Alteration of soil carbon and pH by selected common tree species on farms in Eastern Highlands of Kenya

E, Ndlovu E Ndlovu

doi:10.9790/2380-0326471

Cited by 1 publication

(3 citation statements)

References 35 publications

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“…These findings are in agreement with those of Nsimabamana (2008). However, the findings in this study contradict Ndlovu et al (2013), whose study showed a significantly low soil pH value beneath the canopies of the G. robusta tree species when compared to other tree species.…”

Section: Discussioncontrasting

confidence: 99%

“…The significantly high levels of soil organic carbon revealed in soils sampled under the canopies of G. robusta at Ulafu site may be explained by fast decomposition of its litter. These findings differed from the reports of Ndlovu et al (2013) lower soil organic carbon was found under G. robusta tree species and attributed it to slow decomposition of its leaf litter despite the heavy leaf fall as observed under its canopies. However, Salazar et al (2011) observed that agroforestry has positive effects on carbon stocks in the upper soil layer than the other crop management systems.…”

Section: Discussioncontrasting

confidence: 99%

“…The highest soil CEC was recorded under M. indica while the least CEC was recorded under G. robusta. The differences in the soil CEC could be attributed to the amount of organic matter in the various soils (Ndlovu et al, 2013). The significantly high levels of soil organic carbon revealed in soils sampled under the canopies of G. robusta at Ulafu site may be explained by fast decomposition of its litter.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 94%

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Influence of selected tree species on soil characteristics, growth and yield of maize in Western Kenya

Ekhuya¹,

Wesonga²,

Muriuki³

et al. 2015

Afr. J. Agric. Res.

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Low purchasing power of inorganic fertilizers by farmers among other factors has led to a decrease in maize production in Kenya. Growing trees on-farm can improve the situation. A study was carried out at three sites in Western Kenya to investigate the effects of selected tree species on total organic carbon, cation exchange capacity, pH, growth and yield of maize. Top soil (0 to 15cm) and maize plants were sampled for measurements under the canopies of selected tree species at (2, 7 and 12 m) from trees. A complete randomized block design with four tree species, three levels of distance and three stages of growth was used. Soils under Grevillea robusta had a significantly higher pH (p=0.02) at Ulafu. Soil CEC under G. robusta and Leuceana leucocephalla were significantly lower (p< 0.001) compared to Markhamia lutea and Mangifera indica at Ulafu. Maize under G. robusta at Bumula had the highest yield (3.91 t ha-1). A significantly lower (p=0.001) maize yield was revealed under M indica in both Ulafu and Ndere. The study suggests some positive influences from all the trees by increasing total organic carbon in soils. Therefore, increasing the number of trees on farms may improve soil fertility and maize production.

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Section: Discussioncontrasting

confidence: 99%

Section: Discussioncontrasting

confidence: 99%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 94%

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