Heightening sorghum nitrogen uptake while maintaining optimal soil nutrient levels through mineral fertiliser application

Improving nutrient management of soils is important in subsistence farming systems in the tropics due to declining soil fertility resulting from continuous cropping coupled with inadequate nutrient replenishment. Balancing nutrient inputs with crop removal is crucial in reducing the build-up of nutrients and minimises nutrient losses through different pathways, thus reducing the cost of production. This study aimed at evaluating the effect of N and P fertiliser on sorghum N uptake at Kampi ya Mawe (KYM) in Makueni County and Katumani (KAT) in Machakos County, Kenya. Two factors (nitrogen and phosphorus) each at two levels (0 and 75 kg ha-1) were evaluated, resulting in four treatments, each replicated thrice. At KYM, N content in sorghum tissues increased by 24.2% in comparison with the control following application of N at 75 kg ha-1. At KAT, plots amended with N and P at 75 kg ha-1 resulted in the highest N content in sorghum tissues at the three sorghum development stages assessed. At the seedling stage, an increase of 18.8% was observed. Sole N application led to an increase in N content in sorghum tissues of 17.6% at the seedling stage. A positive linear relationship between NO3-N and N content in sorghum tissues was also observed. The study showed that soil N uptake was higher in the early growth stages of sorghum. The results of this study are essential to farmers and extension officers as a guide to ensure timely fertiliser application to ensure optimum utilisation of nutrients during crop growth

FlipFlopi Dhow

The Flipflopi Dhow is a 60ft traditional sailing boat which is being built with waste plastic and will sail 5250kms from Kenya to Cape Town to raise awareness about marine plastic pollution. The Flipflopi expedition will create awareness globally of how much plastic ends up in the ocean by sailing the Flipflopi Dhow to promote the messages of 'reduce, re-use and recycle'. The #Plasticrevolution is creating a movement for change. Whilst plastic is recognised for being incredibly durable, versatile and valuable there is also a global 'use once and throw away' culture which, combined with plastics greatest strengths, are causing damage to the environment. The Flipflopi project is a two-pronged undertaking to raise awareness to bring about global change. The Flipflopi Dhow will make many stops on its voyage to raise awareness about marine plastic pollution to encourage people to care about the issue. The #Plasticrevolution will create a platform for those people to unite