Adoption potential of selected organic resources for improving soil fertility in the central highlands of Kenya
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Date
2009
Authors
Mugwe, J.
Mucheru-Muna, M.
Mugendi, D.
Kung’u, J.B.
Bationo, A.
Mairura, F.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Springer Science+Business Media B.V.
Abstract
Soil fertility decline is the major cause of
declining crop yields in the central highlands of
Kenya and elsewhere within the African continent.
This paper reports a study conducted to assess
adoption potential of two leguminous trees, two
herbaceous legumes, cattle manure, and Tithonia
diversifolia either solely applied or combined with
inorganic fertilizer, for replenishing soil fertility in
the central highlands of Kenya. The study examined
biophysical performance, profitability, feasibility and
acceptability, and farmers experiences in managing
and testing the inputs. The study was based on a
series of studies incorporating both sociological and
experimental approaches for two and a half years.Results of on farm trials showed that manure ? fertilizer
and tithonia ? fertilizer treatments increased
yields by more than 100% above the control. These
treatments were the most profitable having highest
net benefits and benefit cost ratios. They were also the
most commonly preferred by farmers who used them
on larger plots compared to the other inputs. In
conclusion, cattle manure and tithonia were found to
be the organic materials with the highest adoption
potential for soil fertility improvement in this area.
Calliandra calothyrsus and Leucaena trichandra, on
the other hand, have potential for use as animal
fodder. The herbaceous legumes had the least adoption
potential due to poor performance recorded onthe farms that possibly led to low preference by the
farmers. However, issues of sustainable seed production
could have played a role. This study recommends
some policy issues for enhancing adoption and
research issues focusing on exploring strategies for
increasing biomass production and use efficiency on
farms.
Description
Research Article
Keywords
Biophysical performance, Calliandra calothyrsus, Crotalaria ochroleuca, Economic returns, Feasibility and acceptability, On-farm trials, Leucaena trichandra, Mucuna pruriens
Citation
Agroforest Syst (2009) 76:467–485