WATER USE EFFICIENCY OF TARO (Colocasia esculenta) UNDER VARYING WATERING REGIMES AND PLANTING DENSITIES IN EMBU, KENYA

Joyce Wambui Njuguna, Anne N. Karuma, Patrick Gicheru

Abstract


Background. Taro (Colocasia esculenta) can be grown in a variety of environmental and edaphic conditions, but it is most typically grown in wetlands. The optimal conditions for its growth are two water regimes i.e., waterlogged or flooded conditions to dryland or unflooded conditions. An important criterion in crop yield is water use efficiency (WUE), and it has been suggested that crop production per unit of water used can be increased. Objectives. To determine the WUE of taro in Kenya’s sub-humid environment under different watering regimes and planting densities. Methodology. A study was conducted at the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) – Embu Research Centre, during the long rains (LR) 2021, short rains (SR) 2021/2022, and long rains (LR) 2022. A factorial experiment with a split-plot layout arranged in a completely randomized block design was used. The main factor was the irrigation levels while the sub-factor was the planting density, with three replications. The three irrigation levels were at 100 %, 60 %, and 30 % based on the field capacity (FC). The planting densities used were 0.5m × 0.5m (40,000 plants ha-1), 1m × 0.5m (20,000 plants ha-1), and 1m × 1m (10,000 plants ha-1), representative of high, medium, and low planting densities respectively. Results. The WUE was influenced by season and watering regime (P < 0.05). The 30% FC had the highest WUE with the 100 % FC having the lowest. The high WUE under 30 % FC (19.40 kg ha-1mm-1) was associated with the high biomass (1.97 kg) and low water use (2269.41 mm) recorded under limited water conditions. The medium (1m × 0.5m) planting density attained the highest WUE (12.16 kg ha-1mm-1) with the high planting density (0.5m × 0.5m) having the lowest (10.65 kg ha-1mm-1), though no significant differences were recorded. Implications. The varying watering regimes and planting densities in this study have different capacities to utilize the supplied water. The total taro biomass increased with decrease in water supplied and in turn maximized the water use efficiency. Conclusion. To achieve the highest yield per unit of water consumed, a watering regime of 30 % FC and a planting density of 1 m × 0.5 m (20,000 plants ha-1) is recommended.  

Keywords


water use efficiency; irrigation; planting density; yields

Full Text:

PDF

References


AgriInfo, 2018. Criteria for Scheduling Irrigation or Approaches for Irrigation Scheduling. [online] Available at: https://agriinfo.in/criteria-for-scheduling-irrigation-or-approaches-for-irrigation-scheduling-20/

Akwee, P.E., Netondo, G., Kataka, J.A. and Palapala, V.A., 2015. A critical review of the role of taro Colocasia esculenta L. (Schott) to food security: A comparative analysis of Kenya and Pacific Island taro germplasm. Scientia Agriculturae, [online] 9(2), pp.101–108. https://doi.org/10.15192/PSCP.SA.2015.9.2.101108

Allen, R.G., Pereira, L.S., Raes, D. and Smith, M., 1998. Crop evapotranspiration —guidelines for computing crop water requirements. FAO Irrigation and drainage paper 56. Food and Agriculture Organization, Rome. [online] Available at: https://www.eea.europa.eu/data-and-maps/indicators/water-retention-3/allen-et-al-1998

Ansah, S., 2016. Evaluation of Different Soil Amendments on Growth and Yield of Three Accessions of Taro (Colocasia Esculenta). [online] Kwame-Nkrumah University of Science and Technology. Available at: http://ir.knust.edu.gh/bitstream/123456789/10442/1/Sophia%20Ansah%20thesis.pdf

Blum, A., 2009. Effective use of water (EUW) and not water-use efficiency (WUE) is the target of crop yield improvement under drought stress. Field Crops Research, 112(2–3), pp.119–123. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.FCR.2009.03.009

Boampong, R., Boateng, S.K., Adu Amoah, R., Adu Gyamfi, B., Aboagye, L.M. and Ansah, E.O., 2020. Growth and Yield of Taro (Colocasia esculenta (L) Schott.) as Affected by Planting Distance. International Journal of Agronomy, 2020. https://doi.org/10.1155/2020/8863099

Bussell, W.T., and Bonin, M.J., 1998. Effects of high and low watering levels on growth and development of taro. New Zealand Journal of Crop and Horticultural Science, [online] 26(4), pp.313–317. Available at: https://sci-hub.se/https://doi.org/10.1080/01140671.1998.9514069 [Accessed 30 August 2022].

