School of Agricultural Sciences (SAS)

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    Grasslands: A resource for humanity (Inaugural lecture)
    ( 200-04-22) Sabiiti, E. N
    This paper is a compilation of an inaugural lecture which is a Makerere University requirement following promotion to a full Professor in ones area of specialisation. I was promoted to full Professor in December 1998 having risen through at the ranks and files since 1985. My research has focused on grassland and range sciences since 1976 and I have a record of more than 100 scientific publications, the majority falling in these areas. I have attended several conferences, symposia and workshops the World over and accumulated massive knowledge and information about the vital role of grasslands in supporting the well being/ livelihoods of humanity.
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    Persistence of an introduced bradyrhizobium japonicum and other soybean rhizobia in a soybean/maize rotation
    (African Crop Science Society, 1994) Nkwiine, Charles
    Streptomycin resistant mutant of Bradyrhizobium japonicum strain IRJ 2114 was developed, tested for ability to nodulate and fix nitrogen, and introduced on seeds at the start of the field experiments. Soybean (Glycine max L.) and maize (Zea mays L.) were then grown in four cropping sequences namely soybean/soybean/soybean, soybean/soybean/maize (SSM), soybean/maize/soybean, and soybean/maize/maize. Percentage soybean nodulation by the introduced rhizobium, and seasonal changes in soybean rhizobial populations along and between crop rows were determined using the antibiotic resistance and most probable numbers methods, respectively. Results showed the number of nodules per plant and proportion of nodules due to introduced rhizobium strain varied significantly (P less than or equal to 0.01) with cropping sequences. In the first season, nodule recovery due to the introduced rhizobium was low (15%). In the subsequent seasons, maize crop adversely affected soybean nodulation. As in the third season, occupancy of mutant rhizobium was 60% for continuous soybean cropping (SSS), and 42% for the soybean/maize/soybean (SMS). Populations of soil soybean rhizobia were similarly affected by the cropping sequences. Rhizobia numbers were significantly (P less than or equal to 0.05) higher when the first two crops were soybean (SS) than when maize followed soybean (SM). Throughout the sampling period, more rhizobia occurred along the crop rows (AR) than in the inter-row spaces (BR), indicating positive effects of rhizospheres on the rhizobial population. It was concluded therefore that for successful establishment of improved strains of B.japonicum, a second soybean crop should follow the first inoculated crop.
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    Persistence of an introduced bradyrhizobium japonicum and other soybean rhizobia in a soybean/maize rotation
    (African Crop Science Society, 1994) Nkwiine, Charles
    Streptomycin resistant mutant of Bradyrhizobium japonicum strain IRJ 2114 was developed, tested for ability to nodulate and fix nitrogen, and introduced on seeds at the start of the field experiments. Soybean (Glycine max L.) and maize (Zea mays L.) were then grown in four cropping sequences namely soybean/soybean/soybean, soybean/soybean/maize (SSM), soybean/maize/soybean, and soybean/maize/maize. Percentage soybean nodulation by the introduced rhizobium, and seasonal changes in soybean rhizobial populations along and between crop rows were determined using the antibiotic resistance and most probable numbers methods, respectively. Results showed the number of nodules per plant and proportion of nodules due to introduced rhizobium strain varied significantly (P less than or equal to 0.01) with cropping sequences. In the first season, nodule recovery due to the introduced rhizobium was low (15%). In the subsequent seasons, maize crop adversely affected soybean nodulation. As in the third season, occupancy of mutant rhizobium was 60% for continuous soybean cropping (SSS), and 42% for the soybean/maize/soybean (SMS). Populations of soil soybean rhizobia were similarly affected by the cropping sequences. Rhizobia numbers were significantly (P less than or equal to 0.05) higher when the first two crops were soybean (SS) than when maize followed soybean (SM). Throughout the sampling period, more rhizobia occurred along the crop rows (AR) than in the inter-row spaces (BR), indicating positive effects of rhizospheres on the rhizobial population. It was concluded therefore that for successful establishment of improved strains of B.japonicum, a second soybean crop should follow the first inoculated crop.
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    Facilitation of rhizobium inoculant use by farmers in Uganda
    (Soil Science Society of East Africa (SSSEA), 1994-11) Nkwiine, C. ; Siriri, D. ; Ajonye, M.
