Staff publications - Cranfield University at Silsoe

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Open Access
Drainage benefits and farmer uptake
(Severn Trent Water Authority, 1984-07) Morris, J.; Hess, Tim M.; Ryan, A. M.; Leeds-Harrison, P. B.
As part of the Severn Trent Water Authority's need to improve managerial decision on future projects, post appraisals of completed projects have been instigated. These can involve either a comprehensive review of all aspects or the project or, alternatively, can consider key parameters only. In the case of agricultural land drainage schemes key parameters have been identified as the benefits resulting from schemes and the rate of uptake of these benefits by farmers. The investment of public funds in improved agricultural land drainage is normally justified in terms of the resultant net increase in the value of agricultural production.
Open Access
Farmer uptake of drainage benefits a regional study
(Cranfield University, 1987-01) Morris, J.; Black, D. E.; Hess, Tim M.
The commitment of public funds to land drainage improvement such as river flood alleviation and improved arterial systems, has been an important component of agricultural support in Britain. The economic performance of these investments depends on whether private farmers actually exploit the potential benefits afforded. Pre-investment appraisals of agricultural land drainage schemes have been criticised for their arbitrary and optimistic predictions of benefit uptake whilst the great variation in benefit uptake between schemes and farmers has hitherto remained unexplained. More recently, in the face of changes in agricultural policy, pressure on public funds, and competition from other land users, there has been a call for a more consistent and objective method for evaluating public sector land drainage investments (HMSO, 1995).
Open Access
An overview of tea research in Tanzania - with special reference to the Southern Highlands.
(1992-10-09T00:00:00Z) Carr, M. K. V.; Ndamugoba, D. M.; Burgess, Paul J.; Myinga, G. R.; Ekpere, J. A.; Rees, D. J.; Mbwile, R. P.; Lyino, N. G.
The history of tea development in Tanzania from the early part of this century to the present is summarised. Average yields of made tea from well managed estates in the Mufindi district have increased from around 600 kg ha-1 in the late 1950s to 3000 kg ha-1 at the present time: by comparison, yields from smallholder farms have remained much lower, averaging only 400-500 kg ha-1. There have been a large number of technical, economic and other changes over the last 30 to 40 years. The removal of shade trees, the use of herbicides, the application of NPK compound fertilisers, the introduction of irrigation (on some estates) and changes in harvesting policy have all contributed to the increases in yield. Financial and infrastructural problems have contributed to the low yields from many smallholders and others, and have limited the uptake of new technology. The contribution of research is reviewed, from the start of the Tea Research Institute of East Africa in Kenya in 1951, through to the development of the Marikitanda Tea Research Centre in Amani in 1967; the Ngwazi Tea Research Unit in Mufindi (1967 to 1970, and from 1986), and lastly the Kifyulilo Tea Research Station, also in Mufindi in 1986. The yield potential of well fertilized and irrigated clonal tea, grown at an altitude of 1800 m, is around 6000 kg ha-1. This potential is reduced by drought, lack of fertilizer, bush vacancies and inefficient harvesting practices. The corresponding potential yields at high (2200 m) and low (1200 m) altitude sites range from 3000-3500 kg ha-1 up to 9000-10000 kg ha-1 and are largely a function of temperature. The opportunities for increasing yields of existing tea, smallholder and estate, are enormous. Tea production in the Southern Highlands of Tanzania is about to expand rapidly. Good, appropriate research is needed to sustain this development over the long term, and suggestions on how best this is done in order to assist the large scale producers as well as the smallholders, are discussed.
Open Access
The evaluation of river maintenance
(Cranfield University, 1993-05) Morris, J.; Sutherland, D. C.
Rivers serve a variety of interests including those of water supply, drainage, environmental quality, and recreation. One of the main functions of managed rivers is to dispose of surplus water from urban and rural areas. In the case of rural areas this drainage function relates to the control, within acceptable limits, of flooding and water table levels on riparian, mainly agricultural land.
Open Access
Evaluation of weed maintenance activities on the river Idle
(Cranfield University, 1993-09) Sutherland, D. C.; Morris, J.
Silsoe College was asked by the Lower Trent Area of the Severn Trent Region of the National Rivers Authority (NRA) to evaluate the current weed maintenance regime on the River Idle, north Nottinghamshire. The study required the assessment of the benefits of regular weed maintenance activities to users of the river and the disbenefits incurred if weed maintenance was not to be carried out.
Open Access
Severn Trent Region: River Sence, Hinlton Brook
(National Rivers Authority, 1996) Dunderdale, J. A. L.; Morris, J.
This document describes methods, results and conclusions of a study to evaluate the impacts of alternative river maintenance strategies on the River Sence and Hilton Brook in the Severn Trent Region. Its main purpose are to provide supporting information for R&D Note 456 'River Maintenance Evaluation' and to provide data which supports routines for the prioritisation and programming of river maintenance.
Open Access
North West region: River Wampool, Pilling Water
(National Rivers Authority, 1996) Dunderdale, J. A. L.; Morris, J.
