Improving Maize-Beans Yields Through Improved Soil Moisture Storage using Trapezoidal Bunds and Manure in Machakos County-Eastern Kenya

The tremendous increase in population in Kenya has created the need for faster rate of increase in food production. However, more than 80% of Kenya lies in the arid and semi arid lands (ASALs). To mitigate food shortages in such areas, there is an urgent need to put into practice technologies that enhance moisture storage in soils and improve crop yields. This study which is in progress is investigating the effects of trapezoidal bunds and manure on moisture storage in soils and maize – beans intercrop yields in the semi-arid parts of Eastern Kenya. Trapezoidal bunds for rainfall run-off water collection have been constructed according to the recommended patterns. The experiment plot sizes are 4.5 m × 4.5 m where maize and beans are planted as the test crops, and manures (0, 5, 10 ton/ha) and N P (0, 50, 75 kg /ha) fertilisers as sources of plant nutrients. The experiment is a factorial arranged in a randomised complete block design. Data will be subjected to analysis of variance using the general linear model of the SAS software. Treatment differences will be examined using Tukey-Kramer significant difference (HSD) test. Regression and correlation analyses between various variables will be done to draw key relationships.Outputs of this study will include improved crop yields, increased knowledge of trapezoidal bunds technology usage and improved food security in the ASALs of Kenya.