    Short shelf-life and lack of locally available stickers are constraints to inoculant use by local farmers in Uganda. Therefore two investigations were conducted to identify a method of improving the shelf-life of Rhizobium inoculants and to obtain local inoculant stickers. Peat soil, a carrier was sterilized by autoclaving at 121oC for t hour and oven heating at 65oC for 4 days prior to incorporation of rhizobia. Bradyrhizobium japonicum inoculants were cultured and the most probable number (MPN) of rhizobia determined at 15, 60, 90 and 180 days after peat inoculation. A collection of locally available inoculant stickers namely: banana juice (undiluted) sugar solution (10%), tap water, and local gum arabic were evaluated for efficiency in gluing and protecting rhizobial cells on seed surface. Inoculants of soybean (Glycine max), Leucaena leucocephala and common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) were used. Two best stickers were further tested for their efficiency in keeping high numbers of rhizobia on seed during 24 hours. Inoculants from unsterile and oven-sterilised peat did not maintain the recommended rhizobia population (1x108 cells gm-1) after 60 days of storage. The inoculants produced using autoclaved peat still had above the recommended rhizobial population after 6 months of storage. Banana juice and local gum Arabic significantly (P=0.05) compared well with the recommended sugar solution as stickers of rhizobia on all the types of seeds used. Water was an inferior sticker of rhizobia per seed than are recommended (108) for most of the seeds used except for groundnuts. Banana juice was significantly (P 0.05) a superior protectant of inoculants compared to sugar solution. Results suggest that autoclaving peat for inoculant production increases shelf-life of the product. While neutral banana (Mbidde) juice could recommended for use as an efficient and locally available rhizobia sticker
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    Potential for organic and inorganic fertilization for sustainable coffee production in Uganda
    (African Crop Science Society, 1996) Nkwiine, Charles ; Bwamiki, D. ; Zake, J. Y. K.
    The economy of Uganda is heavily dependent on Agriculture. Most of the export earnings come from coffee which is produced mainly by small scale farmers. However, the productivity of this crop has declined over the years. This has been atttibuted mainly to the decline in soil fertility. Therefore, experiments were set up in various parts of the country to study the effects of inorganrc and organrc fertiIizers on robusta coffee yields. Coffee husks were the organic fertilizer and NPK, the inorganic fertilizers. Results indicated that application of coffee husks and chemical fertilizers (NPK) in the different combinatrons increased the productivity of the crop.
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    Potential for organic and inorganic fertilization for sustainable coffee production in Uganda
    (African Crop Science Society, 1996) Nkwiine, Charles ; Bwamiki, D. ; Zake, J. Y. K.
    The economy of Uganda is heavily dependent on Agriculture. Most of the export earnings come from coffee which is produced mainly by small scale farmers. However, the productivity of this crop has declined over the years. This has been atttibuted mainly to the decline in soil fertility. Therefore, experiments were set up in various parts of the country to study the effects of inorganrc and organrc fertiIizers on robusta coffee yields. Coffee husks were the organic fertilizer and NPK, the inorganic fertilizers. Results indicated that application of coffee husks and chemical fertilizers (NPK) in the different combinatrons increased the productivity of the crop.
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    Effect of crop protection management practice on yield of seven cowpea varieties in Uganda
    (Taylor & Francis, 1996) Edema, R. ; Adipala, E.
    Field experiments were conducted during the first and second rainy seasons of 1994 to evaluate the seed yield potential of two commonly grown cowpea varieties and five introduced lines under different pest and disease situations. The highest yields (4654.7 kg/ha, 2083.5 kg/ha and 974.6 kg/ha, respectively) were obtained from the lines IT82D-522-1, IT85F-1987 and Katumani-80, and the least yield was from Icirikukwai, a local line. Between 32.5% to 70.7% yield depression was obtained in plots where pests were not controlled, whereas 9.2% to 16.0% yield depression was attributed to fungal diseases. These results indicate that insect pests are the most important biotic constraint to cowpea production in Uganda.
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    Indigenous populations of rhizobia, legume response to inoculation and farmer awareness of inoculants in East and Southern Africa
    (African Crop Science Society (ACSS), 1997) Woomer, P. L. ; Karanja, N. K. ; Mekki, E. I. ; Mwakalombe, B. ; Tembo, H. ; Nkwiine, C. ; Silver, M. ; Nyika, M. ; Ndakidemi, P. ; Msumali, G.
