Franklin Mairura | World Agroforestry Centre (original) (raw)
Papers by Franklin Mairura
World Development
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Soil macronutrient and micronutrient availability is particularly critical in semi-arid agroecolo... more Soil macronutrient and micronutrient availability is particularly critical in semi-arid agroecological zones that are characterized by poor soil fertility and low rainfall regimes. An experiment was initiated in Siakago, Embu County to investigate the effects of tied-ridges, conventional tillage and input applications on soil nutrient fertility using a randomized complete block design with a split-split plot arrangement for 4 seasons (2018-2021). The treatments comprised of two main plot tillage systems, three cropping systems allocated to the sub-plots and four soil input management treatments assigned to sub-sub plots. ANOVA was used to test the effects of different treatments including tillage, crop system and soil fertility management using Genstat software. The data was also subjected to Principal Component Analysis procedures using R ("FactoMineR" and "factoextra") to examine the interrelationship patterns between different soil fertility parameters and to reduce the data into independent soil fertility components. There were significant main effects due to crop system (Soil Mn), tillage and crop system interaction (SOC and TSN) and soil fertility management (TOC, TSN, Ca, Zn). Soil inputs significantly influenced soil carbon concentrations (p = 0.002), with the lowest values observed in the control (0.2 %), followed by sole fertilizer (0.35 %), manure + fertilizer (0.41 %) and the fully decomposed manure treatment (0.61 %). The soil-extracted manganese values recorded significant effects due to crop system, while soil-extracted Zn values were significant due to soil fertility management. Multivariate analysis results revealed the structure of soil nutrient distribution. Tied ridging can improve soil micronutrient availability through reduced soil erosion, conservation of soil organic matter, which can improve soil micronutrient availability. Soil conservation practices such as tied-ridging integrated with organic input applications can enhance multiple nutrient availability for improved crop performance and human nutrition in dryland farming systems where farmers lack soil moisture, technologies and resources to enhance crop nutrient availability.
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Soil macronutrient and micronutrient availability is particularly critical in semi-arid agroecolo... more Soil macronutrient and micronutrient availability is particularly critical in semi-arid agroecological zones that are characterized by poor soil fertility and low rainfall regimes. An experiment was initiated in Siakago, Embu County to investigate the effects of tied-ridges, conventional tillage and input applications on soil nutrient fertility using a randomized complete block design with a split-split plot arrangement for 4 seasons (2018-2021). The treatments comprised of two main plot tillage systems, three cropping systems allocated to the sub-plots and four soil input management treatments assigned to sub-sub plots. ANOVA was used to test the effects of different treatments including tillage, crop system and soil fertility management using Genstat software. The data was also subjected to Principal Component Analysis procedures using R ("FactoMineR" and "factoextra") to examine the interrelationship patterns between different soil fertility parameters and to reduce the data into independent soil fertility components. There were significant main effects due to crop system (Soil Mn), tillage and crop system interaction (SOC and TSN) and soil fertility management (TOC, TSN, Ca, Zn). Soil inputs significantly influenced soil carbon concentrations (p = 0.002), with the lowest values observed in the control (0.2 %), followed by sole fertilizer (0.35 %), manure + fertilizer (0.41 %) and the fully decomposed manure treatment (0.61 %). The soil-extracted manganese values recorded significant effects due to crop system, while soil-extracted Zn values were significant due to soil fertility management. Multivariate analysis results revealed the structure of soil nutrient distribution. Tied ridging can improve soil micronutrient availability through reduced soil erosion, conservation of soil organic matter, which can improve soil micronutrient availability. Soil conservation practices such as tied-ridging integrated with organic input applications can enhance multiple nutrient availability for improved crop performance and human nutrition in dryland farming systems where farmers lack soil moisture, technologies and resources to enhance crop nutrient availability.
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Agricultural Water Management
Deficits in soil moisture and low soil fertility are the major constraints to smallholder farming... more Deficits in soil moisture and low soil fertility are the major constraints to smallholder farming systems in the SSA (sub-Saharan Africa) region. This study evaluated the effects of tied ridging and selected soil fertility inputs on; soil water content at different depths, maize yields, and economic returns. The treatments were: Tithonia diversifolia + inorganic fertilizer, manure + inorganic fertilizer, inorganic fertilizer, and control with or without tied ridging as the soil water conservation factor. Data were subjected to analysis of variance, and the means were separated using LSD at p ≤ 0.05. Treatments with Tithonia diversifolia or manure combined with inorganic fertilizer with or without tied ridging consistently affected soil water content positively. The effect of tied ridging on soil water content was greater during the short rain season compared to the long rains. In addition, there was evidence that tied ridging and organic soil inputs resulted in greater soil moisture conservation during the critical silking and tasselling maize phenological stages during the short rain season. Treatments had significant effects on grain and stover yields during the long rain 2016 season (p < 0.0001 and p = 0.0477, respectively) and the short rain 2016 season (p < 0.0001 and p = 0.0035, respectively). The highest (4.87 Mg ha − 1) maize grain yield was recorded in Tithonia diversifolia plus inorganic fertilizer under tied ridging in the long rain 2016 season, while manure + inorganic fertilizer without tied ridging gave the highest yields (1.27 Mg ha − 1) in the short rain 2016 season. The highest net benefits of US$ 1229.90 ha − 1 and US$ 171.57 ha − 1 were recorded under Tithonia diversifolia plus inorganic fertilizer with tied ridging during the long and short rain seasons, respectively. Overall, the best-performing treatments in yields and profitability were those that combined organic and inorganic fertilizers, regardless of the presence or absence of tied ridging. Climate-smart agricultural strategies combining tied ridges and organic inputs should be an integral component of farmer management if losses related to soil fertility and water stress are to be minimized under erratic rainfall regimes in the semiarid farming systems of the SSA region.