Open Access
South West Region: River Yarty, Sir Arthur's Pill
(National Rivers Authority, 1996) Dunderdale, J. A. L.; Morris, J.
This document describes methods, results and conclusions of a study to evaluate the impacts of alternative river maintenance strategies on the River Yarty and Sir Arther's Pill in the South Western Region. Its main purpose are to provide supporting information for R&D Note 456 'River Maintenance Evaluation' and to provide data which supports routines for the prioritisation and programming of river maintenance.
Open Access
Anglian Region: River Yare, River Wensum, Woldgrift Drain
(National Rivers Authority, 1996) Dunderdale, J. A. L.; Morris, J.
This document describes methods, results and conclusions of a study to evaluate the impacts of alternative river maintenance strategies on the River Yare and Wensum and the Woldgrift Drain in the Anglian Region. Its main purpose are to provide supporting information for R&D Note 456 'River Maintenance Evaluation' and to provide data which supports routines for the prioritisation and programming of river maintenance.
Open Access
Welsh region: River Arrow, Dreneuydd/Broadway Reen, Dysynni Low Level Drain
(National Rivers Authority, 1996) Dunderdale, J. A. L.; Morris, J.
This document describes methods, results and conclusions of a study to evaluate the impacts of alternative river maintenance strategies on the River Arrow Dreneuydd Broadway Reen and the Dysynni Low Level Drain in the Welsh Region. Its main purposes are to provide supporting information for R&D Note 456 'River Maintenance Evaluation' and to provide data which support routines for the prioritisation and programming of river maintenance.
Open Access
Background documentation: guidelines for river vegetation maintenance
(National Rivers Authority, 1996) Ward, D. E.; Holmes, N. T. H.; Andrews, J. H.; Gowing, D. J. G.; Kirby, P.
This report sets out the methodology employed in preparing guidelines for the incorporation of environmental criteria into the planning and appraisal of river vegetation management. This work was carried out under Project 536 (environmental Impact Assessment) under the umbrella of Project No. 317 - River Maintenance Evaluation, being undertaken for the National Rivers Authority (Severn Trent Region) by Silsoe College. Its aim is to provide the environmental basis for making decisions on the optimum method and timing of vegetation control on rivers which will integrate satisfactorily with operational demands and will maintain or enhance existing environmental interests.
Open Access
River maintenance evaluation
(National Rivers Authority, 1996) Dunderdale, J. A. L.; Morris, J.
In January 1989, the National Rivers Authority (NRA) Severn Trent Region commissioned Silsoe College to undertake a three year study to monitor and evaluate the impact of maintenance on six of its main river sites. The study developed methods for the technical and economic appraisal or fiver maintenance. Subsequent to this, the study was extended to incorporate other NRA Regions, and further develop methods to help design, justify and prioritise maintenance activities. The study reported below involved the monitoring of 12 sites in five NRA Regions during the period March 1992 - October 1995, and further development of guidelines for the management of the maintenance function.
Open Access
Responses of Young Tea (Camellia Sinensis) Clones to Drought and Temperature II: Dry Matter Production and Partitioning
(Cambridge University Press, 1996-01-01T00:00:00Z) Burgess, Paul J.; Carr, M. K. V.
The physiological basis for differences in yields from well-watered and droughted plants of four contrasting clones of tea were studied in terms of light interception, dry matter production and partitioning at a high altitude site in Southern Tanzania where there are marked seasonal variations in rainfall and temperature. The plant dry weights, including roots, were measured eight months after field planting and subsequently at intervals of three to four months, corresponding to the different seasons, during the following two years. Fully irrigated plants of one clone (S15/10) were also harvested after four years in the field. Clones differed in the rates of canopy spread and hence in their capacity to intercept solar radiation. The ‘radiation use efficiency’ (the net total dry matter production per unit of intercepted short-wave solar radiation) was similar for the four well-watered clones and ranged from 0.40 to 0.66 g MJ -1 , which corresponds closely to values reported for other woody tropical plants. A 16-week drought treatment imposed two years after planting reduced the mean light interception of the four clones by about 25% and the mean radiation use efficiency by 78% to 0.09 g MJ -1 . Clone S15/10, a cultivar from Kenya which produces large yields, partitioned a greater proportion of dry matter to leaves and harvested shoots than the other clones, and correspondingly less to large structural roots. This resulted in a maximum harvest index of 24%, substantially greater than other values reported in the literature. There were seasonal differences in partitioning with more dry matter being diverted to roots and less to shoots during the cool season. Although the drought treatments had no significant effect on root growth, the amount of dry matter partitioned to leaves, stems and harvested shoots declined by 80-95%. The roots of all four clones extended in depth at similar rates (about 2 mm d -1 ), those of Clone S15/10 reaching 2.8 m after four years. The results are discussed in terms of appropriate field cultural practices and possible selection criteria for high yielding clo
Open Access
Responses of Young Tea (Camellia Sinensis) Clones to Drought and Temperature. I. Yield and Yield Distribution
(Cambridge University Press, 1996-07-01T00:00:00Z) Burgess, Paul J.; Carr, M. K. V.
