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Critical slope length for soil loss mitigation in maize-bean cropping systems in SW Kenya

dc.contributor.authorKoomson, E.
dc.contributor.authorMuoni, T.
dc.contributor.authorMarohn, C.
dc.contributor.authorNziguheba, G.
dc.contributor.authorÖborn, I.
dc.contributor.authorCadisch, G.
dc.date.accessioned2020-11-04T09:41:45Z
dc.date.available2020-11-04T09:41:45Z
dc.date.issued2020
dc.identifier.citationKoomson, E., Muoni, T., Marohn, C., Nziguheba, G., Öborn, I. & Cadisch, G. (2020). Critical slope length for soil loss mitigation in maize-bean cropping systems in SW Kenya. Geoderma Regional, 22: e00311, 1-9.
dc.identifier.issn2352-0094
dc.identifier.urihttps://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12478/6976
dc.description.abstractSoil erosion and land fragmentation threaten agricultural production of sub-Saharan African highlands. At our study site in Western Kenya, farm size is mostly < 2 ha, laid out in narrow strips in slope direction and ploughed downhill. Soil conservation measures like hedgerows and green manures can reduce effective slope length for erosion, but compete with crops for space and labour. Knowledge of critical slope length can minimise interventions and trade–offs. Hence, a maize–bean intercrop (MzBn) slope length trial on 20, 60 and 84 m long plots, replicated twice on three farms was carried out in Rongo, Migori County, during one rainy season. Soil loss from 84 m slope length (SL) plots was 250 % higher than from 60 m and 710% higher than from 20 m plots, while soil loss from 20 and 60 m plots did not differ (p < 0.05). Conversely, runoff was lower on the 84 m than on the 60 m (p < 0.05) or the 20 m SL (p < 0.05). Across all three farms slope gradient and length had highest explanatory power to predict soil loss. At individual farm level, under similar slope and soil texture, slope length and profile curvature were most influential. Regarding results of the slope length experiments, food crop plot lengths < 50 m appear essential considering soil loss, sediment load, and soil loss to yield ratio under the given rainfall, soil and slope (10–14%) conditions. Our results call for designing integrating slope length options and cropping systems for effective soil conservation. We recommend planting Mucuna and Calliandra–hedgerows as buffer strips below the critical slope length, and legume cash crops and maize uphill. Such approaches are critical against the backdrop of land fragmentation and labour limitation to sustainably maximise food production from the available land area in the region.
dc.description.sponsorshipGerman Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development
dc.format.extent1-9
dc.language.isoen
dc.subjectMaize
dc.subjectBeans
dc.subjectIntercropping
dc.subjectCropping Systems
dc.subjectErosion
dc.subjectLegumes
dc.subjectAcrisols
dc.subjectSoil Loss
dc.subjectSlope Orientation
dc.subjectExposition
dc.subjectSoil Conservation
dc.titleCritical slope length for soil loss mitigation in maize-bean cropping systems in SW Kenya
dc.typeJournal Article
cg.contributor.affiliationUniversity of Hohenheim
cg.contributor.affiliationSwedish University of Agricultural Sciences
cg.contributor.affiliationInternational Livestock Research Institute
cg.contributor.affiliationInternational Institute of Tropical Agriculture
cg.contributor.affiliationWorld Agroforestry Centre
cg.coverage.regionAfrica
cg.coverage.regionEast Africa
cg.coverage.countryKenya
cg.coverage.hubCentral Africa Hub
cg.researchthemeNatural Resource Management
cg.identifier.bibtexciteidKOOMSON:2020
cg.isijournalISI Journal
cg.authorship.typesCGIAR and advanced research institute
cg.iitasubjectAgronomy
cg.iitasubjectCowpea
cg.iitasubjectCrop Systems
cg.iitasubjectFarm Management
cg.iitasubjectFarming Systems
cg.iitasubjectGrain Legumes
cg.iitasubjectIntegrated Soil Fertility Management
cg.iitasubjectMaize
cg.iitasubjectNatural Resource Management
cg.iitasubjectPlant Breeding
cg.iitasubjectPlant Production
cg.iitasubjectSoil Fertility
cg.journalGeoderma Regional
cg.notesPublished online: 01 Jul 2020
cg.accessibilitystatusLimited Access
cg.reviewstatusPeer Review
cg.usagerightslicenseCopyrighted; all rights reserved
cg.targetaudienceScientists
cg.identifier.doihttps://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.geodrs.2020.e00311
cg.iitaauthor.identifierCarsten Marohn: 0000-0003-2823-7897
cg.iitaauthor.identifierGenerose Nziguheba: 0000-0003-4227-2242
cg.iitaauthor.identifierIngrid Oborn: 0000-0003-3847-6082
cg.futureupdate.requiredNo


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