole year, best planting time end of Oct.: Sisal, castor like C 15, cassava (on deep light soils), pineapples (on deep heavy soils), avocadoes, guavasFair y ie ld potent ia l1st rainy season: Med. Mat. maize like EMCO 92 SR or H 511-518 (on deep, heavy but well drained soils): e. mat. dolichos beans, groundnuts (in light soils); e. mat. sweet potatoes, tomatoes, onions2nd rainy season: M. mat. maize like EMCO 92 SR or H 511-518 (on deep soils); e. mat. dolichos beans, e. mat. sweet potatoes; cotton bimodal variety on medium soils (e. of S./O.-Aug.)Whole year: Mangoes (but fungus diseases), Macadamia nuts, bananas, paw paws, passion fruitsPasture and forage0.6-1.0 ha/LU on high grass savanna with zebra grass (Hyparrhenia rufa) predominant; down to about 0.2 ha/LU feeding bana grass, fodder legumes like siratro (Macroptilium atropupureum) or horse tamarind (Leucaena leucocephala) as a suitable palatable shrub

LM 4 = Marginal Cotton ZoneLM 4 = Marginal Cotton Zones + s/vs with a short and a short to very short cropping season


LM 4 = Marginal Cotton Zones/vs + with two short to very short cropping seasonss/vs

Very good y ie ld potent ia l2nd rainy season, start norm. end of Oct.:E. mat. foxtail and proso millet, v. e. mat. sunflowerGood y ie ld potent ia l1st rainy season, start norm. end of March: Dryland Comp. maize (60-70%), e. mat. bulrush millet11); e. mat. foxtail and proso millet, v.e. mat. dwarf sorghum; cowpeas, v.e. mat. sunflower, moth beans, rai12)

2nd rainy season: Dryland Comp. maize, e. mat. sorghum, e. mat. bulrush millet11); e. mat. beans; rai12), e. mat. onions, e. mat. bambarra groundnuts (on light soils), chick peas (late planted on heavy soils), green grams, moth beansWhole year: Buffalo gourds (on light soils)13), Marama beans13), perennial castor like C 15Fair y ie ld potent ia l1st rainy season: E. mat. maize like Katumani Comp. B., e. mat. sorghum; e. mat. beans, chick peas (on heavy soils), black and green grams, e. mat. soya beans, dolichos beans, e. mat. bambarra groundnuts on light soils, e. mat. sweet potatoes2nd rainy season: E. mat.maize Katumani Comp. B on deep soils, m. mat. bulrush millet, e. mat. finger millet; dolichos beans, pigeon peas (S.-O.), e. mat. sweet potatoesWhole year: Cotton (fair on deep black cotton soils, poor on medium and light soils), sisal

MERU COUNTY 21

Pasture and forageOriginally 0.8-2 ha/LU on mixed medium grass savanna with red oats grass (Themeda triandra) predominant; if degraded well improvable by saltbush (Atriplex nummularia), Mesquite (Prosopis chilensis), and horse tamarind (Leucaena leucocephala) as palatableshrubs; Makueni guinea grass and legumes like moth bean vines as fodder allow higherstocking rates

LM 4 = Marginal Cotton Zones/vs + with a short to very short and a very short to short cropping seasonvs/s Very small, potential see Embu District

LM 5 = Lower Midland Livestock - Millet ZoneLM 5 = Lower Midland Livestock - Millet Zonevs/s + with two very short to short cropping seasonvs/s Very small, potential see Meru North District

LM 5 = Lower Midland Livestock - Millet Zonevs/s + vs with a very short to short and a very short cropping season Very small, potential see Embu District

LM 5 = Lower Midland Livestock - Millet Zonevs + vs with two very short cropping seasons Very small, potential see Meru North District

End notes1) Rainy seasons are not clearly defined because this zone is transitional between the rainfall pattern of the Rift Valley with one period and Eastern Kenya with two shorter periods of rainfall.2) Pest danger3) Depending on farm scale, but maize ecologically less suitable4) A medium maturing variety for this rel. high altitude would be better but is not yet proofed, may be KH 600-18a5) On medium soils, on heavy soils there is a long to medium and a medium to short cropping season. Given potential refer to the predominant heavy red loams.6) Very good yields on heavy deep soils with runoff-protection and mulching7) On medium soils; on heavy soils first cropping season has a medium length, the second one becomes short to medium. Given potential refers to predominant heavy red loams.8) On medium soils; heavy ones both seasons are of medium length. Given potential refers to predominant heavy red loams.9) On medium soils, on heavy soils short to medium cropping seasons. Potential refers to predominant friable clay.10) Although Katumani Comp. B has climatically a good yield potential here, it is on deep soils eventually more advisable to plant a hybrid maize variety of H 5.. series especially in 2nd rainy season (except in UM 4 s/vs+s/vs); because of its higher productivity it may yield more, even if the climate is not so suitable for it. (But more fertiliser and manure is necessary.)11) Bird rejecting awned varieties recommended, available at ICRISAT, Hyderabad, India.

MERU COUNTY 22

TABLES 5: CLIMATIC YIELD POTENTIALS FOR FOOD CROPS1) IN THE SEMI-ARID ZONE OF MERU SOUTH DISTRICT (estimated by interpolation between stn. 9037146 Kindaruma Dam of Mbeere District and stn. Gatunga of Tharaka District

First rainy season (start end of March till end of April)

Second rainy season (start end of October till end of November)

Yield Potential (in % of

optimum)Crop variety

Estim. average

yield (kg/ha)2)

Total crop failure

out of 10 seasons

Crop varietyEstim. average

yield (kg/ha)2)

Total crop

failure out of 10 seasons

Good (60-80%)

Tepary beans 720 0Grams (KVR 26) 650 0

Fair(40-60%)

Maize (DLC) 1030 0 Proso millet (Serere I) 1220 1Finger millet (Kat/FM 1) 570 0 Foxtail millet (Jodhpur) 780 1