    The Rhizobium Ecology Network of East and Southern Africa (RENEASA) is a participatory research affiliation of microbiologists and agronomists which seeks to better understand biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) and promote the use of rhizobial inoculants. The Network was initiated in 1991 to describe the rhizobial populations in soils. In 1994, two new areas of research were included; green house testing of legume inoculation and implementation of a survey addressing farmer awareness of BNF. One or all of these topics were investigated by 13 collaborators in 10 countries. Indigenous rhizobial populations were characterised at 46 sites by plant infection counts of legumes from different cross-inoculation groups. Bradyrhizobium spp. were the most frequently observed species in the wet and semi-arid lowlands (2.37 and l.84log10 cells g soil-l, respectively), and were consistently high in the humid areas of Uganda. Rhizobia nodulating bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) were greatest in highland soils (3.01 log10 cells g soil-1), particularly in the Kenyan and Rwandan Highlands. Thirty-six legume inoculant experiments were conducted in cooperators' glasshouses involving twelve soils and six hosts. Overall, legumes responded to inoculation with a 47% increase in growth and a 36% increase in the frequency of effective nodules when compared to the uninoculated controls. Farmer awareness of biological nitrogen fixation appears to be a major limitation in the use of inoculants. Overall, l16 households were surveyed in 5 counties, 98% cultivated legumes, 59% applied nitrogen fertilizers, 40% were aware of the potential benefits of root nodulation, 15% were aware of inoculants and 9% were currently using them. Different patterns of farmer awareness were noted in different counties.
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    Early screening of cassava for resistance to root-knot nematodes
    (Organization of Tropical American Nematologists, 1997) Talwana, L.A.H. ; Speijer, P.R. ; Adipala, E. ; Maslen, N.R.
    A method was developed for early screening of cassava for resistance to root-knot nematodes. One­ node cassava cuttings were planted in plastic disposable beverage cups filled with sterile 1:1 (by vol­ume) sand-soil mixture. Two weeks after planting, the plantlets were infested with a 10 ml suspension containing approximately 1000 Meloidogyne spp. eggs. One month after inoculation, the cassava root systems were evaluated for damage and rated for gall index. Densities of Meloidogyne females in the roots were established by differential staining, followed by counting of the female root-knot nema­todes under a stereomicroscope. Significant differences in gall index and number of established females, but not in reduction in fresh root weight, were observed among varieties. While some confirmatory field surveys are still required, findings from preliminary surveys carried out in two areas of Uganda suggest that the relative susceptibility of a variety in the field can adequately be predicted by using one-node cuttings.
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    Influence of season and cropping system on occurrence of cowpea diseases in Uganda.
    (American Phytopathological Society, 1997) Edema, R. ; Adipala, E. ; Florini, D.A.
    An on-farm survey was conducted for two seasons (first and second rains of 1994) to determine influence of season and cropping systems on occurrence of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) diseases in Uganda. Viral diseases were widespread in both seasons but were more severe in the intercropped than in the nonintercropped cowpea. In contrast, scab, rust, and powdery mildew were less common and less severe when cowpea was grown in intercrops. High plant populations favored scab and anthracnose, but viral diseases were more severe under low plant populations. Higher incidence and severity of viral diseases, anthracnose, and scab were recorded during the first (wetter) season than during the second (drier) season. Disease level varied considerably among the common cultivars, but these differences may have been influenced by environmental differences.
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    The effects of differernt land clearing and soil management practices on soil productivity in the Lake Victoria crescent zone of Uganda
    (Soil Science Society of Eastern Africa, 1998) Zake, J. Y. K ; Nkwiine, C. ; Sessanga, S. ; Tumuhairwe, J. K. ; Bwamiki, D. ; Okwakol, M. ; Kasenge, V. ; Zobisch, M. A. ; Sendiwanyo
    Land clearing and the subsequent soil management practices are important steps in determining the sustainability of crop production in high rainfall areas. Soil productivity has decreased in the high rainfall zone of Uganda around Lake Victoria, known as the fertile crescent. A research was carried out at Makerere University Agriculture Research Institute, Kabanyolo (MUARIK) to determine the effect of four different land clearing and soil management practices on the productivity of a Kaudiudolf soil type. A completely randomised block design experiment was set up with three replications, involving continuous annual crops of maize and beans. The results indicated that the practices that involved intense tillage and burning of the bushes and crop residue led to faster loss of nutrients from the soil.
