Agronomist Gichinga Njoroge

Agronomist Gichinga Njoroge farm doctor Agri-economist with couple years of experience on general agricultural solutions on management, production, marketing and general value addation.

24/06/2026

HOW TO SET UP A SIMPLE BIOGAS SYSTEM USING COW MANURE

Step 1: Choose a Suitable Site
Select a location close to the cattle shed, water source, and area where the gas will be used.

Step 2: Construct the Biogas Digester
Build an airtight digester with an inlet for manure, a gas outlet, and a slurry outlet.

Step 3: Collect Fresh Cow Manure
Gather fresh manure daily from your dairy cows.

Step 4: Prepare the Slurry
Mix manure and water in a 1:1 ratio until a smooth slurry is formed.

Step 5: Feed the Digester
Pour the slurry into the digester through the inlet chamber.

Step 6: Wait for Gas Production
Allow the manure to decompose under oxygen-free conditions. Biogas production usually starts within 2–4 weeks.

Step 7: Connect Gas Pipes
Install pipes to transport biogas to stoves, water heaters, or generators.

Step 8: Use the Bio-Slurry
Apply the nutrient-rich slurry leaving the digester to crops and pastures as organic fertilizer.

Step 9: Maintain the System
Feed the digester regularly, check for leaks, and keep the system clean for continuous gas production.

Turn Cow Waste into Energy, Fertilizer, and Profit!

23/06/2026

Watermelon Establishment: From Sowing to Proper Plant Spacing

Successful watermelon production begins with proper crop establishment. Every stage, from sowing to transplanting and spacing, plays an important role in achieving healthy plants and high yields.

Watermelon seeds can be sown directly in the field at a depth of 2–2.5 cm when soil temperatures are at least 20°C and air temperatures are above 25°C. Soaking seeds overnight before planting can help speed up germination. Seedlings may also be raised in trays and transplanted when they have developed 3–4 true leaves. Before transplanting, seedlings should be hardened off by gradually reducing irrigation or exposing them to outdoor conditions.

Producing healthy seedlings is especially important for triploid (seedless) watermelon varieties. These seeds are highly sensitive during germination because they contain a delicate embryo enclosed within a hard seed coat. Careful control of temperature and moisture is essential, as excessive moisture can damage or kill the seed. Due to the high cost of seed and unpredictable weather conditions, obtaining seedlings from a reputable nursery is often recommended.

When seedlings are ready for the field, they should be transplanted and watered as soon as possible after being collected from the nursery. Care should be taken to avoid damaging the roots during transplanting. Excessive pressure on the root ball can restrict growth and reduce plant vigor. After planting, the soil should be well moistened and firmly settled around the roots to encourage rapid establishment.

Proper spacing is another key factor in successful watermelon production. Depending on the variety and production system, about 1.5–3.0 kg of seed is required per hectare. Recommended spacing ranges from 100–180 cm between rows and 90–100 cm between plants. This allows for adequate sunlight, air movement, and nutrient availability while reducing competition between plants.

23/06/2026

Sweet Potato Irrigation: When Should You Stop Watering?

For sweet potatoes planted around mid-March, the timing for stopping irrigation depends on the variety, soil type, and weather conditions. However, as a general rule:

• Continue watering during the active vine growth and root bulking stages. • Reduce irrigation 2–3 weeks before the expected harvest date. • Stop watering completely about 7–14 days before harvest.

Why stop watering before harvest?

• Allows the skins of the storage roots to harden, reducing damage during harvesting. • Improves keeping quality and storage life. • Reduces the risk of root cracking, rotting, and excessive moisture in the roots. • Makes harvesting easier, especially in heavy soils.

For crops planted in mid-March, many varieties will be approaching maturity between July and August, depending on their maturity period. If the crop is nearing harvest, watering once per week is generally sufficient, and you can gradually withdraw irrigation as harvest approaches.

Signs that sweet potatoes are nearing maturity:

• Older leaves begin to yellow naturally. • Vine growth slows down. • Storage roots have reached marketable size. • The crop has reached the variety's recommended maturity period (often 90–150 days depending on the variety).

Why Are Your Guava Trees Producing Small Fruits?Small guava fruits can reduce market demand and lower farmer profits.Thi...
23/05/2026

Why Are Your Guava Trees Producing Small Fruits?

Small guava fruits can reduce market demand and lower farmer profits.

This problem is often linked to poor feeding, lack of pruning, overcrowded branches, or moisture stress during fruit development.

Healthy trees with proper management produce larger sweeter fruits that attract customers faster.

Common Diseases in Cotton and Their ManagementDiseases in cotton can severely affect plant health, reduce yields, and lo...
23/05/2026

Common Diseases in Cotton and Their Management

Diseases in cotton can severely affect plant health, reduce yields, and lower the quality of lint. The most significant disease affecting cotton is bacterial blight, caused by the bacterium Xanthomonas malvacearum. Understanding how this disease develops and how to manage it is essential for maintaining a healthy cotton crop.

Bacterial blight first appears as small lesions on young seedlings. As the disease progresses, water-soaked spots or streaks form on the cotyledons or the hypocotyl (the stem of the seedling). These lesions darken over time and become necrotic, sometimes killing the young plant completely. In older plants, the disease may cause dark, elongated cankers on the stems, weakening the plant structure.

In mature plants, the bacteria can enter the bolls, leading to boll rot. This infection not only reduces the yield but also affects the appearance and spinning quality of the lint. Infected bolls may not open properly, and the fiber inside becomes discolored and weak.

