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121
the irrigation schemes since potato matures early and has many uses (Muthoni et al., 2016). One of the irrigation
methods that can be employed to improve water use efficiency is drip irrigation. Drip irrigation has the potential
to use scarce water resources most efficiently. The major benefits of drip irrigation are the ability to apply low
volumes of water to plant lots, reduce evaporation losses and improve irrigation uniformity (Schwankl et al.,
1996). High-frequency water management by drip irrigation minimizes soil as a storage reservoir for water,
provides at least daily requirements of water to a portion of the root zone of each plant, and maintains a high soil
matric potential in the rhizosphere to reduce plant water stress (Phene and Sanders, 1976). Many studies have
shown drip irrigation to be well suited for row crop and potato production (Sammis 1980; Shalhevet et al., 1983).
Minimum tillage and mulching
: Minimum tillage increases soil moisture retention in case of potato, this reduces
the number of weedings and hilling, thus reducing loss of moisture by exposure of the soil and reducing labour.
Mulching can be used to conserve soil moisture as well as raise the soil organic matter content. This, in turn,
increases the soil’s water holding capacity, thus reducing runoff and erosion and making more water available to
plants (
Midmore, 1991
).
Intercropping
: Intercropping (growing multiple crops on one plot) leads to more biodiversity within a plot and
more efficient utilization of soil nutrients, moisture and solar radiation. Intercropping protects the plants from
being lodged during floods and reduces moisture loss through evaporation of the soil surface
(Midmore,
1985).
7 Conclusion and Future Perspective
Adapting potato to climate change to
ensure optimum production
is critical in enhancing food security in Kenya.
Consequently, potato production in traditional areas need to be enhanced
while new potato production areas
particularly in the arid and semi-arid areas need to be explored
. Potato breeders may have to explore more
germplasm and employ modern breeding techniques including molecular approaches to develop suitable varieties;
development of early maturing, heat and drought tolerant and well as pest and diseases resistant varieties is
crucial. Participatory variety selection will need to be employed so as to ensure varieties developed meet
consumer expectations. Climate change adaptation strategies in potato will need to be promoted vigorously if
crops yields are to be sustained and the contribution of potato to national objectives of food security and income
generation is to be maintained.
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