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Deficits in soil moisture and low soil fertility are the major constraints to smallholder farming... more Deficits in soil moisture and low soil fertility are the major constraints to smallholder farming systems in the SSA (sub-Saharan Africa) region. This study evaluated the effects of tied ridging and selected soil fertility inputs on; soil water content at different depths, maize yields, and economic returns. The treatments were: Tithonia diversifolia + inorganic fertilizer, manure + inorganic fertilizer, inorganic fertilizer, and control with or without tied ridging as the soil water conservation factor. Data were subjected to analysis of variance, and the means were separated using LSD at p ≤ 0.05. Treatments with Tithonia diversifolia or manure combined with inorganic fertilizer with or without tied ridging consistently affected soil water content positively. The effect of tied ridging on soil water content was greater during the short rain season compared to the long rains. In addition, there was evidence that tied ridging and organic soil inputs resulted in greater soil moisture conservation during the critical silking and tasselling maize phenological stages during the short rain season. Treatments had significant effects on grain and stover yields during the long rain 2016 season (p < 0.0001 and p = 0.0477, respectively) and the short rain 2016 season (p < 0.0001 and p = 0.0035, respectively). The highest (4.87 Mg ha − 1) maize grain yield was recorded in Tithonia diversifolia plus inorganic fertilizer under tied ridging in the long rain 2016 season, while manure + inorganic fertilizer without tied ridging gave the highest yields (1.27 Mg ha − 1) in the short rain 2016 season. The highest net benefits of US$ 1229.90 ha − 1 and US$ 171.57 ha − 1 were recorded under Tithonia diversifolia plus inorganic fertilizer with tied ridging during the long and short rain seasons, respectively. Overall, the best-performing treatments in yields and profitability were those that combined organic and inorganic fertilizers, regardless of the presence or absence of tied ridging. Climate-smart agricultural strategies combining tied ridges and organic inputs should be an integral component of farmer management if losses related to soil fertility and water stress are to be minimized under erratic rainfall regimes in the semiarid farming systems of the SSA region.
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Heliyon
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This is a PDF file of an article that has undergone enhancements after acceptance, such as the ad... more This is a PDF file of an article that has undergone enhancements after acceptance, such as the addition of a cover page and metadata, and formatting for readability, but it is not yet the definitive version of record. This version will undergo additional copyediting, typesetting and review before it is published in its final form, but we are providing this version to give early visibility of the article. Please note that, during the production process, errors may be discovered which could affect the content, and all legal disclaimers that apply to the journal pertain.
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Sustainable Production and Consumption
Agricultural land-use activities are the leading sources of GHG (greenhouse gas) emissions in Ken... more Agricultural land-use activities are the leading sources of GHG (greenhouse gas) emissions in Kenya. However, few studies have examined GHG emissions resulting from different soil fertility management practices in small-scale African agricultural systems. The objective of the study was to quantify on-farm GHG emissions under different maize cropping practices in Tharaka-Nithi County, Kenya. The static chamber technique following a randomized rotational commencement pattern between farms and plots during GHG sampling events was used. Annual grain yield was determined from net plots and reported at 12.5 % moisture content. During analysis, analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by LSD (Least Significant Difference) tests were used to assess treatment effects on grain yield, nitrogen use efficiency, area-scaled, and yield-scaled GHG emissions using GenStat and R procedures ('agricolae' package). The results showed that maize yield was not statistically different between fertilizer and fertilizer+manure treatments. The highest GNU (Grain nitrogen uptake) values were recorded in the fertilizer treatment, followed by fertilizer + manure, sole manure, and the control, which recorded the least GNU. The greatest GHG sinks were observed in sole manure, followed by fertilizer+manure, fertilizer, while the control treatment recorded the least GHG sinks. Additionally, the highest grain yields were obtained in the fertilizer treatment, followed by fertilizer+manure, and sole manure, while the control recorded the least yield. The study concluded that organic manure integration contributed significantly to improved soil fertility and GHG sequestration benefits without compromising maize yields.
