Mucuna pruriens differentially affect maize yields in three soils of Kakamega District

Maize production in smallholder farming systems in Kenya is largely limited by low soil fertility. As mineral fertilizer is expensive, green manuring using leguminous cover crops could be an alternative strategy for farmers to enhance farm productivity. However, due to variability in soil type, the effects of green manure are likely to differ with farms. This study was conducted in three contrasting soils in Kakamega District, Kenya, to evaluate Mucuna pruriens on (i) biomass and nitrogen fixation (15N natural abundance) and (ii) the effects on maize yields over two cropping seasons. Mucuna at 6 weeks accumulated 1-1.3 Mg ha-1 of dry matter and 33-56 kg ha-1 nitrogen of which approximately 70% was nitrogen derived from the atmosphere (Ndfa). Maize yield increased by 0.5-2 Mg ha-1, 0.7-2 Mg ha-1 and 1.5-4 Mg ha-1 with Mucuna, farmyard manure and mineral fertilizer use, respectively, and the response was stronger in Nitisol than in Acrisol or Ferralsol. We concluded that green manuring using Mucuna seem promising in enhancing soil fertility and maize yields in Kakamega, provided soil conditions and rainfall are suitable.Keywords: Acrisol, Ferralsol, green manure, Nitisol, nitrogen fixatio

Social Perceptions of Forest Ecosystem Services in the Democratic Republic of Congo

The forests of the Albertine Rift are known for their high biodiversity and the important ecosystem services they provide to millions of inhabitants. However, their conservation and the maintenance of ecosystem service delivery is a challenge, particularly in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Our research investigates how livelihood strategy and ethnicity affects local perceptions of forest ecosystem services. We collected data through 25 focus-group discussions in villages from distinct ethnic groups, including farmers (Tembo, Shi, and Nyindu) and hunter-gatherers (Twa). Twa identify more food-provisioning services and rank bush meat and honey as the most important. They also show stronger place attachment to the forest than the farmers, who value other ecosystem services, but all rank microclimate regulation as the most important. Our findings help assess ecosystem services trade-offs, highlight the important impacts of restricted access to forests resources for Twa, and point to the need for developing alternative livelihood strategies for these communities