Irrigation & Agriculture

Tomato Farming in Kenya Guide – Tomatoes represent a cornerstone in Kenyan horticulture, offering a lucrative opportunity for farmers. With a robust market and the relative ease of cultivation, especially in greenhouses, tomatoes are a favorite among growers. However, achieving success in tomato farming requires a strategic approach encompassing several critical factors. 1. Ideal Growing Conditions for Tomatoes Tomatoes thrive in climates with moderate to hot temperatures and moderate to high humidity. While they require moderate rainfall, these conditions are often best achieved through controlled irrigation or greenhouse cultivation. Adverse conditions, such as cool or waterlogged environments, can hinder tomato growth and productivity. 2. Techniques for Tomato Farming Preparing the Seed Bed: Optimal performance begins with transplanting from a well-prepared seedbed nursery, preferably using trays. The seedbed should have raised soil, around 15cm in height, with adequate spacing for walkways. Soaking seeds in a mixture of AFRIKELP and RODAZIM enhances germination and protects against damping off. Tomato Plantation: Transplant seedlings when their stems reach 4-6 mm in diameter, maintaining a spacing of 45cm by 60cm. To aid recovery from transplant shock, apply AFRIKELP. Top-dress the plants after four weeks using CAN or UREA and incorporate DAP fertilizer at 80kg per acre. Soil treatment against soil-borne pests and fusarium wilt is essential. Fertilizer Application, Irrigation, and Weeding: Top-dress plants, keep the field free from weeds, and apply AMBAR to suppress seed weeds and control broad-leafed weeds. Regular watering, avoiding excessive moisture, is crucial. During flower set, apply Harmony to prevent fruit diseases and flower/fruit abortion. Adjust fertilization post-flower set, avoiding nitrogen-rich fertilizers. Pest and Disease Control: Vigilantly scout for blights, mildew, and canker, particularly in cool, wet conditions. Apply Stage as an early precaution against blight, repeating if conditions persist. Stage 250 EW is effective against identified diseases, combined with Harmony for plant vigor. Combat insect pests like spider mites, leaf miners, thrips, whiteflies, caterpillars, and aphids with appropriate measures. Staking and Pruning: Employ vertical staking by tying plants to poles connected with wires, enhancing productivity. Regular pruning to remove side shoots, old and diseased leaves, and laterals fosters plant health. Support and prune early after transplanting to prevent stem damage. Apply AFRIKELP after each pruning or staking operation. Harvesting: Ripe tomatoes are ready for harvest from the 70th day onwards, depending on the variety. Carefully remove ripe fruits from stems and place them in clean, disinfected containers for transportation. Conclusion Cultivating tomatoes successfully requires a holistic and strategic approach. Kenyan farmers can optimize their tomato yields by paying meticulous attention to factors such as growing conditions, seedbed preparation, transplanting techniques, fertilizer application, pest and disease control, and effective staking and pruning methods. By embracing modern techniques and maintaining a balanced approach, farmers can ensure the sustainability and profitability of their tomato farming endeavors. Contact us Today – Click HereWhatsApp | Call: +254 743 149 267 | + 254 738 352 258Email Address: info@beseenlimited.com | sales@beseenlimited.com

The agricultural landscape, often seen as a provider of sustenance, holds a lesser-known secret contributing to global warming – deep ploughing. As we delve into the intricate relationship between soil disturbance and climate change, a nuanced understanding emerges. Below is explained and detailed guide on Deep Ploughing and Its Impact on Global Warming. The Role of Plants in Carbon Cycling: Plants, the silent architects of Earth’s balance, engage in the intricate dance of carbon cycling. Through photosynthesis, they absorb carbon dioxide, generating energy and releasing life-enabling oxygen, laying the foundation for ecological harmony. The Carbon Story in Fallen Leaves: Upon completing their life cycle, plants shed leaves, stems, barks, and branches, laden with stored carbon dioxide. Microorganisms play a crucial role in the decomposition process, releasing and storing carbon dioxide within the soil. The Transformative Power of Solar Pumping Solutions Read more The Impact of Ploughing on Carbon Storage: However, the equilibrium is disrupted by the practice of deep ploughing. While ploughing is essential for agriculture, its deeper implications unravel when we recognize its role in disturbing the stored carbon dioxide in the soil. Release of Stored CO2: Deep ploughing, a routine agricultural practice, brings about significant topsoil disturbance. This disturbance becomes the catalyst for a rapid release of stored carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, fueling the global warming crisis. Weeds and Carbon Sequestration: In the intricate web of nature, even weeds play a role in carbon sequestration. Yet, deep ploughing not only buries these plants but also inadvertently contributes to their proliferation, releasing stored carbon dioxide upon decomposition. Machinery’s Carbon Footprint: The utilization of heavy machinery in deep ploughing adds another layer to the environmental impact. Diesel consumption, the lifeblood of these machines, unleashes additional carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, compounding the carbon footprint of agriculture. Oxygen Absorption and Microbial Activity: Beyond disturbing carbon storage, deep ploughing intensifies another ecological dance. The act leads to increased soil oxygen absorption, triggering heightened activities among soil microorganisms. This heightened microbial activity, while essential, becomes a source of additional carbon dioxide emissions. Addressing the Paradox: While deep ploughing is integral to modern agriculture, acknowledging its role in exacerbating global warming is paramount. Balancing the need for productive farming with sustainable practices is an imperative step towards addressing this paradox. Shifting Towards Sustainable Agriculture: Embracing conservation tillage methods and reduced soil disturbance becomes a strategic move. These methods prioritize carbon sequestration, soil health, and overall environmental sustainability, mitigating the adverse effects of deep ploughing. Educating and Empowering Farmers: Education and empowerment of farmers play a pivotal role in this paradigm shift. Equipping them with knowledge about alternative practices, emphasizing the importance of soil health, and promoting sustainable agricultural methods contribute to a collective effort in combating global warming. Conclusion: In conclusion, the seemingly innocuous act of deep ploughing reveals its far-reaching consequences in the global warming narrative. Recognizing this connection is not a call to abandon agricultural practices but a plea for a thoughtful, sustainable approach that aligns with the health of our planet. Contact Us Today