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    Evaluation of alternative soil management techniques under intensive cultivation of the Lake Victoria creascent of Uganda
    (Soil Science Society of East Africa, 1998) Nkwiine, Charles ; Zake, J. Y. K. ; Sessanga, S. ; Tumuhairwe, J. K. ; Bwamiki, D. ; Okwakol, M. ; Kasenge, V. ; Zobisch, M. A. ; Sendiwanyo
    Effective evaluation of soil management techniques require consideration of the soil, the crops, the farmers and the environment. Soil productivity in the "fertile crescent" zone around Lake Victoria of Uganda has decreased. It is necessary therefore, to identify acceptable practices necessary in opening the land and subsequently managing the soil for sustainable production of annual crops. A completely randomized block design experiment was set up at Makerere University Agriculture Research Institute Kabanyolo (MUARIK) with three replications. The objective was to evaluate four land clearing methods when interacted with soil management practices. The study which took place on a predominately Kandiudult soil type lasted three years involving rotations of Maize (Population 29) and beans (K20). Chemical, physical and biological soil properties, crop yield and socio-economic data were collected before clearing, after clearing and once every year. It was concluded that the peasant farmer should however, continue practicing traditional management, only that the crop residue should be returned to the field. The richer farmer should practice semi-mechanized operations, with return of crop residue and eventual use of fertilizers.
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    Effect of combinations of land clearing and soil management practices on microbial biomass
    (Soil Science Society of East Africa, 1998) Nkwiine, Charles ; Zake, J. Y. K. ; Sessanga, S. ; Tumuhairwe, J. K. ; Okwakol, M. ; Kasene, V. ; Zobisch, M. A
    In a non-fertilizer agriculture of Uganda practiced on low-CEC soils microbial biomass and activities may be affected by and clearing, tillage and soil management practiced in the country. A three-year experiment was conducted at Makerere University Research Institute, Kabanyolo to determine microbial biomass in soil under four different combinations of land clearing, tillage and soil management practices. Also to evaluate changes of microbial mass in soil under intensive cropping for three years on a piece of land fallowed for over I0 years. Four treatment combinations were applied: (i) semi mechanized with slash and burn clearing return crop residues (ii) mechanised with bull doze clearing, fertilization and return of crop residue (iii) semi mechanised with no burning and returning of crop residue (iv) traditional with slash and burning of bush and removal for crop residue. During three years, maize (Zea mays) and beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) were grown in a seasonal sequence of maize during long rains and beans for short rains per year. Soil samples were taken at 0 - 20 cm depth from each treatment plot at pre-clearing, after 1 year, 2 years and 3 years of cropping. Using Chloroform fumigation incubation method soil samples microbial biomoss (C and N) was determined. Also the portions of samples were analysed for total carbon. Results showed that MFR treatment greatly favoured the microbial activities than the rest of the treatments. And the TRD, which involved removal of crop residues from the plots, is an unhealthy practice for microorganisms
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    Farmer selection of bio-physical diversity for agricultural land uses in dissected highland plateaus of Mbarara, Uganda
    (Soil Science Society of East Africa (SSSEA), 1999) Nkwiine, C. ; Tumuhairwe, J. K. ; Zake, J. Y. K
    Dissected Highland plateaus of Mbarara district are found in Isingiro and Rwampara counties. They are characterised by high altitude ranges of 1300 - 1800 m above sea level, with steeply sloping hills and ridges, V and U-shaped valleys and rapid increase in human populations. Such land resources are considered fragile as far as agricultural land use is concerned. Farmers in this area are capable of selecting and manipulating the biophysical conditions of land to meet their increasing needs for food and cash. This work, done in Bugamba, Mwizi, Birere and Kabingo subcounties of Mbarara district aimed at assessing biophysical diversity of the area and indigenous knowledge on utilising it for crop production. The participatory approaches of community workshops and walk transects were employed. Results indicated that communities are knowledgeable of and able to classify the variability in the landscape types of their area as Hilltops and Shoulders (Ebibungo). Backslopes (Obushozi/Obushumo), Footslopes (Hansi ye’ mishozi) Ravines (obuhanga), plains (empita) and Valleys (Empanga). They were able to match the soils with landscape types. Farmers were found to effectively select among these diversities and to utilise them appropriately for crop and livestock production. They grow most of the annual crops on hilltops, perennials (bananas and coffee) on footslopes and valleys and they keep most of the backslopes and plains for grazing livestock' However' where there is shortage of land because of increased population especially in Mwizi, farmers have attempted growing all the crop diversity and other land uses on all landscape types even on very steep (slope gradient 30 - 70%) backslopes. This enriches the agrodiversitv of the region
