Browsing by Author "Rwehumbiza, Filbert B."

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Agronomic management strategies for adaptation to the current climate variability: the case of North-Eastern Tanzania
(2014) Tumbo, Siza D.; Rwehumbiza, Filbert B.; Kahimba, Frederick C.; Enfors, Elin; Mahoo, Henry F.; Mbilinyi, Boniface P.; Mkoga, Zacharia; Churi, Ayubu
Rainfed agriculture in semi-arid areas of sub-Saharan Africa faces a great challenge due to increasingly high variability and unreliability of rainfall. Two of the effective adaptive responses to reduce the vulnerability to the changing climate are through use of soil and water conservation technologies and employment of improved agronomic practices. A study was conducted to quantify the risk and profitability of agronomic management strategies for maize using long-term climatic data and a crop simulation model. APSIM model was used to perform long-term simulations of different management strategies. Simulated maize grain yield for different cultivars and sets of management strategies were evaluated to establish the associated risks and benefits. Results indicate that planting Situka or SC401 during Masika season instead of Kito or other cultivars, gives a yield of more than 1 ton/ha under conventional methods. Maize yield increases to 2t/ha or even higher with the use of fertilizers and recommended management practices. The cost benefit analysis indicated that income greater than USD 700 per ha could be obtained when recommended practices are applied, with Situka and SC401 as the maize varieties planted. Based on the results of the study, it is recommended that farmers should employ improved agronomic management practices only when the seasonal forecast indicates above normal rainfall. The early availability of seasonal rainfall forecast is thus vital. Alternatively, farmers are much safer if they continue to employ their conventional approaches of farming because these have lower risks.
Effect of water management systems with different nutrient combinations on performance of rice on soils of Mvumi, Kilosa District, Tanzania
(EXCELLENT PUBLISHERS, 2017) Massawe, Ikunda H.; Rwehumbiza, Filbert B.; Msanya, B. M.
A study was conducted on soils of Mvumi Village, Kilosa District, Tanzania to investigate the effect of water and nutrients on performance of rice so as to provide a gateway for improving rice production by manipulating water and nutrients. Pot experiment was laid in a split plot design with water management systems (SRI= Alternate wetting and drying, FLD= Continuous flooding) as main factor and nutrient combinations (N0P0K0S0, N400P0K0S0, N400P80K0S0, N400P80K50S0, N400P80K50S40) as sub-factor. N400P80K50S40 had significantly (p<0.05) higher number of tillers plant-1 (12.44), plant height (98.86 cm), grain yield (26.26 g plant-1) and biomass yield (23.57 g plant-1) as well as total P (0.27%), K (1.07%) and S (0.15%) concentrations in shoot than other treatments. On the other hand, the highest number of tillers plant-1 (11 tillers plant-1), grain yield (20.74 g plant-1), biomass yield (17.37 g plant-1) and S (0.13%) concentration in shoot were recorded in SRI while the highest plant height (95.47 cm), N (2.02%), P (0.24%) and K (0.89%) concentrations in shoot were recorded in FLD. The results of interaction of nutrients and water showed that, grain yield increased significantly (p<0.05) from 4.71 g plant-1 to 27.37 g plant-1 in FLD + N0P0K0S0 and SRI + N400P80K50S40, respectively.
Potentials of synthetic biodegradable mulch for improved livelihoods on smallholder farmers: a systematic review
(Frontiers in Agronomy, 2024-09-25) Ramadhani, Ahamed Mwarabu,; Nassary, Eliakira Kisetu; Rwehumbiza, Filbert B.; Massawe, Boniface H. J.; Nchimbi-Msolla, Susan
Plastic waste in agriculture, particularly from polyethylene mulch, poses significant environmental challenges. Synthetic biodegradable mulch has emerged as a sustainable alternative, derived from renewable resources such as thermoplastic starch, polylactic acid, polyhydroxyalkanoates, and copolyesters. This review explores the benefits of synthetic biodegradable mulch, its environmental impact, and the policy landscape to support its adoption. A review of existing literature was conducted, focusing on three aspects: (1) the performance of synthetic biodegradable mulch in crop production and pest control, (2) the environmental, socioeconomic, and climate resilience compared to polyethylene mulch, and (3) the institutional policies that promote synthetic biodegradable mulch adoption. The analysis considered comparative data on yield, pest management, and sustainability metrics. Synthetic biodegradable mulch performs similarly or better than polyethylene mulch in various agricultural practices. It enhances crop yield, quality, and weed suppression, acts as a physical barrier against pests and diseases, reduces chemical usage, and aids in water and nutrient management. Moreover, synthetic biodegradable mulch offers environmental benefits by reducing plastic waste, microplastic pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to climate change mitigation. While synthetic biodegradable mulch provides numerous advantages, adoption faces challenges such as high initial costs, farmer preferences, and the regulatory framework. Effective institutional policies and increased consumer demand could drive wider adoption, offering potential for improved livelihoods among small farmers while promoting environmental sustainability.