Pearl millet (Kat/PM1, PM 2) 1040 0 Grams (KVR 26) 440 1

Proso millet (Serere 1) 1450 0

Foxtail millet (ISe 285) 1570 0

Cowpeas (HB48/10E) 740 1

Moth beans (Jodhpur) 890 0

Grams (Kat Dengu 26) 510 0

Chickpeas 620 0Soyabeans (Nyala) 1270 0

Poor (20 - 40%)

Maize (KCB) 1130 1 Maize (DLC) 560 2

Bulrush millet (Serere Comp. I) 1510 1 Pearl millet (Kat/PM1, PM2) 600 2

Foxtail millet (Kat/Fox-1) 520 1 Bulrush millet (Serere Comp. II) 920 2

Sorghum (IS 8595) 1320 1 Foxtail millet (Jodhpur) 680 2

Sorghum Seredo 860 1 Foxtail millet (ISe 285) 940 2

Sorghum (KARI Mtama-1) 1080 1 Sorghum (Serena) 780 3

Cowpeas (K 80) 620 1 Sorghum (IS 8595) 940 2

Green grams 440 1 Sorghum (Seredo) 590 3

Black grams 560 1 Sorghum (KARI Mtama-1) 750 3

Dolichos beans (Kat/DL-1) 750 1 Tepary beans 430 3

Groundnuts (Makululu Red) 710 2 Cowpeas

(MTW 63; MTW 610) 440 3

Moth beans (Jodhpur) 580 2

Green grams 360 3

Black grams (Kat Dengu 26) 360 2

Dolichos beans (Kat/DL-1) 570 2

Chick peas 470 2

Soyabeans (Nyala) 850 2

1) Only crops listed with total crop failures (TCF) generally less than 33 % (yield estimates acc. to calculations with MARCROP model of Hornetz; see Methodology in Vol. II/M of the handbook).3) Well manured, fertilized and protected. Water loss as surface runoff is stopped by contour ridges. Calculated with MARCROP.

MERU COUNTY 23

MERU COUNTY 24

SOIL DISTRIBUTION, FERTILITY AND MAJOR CHARACTERISTICS

Mt. Kenya and its foot-hills determine the physiography of the upper part of Meru Central District. This mountain of olivine basalts and ashes occupy most of the district, followed by foot-hills. The northern and north-western boundary is taken up by plateaus of Tertiary basic igneous rocks. Non-dissected erosional plains of the same parent rock occur in the north. The Meru South District stretches from the Mt. Kenya basalts to the foot-hills and lower, where erosional peneplains are dominant, surmounted by some inselbergs as relicts from the old mountain area.

On the highest parts, soils of variable fertility (map unit MV1) are found. On slightly lower areas, soils of unit MV2 of moderate to high fertility occur. The volcanic foot-hills are dominated by soils of unit RB1 and RB2, which are of moderate to high fertility also but becoming exhausted by many years of cultivation without fertilizing and manuring.

Plateau soils which are in general highly fertile (units LB11, LB13) make up the north-western boundary.Two small areas in Meru South consist of less fertile upland soil (unit UU1). Low to moderately fertile soil (UI1) can be found on foot-hills and lower–middle uplands.

LEGEND TO THE SOIL MAP OF EMBU DISTRICTS

1 Explanation of first character (physiography)

M Mountains and Major ScarpsH Hills and Minor ScarpsL Plateaus and High Level Structural PlainsR Volcanic FootridgesF FootslopesU UplandsPn Non-Dissected Erosional PlainsPd Dissected Erosional PlainsA FloodplainsB Bottomlands

2 Explanation of second character (lithology):

B Basic and Ultra-Basic Igneous Rocks (basalts, nepheline phonolites; older basic tuffs included) I Intermediate igneous rocks (andesites, phonolites, syenites, etc.)L Limestone and calcitics MudstonesU Undifferentiated Basement System Rocks (predominantly Gneisses)V Undifferentiated or Various Igneous Rocks

3 Soil descriptions

MV1 Imperfectly drained, shallow to moderately deep, dark greyish brown, very friable, acid humic to peaty, loam to clay loam, with rock outcrops and ice in the highest parts: dystric HISTOSOLS, lithic phase, with LITHOSOLS and Rock Outcrops

MV 2 well drained, very deep, dark reddish brown to dark brown, very friable and smeary, clay loam to clay, with a thick acid humic topsoil; in places shallow to moderately deep and rocky humic ANDOSOLS, partly lithic phase

MERU COUNTY 25

HB 1 well drained, shallow, dark reddish brown, friable, rocky and stony, clay loam chromic CAMBISOLS, lithic phase; with rock outcrops

HB 2 well drained, shallow to moderately deep, very dark brown, firm, stony and rocky clay loam LITHOSOLS; with verto-luvic PHAEOZENS, lithic phase and rock outcrops

HU 2 somewhat excessively drained, shallow, reddish brown, friable, rocky or stony, sandy clay loam eutric REGOSOLS, lithic phase; with rock outcrops and calcic CAMBISOLS

LB 1 well drained, very deep, dark red, very friable clay nito-rhodic FERRALSOLS

LB 11 imperfectly drained, deep, very dark greyish brown, very firm, cracking clay chromic VERTISOLS

LB 13 well drained, deep, dark reddish brown to red, friable sandy clay to clay; in places shallow to moderately deep chromic and ferric LUVISOLS; with LITHOSOLS

LBC Complex of: moderately well drained, shallow, yellowish red to dark yellowish brown, friable, gravelly clay over petroplinthite or rock (50-70%) IRONSTONE SOILS; with LITHOSOLS and: poorly drained, deep to very deep, dark brown to very dark greyish brown, mottled, firm to very firm, cracking clay; in places moderately deep to very deep over petroplinthite undifferentiated VERTISOLS and vertic GLEYSOLS