Caviglia, O.P. and Sadras, V.O., 2001. Effect of nitrogen supply on crop conductance, water- and radiation-use efficiency of wheat. Field Crops Research, 69(3), pp.259–266. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0378-4290(00)00149-0

Christiansen, J.E., 1942. Irrigation by Sprinkling. University of California Agricultural Experiment Station. Bulletin n. 670, 124 [online]. Available at: https://brittlebooks.library.illinois.edu/brittlebooks_closed/Books2009-04/chrije0001irrspr/chrije0001irrspr.pdf [Accessed 16 June 2022].

Darimani, H.S., Kpoda, N., Suleman, S.M. and Luut, A., 2021. Field Performance Evaluation of a Small-Scale Drip Irrigation System Installed in the Upper West Region of Ghana. Computational Water, Energy, and Environmental Engineering, [online] 10, pp.82–94. https://doi.org/10.4236/cweee.2021.102006

Dong, Y., 2022. Irrigation Scheduling Methods: Overview and Recent Advances. https://doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.107386

Embu County Government, 2019. Embu County Government County Integrated Development Plan 2018-2022 A Vibrant and Prosperous County. [online] Available at: https://www.embu.go.ke/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/APPROVED-CIDP-2018-2022.pdf

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. (FAO), 1994. Water quality for agriculture. [online] Rome. Available at: https://www.fao.org/3/t0234e/T0234E00.htm#TOC [Accessed 17 November 2022].

Hatfield, J.L. and Dold, C., 2019. Water-use efficiency: Advances and challenges in a changing climate. Frontiers in Plant Science, 10, p.103. https://doi.org/10.3389/FPLS.2019.00103/XML/NLM

Kangai, R., Chitechi, W., Koske, J., Waswa, B. and Ngare, I., 2021. Determinants of climate change adaptation and perceptions among small-scale farmers of Embu County, Eastern Kenya. African Journal of Environmental Science and Technology [online] 15(4), pp.167–178. https://doi.org/10.5897/AJEST2020.2943

Kang’au, S.N., Home, P.G. and Gathenya, J.M., 2011. Farm water use Efficiency assessment for Smallholder Pumped Irrigation Systems in the arid and Semi-Arid areas of Kenya. Agricultural Engineering International: CIGR Journal, [online] 13(4). Available at: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/287678762_Farm_water_use_Efficiency_assessment_for_Smallholder_Pumped_Irrigation_Systems_in_the_arid_and_Semi-Arid_areas_of_Kenya

Katerji, N., van Hoorn, J.W., Hamdy, A. and Mastrorilli, M., 2003. Salinity effect on crop development and yield, analysis of salt tolerance according to several classification methods. Agricultural Water Management, 62(1), pp.37–66. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0378-3774(03)00005-2

Khan, Y.D., Reddy, S.K., and Mukate, S.V., 2019. Micro Irrigation Systems. In: Sustainable Livelihoods and Adaptation to Climate Change (SLACC). [online] Centre for Natural Resource Management, National Institute for Rural Development and Panchayati Raj. pp.141–154. Available at: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/333660260_Micro_Irrigation_Systems [Accessed 12 July 2022].

Kisaka, M.O., Mucheru-Muna, M., Ngetich, F.K., Mugwe, J.N., Mugendi, D. and Mairura, F., 2015. Rainfall Variability, Drought Characterization, and Efficacy of Rainfall Data Reconstruction: Case of Eastern Kenya. Advances in Meteorology [online] https://doi.org/10.1155/2015/380404

Koech, O., Kinuthia, R., Karuku, G., Mureithi, S. and Wanjogu, R., 2015. Water use efficiency of six rangeland grasses under varied soil moisture content levels in the arid Tana River County, Kenya. African Journal of Environmental Science and Technology, [online] 9(7), pp.632–640. https://doi.org/10.4314/ajest.v9i7.