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Agricultural land-use activities are the leading sources of GHG (greenhouse gas) emissions in Ken... more Agricultural land-use activities are the leading sources of GHG (greenhouse gas) emissions in Kenya. However, few studies have examined GHG emissions resulting from different soil fertility management practices in small-scale African agricultural systems. The objective of the study was to quantify on-farm GHG emissions under different maize cropping practices in Tharaka-Nithi County, Kenya. The static chamber technique following a randomized rotational commencement pattern between farms and plots during GHG sampling events was used. Annual grain yield was determined from net plots and reported at 12.5 % moisture content. During analysis, analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by LSD (Least Significant Difference) tests were used to assess treatment effects on grain yield, nitrogen use efficiency, area-scaled, and yield-scaled GHG emissions using GenStat and R procedures ('agricolae' package). The results showed that maize yield was not statistically different between fertilizer and fertilizer+manure treatments. The highest GNU (Grain nitrogen uptake) values were recorded in the fertilizer treatment, followed by fertilizer + manure, sole manure, and the control, which recorded the least GNU. The greatest GHG sinks were observed in sole manure, followed by fertilizer+manure, fertilizer, while the control treatment recorded the least GHG sinks. Additionally, the highest grain yields were obtained in the fertilizer treatment, followed by fertilizer+manure, and sole manure, while the control recorded the least yield. The study concluded that organic manure integration contributed significantly to improved soil fertility and GHG sequestration benefits without compromising maize yields.
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SSRN Electronic Journal
Cereal-legume intercropping, a common practice among farmers in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), is impo... more Cereal-legume intercropping, a common practice among farmers in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), is important for crop diversification, soil fertility improvement, household nutrition and climate adaptation. However, cereals often outcompete the intercropped legumes for growth resources resulting in low legume yields. The objectives of this study were: i) assessing the effects of different intercropping options (crop spatial configurations) and maize crop management innovations on productivity and economic benefits to farmers and ii) examining how farmers adapt new intercropping technologies to meet their household food security needs. The study was undertaken within 6 researcher-designed and managed trials in high and low rainfall agroecological zones of Babati District, northern Tanzania, during four cropping seasons (2018-2021). The cropping systems tested included a sole maize system rotated with a legume-legume intercrop (Doubled-up legume), an innovation involving two maize rows intercropped with two legume species (Mbili-Mbili), maize-legume intercrop both with and without de-topping, maize-legume intercrop (2 maize plants at 50 cm intra-space, de-topped), maize-legume system (maize with vertical leaf architecture) and a farmer practice. In 2019 season, 120 farmers were trained on testing Mbili-Mbili system in own fields. The number of participating farmers had grown to 225 by 2021 cropping season. A study was conducted to assess the adaptations farmers made on Mbili-This preprint research paper has not been peer reviewed.
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Climate variability is among the main threats to rain-dependent smallholder farming in most sub-S... more Climate variability is among the main threats to rain-dependent smallholder farming in most sub-Saharan Africa countries. Hence, farmers should make efforts at the local level to utilize indigenous knowledge (IK) combined with conventional knowledge to adapt to climate variability impacts. We assessed; IK used by farmers in climate forecasting, their perceptions of climate variability and adaptation strategies, and their correlation with conventional approaches. We conducted the study in Tharaka South and Kitui Central sub-counties of Kenya. We used the triangulation approach to obtain the quantitative and qualitative data. To select respondents, we used purposive and random sampling strategies combined with the snowballing technique. Observed rainfall and temperature data from 1998 to 2018 were obtained from the Kenya Meteorological Department (KMD). Results showed that there were significant (p < 0.05) differences in the use of indigenous indicators such as observation of the behavior of the sky (2 = 14.631), moon (2 = 7.851), and wind (2 = 5.864). The majority of the smallholder farmers (87%) used the change in the behavior of trees as the indigenous indicator in weather forecasting. The most common adaptation strategies (over 80%) used were food storage for future use (88.5%) and change of planting dates (87.5%). The analysis output of conventional data from KMD conformed with the farmers' observations and perception of climate variability over the reference period. Because farmers are still using IK that agrees with conventional knowledge, there is a need to integrate IK with conventional knowledge for use by rain-fed-dependent smallholder farmers in climate forecasting.
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SSRN, 2022
Cereal-legume intercropping, a common practice among farmers in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), is impo... more Cereal-legume intercropping, a common practice among farmers in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), is important for crop diversification, soil fertility improvement, household nutrition and climate adaptation. However, cereals often outcompete the intercropped legumes for growth resources resulting in low legume yields. The objectives of this study were: i) assessing the effects of different intercropping options (crop spatial configurations) and maize crop management innovations on productivity and economic benefits to farmers and ii) examining how farmers adapt new intercropping technologies to meet their household food security needs. The study was undertaken within 6 researcher-designed and managed trials in high and low rainfall agroecological zones of Babati District, northern Tanzania, during four cropping seasons (2018-2021). The cropping systems tested included a sole maize system rotated with a legume-legume intercrop (Doubled-up legume), an innovation involving two maize rows intercropped with two legume species (Mbili-Mbili), maize-legume intercrop both with and without de-topping, maize-legume intercrop (2 maize plants at 50 cm intra-space, de-topped), maize-legume system (maize with vertical leaf architecture) and a farmer practice. In 2019 season, 120 farmers were trained on testing Mbili-Mbili system in own fields. The number of participating farmers had grown to 225 by 2021 cropping season. A study was conducted to assess the adaptations farmers made on Mbili-This preprint research paper has not been peer reviewed.
