The effects of contour hedgerows (alleycropping) on microclimate, soil and water conservation and competition on sloping lands for sustainable land use in Machakos district, Kenya

Abstract

The research was conducted in a semi-arid land of Kenya prone to land degradation when open for rainfed agriculture. Insufficient water and soil erosion limit plant growth and development. The area has erratic rainfall occurring in heavy high intensity storms which cause soil erosion. This study found such maximum high intensity storms occurring within the first less than 40 days of the respective season when, crop cover had not yet developed and partially replaced mulch cover in soil protection. Shortage of more land in the high potential areas, has resulted in immigrants to the steeply sloping lands for farming and settlement purposes. The immigrants have brought with them inappropriate crop, animal and tillage technologies from the high potential areas to the ASAL with consequent land degradation. Agricultural potential is marginal in the semi-arid Kenya. This potential needs to be exploited skilfully and in a well coordinated manner. The aim is to sustainably produce enough food and reduce dependence on famine reliefs for the new settlers, in ways which minimise environmental degradation. The purpose of there search was to contribute in the quantifying on-station potential of alley cropping in arid sloping lands. This was done through quantifying microclimatic management and manipulation using contour hedgerows with and without mulching and grass strips as well as mulch alone in soil and water conservation techniques. Also an on-farm