Ipogoro - 4th CVP visit

Partner: Augustana, West St. Paul, Minn.
Friday, January 30, 2009
Pastor: Nickson Mwitulla
Evangelist: Hopeman Kihonza

Pastor Nickson had been assigned to Ipagoro in November. He was ordained on January 18, 2009. He had been present at the 3rd meeting with the Ag. Institute in November, but was still pretty new to the CVP program. There were not many people in attendance. Because of the recent rains the people were weeding their own fields. Local farmers have their fields out and away from the village of Ipagoro and did not come back for this meeting.

The corn looked quite good as a result of the rain that they received four days ago. The CVP plot at this parish is at two locations, one at the main church and one at a preaching point. This is because there was not enough land around the church to have two one-half acre plots. The plots at the main church are located in a prominent location, right outside the door for the church. Pastor Nickson said that a lot of people walk by and can observe the practices that are being demonstrated.

Today we delivered 100 kg of NPK, 100 kg of CAN, 16 kg of Uyole Market seed, and I bottle of Thionex.

The corn was planted on December 20, 2008 and two weeks later they replanted where the seed did not germinate and emerge. One could see the smaller plants that had been replanted and are now trying to catch up. The rows averaged about 63 cm apart, and the plants averaged 33.3 cm apart. Ibrahim emphasized the importance of proper row and plant spacing. In these demonstration plots we are applying fertilizer to high plant populations in order to maximize yield, but we need to have the correct spacing to achieve the high plant populations.

We met outside under the tree between the corn and the bean plots. Ihrahim went through the handout. He emphasized the importance of weeding, and pointed out that lack of weeding has been shown to be the biggest deterrent to crop yield. He also went through the Record of Events sheet which he gave to them to record the dates when important events occurred.

Ibrahim demonstrated the placement of the second application of fertilizer (CAN) 5 cm on each side of the corn plants. The fertilizer should be placed 5 cm, the distance between the second knuckle and the tip of the index finger, from the plant along side of the row and not in the row. Ibrahim demonstrated how to plant and fertilize the bean seeds. First dig a row or trench with the hoe by digging at 90 degrees to the direction of the trench. Place the bean seeds 9 cm apart, or about the width of one’s fist, and then place one cap of fertilizer between the bean seeds. Finally cover the bean seeds and fertilizer with soil. If there is any fertilizer left over it should be broadcast over the entire plot.

Ibrahim asked if they have experienced any benefits from the teaching we have done and the demonstrations that have been conducted. Some of their responses were:
· Placing the residue in rows between the corn.
o Previously they had been concerned about termites.
o Now they see that the corn is doing fine.
o They can see that the residue helps hold moisture.
· One person said that they had taught their neighbor how to put the crop residue in rows between the corn.
· They asked if they have double plants can they separate and replant, we said yes, they should do this.
· Plant spacing
o They always thought that the plants should be far apart
o There have been comments on how close the plants were in the demonstration plot.
o They were surprised that today we told them that the plants should be even closer together.
· Fertilization
o Taking soil tests to determine the kind and amount of fertilizer to apply.
o A better understanding of the types of fertilizer, NPK, CAN.
o The reason to use CAN and not Urea as a source of nitrogen.
· One person stated that they were pleased with what they have already learned and believes that they will learn even more as this crop grows and the plot is repeated during the next two years.
· Because of its location, a number of people have observed the plot and have asked questions, especially about fertilizer and seed.

Photo link: http://www.flickr.com/photos/21557421@N08/sets/72157604428690017/detail/