Biophysical evaluation of a maize-calliandra alley cropping system on a depleted ferralsol in sub-humid western Kenya

Abstract

An alley cropping system with maize and Calliandra was examined on a depleted tropical ferralsol/oxisol at Maseno, Kenya. The experiment was carried out on a flat depleted farmers field with phosphorus as the main limiting factor. The objectives of the research were: 1) to determine the productivity and sustainability of calliandra/maize alley cropping in the area; 2) to determine the reasons for the success or failure of the technology by assessing the influence of Calliandra hedges, mulch and phosphorus application on maize yield and the main soil resource - uptake determinants, nutrient availability, root densities and soil water content