The disease is spread mainly through infected seed and plant debris left in the field. Therefore, the most effective control measures focus on prevention. Farmers are advised to use treated or certified disease-free seed for planting. In addition, field hygiene is critical. All cotton residues should be destroyed after harvest to eliminate potential sources of infection for the following season.

In conclusion, managing diseases in cotton, especially bacterial blight, requires vigilance and preventive practices. By using treated seed and maintaining clean fields, farmers can reduce the risk of disease outbreaks and safeguard the quality and quantity of their harvest.

Simple banana planting guide and dimensions 👇
23/05/2026

Simple banana planting guide and dimensions 👇

Crop Management Practices in Watermelon ProductionCrop management practices are the daily activities carried out after p...
23/05/2026

Crop Management Practices in Watermelon Production

Crop management practices are the daily activities carried out after planting to ensure healthy growth, high yield, and good fruit quality. These practices include fertilization, irrigation, w**d control, mulching, pruning, and pollination management.

Fertilization is very important because watermelon is a heavy feeder and requires a good supply of nutrients. Before planting, a soil test should be done to determine nutrient levels and soil pH. Well-decomposed manure is recommended and should be applied at about 20 tons per hectare and incorporated into the soil 1 to 2 weeks before planting. Chemical fertilizers are also used to supply essential nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.

A general fertilizer recommendation is nitrogen at 90 to 170 kg per hectare, phosphorus at 15 to 180 kg per hectare, and potassium at 40 to 250 kg per hectare depending on soil conditions. About 30 percent of nitrogen and potassium is applied before planting, and the rest is applied in two or more top dressings during growth. During early growth, more nitrogen is needed to promote vegetative growth. After flowering begins, potassium is increased to improve fruit development and quality. For example, a basal fertilizer such as NPK 10:36:15 can be applied at about 15 grams per plant soon after transplanting, followed by top dressing with NK fertilizer at about 5 grams per plant every two weeks.

Irrigation is essential because watermelon has high water requirements, especially during fruit formation. The crop requires about 400 to 600 mm of water during the growing season. There are three main irrigation methods used in watermelon production, which are furrow irrigation, drip irrigation, and sprinkler irrigation. Drip irrigation is the most efficient because it saves water and delivers it directly to the roots.

IRRIGATION MANAGEMENT (BANANA)Banana requires a lot of water due to rapid growth, large leaf area, and shallow root syst...
23/05/2026

IRRIGATION MANAGEMENT (BANANA)

Banana requires a lot of water due to rapid growth, large leaf area, and shallow root system. Insufficient water reduces growth and yield.

Irrigation interval
Light soils or hot conditions: irrigate every 3 days
Heavy soils or cool conditions: irrigate up to every 15 days
Frequency depends on soil type, weather, and moisture availability.

Water requirements per plant
0–4 months: 5–10 litres per plant
5 months to flowering: 10–15 litres per plant
Fruiting stage: 15–20 litres per plant

Method of irrigation
Drip irrigation is recommended for efficient water use
Avoid flooding to prevent waterlogging and diseases

Critical stages for water
Early growth
Flowering
Fruit development
Water stress at these stages reduces yield.

Effects of poor irrigation
Too little water leads to slow growth, small bunches, and low yield
Too much water causes root rot, poor aeration, and disease development

Field indicators
Well-watered plants have green, upright leaves and active growth
Water-stressed plants show leaf folding, wilting, and dry soil

Key rule
Maintain moist soil conditions without waterlogging

Simple rule
Too little water reduces yield, too much water damages roots

FARM KNOWLEDGE CHECKQUESTIONS AND ANSWERS FOR FARMERS1. Why is it important to know your soil type? Because soil type ...
23/05/2026

FARM KNOWLEDGE CHECK
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS FOR FARMERS

1. Why is it important to know your soil type?
Because soil type affects water holding capacity, nutrient availability, and crop growth.

2. Why is it important to test soil pH?
Because soil pH determines how well plants can absorb nutrients.

3. Why is it important to know the insects in your field?
So you can identify harmful pests and protect beneficial insects.

4. Why is proper crop spacing important?
It reduces competition for nutrients, sunlight, and water.

5. Why is crop rotation important?
It helps control pests, diseases, and improves soil fertility.

6. Why is it important to identify pests before spraying pesticides?
So the correct control method can be used and beneficial insects are not harmed.

7. Why is soil organic matter important?
It improves soil fertility, structure, and water retention.

8. Why is irrigation important in farming?
It supplies water to crops when rainfall is not enough.

9. Why is w**d control important?
Weeds compete with crops for nutrients, water, and sunlight.

10. Why is good land preparation important?
It improves soil structure and allows roots to grow easily.

11. Why is mulching important?
Mulching conserves soil moisture and reduces w**d growth.

12. Why is proper fertilizer application important?
It ensures crops receive the right nutrients for growth.

13. Why is plant population important?
Correct plant population helps maximize yield per field.

14. Why is pest monitoring important?
Early detection helps farmers control pests before they cause serious damage.

15. Why is good drainage important in farming?
Poor drainage can cause root diseases and reduce plant growth.

16. Why is pollination important for crops?
Pollination helps plants produce fruits and seeds.

17. Why are bees important in agriculture?
Bees help pollinate many crops and increase yields.

Address

Gichinganjorogejoseph@gmail. Com
Lamu

Opening Hours

Monday 08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday 08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday 08:00 - 17:00
Thursday 08:00 - 17:00
Friday 08:00 - 17:00

Telephone

+254790459911

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