Organic farming practices increase weed density and diversity over conventional practices: A meta-analysis.

Population growth and climate change challenge our food and farming systems and provide arguments for an increased intensification of agriculture. Organic farming has been seen as a promising option due to its eco-friendly approaches during production. However, weeds are regarded as the major hindrance to effective crop production which varies depending on the type of crop and spacing.

Surface runoff and soil erosion from and as influenced by different soil organic carbon levels under simulated rainfall conditions.

Soil erosion poses a challenge to the environment and the sustainable use of natural resources, particularly in relation to agricultural production. The study aimed to assess the influence of different soil organic carbon (SOC) levels on runoff and soil erosion under varying levels of rainfall intensity. The study was conducted in pre-selected farmers' fields representing low, moderate and adequate SOC levels in and .

Granular and powdered lime improves soil properties and maize l.) performance in humic Nitisols of central highlands in Kenya.

Acidic soils pose a major challenge for crop production in heavily weathered tropical soils, especially due to the high toxicity of aluminum (Al), low cation exchange capacity, and low availability of phosphorus (P) to plants. Lime application was recommended to alleviate soil acidity problems. Granular CaCO lime was introduced into the Kenyan market as an alternative to powdered CaCO and CaO-lime for small Kenyan farms, providing uniform distribution and efficient application.

Soil water use efficiency under integrated soil management practices in the drylands of Kenya.

Soil moisture scarcity and soil fertility decline in the drylands contribute to declining crop productivity. The possible synergistic effects of integrating soil & water conservation, and soil fertility management practices on soil moisture, and hence water use efficiency (WUE) in the drylands of Tharaka-Nithi County in Kenya was assessed. The experiment was laid in a three by three split plot arrangement, with four replications, for four cropping seasons.

Maize grain yield and grain zinc concentration response to zinc fertilization: A meta-analysis.

Zinc deficiency in agricultural soils is a current global agroecosystems challenge. Maize exhibits elevated susceptibility to Zn deficiency and low response to zinc fertilization. As a result, there are contradicting literature reports on the crop response to zinc fertilization.