The effects of contour hedgerows (alleycropping) on microclimate, soil and water conservation and competition on sloping lands for sustainable land use in Machakos district, Kenya
Abstract
The research was conducted in a semi-arid land of Kenya prone to
land degradation when open for rainfed agriculture. Insufficient
water and soil erosion limit plant growth and development. The area
has erratic rainfall occurring in heavy high intensity storms which
cause soil erosion. This study found such maximum high intensity
storms occurring within the first less than 40 days of the
respective season when, crop cover had not yet developed and
partially replaced mulch cover in soil protection.
Shortage of more land in the high potential areas, has resulted in
immigrants to the steeply sloping lands for farming and settlement
purposes. The immigrants have brought with them inappropriate crop,
animal and tillage technologies from the high potential areas to
the ASAL with consequent land degradation.
Agricultural potential is marginal in the semi-arid Kenya. This
potential needs to be exploited skilfully and in a well coordinated
manner. The aim is to sustainably produce enough food and reduce
dependence on famine reliefs for the new settlers, in ways which
minimise environmental degradation. The purpose of there search was
to contribute in the quantifying on-station potential of alley
cropping in arid sloping lands. This was done through quantifying
microclimatic management and manipulation using contour hedgerows
with and without mulching and grass strips as well as mulch alone
in soil and water conservation techniques. Also an on-farm
Citation
Ph.D ThesisSponsorhip
University of NairobiPublisher
Faculty of Science, University of Nairobi
Description
Ph.D Thesis