Effects of Gypsum and Rice Husk Biochar on Surface Discharge and Nutrient Loss from Farmlands in Budalangi, Kenya

• ODHIAMBO BENARD ONYANGO

  Graduate School of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture

• MIHARA MACHITO

  Faculty of Regional Environment Science, Tokyo University of Agriculture

Abstract

Loose soils from recent cultivation, especially before the crops well cover the surface are highly vulnerable to erosion. The effects of gypsum and rice husk biochar on runoff, loss of soil and nutrients from farmlands in most parts of Kenya are rarely documented. This study aims to discuss effects of surface application of gypsum and rice husk biochar on discharge of sediments and nutrient loss from farmlands in Budalangi, Kenya. Gypsum and rice husk biochar were incorporated into the soil and erosion experiments conducted in the laboratory. Two soil types, loam and silt loam were used in this experiment involving four treatments: control (C), gypsum (G), rice husk biochar (RHB) and a combination of rice husk biochar and gypsum (G+RHB). The effects of G application at a rate of 5 t ha-1 and RHB on runoff volumes, sediment yield and level of nutrient losses were evaluated. The results showed that treatment of G induced a significant reduction in runoff and sediment yield followed by RHB+G and RHB. By plotting the data obtained, it was observed that average runoff decreased by 52.7%, whereas sediment yield decreased by 88% in G treatment. RHB+G treatment showed a reduction in average runoff of 42.3%, whereas sediment yield by 75%. RHB treatment showed 30.7% average reduction in runoff with 71% in sediment yield for loam soil. Similar trends were observed for silt loam soil. Addition of G increased levels of magnesium in both loam and silt loam soils to about five times the initial levels. Total nitrogen loss was minimized by between 15% and 27%, with total phosphorous loss minimized by 50% to 70% between the different treatments. Based on these findings, it can be suggested that amending soil with G and RHB can be effective in controlling soil and nutrient loss from farmlands.

Journal

• International Journal of Environmental and Rural Development

  International Journal of Environmental and Rural Development 9 (1), 94-100, 2018

  Institute of Environmental Rehabilitation and Conservation, Research Center

Keywords

• gypsum
• rice husk biochar
• soil loss
• nutrient loss
• farmlands

Details

• CRID: 1390846609820756864
• NII Article ID: 130007826994
• DOI: 10.32115/ijerd.9.1_94
• ISSN: 24333700
• ISSN: 2185159X
• Text Lang: en
• Data Source:
  • JaLC
  • CiNii Articles
• Abstract License Flag: Disallowed