Adoption and utilisation of Zai pits for improved farm productivity in drier upper Eastern Kenya

Kimaru-Muchai, S. W.; Ngetich, Felix K.; Baaru, Mary; Mucheru-Muna, M.

doi:10.17170/kobra-202002281030

Cited by 15 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 0 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“…One such practice is the adoption of planting basins, a technical innovation originating from Burkina Faso in West Africa (Danso-Abbeam et al, 2019). Planting basins -also known as 'Zai pits' or 'Tumbukiza' in Kenya -is a tillage management practice where holes measuring 60 cm wide by 60 cm long by 60 cm deep are dug into the soil, with or without the addition of organic matter, used for growing crops (Danso-Abbeam et al, 2019;Kathuli & Itabari, 2015;Kimaru-Muchai et al, 2020). This CSA technology has proven effective in semi-arid regions with moisture stress and low soil fertility (Kathuli & Itabari, 2015;Danso-Abbeam et al, 2019).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Effects of planting basins and farmyard manure addition on soil carbon and nitrogen pools under on‐farm conditions in Makueni county of Kenya

Kichamu‐Wachira,

Xu,

Reardon‐Smith

et al. 2024

Soil Use and Management

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Climate change, land degradation and inadequate soil nutrients pose significant threats to food security and agricultural sustainability. This study aims to examine the effects of planting basins with farmyard manure on soil total carbon (C), nitrogen (N), isotopic C (δ13C) and N (δ15N) compositions within smallholder‐managed farms in Makueni County, Kenya. The study involved two management practices: planting basins with manure (PM) and conventional farming practices (FP) in 12 experimental sites. Soil samples were taken at three depths (0–10, 10–20 and 20–40 cm), with three replicates for each treatment. Significant interactions were observed between land management practices and sites as well as land management practices and soil depth on soil total C and N. At each of the 12 sites, soil total C was higher under PM (ranging from 0.44% to 1.86%, p < .05) than FP management (ranging from 0.35% to 1.37%), across all soil depths. Soil total N concentrations ranged from 0.027% to 0.100% under FP and (0.060% to 0.190%, p < .05) under PM management. Across soil depths, higher (less negative) soil δ13C values were observed under conventional farmer practice (range − 22.5‰ to −17.1‰) compared with PM management range (−24.3‰ to −18.1‰). Soil δ15N was significantly enriched under PM management (range: 7.4‰ to 12.6‰, p < .05) compared with the conventional farmer practices (range: 6.1‰ to 9.8‰, p < .05). The findings show that planting basins with farmyard manure offers both climate mitigation and adaptation benefits by increasing soil C contents and improving soil fertility. The study provides insights into the real‐world implications of these practices, emphasizing the potential of planting basins with manure in enhancing soil quality and climate resilience.

show abstract

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Effects of planting basins and farmyard manure addition on soil carbon and nitrogen pools under on‐farm conditions in Makueni county of Kenya

Kichamu‐Wachira,

Xu,

Reardon‐Smith

et al. 2024

Soil Use and Management

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…In dry and semiarid regions of the world, insufficient rainfall, soil water stress, and inadequate nutrient availability are the key factors limiting crop productivity (Yazar & Ali, 2016). Insufficient rainfall and poor rainfall distribution have resulted in reduced crop yield and food insecurity in the majority of sub-Saharan Africa's dry regions (Kimaru-Muchai et al, 2020). Additionally, the regular occurrence of extreme weather events such as droughts and dry spells in Africa's rainfed agricultural systems poses a threat to food security (Ayanlade et al, 2018;Grafton et al, 2015).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The potential of Zai pit technology and Integrated soil fertility management to enhance crop productivity in semi-arid regions of Sub-Sahara Africa: A review

Kebenei¹,

Mucheru-Muna²,

Muriu-Ng’ang’a³

2023

IJEAB

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Low and continuously deteriorating soil fertility coupled with frequent droughts and extended mid-season dry spells scenarios brought about by low and unreliable rainfalls have had a significant negative influence on agricultural productivity in most semi-arid regions of the world. The farmers' limited capacity to change their farming practices and adjust to the changing climatic circumstances further exacerbates these effects. Various in-field rainwater collection techniques, including Zai pits, have been promoted in recent years to assist farmers, particularly in dry and semi-arid locations, to harvest, store, and use rainfall for increased crop productivity. Zai pit is a form of dryland farming technique that involves the unitization of holes or troughs aimed at ensuring soil maintenance, soil erosion control and water preservation in agricultural fields. Additionally, combining effective soil fertility management strategies, such as integrated soil fertility management, with rainwater harvesting methods has the potential to further boost crop yields. Integrated soil fertility management involves the combined use of inorganic fertilizers and organic fertilizers such as cattle manure with the aim of improving soil fertility. Zai pit technology and integrated soil fertility management techniques have been utilized as climate smart agricultural approaches to reduce soil moisture stress and improve crop productivity in arid and semi-arid regions. This paper reviews previous research results on crop productivity as influenced by Zai pit technology and integrated soil fertility management techniques.

show abstract

“…One of the ways to ensure this is by effectively utilizing conservation practices. Studies have explored and recommended conservation measures which can enhance soil fertility and increase crop yield sustainably in the wake of climate change (Kimaru-Muchai, et al, 2020).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Use of Conservation Practices among Arable Crop Farmers in Oyo State, Nigeria

Akinnagbe¹,

John²

2023

jae

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Conservation practices are tools used to help conserve and improve natural resources necessary to maintain sustainable arable crop production. This study assessed the extent of use of conservation practices among arable crop farmers in Oyo State, Nigeria. A multistage random sampling procedure was used in selecting 200 arable crop farmers. Data were collected through the use of a structured interview schedule. Percentages and mean statistic were used in presenting the results. Findings showed that the major conservation practices adopted by arable crop farmers were mulching (100%), crop rotation (100%), ridging (100%), bush following (99.0%) and mixed cropping (99.0%). The most frequently utilized conservation practices were ridging (95.0%), mulching (91.0%) and mixed cropping (89.9%). Population pressure on land (𝑥̅=3.77) and availability of funds (𝑥̅=3.74) are factors influencing the effective use of conservation practices. The results further revealed that longterm continuity of yield from land (𝑥̅=2.84), long-term sustainability and productivity of land (𝑥̅=2.76) and increased yields (𝑥̅=2.69) were reasons for conservation practices by arable crop farmers. To ensure improvement in yields, arable crop farmers should be extensively encouraged through access to land and funds to promote the adoption of conservation practices.

show abstract

Adoption and utilisation of Zai pits for improved farm productivity in drier upper Eastern Kenya

Cited by 15 publications

References 0 publications

Effects of planting basins and farmyard manure addition on soil carbon and nitrogen pools under on‐farm conditions in Makueni county of Kenya

Effects of planting basins and farmyard manure addition on soil carbon and nitrogen pools under on‐farm conditions in Makueni county of Kenya

The potential of Zai pit technology and Integrated soil fertility management to enhance crop productivity in semi-arid regions of Sub-Sahara Africa: A review

Use of Conservation Practices among Arable Crop Farmers in Oyo State, Nigeria

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About