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African Journal of Agricultural Research, 2022
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Journal of Experimental Agriculture International, 2020
This study investigated the effects of applying different combinations of two contrasting plant r... more This study investigated the effects of applying different combinations of two contrasting plant residues, Calliandra calothyrsus (Calliandra) and maize stover, with urea on Striga infestation and maize yield in western Kenya. A randomized complete block design (RCBD) with 12 treatments replicated four times was used. The following plant residue: urea combinations was used so as to supply a total of 75 kg ha-1 in each treatment combination; 75:0, 60:15, 45:30, 30:45, 15:60, and 0:75 for five seasons (2007-2009). A control treatment where no nutrient inputs were applied was included. Calliandra applied at 45 kg N ha-1 plus urea (30 kg N ha-1) and maize stover applied 15 kg N ha-1 plus urea (60 kg N ha-1) had consistently lower Striga infestation compared other treatments. Negative linear relationship between maize yield and Striga population were observed in the first three seasons i.e. 2007 LR, 2007 SR and 2008 LR. Overall mean maize grain yields over the five seasons were highest (3...
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Social Sciences & Humanities Open
Rainfed agriculture dominates food production systems in arid and semi-arid agro-ecozones. Water ... more Rainfed agriculture dominates food production systems in arid and semi-arid agro-ecozones. Water is a key limiting factor to crop growth in the small-scale farming systems of the Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) region. Climate adaptation is a fundamental and necessary response to the threat posed by the current and future climatic changes in semi-arid farming systems of the SSA region. This study was implemented to identify the socioeconomic drivers and determinants of adaptation to rainfall variability at the farm level in contrasting agroecological zones of Kenya. Two hundred and seventy (270) farmers were selected. The survey was implemented in Mbeere South, Meru South, and Maara Sub-Counties in Kenya to determine farmers' perceptions of climate variation during the decade that preceded the survey and climate adaptation strategies that farmers implemented. The most common climate adaptation strategies included the use of terraces (89%), early maturity crop varieties (82%), and intercropping (79%). In comparison, the least common strategies included waterharvesting strategies (29%), trenches (35%), and staggering planting dates (46%). Farmers in low potential agro-ecological zones recorded lower education levels, less secure land tenure systems, and poor access to training, extension, and credit facilities necessary for successful climatic adaptation strategies. The study findings indicated that farmers in low potential zones, including Mbeere South Sub-County, faced more risks due to the nature of climatic variation in this agro-ecozone. Farm socioeconomic characteristics were important factors that influenced farmer adaptation, including gender and age differentials, education attainments and agricultural training, farm labor availability, household food security status, and preceding annual occurrences of crop failure. There is a need to develop holistic approaches that incorporate scientific findings from the researchers and the local household-based strategies that can enhance risk assessment and management, coping and adaption strategies, and decision-making by multiple stakeholders.
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Environmental Challenges, 2021
Climate variability is among the main threats to rain-dependent smallholder farming in most sub-S... more Climate variability is among the main threats to rain-dependent smallholder farming in most sub-Saharan Africa countries. Hence, farmers should make efforts at the local level to utilize indigenous knowledge (IK) combined with conventional knowledge to adapt to climate variability impacts. We assessed; IK used by farmers in climate forecasting, their perceptions of climate variability and adaptation strategies, and their correlation with conventional approaches. We conducted the study in Tharaka South and Kitui Central sub-counties of Kenya. We used the triangulation approach to obtain the quantitative and qualitative data. To select respondents, we used purposive and random sampling strategies combined with the snowballing technique. Observed rainfall and temperature data from 1998 to 2018 were obtained from the Kenya Meteorological Department (KMD). Results showed that there were significant (p < 0.05) differences in the use of indigenous indicators such as observation of the behavior of the sky (2 = 14.631), moon (2 = 7.851), and wind (2 = 5.864). The majority of the smallholder farmers (87%) used the change in the behavior of trees as the indigenous indicator in weather forecasting. The most common adaptation strategies (over 80%) used were food storage for future use (88.5%) and change of planting dates (87.5%). The analysis output of conventional data from KMD conformed with the farmers' observations and perception of climate variability over the reference period. Because farmers are still using IK that agrees with conventional knowledge, there is a need to integrate IK with conventional knowledge for use by rain-fed-dependent smallholder farmers in climate forecasting.
