EFFECT OF WATER HARVESTING TECHNIQUES ON GRAIN YIELD AND ABOVE GROUND BIOMASS OF COWPEA

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of water harvesting techniques on grain yield and above ground biomass of cowpea. A randomized complete block design was used.Field experiments were conducted.The study was conducted at Agriculture demonstration farm (Dakabaricha) and Yayo's farm(Nagayo) and a private farm Demo farm.There were 18 treatment combinations consisting of three water harvesting techniques and two intra-row spacing. Results indicate that the use of proper water conservation practice is imperative on areas like the Dakabaricha and Nagayo division of marsabit district.In line with the above ground biomass, tied ridges with a spacing of 60 x 20cm planting could be safely recommended as the first and effective type of water harvesting techniques for use as a means of soil and water conservation for rain-fed cowpea under the prevailing conditions.The results of the study also showed that water harvesting techniques had a significant effect on the growth and yield of cowpea (Katumani K80). A pronounced effect was observed for leaf production, plant heights, number of pods per plant, number of seeds per pod and overall shoot yield. Farmers are encourage to give more emphasis to water harvesting techniques in situ and drought tolerant crops (DTC) which are high yielding in order to boost the economic of the resource poor residence in the area through capacity building.