Growth performance of Three Napier varieties Grown under Different Climate-smart Planting Techniques

Abstract

Napier grass (Cenchrus purpureus) provides high biomass and nutritional value, yet its productivity in ASALs is constrained by low soil moisture. A study was conducted at AMRI Katumani during the short rains of 2024 to the long rains of 2025 to evaluate the yield of three Napier varieties: Super Napier, Kakamega 1 and Juncao under different climate-smart techniques (CLISMARTECH): tumbukiza, double-layer polythene mulch and conventional practice (control). The experiment followed a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) in a 3×3 factorial layout with three replications during two consecutive seasons, the short rains (SR, October–December 2024) and long rains (LR, March–May 2025). Nine cuttings, each containing 2–3 nodes, were planted at a 45° angle with 30 cm × 20 cm spacing. Parameters that were measured for growth were plant height, leaf length, leaf width, stem thickness and biomass yield. Data were analysed by ANOVA with R software and means were separated by HSD at 5% level. Results showed that there were significant differences between varieties and moisture conservation practices (p ? 0.05). Tumbukiza consistently outperformed all growth parameters among all the treatments, followed by polythene mulch and the control had the lowest performance. The tallest plants and longest leaves were found in Super Napier, while Juncao had the thickest stems. Kakameka 1 was the second tallest and had the longest leaves. Growth rates were higher in regrowth than in establishment, and treatments had significant impacts on biomass yields. The results of this study indicate that the use of tumbu and polythene mulch may be potential tools for maximizing productivity of forages in Kenya's ASALs under the low soil moisture conditions.