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Heliyon, 2021
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World Development
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Soil macronutrient and micronutrient availability is particularly critical in semi-arid agroecolo... more Soil macronutrient and micronutrient availability is particularly critical in semi-arid agroecological zones that are characterized by poor soil fertility and low rainfall regimes. An experiment was initiated in Siakago, Embu County to investigate the effects of tied-ridges, conventional tillage and input applications on soil nutrient fertility using a randomized complete block design with a split-split plot arrangement for 4 seasons (2018-2021). The treatments comprised of two main plot tillage systems, three cropping systems allocated to the sub-plots and four soil input management treatments assigned to sub-sub plots. ANOVA was used to test the effects of different treatments including tillage, crop system and soil fertility management using Genstat software. The data was also subjected to Principal Component Analysis procedures using R ("FactoMineR" and "factoextra") to examine the interrelationship patterns between different soil fertility parameters and to reduce the data into independent soil fertility components. There were significant main effects due to crop system (Soil Mn), tillage and crop system interaction (SOC and TSN) and soil fertility management (TOC, TSN, Ca, Zn). Soil inputs significantly influenced soil carbon concentrations (p = 0.002), with the lowest values observed in the control (0.2 %), followed by sole fertilizer (0.35 %), manure + fertilizer (0.41 %) and the fully decomposed manure treatment (0.61 %). The soil-extracted manganese values recorded significant effects due to crop system, while soil-extracted Zn values were significant due to soil fertility management. Multivariate analysis results revealed the structure of soil nutrient distribution. Tied ridging can improve soil micronutrient availability through reduced soil erosion, conservation of soil organic matter, which can improve soil micronutrient availability. Soil conservation practices such as tied-ridging integrated with organic input applications can enhance multiple nutrient availability for improved crop performance and human nutrition in dryland farming systems where farmers lack soil moisture, technologies and resources to enhance crop nutrient availability.
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Soil macronutrient and micronutrient availability is particularly critical in semi-arid agroecolo... more Soil macronutrient and micronutrient availability is particularly critical in semi-arid agroecological zones that are characterized by poor soil fertility and low rainfall regimes. An experiment was initiated in Siakago, Embu County to investigate the effects of tied-ridges, conventional tillage and input applications on soil nutrient fertility using a randomized complete block design with a split-split plot arrangement for 4 seasons (2018-2021). The treatments comprised of two main plot tillage systems, three cropping systems allocated to the sub-plots and four soil input management treatments assigned to sub-sub plots. ANOVA was used to test the effects of different treatments including tillage, crop system and soil fertility management using Genstat software. The data was also subjected to Principal Component Analysis procedures using R ("FactoMineR" and "factoextra") to examine the interrelationship patterns between different soil fertility parameters and to reduce the data into independent soil fertility components. There were significant main effects due to crop system (Soil Mn), tillage and crop system interaction (SOC and TSN) and soil fertility management (TOC, TSN, Ca, Zn). Soil inputs significantly influenced soil carbon concentrations (p = 0.002), with the lowest values observed in the control (0.2 %), followed by sole fertilizer (0.35 %), manure + fertilizer (0.41 %) and the fully decomposed manure treatment (0.61 %). The soil-extracted manganese values recorded significant effects due to crop system, while soil-extracted Zn values were significant due to soil fertility management. Multivariate analysis results revealed the structure of soil nutrient distribution. Tied ridging can improve soil micronutrient availability through reduced soil erosion, conservation of soil organic matter, which can improve soil micronutrient availability. Soil conservation practices such as tied-ridging integrated with organic input applications can enhance multiple nutrient availability for improved crop performance and human nutrition in dryland farming systems where farmers lack soil moisture, technologies and resources to enhance crop nutrient availability.
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Agricultural Water Management
Deficits in soil moisture and low soil fertility are the major constraints to smallholder farming... more Deficits in soil moisture and low soil fertility are the major constraints to smallholder farming systems in the SSA (sub-Saharan Africa) region. This study evaluated the effects of tied ridging and selected soil fertility inputs on; soil water content at different depths, maize yields, and economic returns. The treatments were: Tithonia diversifolia + inorganic fertilizer, manure + inorganic fertilizer, inorganic fertilizer, and control with or without tied ridging as the soil water conservation factor. Data were subjected to analysis of variance, and the means were separated using LSD at p ≤ 0.05. Treatments with Tithonia diversifolia or manure combined with inorganic fertilizer with or without tied ridging consistently affected soil water content positively. The effect of tied ridging on soil water content was greater during the short rain season compared to the long rains. In addition, there was evidence that tied ridging and organic soil inputs resulted in greater soil moisture conservation during the critical silking and tasselling maize phenological stages during the short rain season. Treatments had significant effects on grain and stover yields during the long rain 2016 season (p < 0.0001 and p = 0.0477, respectively) and the short rain 2016 season (p < 0.0001 and p = 0.0035, respectively). The highest (4.87 Mg ha − 1) maize grain yield was recorded in Tithonia diversifolia plus inorganic fertilizer under tied ridging in the long rain 2016 season, while manure + inorganic fertilizer without tied ridging gave the highest yields (1.27 Mg ha − 1) in the short rain 2016 season. The highest net benefits of US$ 1229.90 ha − 1 and US$ 171.57 ha − 1 were recorded under Tithonia diversifolia plus inorganic fertilizer with tied ridging during the long and short rain seasons, respectively. Overall, the best-performing treatments in yields and profitability were those that combined organic and inorganic fertilizers, regardless of the presence or absence of tied ridging. Climate-smart agricultural strategies combining tied ridges and organic inputs should be an integral component of farmer management if losses related to soil fertility and water stress are to be minimized under erratic rainfall regimes in the semiarid farming systems of the SSA region.
