| dc.description.abstract | The Thai Model Village Farm is located in Mirira Su
b-Location, Gikindu Location, Kiharu
Division, Murang’a District. The farm falls in agro
-climatic zone IV which is classified as semi-
humid to semi-arid. The mean annual temperature ran
ges from 22 to 24°C. The area is
characterized by two short cropping seasons with an
average annual rainfall of between 980 and
1100mm. However, The area experiences a rainfall de
ficit in most months. The landform and
geology of the area are minor valleys and alluvium
(derived from Basaltic Agglomerates).
Soil drainage is a major land limitation while clim
ate and soil fertility are minor limitations for
commonly grown crops in the area. Improvement of th
e soil drainage conditions and application
of manure at the rate of 4tons/acre and compound fe
rtilizer (17:17:17 at 100kg/acre) are
recommended management practices in order to improv
e land suitability of the farm.
During the time of soil survey, two soil mapping un
its, with 0 -1% slopes were identified. Soil
mapping unit VAC1 is currently moderately suitable
(S2) for maize, beans, sunflower, passion
fruits, water melon, capsicum, mangoes, citrus, avo
cados and pawpaw due to mainly drainage,
climate and soil fertility limitations. The potenti
al suitability of these soils for most crops is
considered to be highly suitable (S1) after land im
provements (drainage, manuring and use of
fertilizers).
The soil mapping unit VAC2 is currently marginally
suitable for maize, beans, sunflower, passion
fruits, water melon, mangoes, citrus and avocados d
ue to mainly drainage, climate and soil
fertility limitations. For capsicum and pawpaw, cur
rent suitability is marginally suitable to
provisionally unsuitable (S3-NS1) due to severe dra
inage and temperature limitations. The
potential suitability of these soils for most crops
is considered to be highly suitable (S1) after
some improvements through improvement o0f drainage,
manuring and use of fertilizers.
However, for citrus and pawpaw the unit is moderate
ly suitable to highly suitable (S2-S1) due to
temperature limitations.
For maize and sunflower, drought resistant varietie
s can be used while irrigation is recommended
for high value horticultural crops in order to boos
t production. | en |
