Micro-level estrategies to improve soil fertility in maize based semi-arid farming systems
Omiti, J. M.
Micro-level estrategies to improve soil fertility in maize based semi-arid farming systems - Addis Ababa (Ethiopia) CIMMYT|EARO : 1999 - p. 338-342 - Printed
In semi-arid areas of Kenya, depletion of soil nutrients is threatening even the low levels of crop productivity that farmers currently achieve. Improved soil fertility management has been identified as essential for increasing and sustaining food production. However, there is little information on soil fertility management practices in semi-arid farming systems. A baseline survey was carried out to understand farmer's soil fertility management practices and identify constraints to and opportunities for improving soil fertility management. Data were obtained from a random sample of 400 households in Machakos District in eastern Kenya in 1997. This paper reports on soil fertility management practices employed by the farmers and constraints to wider adoption. It also offers suggestions for improving soil fertility maintenance that would further advance the research and extension policy agenda in maize-based farming systems in semi-arid areas.
English
92-9146-065-6
Cropping systems
Kenya
Maize
Semiarid climate
Semiarid zones
Soil deficiencies
Soil management
Zea mays
Soil fertility
Farming systems
CIMMYT
633.15 / EAS No. 6
Micro-level estrategies to improve soil fertility in maize based semi-arid farming systems - Addis Ababa (Ethiopia) CIMMYT|EARO : 1999 - p. 338-342 - Printed
In semi-arid areas of Kenya, depletion of soil nutrients is threatening even the low levels of crop productivity that farmers currently achieve. Improved soil fertility management has been identified as essential for increasing and sustaining food production. However, there is little information on soil fertility management practices in semi-arid farming systems. A baseline survey was carried out to understand farmer's soil fertility management practices and identify constraints to and opportunities for improving soil fertility management. Data were obtained from a random sample of 400 households in Machakos District in eastern Kenya in 1997. This paper reports on soil fertility management practices employed by the farmers and constraints to wider adoption. It also offers suggestions for improving soil fertility maintenance that would further advance the research and extension policy agenda in maize-based farming systems in semi-arid areas.
English
92-9146-065-6
Cropping systems
Kenya
Maize
Semiarid climate
Semiarid zones
Soil deficiencies
Soil management
Zea mays
Soil fertility
Farming systems
CIMMYT
633.15 / EAS No. 6