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Deficits in soil moisture and low soil fertility are the major constraints to smallholder farming... more Deficits in soil moisture and low soil fertility are the major constraints to smallholder farming systems in the SSA (sub-Saharan Africa) region. This study evaluated the effects of tied ridging and selected soil fertility inputs on; soil water content at different depths, maize yields, and economic returns. The treatments were: Tithonia diversifolia + inorganic fertilizer, manure + inorganic fertilizer, inorganic fertilizer, and control with or without tied ridging as the soil water conservation factor. Data were subjected to analysis of variance, and the means were separated using LSD at p ≤ 0.05. Treatments with Tithonia diversifolia or manure combined with inorganic fertilizer with or without tied ridging consistently affected soil water content positively. The effect of tied ridging on soil water content was greater during the short rain season compared to the long rains. In addition, there was evidence that tied ridging and organic soil inputs resulted in greater soil moisture conservation during the critical silking and tasselling maize phenological stages during the short rain season. Treatments had significant effects on grain and stover yields during the long rain 2016 season (p < 0.0001 and p = 0.0477, respectively) and the short rain 2016 season (p < 0.0001 and p = 0.0035, respectively). The highest (4.87 Mg ha − 1) maize grain yield was recorded in Tithonia diversifolia plus inorganic fertilizer under tied ridging in the long rain 2016 season, while manure + inorganic fertilizer without tied ridging gave the highest yields (1.27 Mg ha − 1) in the short rain 2016 season. The highest net benefits of US$ 1229.90 ha − 1 and US$ 171.57 ha − 1 were recorded under Tithonia diversifolia plus inorganic fertilizer with tied ridging during the long and short rain seasons, respectively. Overall, the best-performing treatments in yields and profitability were those that combined organic and inorganic fertilizers, regardless of the presence or absence of tied ridging. Climate-smart agricultural strategies combining tied ridges and organic inputs should be an integral component of farmer management if losses related to soil fertility and water stress are to be minimized under erratic rainfall regimes in the semiarid farming systems of the SSA region.
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Heliyon
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Bookmarks Related papers MentionsView impact
This is a PDF file of an article that has undergone enhancements after acceptance, such as the ad... more This is a PDF file of an article that has undergone enhancements after acceptance, such as the addition of a cover page and metadata, and formatting for readability, but it is not yet the definitive version of record. This version will undergo additional copyediting, typesetting and review before it is published in its final form, but we are providing this version to give early visibility of the article. Please note that, during the production process, errors may be discovered which could affect the content, and all legal disclaimers that apply to the journal pertain.
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Sustainable Production and Consumption
Agricultural land-use activities are the leading sources of GHG (greenhouse gas) emissions in Ken... more Agricultural land-use activities are the leading sources of GHG (greenhouse gas) emissions in Kenya. However, few studies have examined GHG emissions resulting from different soil fertility management practices in small-scale African agricultural systems. The objective of the study was to quantify on-farm GHG emissions under different maize cropping practices in Tharaka-Nithi County, Kenya. The static chamber technique following a randomized rotational commencement pattern between farms and plots during GHG sampling events was used. Annual grain yield was determined from net plots and reported at 12.5 % moisture content. During analysis, analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by LSD (Least Significant Difference) tests were used to assess treatment effects on grain yield, nitrogen use efficiency, area-scaled, and yield-scaled GHG emissions using GenStat and R procedures ('agricolae' package). The results showed that maize yield was not statistically different between fertilizer and fertilizer+manure treatments. The highest GNU (Grain nitrogen uptake) values were recorded in the fertilizer treatment, followed by fertilizer + manure, sole manure, and the control, which recorded the least GNU. The greatest GHG sinks were observed in sole manure, followed by fertilizer+manure, fertilizer, while the control treatment recorded the least GHG sinks. Additionally, the highest grain yields were obtained in the fertilizer treatment, followed by fertilizer+manure, and sole manure, while the control recorded the least yield. The study concluded that organic manure integration contributed significantly to improved soil fertility and GHG sequestration benefits without compromising maize yields.
