Browsing by Author "Nassary, Eliakira Kisetu"

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    Effects of sowing dates and phosphorus levels on cotton growth and yield: soil analysis and implications
    (Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems, 2023-11-20) Tlatlaa, Jacob Shauri; Tryphone, George Muhamba; Nassary, Eliakira Kisetu
    This study assessed the effects of sowing dates and phosphorus levels on cotton performance in Chato-Msilale village in Chato District, Tanzania. The soil analysis revealed that field exhibited slightly acidic soil with normal electrical conductivity but suffered from severe deficiencies in total nitrogen and organic carbon. The same field presents common issue of low cation exchange capacity, indicating limited nutrient-holding capacity. Furthermore, both fields displayed very low levels of total nitrogen (<0.1%), signaling a nitrogen deficiency. Available phosphorus was rated as medium (16.8 mg kg−1 soil). Trace elements fluctuated and could be managed based on specific crop requirements. The factors at different levels were: (1) sowing dates – (i) 25th November 2022, (ii) 15th December 2022, and (iii) 4th January 2023; and (2) Phosphorus levels – (i) control, (ii) 20 kg P ha−1, (iii) 40 kg P ha−1, and (iv) 60 kg P ha−1. Regarding cotton growth and yield, sowing dates significantly (p < 0.001) influenced plant height, gin turnout, lint yield, number of bolls per plant, and boll weight while phosphorus levels did not exhibit significant effects. Earlier sowing dates resulted in higher yields, albeit with variations in yield components. Interactions showed that growth and yields were only numerically higher in the middle sowing date at higher levels of phosphorus applied. Overall, these insights offer valuable guidance for optimizing cotton cultivation in Chato District, emphasizing the importance of selecting appropriate sowing dates for improved yields.
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    Improving cotton fiber quality through strategic sowing: implications for phosphorus management from experiments in Chato district, Tanzania
    (Journal of Natural Fibers, 2024) Tlatlaa, Jacob Shauri; Tryphone, George Muhamba; Nassary, Eliakira Kisetu
    This study was conducted in Msilale Village, Chato District in Tanzania, to evaluate the influence of sowing dates and phosphorus levels on cotton fiber quality. The study was established according to a factorial trial, with varying sowing dates (25th November 2022, 15th December 2022 and 4th January 2023) and phosphorus levels (control, 20 kg P ha−1, 40 kg P ha−1, 60 kg P ha−1). Results revealed that early planting had a statistically signifi­ cant (p < .001) effect on fiber cotton quality, including spinning coefficient index, fiber length, fiber strength, uniformity index, short fiber content, and grade/color. Early sowing dates (25th November 2022 and 15th December 2022) consistently produced superior fiber quality, including spin­ ning coefficient index (156.5 and 148.4), moisture content of the fiber (7.8% and 7.7%), micronaire (3.5 μg/inch), upper half mean length (1.2 cm), unifor­ mity index (84.6% and 84.2%) and shorter fiber (6.8% and 7.0%) relative to late sowing (4th January 2023). Conversely, phosphorus levels did not sig­ nificantly (p > .05) impact these parameters within the tested range. This research underscores the critical role of selecting appropriate sowing dates for cotton cultivation to achieve better fiber quality.