Li, M., Deus, A.C.F. and Ming, L.C., 2019. Response of Taro to Varying Water Regimes and Soil Textures. Journal of Irrigation and Drainage Engineering, [online] 145(3), p.04019001. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)IR.1943-4774.0001373

Mabhaudhi, T., Modi, A.T. and Beletse, Y.G., 2013. Response of taro (Colocasia esculenta L. Schott) landraces to varying water regimes under a rainshelter. Agricultural Water Management, [online] 121, pp.102–112. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agwat.2013.01.009

Marshall, S., 2011. The Water Crisis in Kenya: Causes, Effects and Solutions. Global Majority E-Journal, [online] 2(1), pp.31–45. Available at: https://www.american.edu/cas/economics/ejournal/upload/marshall_accessible.pdf [Accessed 6 July 2022].

Msanya, B.M., Kimaro, D.N., Kileo, E.P., Kimbi, G.G. and Mwango, S.B., 2001. Land Suitability Evaluation for the Production of Food Crops and Extensive Grazing: A Case Study of Wami Plains in Morogoro Rural District, Tanzania. Soils and Land Resource of Morogoro Rural and Urban Districts, Volume 1. Department of Soil Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoro, Tanzania.

Mulwa, F., Li, Z. and Fangninou, F.F., 2021. Water Scarcity in Kenya: Current Status, Challenges and Future Solutions. Open Access Library Journal, 08(01), pp.1–15. https://doi.org/10.4236/OALIB.1107096.

Ngetich, A., Runo, S., Ombori, O., Ngugi, M., Kawaka, F., Perpetua, A., Nkanata, G. and Dalcorso, G., 2015. Low Cost Micropropagation of Local Varieties of Taro (Colocasia esculenta spp.). Biotechnology Journal, 6(4), pp.136–145. https://doi.org/10.9734/BBJ/2015/15614

Ngigi, S.N., 2009. Climate Change Adaptation Strategies: Water Resource Management Options for Smallholder Farming Systems in Sub-Saharan Africa. The MDG Centre for East and Southern Africa, The Earth Institute at Columbia University, New York.

Odubanjo, O.O., Olufayo, A.A. and Oguntunde, P.G., 2011. Water Use, Growth, and Yield of Drip Irrigated Cassava in a Humid Tropical Environment. Soil and Water Research, [online] 6(1), pp.10–20. Available at: https://www.agriculturejournals.cz/publicFiles/35837.pdf

Okalebo, J.R., Gathua, K.W. and Woomer, P.L., 2002. Laboratory Methods of Soil and Plant Analysis: A Working Manual. [online] Sacred African Publishers, Nairobi, Kenya. Available at: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/313605698_Laboratory_Methods_of_Soil_and_Plant_Analysis_A_Working_Manual

Onoja, S.B., Enokela, J.A. and Ebute, G.O., 2014. A digital soil moisture meter using the 555 timer. Journal of Engineering and Applied Sciences, [online] 9(10). Available at: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/292625300_A_digital_soil_moisture_meter_using_the_555_timer

Onwueme, I. 1999. Taro Cultivation in Asia and the Pacific Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific Bangkok, Thailand. [online] Available at: http://ebooks.lib.ntu.edu.tw/1_file/FAO/67652/ac450e00.pdf

Oxfarm, 2021. New arrow-roots Varieties That grows on Simple Moisture Beds – Oxfarm. [online] Available at: http://oxfarm.co.ke/crop-farming/arrow-root-farming/arrow-roots-variety-that-grows-on-beds/

Palapala, V.A. and Akwee, P.E., 2016. Genetic Diversity Analysis of Kenyan Taro [Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott] Accessions Using SSR Markers. Sky Journal of Agricultural Research. [online] Available at: http://erepo.usiu.ac.ke:8080/xmlui/handle/11732/4495

Pandey, R.K., Maranville, J.W. and Chetima, M.M., 2000. Deficit irrigation and nitrogen effects on maize in a Sahelian environment: II. Shoot growth, nitrogen uptake and water extraction. Agricultural Water Management, 46(1), pp.15–27. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0378-3774(00)00074-3

de Pascale, S., Costa, L.D., Vallone, S., Barbieri, G. and Maggio, A., 2011. Increasing Water Use Efficiency in Vegetable Crop Production: From Plant to Irrigation Systems Efficiency. HortTechnology, [online] 21(3), pp.301–308. https://doi.org/10.21273/HORTTECH.21.3.301

Republic of Kenya, 2006. Environmental Management and Co-ordination (Water Quality) Regulations. [online] Available at: https://www.waterfund.go.ke/watersource/Downloads/002.Water%20Quality%20Regulations%20Kenya.pdf [Accessed 17 November 2022].

