The Effects of Integrated Soil Fertility Management and Cropping Systems onSoil Water Content on Sorghum and Cowpea Production in Central Highlands of Kenya
| dc.contributor.author | Njeru, Peterson Newton | |
| dc.contributor.author | Mugwe, Jayne | |
| dc.contributor.author | Mucheru-Muna, Monicah | |
| dc.contributor.author | Kimani, Stephen | |
| dc.date.accessioned | 2025-07-24T09:04:52Z | |
| dc.date.available | 2025-07-24T09:04:52Z | |
| dc.date.issued | 2024-09-07 | |
| dc.description | Article | |
| dc.description.abstract | Background: Soil fertility degradation remains the major biophysical cause of declining per capita crop production on smallholder farmers in Central Kenya highlands. The study was carried out for 3 consecutive seasons in Embu County classified as semi-arid lands in Kenya. Objectives: To determine the effect of Soil Water Harvesting (SWH), cropping systems and Integrated Soil Fertility Management technologies on sorghum and cowpea production in Mbeere South Sub-County, Kenya. Methodology: The treatments were arranged in a factorial structure with 3 levels of SWH, 2 cropping systems and 6 soil fertility management options laid out in a partially balanced incomplete block design. The SWC was measured after 2 weeks after planting interval stages in the whole season. Data were analyzed by ANOVA and significant means separated using Least Significant Difference (LSD) at 95% Confidence Interval. Results: There was a two way interactions effect between SWH*Fertility management options on sorghum grain yields was significant (p=0.0027, p=0.0008 and p=0.0057) during long rains (LR) of 2011 and 2012, and short rains (SR) of 2011, respectively. Additionally, SWH methods significantly affected sorghum grain yields in a similar trend (p=0.002, p=0.0005 and p=0.0003) in their respective seasons. In SR 2011 and LR 2012, soil fertility options also produced significant effects (p=0.0047 and p=0.0024) on cowpea grain yields, respectively. The results further indicated that there were significant higher SWC measurements at initial stages of 2 WAP, 4 WAP and 6 WAP intervals as compared to the late stages of the season. However, sole cropping systems had significantly more SWC measurement than those in intercropping systems in both seasons. Implications: Manure added treatments positively affected SWC conservation and this could be as a result of increased soil organic carbon which improved soil fertility. The available SWC played a great role in drought effect mitigation by availing moisture to sorghum and cowpea productivity especially when prolonged dry spells coincide with crop’s sensitive phenological growing stages. Conclusions: Water harvesting methods cropping systems and soil fertility management options had positive influence on soil moisture conservation and crop yields production in Central Kenya Highland. | |
| dc.identifier.citation | Njeru, P. N., Mugwe, J., Mucheru-Muna, M., & Kimani, S. (2024). LOS EFECTOS DE LA GESTIÓN INTEGRADA DE LA FERTILIDAD DEL SUELO Y LOS SISTEMAS DE CULTIVO SOBRE EL CONTENIDO DE AGUA DEL SUELO EN LA PRODUCCIÓN DE SORGO Y CAUPÍ EN LAS TIERRAS ALTAS CENTRALES DE KENIA. | |
| dc.identifier.uri | https://ir-library.ku.ac.ke/handle/123456789/30785 | |
| dc.language.iso | en | |
| dc.publisher | Tropical and Subtropical Agroecosystems | |
| dc.title | The Effects of Integrated Soil Fertility Management and Cropping Systems onSoil Water Content on Sorghum and Cowpea Production in Central Highlands of Kenya | |
| dc.type | Article |