Assessment and Monitoring of Nutrient Flows and Stocks to Determine Appropriate Integrated Nutrient Management Strategies: Methodological Approach Adapted for Arid and Semi-arid Lands of Kenya, 2000

Abstract

Kenya's arable land comprises 44.6 million hectares, of which about 33.6 million ha is either semi- arid or arid (ASAL). The aim of agricultural development in the country is to increase agricultural production in a sustainable manner, through integrated crop management approaches under different cropping systems and appropriate tillage practices. Integrated crop management. in this context, refers to the application of the best available management techniques for nutrients, water and crop protection. The rapid increase in Kenya's population has resulted in three distinct phenomena. Firstly, there is the rapid rural-urban migration in search of better job opportunities. Secondly, there is out migration from the high and medium rainfall areas in search of new farmlands in the ASALs. Introduction of crop production technologies from high potential areas has proven sometimes disastrous if not accompanied by various soil nutrient adding/saving or water conservation approaches. Appropriate technology is thus lacking. Thirdly, tremendously increased pressure on land has necessitated intensification of land use, resulting in land degradation. Substantial parts of ASAL, are located in Machakos. Mwingi. Makuena. Kitui and Kajiado districts.