KCEP–CRAL Soil and Fertility Management Trainer of Trainers’ Manual

Abstract

The agriculture sector in Kenya directly contributes 26 per cent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and another 27 per cent of GDP indirectly through linkages with other sectors. However, growth in this sector is constrained by, among other factors, declining soil fertility and deteriorating soil health. Soil management strategies center on: acquisition of appropriate knowledge on soils, their utilization and maintenance of their fertility for sustainable improved crop productivity. This module is intended to familiarize participants on the importance of soil management and recognition that healthy and fertile soils are essential for crop productivity and value chains.Agricultural productivity in Kenya is generally low despite the high demand from the increasing population. Yields of the major staple crops, maize and beans, obtained by farmers are well below the research potential yields and this is attributed to various problems including low soil fertility resource base (low soil organic carbon, nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium and some micro-nutrients) and poor land and water management. Such poor management results in loss of soil nutrients estimated at 21% of nitrogen, 8% phosphorous and 45% Muriate of Potash per year per hectare. Soil fertility management is therefore crucial for farmers to realize potential yields and improve households and national food and nutrition security.