RB 1 well drained, extremely deep, dark reddish brown to dark brown, friable and slightly smeary clay, with an acid humic topsoil ando-humic NITISOLS; with humic ANDOSOLS

RB 2 well drained, extremely deep, dusky red to dark reddish brown, friable clay, with a acid humic topsoil humic NITISOLS

RB 3 well drained, extremely deep, dusky red to dark reddish brown, friable clay; with inclusions of well drained, moderately deep, dark red to dark reddish brown, friable clay over rock, pisoferric or petroferric material eutric NITISOLS; with nito-chromic CAMBISOLS and chromic ACRISOLS and LUVISOLS, partly lithic, pisoferric or petroferric phase

RB 4 well drained, moderately deep to very deep, dark reddish brown, friable to firm clay; in places with an acid humic topsoil nito-ferric LUVISOLS; with humic NITISOLS

RB 5 well drained, moderately deep to deep, dark reddish brown, friable to firm clay; with a humic topsoil chromo-luvic PHAEOZEMS; in places very deep and overlying buried eutric NITISOLS

MERU COUNTY 26

RB 6 well drained, moderately deep, dark reddish brown, firm, cracking clay, with a humic topsoil verto-luvic PHAEOZEMS

FUC Complex of: somewhat excessively drained to well drained, deep to very deep, dark red to dark yellowish brown soils of varying consistence and texture; in places gravely ferralic ARENOSOLS; with ferralo-chromic/orthic LUVISOLS and ACRISOLS

UI 1 well drained, very deep, dusky red to dark red, friable clay nito-rhodic FERRALSOLS

UU 1 well drained, moderately deep to deep, dark red to yellowish red, friable, sandy clay loam to clay rhodic and orthic FERRALSOLS; with ferralo-chromic/orthic/ferric ACRISOLS

UU 3 well drained, moderately deep to deep, dark red to yellowish red, friable to firm, sandy clay to clay, often with a topsoil of loamy sand chromic LUVISOLS, with ferralo-chromic/orthic/ferric LUVISOLS

UUC 2 Complex of: well drained, shallow to deep, red to dark red, friable to firm, sandy clay loam to sandy clay; in places rocky chromic and ferralo-chromic LUVISOLS ; with chromic CAMBISOLS, lithic phase and rock outcrops

PnB 2 well drained, very deep, dark reddish brown to dusky red, friable clay; in places bouldery nito-rhodic FERRALSOLS

AA 2 well drained, very deep, very dark greyish brown to dark yellowish brown, friable, stratified, micaceous, moderately sodic, loam to clay calcaric FLUVISOLS, sodic phase

NOTES for definitions (of underlined words)1 mollic Nitisols and chromo-luvic Phaeozems: soils are equally important2 mollic Nitisols, with chromo-luvic Phaeozems: Nitisols are prevalent3 in places: in <30% of the area4 in many places: in 30-50% of the area5 predominantly: in >50% of the area6 deeper subsoil: below 80 cm.

3.3.2 POPULATION AND LAND see main Volume Eastern Province

3.3.3 AGRICULTURAL STATISTICS see main Volume Eastern Province

MERU COUNTY 27

3.3.4 FARM SURVEY

The Farm Survey was conducted in seven main agro-ecological zones and the respective dominant subzones in Meru Central and South districts as shown in Table 19. The sample farm sizes were: 1.05 ha (LH 1), 0.8 ha (UM 2), 2.96 ha (UM 5), 1.59 ha resp. 1.71 (LM 3), and 4.84 ha (LM 4) (Table 19). Compared to the Farm Survey of 1978, there is evidence of a tremendous decrease in farm sizes over the years. For example, in 1978 the farm sizes in agro-ecological zones LH 1, UM 2 and LM 3 were 2.1 ha, 1.9 ha and 7.2 ha, respectively. The decrease in farm sizes has serious implications for food production in this area. The resulting land use intensification (Table 20) requires increased farm inputs to replenish the declining soil nutrients. The use of farm inputs is widespread in the Lower Highlands and Upper Midlands but very low in the Lower Midlands. There is an urgent need for farmers to recycle back to the soil all the ‘mined’ nutrients from the soil. All crop residues, for example, should be recycled back into the soil.

TABLE 19: FARM SURVEY AREAS IN MERU CENTRAL AND MERU SOUTH DISTRICTS

District No. in Kenya

Agro-Ecological UnitFarm Survey SitesAEZone Subzone Soil Unit

MERU CENTRAL

149 LH 1 - UM 1 m/l i m RB 1 Abothuguchi West Division, Katheri

Central Location, Kathita Sub Location

150 LM 3 s + s LBC Nkuene Division, Mitunguu Location, Kirendene Sub Location

151 LH 3 - 4 f(m) i (s/vs) RB 5 Timau Division, Kirimara Location, Kithithina Sub Location

152 UM 5 vs/s + vs/s LB 11 Kibirichia Division, Ntumburi Location, Thiira Sub Location

MERU SOUTH

153 UM 2 m + s/m RB 2 Chuka Division, Karingani Location, Karingani Sub Location

154 LM 3 s + s RB 3 Chuka Division, Karingani Location, Mariani Sub Location

155 LM 4 s/vs + s/vs UI 1 Igambang’ombe Division, Kajuki Location, Makanyanga Sub Location

Cabbages and Irish potatoes besides tea dominate the cropping enterprises in the Lower Highlands. In all the surveyed agro-ecological zones, except for LM 4, the cattle reared are of improved quality (Table 20). Maize and beans still remain the most important and dominant annual crops in all the surveyed seven agro-ecological zones (Table 21).Dramatically is the yield decrease of food crops, esp. maize. For instance, in LM 3 the small farm survey 1978 showed an average of 3,320 kg/ha in the first rainy season and 3,378 kg/ha in the second one. The survey in 2004 revealed the very low average of between 695 and 887 kg/ha. Even the farmers with high production level had between 1,016 and 1,396 kg/ha only, a mere third of the yield in 1978 (see Table 21f )! The main reason is the rapid decline in soil fertility that has taken place over the years. To reverse this trend is the main task of farm management. Increased use of fertilisers and manure with the objective of maintaining soil fertility to increase food output per unit area, should be the immediate goal for the intensively cultivated smallholdings in LH 1, UM 1-3 and LM 3-4. Specific advice on plant protection and promotion of semi-zero grazing would be advantageous to the farmers. No mechanization other than improved hand tools is required. Manual labour will continue to play a significant role in food production in all the AEZs.

