Study

Use of calliandra–Napier grass contour hedges to control erosion in central Kenya

  • Published source details Anigma S.D., Stott D.E., O’Neill M.K., Ong C.K. & Weesies G.A. (2002) Use of calliandra–Napier grass contour hedges to control erosion in central Kenya. Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment, 91, 15-23.

Actions

This study is summarised as evidence for the following.

Action Category

Plant new hedges

Action Link
Soil Fertility
  1. Plant new hedges

    A controlled, randomized, replicated experiment in 1997-1999 on clay soil in Kenya (Anigma et al.2002) found that contour hedges conserved more soil on a 20% slope (168 Mg/ha) and 40% slope (146 Mg/ha) compared to plots with no hedges. Runoff was lower from 20% and 40% slopes (298 mm, 186 mm) compared to control plots (356 mm, 222 mm respectively). Less nitrogen and phosphorus was lost from the 20% slope than 40% slope with hedges, than without them. Calliandra Calliandra calthyrsus-Napier grass Pennisetum pupureum yield was 12 Mg/ha (20% slope) and 9 Mg/ha (40% slope), and used as animal fodder. Contour hedgerows containing calliandra and Napier grass were planted in 12 plots split between a 20% and 40% slope, and also control plots without hedges. There were three replicates. Maize Zea mays was grown on all plots. The study took soil samples from each plot and measured runoff, soil loss, nitrogen, phosphorus and yield.

     

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