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Browsing by Author "Mugendi, D. N."

Now showing 1 - 3 of 3
  • The African Network for Soil Biology and Fertility: New challenges and opportunities
    Bationo, A.; Kimetu, J. M.; Ikerra, S.; Kimani, S.; Mugendi, D. N.; Odendo, M.; Silver, M.; Swift, M. J.; Sanginga, N. (Academy Science Publishers (ASP), A Division of the African Academy of Sciences (AAS), 2004)
    Soil fertility degradation has been described as the single most important constraint to food security in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Soil fertility decline is not just a problem of nutrient
  • Research work with TSBF-CIAT in eastern Kenya
    Mugendi, D. N.; Waswa, B.; Mucheru, M. (TSBF-CIAT, 2004)
    This report highlights collaborative research on ISFM that took place on smallholder farms in eastern Kenya in 2000-2003. The project compared 13 soil fertility improvement technologies with farmers' practice of no input. Use of some combination of organic and inorganic fertilizers was shown to improve yields and was subsequently adopted by some 206 farmers in this area.
  • Reversibility of soil productivity decline with organic matter of differing quality along a degradation gradient
    Kimetu, J. M.; Lehmann, Johannes; Ngoze, S. O.; Mugendi, D. N.; Kinyangi, James M.; Riha, S.; Verchot, L.; Recha, J. W.; Pell, A. N. (Springer, 2008)
    This study investigates the reversibility of soil productivity decline using additions of labile organic matter (green and animal manure) to add nutrients to the soil, and stable organic matter (biochar and sawdust) to stabilize the soil and enhance the soil organic carbon (SOC). The overall goal was to test and compare the impact of these additions on the productivity of crops and to investigate ways to improve soil quality. In western Kenya, agriculture is very important and the use of continuous cropping after forest clearing has greatly affected soil fertility by decreasing the amount of nutrients and carbon in the soil. Restoring the soil organic matter content is essential for maintaining crop productivity in the long-term and creating a sustainable food source in this region.