MERU COUNTY 28

MERU COUNTY 29

Tables 20 a - g: ASSETS, LAND USE, FARMING INTENSITY AND INPUTS see main Volume Eastern ProvinceTables 21 a - g: CROPPING PATTERN see main Volume Eastern Province

3.3.5 INTRODUCTION TO THE ACTUAL LAND USE SYSTEMS AND POTENTIAL INTENSIFICATION BY BETTER FARM MANAGEMENT IN DOMINATING AGRO-ECOLOGICAL SUBZONES

A more detailed description can be found together with calculations of rentability in the Farm Management Guidelines of each district and in the KARI Fertilizer Use Manual (Muriuki and Qureshi, 2001). Zone UM 1 is not described here because it is similar to that in Embu district.

Subzone LH 1, m/l i m of the Tea - Dairy Zone

This is the Tea – Dairy Zone, with a medium to long cropping season, intermediate rains, and a medium one as typified by Kathita sub-location of Meru Central district. Most of the cattle kept in this zone are of improved type. This has enhanced milk production and in return cash income for the majority of farmers. A variety of crops besides tea are grown. These include: beans, Irish potatoes, cabbages, carrots, chewing sugar cane, cut flowers, French beans, kales, maize, onions, snow peas and tomatoes (Table 21). Most are very high value crops, which can be readily sold in nearby markets and in Nairobi city. The main problem that needs to be addressed with regard to these high value crops is the exploitation of farmers by middlemen. A way out of this situation is for the farmers to form strong farmers groups, which can lobby for favourable prices and can sell their produce directly to the buyers without having to go through the middlemen. The perennial crops grown include: tea, avocado, bananas and in lower places coffee. Coffee production has been on the decline due to poor prices and the collapse of the marketing system. Maize and beans remain the dominant food crops. With minimal inputs of 0.5 tons/ha of manure, farmers reported maize yields of 3312 kg/ha against the agro-ecological unit potential of 5000 kg/ha (Table 22). It can be clearly seen from this that unless farmers use the required fertilizer inputs to replenish the soil nutrients, yields of the staple crops like maize will continue declining at an alarming rate. This will in the near future mean inadequate food to feed the population!

MERU COUNTY 30

TABLE 22a: INCREASE OF YIELDS BY BETTER FARM MANAGEMENT IN AGRO-ECOLOGICAL UNIT1) LH 1, m/l i m, RB 1

Subzone: m/l i m, Soil Unit: RB 1 Survey Area 149 (Kathita)

Crop Yields3) and Inputs

AEZ: LH 1 TEA - DAIRY ZONESub-zone: m/l i m (Periods in days2): 1st rainy season: 165 or more, 2nd rainy season 135-155)Unit with predom. Soil:RB 1= ando-humic NITISOLS; with humic ANDOSOLSReliable rainfall: 1st rainy season :700 - 1100 mm in at least 10 out of 15 years

2nd rainy season: 600 – 900 mm in at least 10 out of 15 years

Farmers in Prod. Level Farmers in Prod. LevelMaize local pure standYields3) kg/haFertiliser7):

N kg/haP2O5 kg/haK2O kg/haManure t/ha

I= low II= med.4) III= high5) AEU Pot.6) I= low II=med.4)

III=high5)

AEU Pot.6)

1575

00-

0.3

1611

00-

0.5

* 599

00-

0.3

750

00-

0.5

*

Hybrid maize Yields3) kg/haFertiliser7):


-

Maize localintercroppedwith beansYields3) kg/haFertiliser7):


Hybrid maize intercroppedwith beansYields3) kg/haFertiliser7):


1845

00-

0.1

3090

00-

0.3

3312

00-

0.5

ca. 5000 720-00-0

1428-00-

0.3

1650-00-

0.5

ca. 4500

NOTES:1) Source: Small Farm Survey (2004)2) Figures of these cereals growing periods should be reached or surpassed in 6 out of 10 years; growing periods may be considered longer due to immediately following second rainy season by middle rains. Then the second growing period is shorter than the given figrues3) Achieved average yields with average rainfall4) Farmers with medium inputs5) Farmers with high inputs of fertilizer, insecticides, soil and water conservation6) Potential yield according to crop list and local climate of this Agro-Ecological Unit if soils are optimally fertilized, plus optimal crop management* Potential for local maize not knwon; no experimental results

MERU COUNTY 31

Subzone LM 3, s + s of the Cotton Zone

This is a Cotton Zone with two short cropping seasons as found in Kirendeni sub-location of Meru Central district and Mariani Sub-location of Meru South district. Although this is a cotton zone, no farmer reported growing this crop (Table 21). The reason for this is that the cotton industry in Kenya has been experiencing serious marketing problems which forced many ginneries to close down. In the absence of these, farmers found it extremely difficult to market their crop and hence abandoned growing the crop. With current new marketing incentives through AGOA, it is hoped that farmers will resume growing cotton in the near future. The current crop list in this zone include: Asian vegetables, beans, cassava, cowpeas, French beans, green grams, maize, okra, tomatoes, pigeon peas, sorghum, finger millet, sweet potatoes and tobacco (Table 21). The diversification of crops by farmers is encouraging as a measure of spreading risk. The permanent crops are avocado, bananas and mangoes. Maize and beans are the dominant staple food. The yields of maize are still far below the agro-ecological unit potential (Table 22). Farmers will have no choice but to increase the fertilizer and manure inputs used on their farms if the issue of food security is to be adequately addressed.

