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\hypersetup{pdftitle={Enhancing Land Productivity through Integrated Soil and Water Conservation Technology},pdfauthor={Mary Baaru, Charles Gachene},pdfsubject={Tropentag 2016: Abstract},pdfkeywords={Crop performance, soil and water conservation, soil moisture, Vegetative macro contour},pdfpagemode=None,colorlinks=true}
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\parbox[b]{13.4cm}{\centering \large{\textbf{Tropentag, September 18-21, 2016, Vienna, Austria}}\\[1ex] \Large{``Solidarity in a competing world ---\\fair use of resources''\\[2ex]}}
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\Large{\textbf{Enhancing Land Productivity through Integrated Soil and Water Conservation Technology\footnote{\textbf{Contact Address:} Mary Baaru, Kenyatta University, Environmental Studies and Community Development, 43844, 00100~Nairobi, Kenya, \mbox{e-mail}: \email{bmwamuyu@gmail.com}}\\[0.8ex]}}
\normalsize{\textsc{Mary Baaru$^{1}$, Charles Gachene$^{2}$}}
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\begin{itemize*}
\item[]{\small{\textit{$^{1}$Kenyatta University, Environmental Studies and Community Development, Kenya}}}
\item[]{\small{\textit{$^{2}$University of Nairobi, Dept. of Land Resource Management and Agricultural Technology (LARMAT), Kenya}}}
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\index[author]{Baaru, Mary}
\index[author]{Gachene, Charles}
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\textbf{Abstract}
\begin{abstract}
\normalsize{
Soil erosion and runoff are the major limiting factors to crop production. Effects are more severe in semi"=arid areas, often characterised by extreme weather conditions and poor vegetation cover. Despite, many farming communities have settled in these areas due population pressure. Climate change has further worsened the conditions. In addition, the size of land parcels have continued to decrease with time hence the farms are continuously cultivated year round. Since most farmers in the marginal areas are resource poor, introducing conservation technologies that could improve crop performance as well as offer multiple benefits would be most appropriate. 







Vegetative Macro Contour line (see upload) is one such technology that provides multiple benefits and is effective for soil erosion and runoff control while still replenishes soil fertility. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of terraced (TVMD), and unterraced (UVMD) vegetative macro contour line on soil moisture conservation and crop performance. The trial involved three treatments: TVMD with maize mono crop and ditch, UVMD  with maize"=dolicos intercrop and Terraced vegetative macro contour line with maize"=dolicos intercrop and ditch (TVMDD). The experiment was established on four randomly selected farms that served as blocks. Soil moisture content was measured  at three different slope positions (i.e. upper, middle, lower slope position) along bench terrace. Percentage soil moisture content was  determined gravimetrically in the laboratory. Plant height was taken from radomally selected crops at each slope position. Plant samples were also collected for biomass yield data.



 



Results indicate 15 and \mbox{13\,\%} higher soil moisture on TVMDD and TVMD treatments respectively compared to UVMD treatment. The upper and lower slope positions gave significantly (P$\leq$0.05) higher soil moisture content compared to middle position. Further, taller plants and higher biomass yield was observed on terraced benches, upper and lower slope positions than unterraced and middle slope position. The findings thus, signifies possibility of enhancing productivity through establishment of terraced vegetative macro contour line. For this reason, the  technology could to be considered when advising on and implementing agricultural activities in semi arid areas.



}

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\noindent \textbf{Keywords:} Crop performance, soil and water conservation, soil moisture, Vegetative macro contour
\index[key]{Crop!performance}
\index[key]{Soil!and water conservation}
\index[key]{Soil!moisture}
\index[key]{Vegetative macro contour}
\end{document}