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Agricultural land-use activities are the leading sources of GHG (greenhouse gas) emissions in Ken... more Agricultural land-use activities are the leading sources of GHG (greenhouse gas) emissions in Kenya. However, few studies have examined GHG emissions resulting from different soil fertility management practices in small-scale African agricultural systems. The objective of the study was to quantify on-farm GHG emissions under different maize cropping practices in Tharaka-Nithi County, Kenya. The static chamber technique following a randomized rotational commencement pattern between farms and plots during GHG sampling events was used. Annual grain yield was determined from net plots and reported at 12.5 % moisture content. During analysis, analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by LSD (Least Significant Difference) tests were used to assess treatment effects on grain yield, nitrogen use efficiency, area-scaled, and yield-scaled GHG emissions using GenStat and R procedures ('agricolae' package). The results showed that maize yield was not statistically different between fertilizer and fertilizer+manure treatments. The highest GNU (Grain nitrogen uptake) values were recorded in the fertilizer treatment, followed by fertilizer + manure, sole manure, and the control, which recorded the least GNU. The greatest GHG sinks were observed in sole manure, followed by fertilizer+manure, fertilizer, while the control treatment recorded the least GHG sinks. Additionally, the highest grain yields were obtained in the fertilizer treatment, followed by fertilizer+manure, and sole manure, while the control recorded the least yield. The study concluded that organic manure integration contributed significantly to improved soil fertility and GHG sequestration benefits without compromising maize yields.
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SSRN Electronic Journal
Cereal-legume intercropping, a common practice among farmers in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), is impo... more Cereal-legume intercropping, a common practice among farmers in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), is important for crop diversification, soil fertility improvement, household nutrition and climate adaptation. However, cereals often outcompete the intercropped legumes for growth resources resulting in low legume yields. The objectives of this study were: i) assessing the effects of different intercropping options (crop spatial configurations) and maize crop management innovations on productivity and economic benefits to farmers and ii) examining how farmers adapt new intercropping technologies to meet their household food security needs. The study was undertaken within 6 researcher-designed and managed trials in high and low rainfall agroecological zones of Babati District, northern Tanzania, during four cropping seasons (2018-2021). The cropping systems tested included a sole maize system rotated with a legume-legume intercrop (Doubled-up legume), an innovation involving two maize rows intercropped with two legume species (Mbili-Mbili), maize-legume intercrop both with and without de-topping, maize-legume intercrop (2 maize plants at 50 cm intra-space, de-topped), maize-legume system (maize with vertical leaf architecture) and a farmer practice. In 2019 season, 120 farmers were trained on testing Mbili-Mbili system in own fields. The number of participating farmers had grown to 225 by 2021 cropping season. A study was conducted to assess the adaptations farmers made on Mbili-This preprint research paper has not been peer reviewed.
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Climate variability is among the main threats to rain-dependent smallholder farming in most sub-S... more Climate variability is among the main threats to rain-dependent smallholder farming in most sub-Saharan Africa countries. Hence, farmers should make efforts at the local level to utilize indigenous knowledge (IK) combined with conventional knowledge to adapt to climate variability impacts. We assessed; IK used by farmers in climate forecasting, their perceptions of climate variability and adaptation strategies, and their correlation with conventional approaches. We conducted the study in Tharaka South and Kitui Central sub-counties of Kenya. We used the triangulation approach to obtain the quantitative and qualitative data. To select respondents, we used purposive and random sampling strategies combined with the snowballing technique. Observed rainfall and temperature data from 1998 to 2018 were obtained from the Kenya Meteorological Department (KMD). Results showed that there were significant (p < 0.05) differences in the use of indigenous indicators such as observation of the behavior of the sky (2 = 14.631), moon (2 = 7.851), and wind (2 = 5.864). The majority of the smallholder farmers (87%) used the change in the behavior of trees as the indigenous indicator in weather forecasting. The most common adaptation strategies (over 80%) used were food storage for future use (88.5%) and change of planting dates (87.5%). The analysis output of conventional data from KMD conformed with the farmers' observations and perception of climate variability over the reference period. Because farmers are still using IK that agrees with conventional knowledge, there is a need to integrate IK with conventional knowledge for use by rain-fed-dependent smallholder farmers in climate forecasting.
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SSRN, 2022
Cereal-legume intercropping, a common practice among farmers in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), is impo... more Cereal-legume intercropping, a common practice among farmers in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), is important for crop diversification, soil fertility improvement, household nutrition and climate adaptation. However, cereals often outcompete the intercropped legumes for growth resources resulting in low legume yields. The objectives of this study were: i) assessing the effects of different intercropping options (crop spatial configurations) and maize crop management innovations on productivity and economic benefits to farmers and ii) examining how farmers adapt new intercropping technologies to meet their household food security needs. The study was undertaken within 6 researcher-designed and managed trials in high and low rainfall agroecological zones of Babati District, northern Tanzania, during four cropping seasons (2018-2021). The cropping systems tested included a sole maize system rotated with a legume-legume intercrop (Doubled-up legume), an innovation involving two maize rows intercropped with two legume species (Mbili-Mbili), maize-legume intercrop both with and without de-topping, maize-legume intercrop (2 maize plants at 50 cm intra-space, de-topped), maize-legume system (maize with vertical leaf architecture) and a farmer practice. In 2019 season, 120 farmers were trained on testing Mbili-Mbili system in own fields. The number of participating farmers had grown to 225 by 2021 cropping season. A study was conducted to assess the adaptations farmers made on Mbili-This preprint research paper has not been peer reviewed.