MERU COUNTY 32

TABLE 22b: INCREASE OF YIELDS BY BETTER FARM MANAGEMENT IN AGRO-ECOLOGICAL UNIT1) LM 3, s + s, LBC

Subzone: s + s, Soil Unit: LBC Survey Area 150 (Kirendeni)


AEZ: LM 3 COTTON ZONESub-zone: s + s (Periods in days2): 1st rainy season 85 - 105; 2nd rainy season 85-105)Unit with predom. Soil: LBC = IRONSTONE SOILS; with LITHOSOLS and undifferentiated VERTISOLS and vertic GLEYSOLSReliable rainfall: 1st rainy season:300 - 500 mm in at least 10 out of 15 years

2nd rainy season: 320 – 500 mm in at least 10 out of 15 years




III=high5)

AEU Pot.6)



- 2238 2230

5050--

ca. 3500 on better

soils of the complex

- 2438

2010--

2944

5050--

ca. 3800on better

soils of the

complex



- 1350 1374

5057--

* - - -

Maize hybridintercroppedwith beansYields3) kg/haFertiliser7):


- - - - 1450

----

1505

5757--

*

NOTES:1) Source: Small Farm Survey (2004)2) Figures of these cereals growing periods should be reached or surpassed in 6 out of 10 years3) Achieved average yields with average rainfall4) Farmers with medium inputs5) Farmers with high inputs of fertilizer, insecticides, soil and water conservation6) Potential yield according to crop list and local climate of this Agro-Ecological Unit if soils are optimally fertilized, plus optimal crop management* Potential of local maize not known; no experimental results

MERU COUNTY 33

TABLE 22c: INCREASE OF YIELDS BY BETTER FARM MANAGEMENT IN AGRO-ECOLOGICAL UNIT1) LH 3-4, f(m) i (s/vs), RB 5

Survey Area 151(Kithithina)

No table is reasonable here because less than 8 farmers reported growing maize or maize and beans. Most farmers intercrop maize, beans and Irish potatoes. All the farmers did not use fertilizers but manure on their fields. There are very few full time farmers here near Timau.

Subzone UM 5, vs/s + vs/s of the Livestock - Sorghum Zone

This is a Livestock – Sorghum Zone, with two very short to short cropping seasons occurring in Thiira Sub-location in the Northeast of Meru Central district. It is surprising that whereas this is a sorghum zone, none of the farmers grew this crop because they come from maize zones (forced by population pressure) (Table 21). The farmers are still persistent on growing maize, even though it is not well suited for this zone. This explains the low maize yields reported by farmers (Table 22). The cropping matrix includes: beans, chickpeas, cotton, Dolichos beans, field peas, green grams, Irish potatoes and cowpeas (Table 21). No permanent crops were reported in this zone.

MERU COUNTY 34

TABLE 22d: INCREASE OF YIELDS BY BETTER FARM MANAGEMENT IN AGRO- ECOLOGICAL UNIT1) UM 5 vs/s + vs/s, LB 11

Subzone: vs/s + vs/s, Soil Unit: LB 11 Survey Area 152 (Thiira)Crop Yields3) and Inputs

AEZ: UM 5 LIVESTOCK - SORGHUM ZONE

Subzone: vs/s + vs/s (Periods in days2): 1st rainy season 65-75, 2nd rainy season 65-75)Unit with predom. Soil: LB 11 = chromic VERTISOLSReliable rainfall: 1st rainy season:230 - 300 mm in at least 10 out of 15 years

2nd rainy season: 240-300 mm in at least 10 out of 15 years

Farmers in Prod. Level Farmers in Prod. LevelMaize local monocroppedYields3) kg/haFertiliser7):



III=high5)

AEU Pot.6)



- - - - - -



- 913 978 *

Maize hybridintercroppedwith beansYields3) kg/haFertiliser7):


- 1823

1510--

2420

2020

0.1

ca. 3400

NOTES:1)Source: Small Farm Survey (2004)2)Figures of these cereals growing periods should be reached or surpassed in 6 out of 10 years3)Achieved average yields with average rainfall4)Farmers with medium inputs5)Farmers with high inputs of fertiliser, insecticides, soil and water conservation6)Potential yield according to crop list and local climate of this Agro-Ecological Unit if soils are optimally fertilized, plus optimal crop management*Potential for local maize not known; no experimental results

MERU COUNTY 35

Subzone UM 2, m + s/m of the Main Coffee Zone

This is the main Coffee Zone with a medium and a short to medium cropping season, analysed in Karongoni sub-location of Meru South district. About 64% of the farmers reported growing coffee (Table 21). There is less diversification of crops grown in this zone than in LH 1 as seen in Table 21. The annual crops grown include: beans, maize, sweet potatoes, soya beans, tobacco and pumpkins. The permanent crops include: coffee, bananas, mangoes and paw paws. Most farmers grow mono-cropped French beans as a high value cash crop. Maize yields hardly reach half the agro-ecological unit potential of 4500 kg/ha due to insufficient use of fertilizer inputs (Table 22).