Embracing regenerative agriculture goes beyond surface-level practices. It is more than sporadic tree planting or reliance on biofertilizers, as many farmers claim. A true commitment to regenerative agriculture demands a holistic, multi-dimensional approach to counteract the escalating challenges posed by rising temperatures, droughts, and floods that have become increasingly prevalent in recent years. In our pursuit of resilient soils, the first crucial step is to significantly reduce the use of inorganic fertilizers. Within a span of 2-3 years, we commit to halving our reliance on these chemicals, a pivotal move towards sustainable and environmentally friendly farming practices. This reduction not only lessens the ecological footprint but also ensures the long-term health of the soil, fostering a balanced ecosystem for future generations. Transitioning away From Harmful Chemicals Transitioning away from harmful chemicals is an imperative aspect of regenerative agriculture. Glyphosates, commonly used as herbicides, have detrimental effects on soil health and overall biodiversity. Instead, we champion the abandonment of glyphosates and advocate for weed slashing. This natural approach to managing weeds not only eliminates the need for harmful chemicals but also contributes to the cultivation of a healthier and more vibrant farming environment. Mulching, another critical practice in regenerative agriculture, takes precedence in our holistic approach. Bare fields are prioritized for the application of a substantial 6-inch layer of mulch. This layer serves as a protective barrier, fostering soil health by retaining moisture and enhancing nutrient content. The practice of mulching not only contributes to sustainable soil management but also plays a crucial role in mitigating the impact of climate change by reducing soil erosion. Strategic tree planting around coffee plots is a significant component of our regenerative agriculture model. Trees such as Neem or Tephrosia are chosen for their repellent and insecticidal properties. These trees act as natural guardians, protecting the coffee plants from pests while contributing to the overall biodiversity of the farm. This approach aligns with our commitment to fostering a balanced and resilient ecosystem within our agricultural practices. Integrated pest and disease management takes center stage in our regenerative agriculture strategy. By encouraging this holistic approach, we aim to promote the presence of beneficial predators like ladybirds, insects, and birds in our farms. This natural balance not only controls pests but also enhances the overall health of the ecosystem. It’s a step towards harmonizing the relationship between farming and the surrounding environment. Diverse Cover Crops Diverse cover crops play a pivotal role in elevating organic matter within the soil. These cover crops, when harvested and left to decompose, become a source of nutrients for essential microorganisms like Fungi, Trichoderma, and Bacillus. This diversity is not just about crop variety; it’s about creating a rich, dynamic environment within the soil that supports and enhances the natural processes crucial for sustainable agriculture. The ultimate goal of regenerative agriculture is to build resilient soils capable of fighting diseases and pests independently. Creating a microclimate within coffee plots, characterized by high levels of organic matter, helps the soil hold more humidity. This microclimate aids in effective carbon sequestration, contributing to climate change mitigation. By prioritizing soil health, we aim to create an environment where the soil itself becomes a robust source of nutrients, promoting the well-being of crops and ensuring long-term sustainability. Understanding that healthy soils form the foundation of healthy food and a better environment, our practices align with the broader goal of promoting sustainable and regenerative agriculture. By adopting these holistic measures, we not only fortify our soils but also contribute to a healthier, more resilient farming ecosystem that benefits both present and future generations. Conclusion In conclusion, true regenerative agriculture is a complex and comprehensive strategy. By embracing these practices, we embark on a journey towards a sustainable and harmonious relationship between agriculture and the environment, paving the way for a brighter and more resilient future. Editor: Simon KairuFor Agricultural Consultancy services contact us via: Click Here