The Organic Matter and Nitrogen Status of Manure on Smallholder Farms in Central Kenya

Abstract

Mixed arable-livestock farming systems are common in central Kenya and manure from livestock is used as fertiliser in arable fields. However, increasing demographic pressure and intensification of agriculture has resulted in more continuous cultivation of arable lands without concomitant application of fertilisers. Continuous cultivation of land has resulted in accelerated soil nutrient depletion, decline in soil organic matter content, loss of physical structure and reduced crop productivity (Ikombo et al., 1994; Kilewe and Thomas, 1992).