MERU COUNTY 36

TABLE 22e: INCREASE OF YIELDS BY BETTER FARM MANAGEMENT IN AGRO-ECOLOGICAL UNIT1) UM 2, m + m/s, RB 2

Subzone: m + m/s, Soil Unit: RB 2 Survey Area 153 (Karongoni)


AEZ: UM 2 MAIN COFFEE ZONESubzone: m + m/s (Periods in days2): 1st rainy season: 140 - 170; 2nd rainy season: 110 - 120)Unit with predom. Soil: RB 2 = humic NITISOLSReliable rainfall: 1st rainy season:600 - 720 mm in at least 10 out of 15 years

2nd rainy season: 400 - 450 mm in at least 10 out of 15 years

Farmers in Prod. Level Farmers in Prod. LevelMaize local pure stand Yields3) kg/haFertiliser7):



III=high5)

AEU Pot.6)

more interest in monocropped beans

Hybrid maizeYields3) kg/haFertiliser7):




Hybrid maizeintercroppedwith beansYields3) kg/haFertiliser7):


- - 2250

1012--

ca. 4500 - - -

NOTES:1) Source: Small Farm Survey (2004)2) Figures of these cereals growing periods should be reached or surpassed in 6 out of 10 years3) Achieved average yields with average rainfall4) Farmers with medium inputs5) Farmers with high inputs of fertilizer, insecticides, soil and water conservation6) Potential yield according to crop list and local climate of this Agro-Ecological Unit if soils are optimally fertilized, plus optimal crop management

MERU COUNTY 37

Subzone LM 3, s + s of the Cotton Zone

This is a Cotton Zone with two short cropping seasons as found in Kirendeni sub-location of Meru Central district and Mariani Sub-location of Meru South district. Although this is a cotton zone, no farmer reported growing this crop (Table 21). The reason for this is that the cotton industry in Kenya has been experiencing serious marketing problems which forced many ginneries to close down. In the absence of these, farmers found it extremely difficult to market their crop and hence abandoned growing the crop. With current new marketing incentives through AGOA, it is hoped that farmers will resume growing cotton in the near future. The current crop list in this zone include: Asian vegetables, beans, cassava, cowpeas, French beans, green grams, maize, okra, tomatoes, pigeon peas, sorghum, finger millet, sweet potatoes and tobacco (Table 21). The diversification of crops by farmers is encouraging as a measure of spreading risk. The permanent crops are avocado, bananas and mangoes. Maize and beans are the dominant staple food. The yields of maize are still far below the agro-ecological unit potential (Table 22). Farmers will have no choice but to increase the fertilizer and manure inputs used on their farms if the issue of food security is to be adequately addressed.

MERU COUNTY 38

TABLE 22f: INCREASE OF YIELDS BY BETTER FARM MANAGEMENT IN AGRO-ECOLOGICAL UNIT1) LM 3, s + s, RB 3

Subzone: s + s, Soil Unit: RB 3 Survey Area 154 (Mariani)


AEZ:LM 3 COTTON ZONESubzone: s + s (Periods in days2): 1st rainy season: 85 - 105; 2nd rainy season: 85 - 105)Unit with predom. Soil: RB 3 = eutric NITISOLS; with nito-chromic CAMBISOLS and ACRISOLS and LUVISOLS, partly lithic, pisoferric or petroferric phaseReliable rainfall: 1st rainy season:300 - 500 mm in at least 10 out of 15 years





III=high5)

AEU Pot.6)

-

55--

1138

610-

2.5

1308

811-

5.2

* - 1138

610-

2.5

1688

811-

5.1

*

Hybrid maizeYields3) kg/haFertiliser7):

N kg/haP2O5 kg/haK2O kg/haManure t/haMaize localintercroppedwith beansYields3) kg/haFertiliser7):


Hybrid maizeintercroppedwith beansYields3) kg/haFertiliser7):


- 1327

1318-

5.8

1904

1524-

8.6

ca. 3800 - 1814

1218-

5.8

2195

1524-

8.4

ca. 4000

NOTES:1) Source: Small Farm Survey (2004)2) Figures of these cereals growing periods should be reached or surpassed in 6 out of 10 years3) Achieved average yields with average rainfall4) Farmers with medium inputs5) Farmers with high inputs of fertilizer, insecticides, soil and water conservation6) Potential yield according to crop list and local climate of this Agro-Ecological Unit if soils are optimally fertilized, plus optimal crop management* Potential for local maize not known; no experimental results

MERU COUNTY 39

Subzone LM 4, /vs + s/vs of the Marginal Cotton Zone

This is a Marginal Cotton Zone with two short to very short cropping seasons, as typified by Makanyanga Sub-location of Meru South district. This is a subzone with a large diversification of crops grown (Table 21). The crop list includes: maize, bulrush millet, finger millet, sorghum, cowpeas, green grams, cotton and sunflower. It is encouraging to note that many farmers grow cowpeas and millets, which are actual very well suited to this subzone. The yields of maize are still far below the agro-ecological unit potential (Table 22). Farmers will have no choice but to increase the organic and artificial fertilizer inputs used on their farms if the issue of food security is to be adequately addressed. Much intercropping (Table 21g) is a step towards more ecological sustainable land use. The permanent crops include: cashew nuts, mangoes, oranges and paw paws.

MERU COUNTY 40

TABLE 22g: INCREASE OF YIELDS BY BETTER FARM MANAGEMENT IN AGRO-ECOLOGICAL UNIT1) LM 4, s/vs + s/vs, UI 1

Subzone: s/vs + s/vs, Soil Unit: UI 1 Survey Area 155 (Makanyanga)


AEZ:LM 4 MARGINAL COTTON ZONESubzone: s/vs + s/vs (Periods in days2): 1st rainy season: 75 - 85; 2nd rainy season: 55 - 75)

Unit with predom. Soil: UI 1= nito - rhodic FERRALSOLS

Reliable rainfall: 1st rainy season:250 - 330 mm in at least 10 out of 15 years





III=high5)

AEU Pot.6)

Improved maizeYields3) kg/haFertiliser7):


- 3375-

30.720--

- ca. 4000 KCB

- - - ca. 2500 DLC



Improved maizeintercroppedwith beansYields3) kg/haFertiliser7):


- - - - - -

NOTES:1) Source: Small Farm Survey (2004)2) Figures of these cereals growing periods should be reached or surpassed in 6 out of 10 years3) Achieved average yields with average rainfall4) Farmers with medium inputs5) Farmers with high inputs of fertilizer, insecticides, soil and water conservation6) Potential yield according to crop list and local climate of this Agro-Ecological Unit if soils are optimally fertilized, plus optimal crop management

MERU COUNTY 41

MERU COUNTY 42

3.3.6 FERTILISER AND MANURE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR IMPORTANT AGRO-ECOLOGICAL UNITS

The Fertiliser Use Recommendation Project of the GTZ (1986 - 92) had two trial sites in the central and southern part of the former Meru district, one on Nitisols at Kaguru FTC in UM 2, the other in Mitunguu in LM 3 on Vertisols and nito-rhodic Ferralsol with low fertility. For the other zones, subzones and units Muriuki and Qureshi showed which results from other districts could be representative (see map of Fertiliser Recommendations and Farm Survey Areas) and made curves for fertiliser response1.

