Economic Evaluation of Foliar NPK Fertilizer on Tea Yields in Kenya

Njogu, Rachael Njeri E.; Kariuki, David K.; Kamau, D. M.; Wachira, Francis N.

doi:10.5539/jps.v4n1p35

Cited by 2 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 9 publications

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“…ese findings are consistent with those by Njogu et al [16] that different clones have different nutritional needs and differ in their abilities to absorb nutrients even when the agronomic practices are similar, which is depicted in their yield response to varying fertilizer application rates and the fertilizer types applied. Different clones with different yield potentials require different fertilizer rates.…”

Section: Gross Profit Analysissupporting

confidence: 92%

“…Fertilizer recommendations are based on field input trials and their effects on crop yield (yield responses) in both agronomic and economic terms [12][13][14][15]. Data from the crop responses to nutrients should always be subjected to economic analysis in order to account for differences in input and output and to identify the economic optimum rates (EORs) [16]. Several methods have been developed to internalize environmental issues in economic assessments.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Nutrient Budget and Economic Assessment of Blended Fertilizer Use in Kenya Tea Industry

Sitienei

Kamiri

Nduru

et al. 2018

Applied and Environmental Soil Science

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Kenya’s tea industry depends predominantly on imported compound NPK fertilizers to replenish nutrients removed through plucking. These fertilizers cannot be easily manipulated for specific soils and tea clones. They also frequently become hazardous within tea-growing environments. In this respect, two fertilizer blends containing NPKS 25 : 5 : 5 : 4 + 9Ca + 2.62Mg and NPKS 23 : 5 : 5 : 4 + 10Ca + 3Mg with trace elements have been produced commercially in the country. However, the extent to which the blended fertilizers may contribute to optimal economic gains without degrading the environment has not been determined. This was the knowledge gap that this study seeks to address. The goal of this study was to evaluate the economic efficacy of fertilizer blends with the aim of identifying optimal levels of application which would maximize tea productivity with minimal negative impacts on the environment. The study hypothesized that blended fertilizers maximize productivity of tea clones with minimal environmental damage. The fertilizer blends were evaluated in two study sites, i.e., Timbilil Estate in Kericho and Kagochi farm in Nyeri. The sites were selected purposefully, one in the eastern and the other in the western tea-growing areas. The trial was laid out in randomized complete block design with two fertilizer blends and the standard NPK 26 : 5 : 5 as control. The treatments were applied at four fertilizer rates (0 (control), 75, 150, and 225 kg·N·ha−1·yr−1), replicated thrice. Leaf samples were collected and analyzed for nutrient uptake as well as associated yields and economic trends. The economic optimum nitrogen rate (EONR) was achieved at 75 kg·N·ha−1·yr−1 at Kagochi with all fertilizers, while at Timbilil, EONR was variable, between 75 and 225 kg·N·ha−1·yr−1 with fertilizer types. This study has shown that, based on the economic point of view, Blend “A” was the most efficient and consistent fertilizer in production and economic returns across the two sites.

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Section: Gross Profit Analysissupporting

confidence: 92%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Nutrient Budget and Economic Assessment of Blended Fertilizer Use in Kenya Tea Industry

Sitienei

Kamiri

Nduru

et al. 2018

Applied and Environmental Soil Science

Self Cite

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“…Due to the high electricity costs in the country and the high energy requirements in tea processing, sourcing power through the national grid has proven expensive. As such, to reduce the high-energy costs According to Njogu & Wachira (2015) the study identified a number of issues constraining growth along the value chain. The key issues identified at the production level, include: high labour cost, which account for to reduce the high cost at the production level and enhance productivity, there is need to promote mechanization and automating supply chain.…”

Section: Statement Of the Problemmentioning

confidence: 99%

Contemporary Procurement Practices and Performance of Public Tea Factories in Kenya

MWANIKI,

NGUGI (Ph.D)

2019

strategicjournals.com

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The general objective of this study was to examine the influence of contemporary procurement practices on organizational performance in public tea factories in Kenya. The study adopted a descriptive research design to determine the influence of contemporary procurement practices on organizational performance in public tea factories in Kenya. The researcher targeted procurement managers only from Kenya Tea Development Agency and Nyayo Tea Zones Development Corporation. Stratified random sampling method was applied to come up with the sample size, since the population considered heterogeneous. The questionnaires were used since they were effective data collection instruments that allowed respondents to give much of their opinions in regard to the research problem. The questionnaires consisted of both closed and open ended questions for ease of collecting quantitative and qualitative data. Descriptive and analytical analysis techniques were appropriate for both qualitative and quantitative data. Qualitative data was grouped and coded to enable processing and tabulation. SPSS software version 24.0 was used to produce frequencies, descriptive and inferential statistics which was used to derive conclusions and generalizations regarding the population. The concepts of lean supply in public tea factories were derived from those of lean generation, with the main focus being on the buyer as well as the effectiveness of the operation. The lean element in public tea factories involved constant improvement and additionally strives to streamline operations inside the supply chain to eliminate waste and also non-value-added pursuits. The study concluded that designing as well as applying a Lean procurement management procedure drastically alters how the tea factory does business. The study recommended that E-Procurement should support the selection phase and also act like a correspondence platform between the tea factories as well as suppliers. It should address the entire tendering procedure from tender development to contracting, typically including support for the evaluation as well as evaluation activities. It should consist of closing the contract with a provider but facilitate a big part of the tactical procurement procedure.

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Economic Evaluation of Foliar NPK Fertilizer on Tea Yields in Kenya

Cited by 2 publications

References 9 publications

Nutrient Budget and Economic Assessment of Blended Fertilizer Use in Kenya Tea Industry

Nutrient Budget and Economic Assessment of Blended Fertilizer Use in Kenya Tea Industry

Contemporary Procurement Practices and Performance of Public Tea Factories in Kenya

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