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Organic Carbon Content in Fractions of Soils Managed for Soil Fertility Improvement in Sub-Humid Agroecosystems of Kenya

Author

Listed:
  • Miriam Githongo

    (Rosewood Futures, Nyahururu P.O. Box 2171-20300, Kenya)

  • Milka Kiboi

    (Cortile Scientific Limited, Nairobi P.O. Box 34991-00100, Kenya
    Division of Research Innovation and Outreach, KCA University, Nairobi P.O. Box 56808-00200, Kenya)

  • Anne Muriuki

    (National Agriculture Research Laboratories, Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization, Nairobi P.O. Box 14733-00800, Kenya)

  • Andreas Fliessbach

    (Department of Soil Sciences, Research Institute of Organic Agriculture FIBL, Ackerstrasse 113, 5070 Frick, Switzerland)

  • Collins Musafiri

    (Cortile Scientific Limited, Nairobi P.O. Box 34991-00100, Kenya)

  • Felix K. Ngetich

    (Cortile Scientific Limited, Nairobi P.O. Box 34991-00100, Kenya
    Department of Plant, Animal and Food Sciences (PAFS), Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST), Bondo P.O. Box 210-40601, Kenya)

Abstract

Soil health and fertility are indexed by soil organic carbon (SOC) content. Soil management through good agricultural practices that enhance and sustain SOC is vital for soil fertility. We examined the influence of soil fertility management strategies on SOC concentrations in different particle size fractions under a maize cropping system. We laid the experiment in a randomized complete block design, with 14 treatments replicated 4 times, and used the following inputs: inorganic fertilizer (Mf), maize residue +inorganic fertilizer (RMf), maize residue + inorganic fertilizer, and goat manure (RMfM), maize residue + goat manure + Dolichos Lablab L intercrop (RML), maize residue + Tithonia diversifolia + goat manure (RTiM) and maize residue + Tithonia diversifolia + phosphate rock (Minjingu) (RTiP) and a Control (no inputs) under reduced tillage (Mt) or conventional tillage (Ct). Soil samples were collected from two depths, 0–5 cm, and 5–15 cm. We determined the content of organic carbon in three physical fractionation: coarse fractions (1.7 mm, 500 µm sieve), medium fractions (250 µm and 90 µm), and a fine fraction (75 µm). Results showed that treatment with maize residues, goat manure, and legume intercrop (MtRML and CtRML) resulted in higher SOC in most fractions, irrespective of the soil depth. The SOC concentration significantly ( p < 0.0001) differed across treatments and depth. It was followed by maize residue, goat manure, and inorganic fertilizer treatments, and the least was inorganic fertilizer treatment. This underpins the importance of manure application and crop residue retention in increasing SOC amounts. Reduced tillage did not influence the SOC amounts during the sampling period in the experimentation site. This study highlights the possibility of improving agricultural productivity by improving soil fertility through a combination of different agricultural soil fertility amendments in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Suggested Citation

  • Miriam Githongo & Milka Kiboi & Anne Muriuki & Andreas Fliessbach & Collins Musafiri & Felix K. Ngetich, 2022. "Organic Carbon Content in Fractions of Soils Managed for Soil Fertility Improvement in Sub-Humid Agroecosystems of Kenya," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(1), pages 1-17, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:15:y:2022:i:1:p:683-:d:1020546
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Mulugeta Habte & Heluf Gebrekidan & Wasie Haile, 2013. "Decomposition and Nutrient Release of Selected Green Manure Species at Different Stages of Growth on Alisols at Areka, Southern Ethiopia," International Journal of Natural Sciences Research, Conscientia Beam, vol. 1(5), pages 30-42.
    2. Esphorn Kibet & Collins Muimi Musafiri & Milka Ngonyo Kiboi & Joseph Macharia & Onesmus K Ng’etich & David K Kosgei & Betty Mulianga & Michael Okoti & Abdirahman Zeila & Felix Kipchirchir Ngetich, 2022. "Soil Organic Carbon Stocks under Different Land Utilization Types in Western Kenya," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(14), pages 1-12, July.
    3. Mulugeta Habte & Heluf Gebrekidan & Wasie Haile, 2013. "Decomposition and Nutrient Release of Selected Green Manure Species at Different Stages of Growth on Alisols at Areka, Southern Ethiopia," International Journal of Natural Sciences Research, Conscientia Beam, vol. 1(5), pages 30-42.
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