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    Increase of crop yields by beneficial organisms: a case study of Rhizobia use in Uganda
    (Soil Science Society of East Africa, 1999) Nkwiine, Charles
    Legume production in Uganda has been increasing since 1980 in terms of National total hectarage. However, yields per hectare have remained very low. This is highly attributed to the facts that the legumes are grown on soils, which are poor in nitrogen and lack effective Rhizobia strains, which could fix elemental nitrogen for the legume. Further more, most farmers cannot afford the use of nitrogenous fertilizers. Rhizobia inoculants are produced within the country and sold to farmers at affordable prices. Therefore, this farmer-participatory research aimed at assessing the use of inoculants to improve legume yields. Trials were conducted at Makerere University Agricultural Research Institute Kabanyolo (MWARIK). Namulonge Agricultural and Animal production research Institute (NAARI), Ngeta District Farm Institute and Mubende District. Inoculated seed and un-innoculated soybean seed were planted and grain yields were assessed. Results showed significant (P£0.05) yield increases at all sites and percentage increases ranged between 40% to 70%. The economic analysis indicated that cash constrained farmers can economically raise soybean crop using elite rhizobia strains.
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    Effect of Rhizobium-inoculated pueraria phaseolides green manure on soil nitrogen
    (Soil Science Society of East Africa, 1999) Nkwiine, Charles ; Nankyanzi, M. ; Zake, J. Y. K.
    Efforts have been made to improve agricultural productivity through improving the overall agronomic practices yet yields are still below the expected potentials. This could be attributed to soil fertility exhaustion, especially soil nitrogen, which is highly removed through harvesting of high yielding varieties. A study to evaluate the potential of Pueraria phaseolides as a green manure in improving soil nitrogen status and the use of locally available techniques like Rhizobium inoculation, phosphate rock and wood ash in enhancing the performance of Pueraria phaseolides, was conducted at Makerere University Agricultural Research Institute, Kabanyolo (MUARIK). A soil characterisation of the experimental site prior to incorporation of the green manure revealed that the soil had very low levels of phosphorus while nitrogen and potassium were near to the nutrient limiting values. Results showed that application of phosphate rock significantly increased total soil nitrogen after incorporation of Rhizobium inoculated legume the green manure. There was significant increase in nodule numbers, nodule weight, above ground biomass yield and its nitrogen content (kg ha) and high total soil nitrogen where phosphate rock was added to the inoculated legume. This was attributed to the ability of the phosphorus to enhance better early root development; thereby stimulating legume growth and increasing the capacity to absorb other nutrients from the soil improved nodulation hence high nitrogen fixation.
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    Increase of crop yields by beneficial organisms: a case study of Rhizobia use in Uganda
    (Soil Science Society of East Africa, 1999) Nkwiine, Charles
    Legume production in Uganda has been increasing since 1980 in terms of National total hectarage. However, yields per hectare have remained very low. This is highly attributed to the facts that the legumes are grown on soils, which are poor in nitrogen and lack effective Rhizobia strains, which could fix elemental nitrogen for the legume. Further more, most farmers cannot afford the use of nitrogenous fertilizers. Rhizobia inoculants are produced within the country and sold to farmers at affordable prices. Therefore, this farmer-participatory research aimed at assessing the use of inoculants to improve legume yields. Trials were conducted at Makerere University Agricultural Research Institute Kabanyolo (MWARIK). Namulonge Agricultural and Animal production research Institute (NAARI), Ngeta District Farm Institute and Mubende District. Inoculated seed and un-innoculated soybean seed were planted and grain yields were assessed. Results showed significant (P£0.05) yield increases at all sites and percentage increases ranged between 40% to 70%. The economic analysis indicated that cash constrained farmers can economically raise soybean crop using elite rhizobia strains.
