determination of knowledge and practices of soil organic ammendments

determination of knowledge and practices of soil organic ammendment

1. . PRESENTED BY: EVANS MAITHA ADMISSION NUMBER: SBAI/09902P/2021 DETERMINATION OF KNOWLEDGE AND PRACTICES OF SOIL ORGANIC AMENDMENTS AND THEIR EFFECTS ON SOIL PHYSICOCHEMICAL PROPERTIES BY FARMERS. A CASE OF MUGUMO VILLAGE, KIAMBU TOWNSHIP, KENYA .

2. Globally , soils in different areas have faced problems such as nutrient imbalances, biodiversity losses and contamination, among many others. This has resulted in a decrease in crop production in different parts of the world ( Montanarella et al ., 2016 ). To address this problem, various soil fertility improvement technologies with positive effects have been tried. Such improvement technologies include use of organic amendments like bio char and farm yard manure. In Kenya, studies on effect of soil organic amendments on soil physicochemical properties have also been done. Background of The Study

3. As the world population increases without expansion of arable land, it has become extremely difficult to meet food demand. Efforts have been made to improve soils fertility. However , despite these efforts, the farmers in these areas lack knowledge on how to practice some of organic amendments to improve their soil fertility . To address this problem, this research was carried out to determine the farmers’ knowledge and practices on soil organic amendments as well as assess their effect on soil physicochemical properties Statement of the Problem

4. General objective To investigate the knowledge and practices of soil organic amendments and their effects on soil physicochemical properties by farmers in Mugumo Village- Kiambu specific objectives To determine the knowledge of soil organic amendments by farmers in Mugumo Village- Kiambu To identify practices carried out regarding soil organic amendments by farmers in Mugumo Village- Kiambu To assess the effect of biochar , farmyard manure and their combined application on soil physicochemical properties Objectives of the Study

5. Null hypothesis H : There was no significance relationship between knowledge and application of soil organic amendments (farm yard manure and biochar) by farmers and their effects on soil physicochemical properties Hypothesis

6. Even after studies have been done on the amendment of Soil using organic materials such as biochar and farmyard manure in the area, low crop output and sometimes crop failure persists. T his study sought to establish the famers’ knowledge and practices on soil organic amendments and their effects on soil physicochemical properties. Justification and Significance of The Study

7. The study adopted descriptive survey design and the Randomized Complete Block Design. Descriptive survey design was chosen for this research because it is investigative and focuses on people’s opinions, habits and attitudes on a particular variable factor. In this case it sought to understand farmers knowledge and practices about organic amendments as well as effects on soil physicochemical properties. Research Design

8. The target population for this trade project was 400 farmers in Mugumo village and soils in their farms Yamane (1967) formula for determining sample size was used to determine sample size N n = (1+Ne 2 ) Where: n = minimum sample size N = Population E = precision set at 95% (5%=0.05) Hence; n = 400/ 1+ (400 x 0.0025) n = 200 hence sample size for the study was 200 respondents Target Population and Sample Size

9. Soils which have not been treated with any organic amendments were used for this study. The researcher collected these soil samples from the farms as permitted by farmers and transported them to Soil science Laboratory of National Agriculture Laboratory of Karlo. At Karlo, the soils were set in four plots. The soil in plot one was added biochar , the soil in plot two was added farm yard manure, the soil in plot three was added a mixture of biochar and farm yard manure while soil in plot four was used as control. Thereafter laboratory analysis of these soils was done to determine the effect of organic amendments on soil physicochemical properties. Soil Laboratory Analysis

10. Systematic soil sampling method (Keith, 1991) was used in this study. Each plot was divided into 4 sub plots and soil samples were taken in zigzag method at 6 points within each sub plot using a screw auger. Samples taken from the different sub plots were bulked and mixed thoroughly. Composite samples were taken for the laboratory analysis . Bulk Density (BD) - The soil bulk density was calculated using the formula in equation below Bulk density (g/cm 3 ) = Dry soil weight (g) / Soil volume (cm 3 ) x100 Soil Sampling & Laboratory Analysis (physical and Chemical Properties)

11. The Soil Aggregate Stability (SAS ) was calculated using the equation Where A = weight of stable aggregate, sand, organic particles and biochar B = weight of sand, organic particles and biochar W = the air-dried weight of the sample . The soil water holding capacity (WHC) was calculated using the equation Laboratory Analysis ( physical) Cont’d

12. Soil PH ph was determined by use of ph meter which involved dipping of elctrode probe in soil sample solution and then recording the results. Soil Electrical conductivity The electrical conductivity of the soil was determined by use of conductivity meter . Conductivity electrode of conductivity meter was then washed with distilled water and then dipped in the dissolved soil sample the soil conductivity was then recorded Chemical properties

13. Data Analysis & Presentation

14. Data Analysis & Presentation Cont’d

15. Data Analysis & Presentation Cont’d – Physical Properties

16. Data Analysis & Presentation Cont’d – Chemical Properties

17. The study found that there was a significant relationship between knowledge and application of soil organic amendments (farm yard manure and biochar) and their effects on soil physicochemical properties. Hence null hypothesis was rejected. Results of the Hypothesis Tested

18. Majority of respondent had knowledge on farmyard manure but unfamiliar with bioachar . Farmyard manure and bioachar had a positive effect by increasing the bulky density of the soils. Aggregate stability was so good on combined application Farmyard manure improved water holding capacity. I ncreased electrical conductivity and ph on combined application. Training to increase knowledge and practice and combined application of bioachar and farmyard was recommended. Conclusion and Recommendations

19. THANK you