Improving water storage in soils to enhance nutrient use efficiency and crop yields for enhanced livelihoods of small scale farmers in semi-arid eastern Kenya
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Date
2012
Authors
Mochoge, B. O.
Danga, B. O.
Kironchi, G.
Kibunja, C.
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Abstract
The current food situation in Kenya is alarming so that food is
extremely expensive for the larger Kenyan population. This is
largely due to the frequent droughts in the country and especially
because more than 80% of the land is arid to semi-arid. There
is therefore urgent need to put into practice existing technologies
to spur food production in the semi-arid fragile ecosystems.
This study is investigating the effect of trapezoidal bund
technology and use of manure on soil moisture storage and
retention, impact of soil moisture on nutrient availability and
nutrient use efficiency by crops, nutrient dynamic changes in
soil and effect on crop yields and long-term soil fertility
maintenance. The study also aims to quantify microbial biomass
and nitrogen mineralisation potentials in soils. The project is in
progress at Katumani, Dryland Research Station in Machakos.
Trapezoidal bunds for run-off water collection and storage have
been constructed according to the recommended pattern. Plots
measuring 4.5 m× 4.5 m will be used for the treatments where
maize (var.SC Duma 43) and common beans are the test crops,
and manure and NP fertilisers as source of plant nutrients. Three
levels of both manure and NP fertilisers 0, 5 and10 tons/ha
manure and 0,50 and 75 kg/ha of each N ad P fertilisers) will
be used. Treatments will be factorial and randomised in a
complete block. Soil moisture content will be measured by a
gravimetric method. Simulation models for nutrient dynamics
and crop performance will be done using CMKEN and NCSOIL
models. Data will be subjected to analysis of variance and
regression. Nutrient use efficiency and gross returns will be
calculated.
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Keywords
Nutrient use efficiency, run-off water collection, simulation models, soil moisture storage, Trapezoidal bunds
Citation
Third RUFORUM Biennial Meeting 24 - 28 September 2012, Entebbe, Uganda