Farmer's perceptions verses chemical analysis of soil fertility status in semi-arid areas: A case study of Tharaka District, East Eastern Kenya
2005
Irungu, Johnson(Kenya Agricultural Research Institute, Nairobi (Kenya). National Agricultural Research Laboratories) | Micheni, Alfred(Kenya Agricultural Research Institute, Nairobi (Kenya). National Agricultural Research Laboratories)
A participatory study to appraise the soil fertility status was conducted in arid and semi-arid Tharaka District to get the farmers' perception on soil fertility status within and between farms and compare their reports with laboratory analysis of soil samples. Thirty farms in two separate administrative locations, Gatunga and Kamaguna were visited. Based on crop vigour, presence of certain weeds, presence of earthworms and soil colour, farmers were asked to choose two fieldsone they consider to be of good and another of poor fertility. Composite soil samples were taken within the soil cultivation depth (O-15cm) for laboratory nutrients (Olsen-P, total carbon (C) and pH) analysis and fertility confirmation in relation to farmers' perceptions. Results showed that the farmers' information and knowledge on soil quality and fertility corresponds well to the laboratory assessments of soil P and C status, with differences between fields within a farm and/or between different farms within a given location. As such, use of "indigenous knowledge"in soil fertility studies may be one of the definitive tools for the planning and formulation of research agendas.
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