| dc.description.abstract | While several studies have examined soil fertility management systems under key food and cash crops in the Sub-
Saharan Africa (SSA) region, there is a knowledge gap on soil fertility management under African Leafy Vegetables
(ALV) small-holder farming practices particularly in Kenya. The objective of this study was to evaluate the
influence of agronomic management and socio-economic factors on soil chemical fertility in the major ALV
production zones in Kenya. Farm surveys were used to gather socio-economic data, while soil sampling was
undertaken in all fields to collect soil chemical data. The findings indicated that Kisii County was characterized
by higher proportions of wealthy and more educated farmers, with higher frequencies of input applications
relative to Kakamega County. The soil pH was highest in Kenyenya, followed by Gucha, Butere, Mumias, and
Khwisero. Gucha and Kenyenya had significantly the highest record of soil carbon concentrations of 3.2 and 3.1
%, respectively compared to other sites, such as Butere (2.0 %) and Khwisero (1.8 %), which had similar soil
carbon concentrations, with Khwisero having the least (1.5 %) soil C. The highest mean Zn concentration was
recorded in Gucha (6.5 mg kg 1), followed by Kenyenya (6.4), Mumias (4.3), Butere (3.1) and Khwisero (3.0).
The study showed that soil fertility under ALV farms in western Kenya was influenced by socio-economic factors
and agronomic management factors. In general, the soil fertility status in Kisii County was better, compared to
Kakamega County. Soil carbon was significantly influenced by site, soil texture, plot distance, fertilizer sources,
and organic and inorganic fertilizer application frequencies. Gucha and Kenyenya Sub-Counties had higher SOC
levels, averaging at 1.2 and 1.1 % higher, vis-a-vis Butere Sub-County, while Mumias and Khwisero Sub-Counties
had lower average SOC levels in contrast to Butere Sub-County. Site differences can differentiate soil nutrient
distribution due to inherent differences in soil characteristics and indirect effects arising from localized soil
management practices. | en_US |