Scheffer, J.J.C., Douglas, J.A. and Triggs, C.M., 2005. Factors affecting the production and quality of Japanese taro cormels. Acta Horticulturae, 670, pp.167–172. https://doi.org/10.17660/ACTAHORTIC.2005.670.19

Serem, A.K., Palapala, V.A., Talwana, H., Nandi, J.O.M., Ndabikunze, B. and Korir, M.K., 2008. Socioeconomic Constraints to Sustainable Cocoyam Production in the Lake Victoria Crescent. African Jourbnal of Environmental Science and Technology. [online] Available at: http://erepo.usiu.ac.ke:8080/xmlui/handle/11732/4504

Shelembe, S.C., 2020. Water use and nutritional water productivity of taro (Colocasia esculenta L. Schott) Landraces. MSc. Thesis, University of KwaZulu-Natal. [online] Available at: https://researchspace.ukzn.ac.za/xmlui/handle/10413/19572 [Accessed 9 May 2022].

Sibiya, S.Gugu., 2015. Planting density effect on growth and yield of taro (Colocasia esculenta) landraces. MSc. Thesis, University of KwaZulu-Natal. [online] Available at: https://researchspace.ukzn.ac.za/handle/10413/13427

Sijali, I.V., 2001. Drip Irrigation: Options for smallholder farmers in eastern and southern Africa. RELMA Technical Handbook Series 24. Nairobi, Kenya: Regional Land Management Unit (RELMA), Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) 60 p.

Subir Das, Biplab Bag, T. S. Sarkar, Nisher Ahmed and B. Charkrabrty, 2011. Design and Fabrication of a Soil Moisture Meter Using Thermal Conductivity Properties of Soil. Sensors and Transducers, [online] 132(9), pp.100–107. Available at: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/267156850_Design_and_Fabrication_of_a_Soil_Moisture_Meter_Using_Thermal_Conductivity_Properties_of_Soil

Tumuhimbise, R., Talwana, H.L., Serem, a K., Ndabikunze, B.K. and Palapala, V., 2009. Growth and Development of Wetland-grown Taro Under Different Plant Populations and Seedbed Types in Uganda. African Crop Science, 17(1), pp.49–60. https://doi.org/10.4314/acsj.v17i1.54210.

UNEP, 2013. Technology Fact Sheet for Adaptation - Drip Irrigation. [online] Available at: http://tech-action.org/

Uyeda, J., Radovich, T., Sugano, J., Fares, A., and Paull, R., 2011. Effect of Irrigation Regime On Yield and Quality of Three Cultivars of Taro (Colocasia esculenta). [online] ASHS Annual Conference. Available at: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/267277185_Effect_of_Irrigation_Regime_On_Yield_and_Quality_of_Three_Cultivars_of_Taro_Colocasia_esculenta_Poster_Board_285 [Accessed 27 February 2023].

Veeranna, J., Mishra, A.K. and Patel, N., 2017. Calculation of Uniform Coefficient, Soil Moisture Distribution and Analysis of Level of Biofilms Strategy under Sub Surface Drip Irrigation. International Journal of Current Microbiology and Applied Science, [online] 6(10), pp.713–726. https://doi.org/10.20546/ijcmas.2017.610.088

Vieira, G., Peterle, G., Loss, J., Peterle, G., Poloni, C., Colombo, J. and Monaco, P., 2018. Strategies for Taro (Colocasia esculenta) Irrigation. Journal of Experimental Agriculture International, 24(1), pp.1–9. https://doi.org/10.9734/JEAI/2018/41516

Wambugu P.W. and Muthamia Z.K., 2009. The State of Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture in Kenya. [online] Available at: http://www.fao.org/pgrfa-gpa-archive/ken/kenya2.pdf

Youssef, M., 2010. Effect of planting date and intra-row spacing on growth, yield and quality of taro. Research Journal of Agriculture and Biological Sciences, 6(6), pp.806–814. https://www.academia.edu/31100846/Effect_of_Planting_Date_and_Intra-row_Spacing_on_Growth_Yield_and_Quality_of_Taro




URN: http://www.revista.ccba.uady.mx/urn:ISSN:1870-0462-tsaes.v26i3.48471

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.56369/tsaes.4847

Bookmark and Share


Copyright (c) 2023 Joyce Wambui Njuguna

Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.