Recommended rates of an AEU increase into a wetter subzone and decrease into a drier one if the soil unit extends there (see dark and light grey shades in the small maps). We have tend to lower the rates due to the low financial basis of the smallholder farmers. The optimum can be calculated from the curve formulas in Muriuki & Qureshi Fertiliser Use Manual, KARI, Nairobi 2001. In the long run the maintenance amount must be given to maintain the nutrient content. Some quantities for it can be seen at the end of this chapter and in the chapter 3.1 General Remarks.

Higher recommendations are given in the Smallholder Farming Handbook of the IRACC and MSS, Nairobi 1997, but the economic investment and risk is too high for the local farmers here. A rural small credit system for the inputs could help a lot. Where scientific sources for quantifying the rates are lacking, some conclusions could be taken from the difference of inputs and yields between the low and high production levels of the Farm Survey 2004/05. An empty column Other Nutrients Recommended does not mean that there is nothing necessary, it is because of lacking trials. Signs of deficiencies and methods of alleviating it see Muriuki, A.W. and Qureshi, J.N. (2001), Table 1&2, p.22-23.

Finally it must be mentioned again that fertilising alone will increase the yields only for some years. The micronutrients not included in the fertiliser become exhausted. Manuring almost up to the full return of the extracted nutrients is a must in order to have a stable agrobiological system with continuous production2.

On the other hand even macronutrients which is not yet mentioned like potassium (K) because there is still enough in the soil, must be given in the long run because 1 t of maize needs 23 kg K, 1 t of sorghum even 45 kg, 1 t of groundnuts 50 kg. Cassava is less demanding, only 7 kg K per t, but needs additionally 2 kg of cobalt (Co) and 1 kg of magnesium (Mg) 3.

____________________________1 Muriuki, A.W. & Qureshi, J.N.: Fertiliser Use Manual. Nairobi KARI .2 Southern China has parts with similar soils to Kenya and stabilized productivity there for hundreds of years by returning to the fields as much as possible, even the ashes, excrements and urea. The organic material could be used first for biogas production to reduce the hygenic and energy problems.3 Figures in handbooks, from international experience.

MERU COUNTY 43

MERU COUNTY 44

TABLE 23b: FERTILISER AND MANURE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR AGRO-ECOLOGICAL UNIT UM 1 fl i m, RB 1 of the TEA-COFFEE ZONE

Crop varieties and Season

Recommended Fertiliser Rates

Average Yield Increase if this Rate

is Applied

Average Yield Increase if

5t/ha Manure are Applied

Other Nutrients Recommended

kg/ha kg/ha * kg/haFirst rainy Season1)

Maize (H614)Maize & beansPotatoesCabbages

50N + 25P25P

50N + 20P20P

400360 (maize) 4)

45009940

*-

ca. 1500ca. 5000

Lime 2t -> 1230Lime

Lime 2t -> 3420Lime 2t -> 11100

Second Rainy SeasonBeans 20 P 750 * Lime 2t -> 290

Perennial cropsTea2)

Coffee3)370N + 75P + 50K

180N + 100Pca. 7000ca. 1000

-Lime

Sources: MURIUKI, A.W. & QURESHI, J.N.: Fertiliser Use Manual 2001, p. 132; KARI and GTZ: Fertil. Use Recomm., Vol. 6 Embu District, Nairobi ca. 1995, and conclusions from the Farm Survey 2004, area 143; FMHB Vol. II C, 1983, p. 1371 Late maturing crops continue to next rainy season.2 See also recommendations of local Tea Authorities or Companies.3 See also recent recommendations of local Coffee Cooperatives and Embu Agric. Res. Stn.4 Beans do not well in upper parts during first rainy season, too wet and cold.; * No data available

TABLE 23a: FERTILISER AND MANURE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR AGRO-ECOLOGICAL UNITS LH 1 m/l i m, RB 1 and MV 2 of the TEA ZONE

Crop varieties and Season

Recommended Fertiliser Rates

Average Yield Increase if this Rate

is Applied





Maize H613 & beansPotatoesCabbages

50 N50N + 20 P50N + 20 P

500 maize 3)

750011260

ca. 500 maizeca. 1500ca. 5000

Lime 2t -> 1000Lime 4) Lime 4)

Second Rainy Season1)

Maize Maize & beans

--

--

ca. 900ca. 700 maize

Lime 4)

Lime 4)

Perennial cropsTea 2) 230N + 50P + 40K 5700 -

Sources: MURIUKI & QURESHI: Fertiliser Use Manual 2001, p. 128; conclusions from the Farm Survey 2004, area 149.1 Late maturing crops continue to next rainy season.2 See also recommendations of local Tea Authorities or Companies.3 Beans do not well, too wet and cold.4 Lime is very necessary due to very acid soils (except for tea), see Table 22b.

MERU COUNTY 45

MERU COUNTY 46

TABLE 23c: FERTILISER AND MANURE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR AGRO-ECOLOGICAL UNITS UM 2 m + m & m + s/m, RB 2 of the MAIN COFFEE ZONE

Crop varieties and SeasonRecommended Fertiliser Rates

Average Yield Increase if this Rate is Applied




kg/ha kg/ha * kg/haFirst rainy SeasonMaize (H511 or other H5...))

