Analysis of Tobacco Production Systems under different Soil and Environmental Conditions in South Nyanza Region, Kenya

Abstract

The main objective of the soil survey was to collect the biophysical data that will assist in formulating the recommendations for improved nutrient use efficiency in tobacco growing region, Western Province. This activity was carried out as per the terms of reference between Kenya Soil Survey and BAT Company. The sites were characterized in terms of observable soil characteristics such as slope, colour, depth, texture, and compactness. These characteristics, to a certain extent, related to non-observable soil characteristics that must be determined in the laboratory. The results showed that there were both uniformity and sharp variations in soil conditions in some areas. Sharp variations in soil conditions within the same farm offered a serious challenge in giving recommendations for sustainable use of each soil mapping unit, particularly in cases where each soil unit differed with any other adjoining soil units to an extent that it would respond differently to management. In addition to this problem, steep slope, shallow soils and extremely compact soils, were found to be the major cause of land degradation, hence declining soil fertility and productivity. This result in low water use efficiency and unsustainable development. Based on these findings, the following were recommended as the way foreward: 1) Identification of appropriate biophysical indicators of sustainability to be done and used for detailed characterization of the farms. This will assist in formulating strategies for sustainable crop production. 2) Demonstration plots to be characterized in details in terms of the relevant biophysical indicators to facilitate the up scaling of the technologies in broad geographical scales. 3) Opportunities for run-off control and water harvesting to be explored as strategy for improving water use efficiency 4) Address the issues of the most limiting factor to crop growth.