Soil Carbon, Nitrogen and Phosphorus in Semi-Arid Savannas of Kenya

Nutrient levels in soils of natural semi-arid ecosystems are controlled within tight cycles which find a natural balance between uptakes by plants and the atmosphere and inputs from decomposition and other processes. Where cultivation is introduced, dramatic changes occur in components of these cycles. The book shows the impact of land use change on the levels of soil organic carbon, total soil nitrogen and available phosphorus in a semi-arid area of Kibwezi in Kenya when its cultivated using local agronomic practices. Given the centrality of food production, for human societies, the study attempts to make recommendations on such practices that have the last impact or indeed improve on the nutrient levels.