The yield responses to drought and temperature of six contrasting tea clones were studied in a line-source irrigation experiment in Southern Tanzania. The selected clones, all commercially and/or scientifically important in eastern Africa, embrace a range of morphological and physiological types. The bushes were planted in August 1988 and differential drought treatments were imposed for 16 and 13 weeks towards the end of the dry seasons in 1990 and 1991 respectively. The resulting soil water deficits were successfully simulated using a water balance model. Under well-watered conditions Clone S15/10 (from Kenya) gave the highest yield of dry tea reaching 5600 kg ha-1 in the fourth year after planting (1991/92) compared to 3640-4420 kg ha-1 for the other five clones. During the cool season Clone SFS150 (from Malawi) yielded more than Clones 1, 207, 6/8 and K35. Although annual yields decreased curvi-linearly as the maximum soil water deficit increased, single values for the drought sensitivity of each clone could be derived by using stress time as an index of drought. On this basis Clones S15/10 and 207 were identified as being the most sensitive to drought; Clones SFS150 and 1 were drought resistant. The reasons for these differences in yield responses and the importance of determining drought sensitivity over an appropriate time period are discussed.
Open Access
Wet fens for the future: Feasibility study phase 2 - a study of the economic and social implications of creating new wetlands in Fenland
(Cranfield University, 1996-11) Morris, Joe
The Fens, a lowlying area of 3,700 square kilometres in central, east England, are unique in character in the UK, comparable only with The Netherlands in Europe. Over 70% of the area is farmland, criss-crossed by dykes and drains. The Fens are significant in terms of their integration of land use, economic activity, wildlife and scenic value, and are internationally important for their biodiversity. The Fens also contain some of the most fertile, high value agricultural land in Britain.
Open Access
Artisan Business Training Programme, Luwero Diocese Water Project.
(Cranfield University, 1999) Rwamwanja, R.
This report contributes to the findings, implications, and future plans of a project, initiated by Cranfield University (Silsoe, UK) entitled “Private Sector Participation in Low Cost Water Well Drilling”.
Open Access
Information on Potential Sources of Credit
(Cranfield University, 1999) Ssebalu, Jamil; Rwamwanja, R.; Snell, M.; Danert, Kerstin
This report contributes to the findings, implications, and future plans of a project, initiated by Cranfield University (Silsoe, UK) entitled “Private Sector Participation in Low Cost Water Well Drilling”.
Open Access
Hand Sludging: A Report from North West Bengal.
(1999-03-01T00:00:00Z) Ball, Peter D.; Danert, Kerstin
The Low Cost Drilling Project (Cranfield University/DFID/Government of Uganda) is developing a modification of the traditional Asian sludging technology for use in Africa. As part of the technology research a visit was made to north India to observe and measure various characteristics of this well drilling technique. The report describes these observations and draws conclusions for the Low Cost Well Drilling Project.
Open Access
Field trials of the prototype Pounder Rig, Uganda, 20th August - 13th November 1999.
(1999-11-01T00:00:00Z) Ball, Peter D.; Danert, Kerstin
A prototype low-cost drilling rig was imported to Uganda in August 1999 and handed over to Mpigi District Government. Field trials of this machine were undertaken between 20 th August and 13 th November 1999. This work was enabled through a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding between the Cranfield University/DFID Low Cost well Drilling Project, the Directorate of Water Development (DWD) of the Government of Uganda, and the local Government of Mpigi District. A total of fourteen holes were drilled in a range of geological formations, and six of these were equipped with U3 handpumps installed by the direct install method (screen directly attached below pump cylinder, with rising main doubling as well casing). Of these six, one gave inadequate yield, while the other five were put into use as community water supply wells. The trial of the prototype Pounder Rig offered much opportunity to learn about its capability, the practicalities of well construction by the direct install procedure, and the acceptability of the technology to the Ugandan crew. A full design review followed the field trials, and this is reported under separate cover. A number of practical issues arose during this period, including methods of crew payment, funding of trials, logistics, and conflicts between the requirements of drilling trials and the expectations of rural communities. These were addressed as they arose, but with the benefit of hindsight they could no doubt have been resolved in better ways.
Open Access
Design review of the Pounder Rig, following field trials of the prototype
(1999-11-01T00:00:00Z) Ball, Peter D.
Field trials of the prototype Pounder Rig were undertaken in Mpigi District, Uganda in the second half of 1999. The first phase of these trials gave rise to an initial evaluation of the equipment, which is included here as an Appendix. The trials themselves are fully reported under separate cover (Ball, P and Danert, K (1999) Field Trials of the Prototype Pounder Rig, Uganda, 20 th August – 13 th November, 1999. Report of DFID KAR Project R7126 “Private Sector Participation in Low Cost Water Well Drilling”, Cranfield University). This document is a review of the design of the Pounder Rig, and a discussion of pertinent aspects of its use and management, following the completion of the trials. It forms the basis for the move from prototype to production