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African Journal of Agricultural Research, 2022
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Journal of Experimental Agriculture International, 2020
This study investigated the effects of applying different combinations of two contrasting plant r... more This study investigated the effects of applying different combinations of two contrasting plant residues, Calliandra calothyrsus (Calliandra) and maize stover, with urea on Striga infestation and maize yield in western Kenya. A randomized complete block design (RCBD) with 12 treatments replicated four times was used. The following plant residue: urea combinations was used so as to supply a total of 75 kg ha-1 in each treatment combination; 75:0, 60:15, 45:30, 30:45, 15:60, and 0:75 for five seasons (2007-2009). A control treatment where no nutrient inputs were applied was included. Calliandra applied at 45 kg N ha-1 plus urea (30 kg N ha-1) and maize stover applied 15 kg N ha-1 plus urea (60 kg N ha-1) had consistently lower Striga infestation compared other treatments. Negative linear relationship between maize yield and Striga population were observed in the first three seasons i.e. 2007 LR, 2007 SR and 2008 LR. Overall mean maize grain yields over the five seasons were highest (3...
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Social Sciences & Humanities Open
Rainfed agriculture dominates food production systems in arid and semi-arid agro-ecozones. Water ... more Rainfed agriculture dominates food production systems in arid and semi-arid agro-ecozones. Water is a key limiting factor to crop growth in the small-scale farming systems of the Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) region. Climate adaptation is a fundamental and necessary response to the threat posed by the current and future climatic changes in semi-arid farming systems of the SSA region. This study was implemented to identify the socioeconomic drivers and determinants of adaptation to rainfall variability at the farm level in contrasting agroecological zones of Kenya. Two hundred and seventy (270) farmers were selected. The survey was implemented in Mbeere South, Meru South, and Maara Sub-Counties in Kenya to determine farmers' perceptions of climate variation during the decade that preceded the survey and climate adaptation strategies that farmers implemented. The most common climate adaptation strategies included the use of terraces (89%), early maturity crop varieties (82%), and intercropping (79%). In comparison, the least common strategies included waterharvesting strategies (29%), trenches (35%), and staggering planting dates (46%). Farmers in low potential agro-ecological zones recorded lower education levels, less secure land tenure systems, and poor access to training, extension, and credit facilities necessary for successful climatic adaptation strategies. The study findings indicated that farmers in low potential zones, including Mbeere South Sub-County, faced more risks due to the nature of climatic variation in this agro-ecozone. Farm socioeconomic characteristics were important factors that influenced farmer adaptation, including gender and age differentials, education attainments and agricultural training, farm labor availability, household food security status, and preceding annual occurrences of crop failure. There is a need to develop holistic approaches that incorporate scientific findings from the researchers and the local household-based strategies that can enhance risk assessment and management, coping and adaption strategies, and decision-making by multiple stakeholders.
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Environmental Challenges, 2021
Climate variability is among the main threats to rain-dependent smallholder farming in most sub-S... more Climate variability is among the main threats to rain-dependent smallholder farming in most sub-Saharan Africa countries. Hence, farmers should make efforts at the local level to utilize indigenous knowledge (IK) combined with conventional knowledge to adapt to climate variability impacts. We assessed; IK used by farmers in climate forecasting, their perceptions of climate variability and adaptation strategies, and their correlation with conventional approaches. We conducted the study in Tharaka South and Kitui Central sub-counties of Kenya. We used the triangulation approach to obtain the quantitative and qualitative data. To select respondents, we used purposive and random sampling strategies combined with the snowballing technique. Observed rainfall and temperature data from 1998 to 2018 were obtained from the Kenya Meteorological Department (KMD). Results showed that there were significant (p < 0.05) differences in the use of indigenous indicators such as observation of the behavior of the sky (2 = 14.631), moon (2 = 7.851), and wind (2 = 5.864). The majority of the smallholder farmers (87%) used the change in the behavior of trees as the indigenous indicator in weather forecasting. The most common adaptation strategies (over 80%) used were food storage for future use (88.5%) and change of planting dates (87.5%). The analysis output of conventional data from KMD conformed with the farmers' observations and perception of climate variability over the reference period. Because farmers are still using IK that agrees with conventional knowledge, there is a need to integrate IK with conventional knowledge for use by rain-fed-dependent smallholder farmers in climate forecasting.
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Heliyon, 2021
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