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    Pests and diseases on cowpea in Uganda: Experiences from a diagnostic survey.
    (African Crop Science Society, 1999) Adipala, E. ; Omongo, C.A. ; Sabiti, A. ; Obuo, J.E. ; Edema, R. ; Bua, B. ; Atyang, A. ; Nsubuga, E.N. ; Ogenga-Latigo, M.W.
    diagnostic survey (DS) using a questionnaire covering 525 farm households was conducted in 1993/94 to determine the status of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp) and its production constraints in Uganda. Subsequent on-farm assessments were made during the two rainy seasons of 1994 to verify and quantify the survey information. Additionally, on-station trials were conducted to address issues arising from the information. Insect pests, low plant population densities, poor weed management and labour bottlenecks are the most important constraints to cowpea production in Uganda. Insect pest damage, particularly by bruchids, is most important. Research to develop integrated pest management (IPM) strategies based on the finding of this study are in progress.
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    Bio-physical and socio-economic evaluation of the phosphate rock and rhizobium on groundnuts in Tororo, Uganda
    (Soil Science Society of East Africa (SSSEA), 1999) Nkwiine, C. ; Zake, J. Y. K. ; Kakinda, Mary Jo. ; Sebukyu, Vincent
    The rapid population increase and reliance on traditional methods of agricultural production has threatened food security in Uganda. Growing of annual crop is one possible solution to the threat. However, frequent growing of annuals leads to accelerated leaching and nutrient mining as a result of frequent tillage and crop harvesting. Reinforcement of soil inputs is one sure way of restoring soil fertility, yet most farmers do not use chemical fertilisers due to problems of accessibility and high costs. Moreover the available organic fertilisers Iike cowdung and crop residues are both quantitatively and qualitatively inadequate. In this study therefore, rhizobium and phosphate rock (PR) were used as appropriate low cost soil inputs to boost groundnut production on the Sandy soils of Tororo district, Eastern Uganda. A baseline study revealed that groundnuts is an important income earning crop to farmers and is grown by 86% of the farmers, both as a food and cash crop. On-farm trails in three sub counties (used as replicates) were conducted (involving training farmers on how to apply the inputs at recommended rates and inoculating groundnuts with rhizobia followed by actual experimentation on their farms. The effects of the two inputs were observed from the final yields of the crop. The results showed a marked response (P< 0.05) of groundnut yield to both rhizobia and rock phosphate
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    Farmer selection of bio-physical diversity for agricultural land uses in dissected highland plateaus of Mbarara, Uganda
    (Soil Science Society of East Africa (SSSEA), 1999) Nkwiine, C. ; Tumuhairwe, J. K. ; Zake, J. Y. K.
    Dissected Highland plateaus of Mbarara district are found in Isingiro and Rwampara counties. They are characterised by high altitude ranges of 1300 - 1800 m above sea level, with steeply sloping hills and ridges, V and U-shaped valleys and rapid increase in human populations. Such land resources are considered fragile as far as agricultural land use is concerned. Farmers in this area are capable of selecting and manipulating the biophysical conditions of land to meet their increasing needs for food and cash. This work, done in Bugamba, Mwizi, Birere and Kabingo subcounties of Mbarara district aimed at assessing biophysical diversity of the area and indigenous knowledge on utilising it for crop production. The participatory approaches of community workshops and walk transects were employed. Results indicated that communities are knowledgeable of and able to classify the variability in the landscape types of their area as Hilltops and Shoulders (Ebibungo). Backslopes (Obushozi/Obushumo), Footslopes (Hansi ye’ mishozi) Ravines (obuhanga), plains (empita) and Valleys (Empanga). They were able to match the soils with landscape types. Farmers were found to effectively select among these diversities and to utilise them appropriately for crop and livestock production. They grow most of the annual crops on hilltops, perennials (bananas and coffee) on footslopes and valleys and they keep most of the backslopes and plains for grazing livestock' However' where there is shortage of land because of increased population especially in Mwizi, farmers have attempted growing all the crop diversity and other land uses on all landscape types even on very steep (slope gradient 30 - 70%) backslopes. This enriches the agrodiversitv of the region