Maize & beansBeans (GLP 2)Potatoes (Annet)Cabbages (Sugar Loaf )1)

75 N50 N12 P50 N25 P

17001180 maize

14060505960

ca. 600ca. 550 maize

**

LimeLimeLime

--

Second Rainy SeasonMaize (H513) Maize & beansPotatoesCabbage

50 N50 N50 N20 P

11651275 maize

55003700

ca. 600*

-Lime

Perennial cropsCoffee ²)

Napier grass (Bana)180 N + 100 P50 N + 20 P

ca. 1000ca. 1000 ca. 4000 -

Sources: MURIUKI, A.W. & QURESHI, J.N.: Fertiliser Use Manual 2001, p. 135; KARI and GTZ: Fertil Use Recomm., Vol. 3, Meru District. Nairobi 1995; experim. results from Embu ARS and Birgit Schmidt; conclu.from the Farm Survey 2004, area 153; FMHB Vol. II C, 1983, p. 140.1 Phosphate is very necessary here, without it very small yield only² See also recent recommendations of Embu Agricultural Research Station.3 K and Mg after few years of cultivation if no manure is applied.* No data available

MERU COUNTY 47

MERU COUNTY 48

TABLE 23d: FERTILISER AND MANURE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR AGRO-ECOLOGICAL UNITS UM 3 m/s + m/s, RB 3 of the MARGINAL COFFEE ZONE





Other Nutrients Recom-mended

kg/ha kg/ha * kg/haFirst rainy Season

Hybrid maizeMaize & beans

75 N + 25 P50 N + 25 P

12001050 (maize)

ca. 900-

--

Second Rainy Season

Hybrid maizeMaize & beans

50 N + 25 P25 P

ca. 900ca. 600 (maize)

ca. 700-

--

Perennial crops

Coffee 2)

Napier grass (Bana)up to 100 C.A.N.2)

50 N + 20 P6501000

*ca. 3500

--

Sources: MURIUKI, A.W. & QURESHI, J.N.: Fertiliser Use Manual 2001, p. 135; conclusions from the Farm Survey 2004, area 145; IRACC: Small Holder Farming Handbook 1997, p. 1471 Double rates at cereals will bring almost double increase if climate is suitable and there are no pests and diseases.

² Up to 100 kg per 10 trees per year, down to 50 kg if rain is below average or annual average is less than 1200mm.

* No data available

TABLE 23e: FERTILISER AND MANURE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR AGRO-ECOLOGICAL UNIT LM 3 s + s, UI 1 of the COTTON ZONE





Other Nutrients Recommended2)

kg/ha kg/ha * kg/haFirst rainy Season

Maize KCBMaize KCB & cowpeas

20 N + 25 P20 P

500210 (maize)

ca. 650*

Ca, K, Mg“

Second Rainy Season

Maize KCBMaize KCB & beans

25 N + 20 P20 P

500ca. 300 (maize)

ca. 700*

““

Biseasonal (2nd to 1st r. s.)

Cotton 2) 120N + 90P ca. 1000 * “ Sources: MURIUKI, A.W. & QURESHI, J.N.: Fertiliser Use Manual 2001, p. 135; KARI and GTZ: Fertil. Use Recomm., Vol. 3, Meru District, Nairobi 1995; conclusions from the Farm Survey 2004, area 160; IRACC: Small Holder Farming Handbook 1997, p. 155.1 Application in first rainy season may be uneconomical due to a rain deficit, therefore low quantities.² See also recent recommendations of the Cotton Board.* No data available

MERU COUNTY 49

MERU COUNTY 50

TABLE 23f: FERTILISER AND MANURE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR AGRO-ECOLOGICAL UNIT LM 4 s/vs + s/vs, UI 1 of the MARGINAL COTTON ZONE





Other Nutrients Recommended2)

kg/ha kg/ha * kg/haFirst rainy Season 1)

Maize DLCMaize & cowpeas

none, rainfall too risky

ca. 400*

--

Second Rainy Season

Maize Maize & cowpeas

15 N + 20 P20 P

460450 (maize)

ca. 600*

Ca, K, Mg“

Biseasonal (2nd to 1st r.s.)

Cotton 50 N + 50 P ca. 600 * “

Sources: MURIUKI, A.W. & QURESHI, J.N.: Fertiliser Use Manual 2001, p. 132; KARI and GTZ: Fertil. Use Recomm., Vol. 3, Meru District, Nairobi 1995; conclusions from the Farm Survey 2004, area 161; IRACC: Small Holder Farming Handbook 1997, p. 155.——————————————* No data available

MERU COUNTY 51

MERU COUNTY 52

TABLE 23g: FERTILISER AND MANURE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR AGRO-ECOLOGICAL UNITS LH 3 f(m) i (s/vs) & LH 4 (m/s or s/m) i (vs/s), RB 5 of the WHEAT/MAIZE-BARLEY and CATTLE-SHEEP-BARLEY ZONE







Hybrid maizePotatoes

75 N-

950-

ca. 800ca. 5000

**

Second Rainy S.

BarleyNo fertiliser

recommended, uneconomical ca. 500

Sources: MURIUKI, A.W. & QURESHI, J.N.: Fertiliser Use Manual 2001, p. 114; conclusions from the Farm Survey 2004, area 151.——————————————* No data available

TABLE 23h: FERTILISER AND MANURE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR AGRO-ECOLOGICAL UNIT UM 5 vs/s + vs/s, LB 11 of the LIVESTOCK-SORGHUM ZONE






kg/ha kg/ha * kg/haFirst rainy season1)

Very early mat. sorghumKatheka beans

No fertiliser recommended, uneconomical

Manure recommended

for sustainability, although yield

increase depends very much on rain

Second Rainy Season

Very early mat. sorghumKatheka beans

No fertiliser recommended, uneconomical

Sources: Conclusions from the Farm Survey 2004, area 152.

MERU COUNTY 53

Meru County

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