Evaluation of Household Soil Conservation Technologies in Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs) (The Case of Kitui Central, Mulala and Wote Divisions in Kenya)
Journal Title: International Journal of Plant & Soil Science - Year 2016, Vol 11, Issue 5
Abstract
The study aimed at establishing the status of soil conservation technologies in arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs) in Kitui Central, Mulala and Wote divisions in Kenya. The survey was carried out between July and August 2010. To allow for comparison, purposive sampling that considered diversity in terms of agro-ecological setting, population trends and infrastructural facilities was done to select the locations for the study in the three divisions. Simple random sampling was used to select 503 households from six locations in the three divisions for interview. Questionnaires, Focus Group Discussions (FGD) and field observations were used to collect qualitative data. Results indicate main soil types as sandy (31.7%), loam (50.1%) and clay (18.2%). Soil fertility maintenance was by adding organic manure (51%) and inorganic fertilizers (22.8%). Main conservation structures of soil in crop fields included terraces (53.9%), planted trees (28%) and planted nappier grass (7.8%) while main agricultural water sources were public tap, stream and pond dam water. Soil conservation was done by less than 50% of households despite the importance towards crop growth, yield and ultimately food security.
Authors and Affiliations
Matheaus K. Kauti, Titus Ikusya Kanui, Wambua Raphael, Mwobobia Royford Murangiri
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP351543
- DOI 10.9734/IJPSS/2016/25992
- Views 103
- Downloads 0
Impact of Ameliorative Phosphorus Fertilization on Soil, Maize and Wheat Status
Acid reaction and nutritional imbalances, mainly low levels of plant available phosphorus (P) are often limiting factors of soil fertility in Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H). The aim of this study was testing the impact of...
Efficiency of Solubilization of Metals by Mugineic Acid from Sodic Soil
Iron has limited solubility in alkaline soils and, consequently, alkaline soils may have insufficient available iron for optimal plant growth. Plants of the family Gramineae secrete phytosiderophores, plant-derived compo...
Phosphorus Influence on Plant Tissue Nitrogen Contents and Yield Attributes of Finger Millet Varieties in Semi-arid Region of Kenya
The experiment was conducted with the aim of evaluating the effect of differential levels of P on finger millet accumulation of N and yield components. On-station experiments were conducted at the KALRO-Kiboko crops rese...
Morphology, Genesis, Physico-chemical Properties, Classification and Potential of Soils Derived from Volcanic Parent Materials in Selected Districts of Mbeya Region, Tanzania
This study clarifies the morphology, genesis, physico-chemical properties and classification of soils developed from volcanic parent materials of Mbeya Region, Tanzania. Six typical pedons (MWK 01, IFIG 02, MKY 03, MWZ 0...
Effect of Variety and Spacing on Growth and Yield of Maize (Zea mays L.) in Bauchi State, Nigeria
A field experiment was conducted at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University teaching and research farm Bauchi state of Nigeria, during the 2013 rainy season, to investigate the effect of variety and intra-row spacing on gr...