Banana plantations with mulch put along the rows. The terraces (between the rows) has been stabilized with a fodder grass (Paul Kahiga (8444-00300, Nairobi-Kenya))
A layer of crop residues, cut grass, straw or other plant material is spread on the soil surface between crop rows or around the vegetables or orchard trees in order to retain the soil moisture by limiting evaporation, prevents weed growth and enhances soil structure. Farmers in the Upper Tana Catchment mostly uses crop residues as mulch especially after the harvesting season. Banana leaves in Embu county are used as mulch on banana plants.
Purpose of the Technology: Mulching is mostly used in the Upper Tana Catchment to retain soil moisture by limiting evaporation, it also prevents weed growth and enhances soil structure. It is commonly used in areas that are mostly affected by drought and weed infestation. In Embu District, mulch on banana plantations is supplemented with farm yard manure as shown in the photographs above. The most readily available source of mulching materials is banana leaves themselves even though other type of mulch materials are also in use. Some farmers use the these leaves both as mulch and as livestock feeds during the drought seasons.
Establishment / maintenance activities and inputs: The mulch layer is rougher than the surface of the soil and thus inhibits runoff. The layer of plant material protects the soil from splash erosion and limits the formation of soil crust. It is worth to note that the choice of mulch depends on locally available materials. In alley-cropping systems, hedgerow biomass is often used as mulch. Another strategy is to leave crop residues, such as maize stalks on the ground after harvesting. Mulch can be spread on a seedbed or around planting holes. Large pieces of crop residues should be cut into smaller pieces before spreading on the soil's surface. There are many advantages of using mulch which include, increase of soil moisture, reduction of excessive evaporation from the soil surface, suppression of weeds which further reduces labour cost of weeding. Mulching reduces high fluctuations in soil temperature, which means improved conditions for microorganisms in the soil. It also increases soil organic matter and thereby improves soil structure. Mulch protects the soil against splash erosion and runoff. The disadvantages of mulch includes the following; unavailability of suitable materials for mulch, some seeds of mulch might germinate and become weed problem. If crop residues are used as mulch it might mean a loss of animal fodder. Especially in the drier parts of Mbeere district, dry mulch has been reported as fire hazard. Sometimes it is difficult to spread mulch on steep slopes and it can also be a possible habitat for pests and diseases.
Natural / human environment: Areas with limited rainfall usually respond very well to mulching. Mulching is not applicable in wet conditions however, the soils should have good drainage.
Location: Embu North District, Eastern Province, Kenya
No. of Technology sites analysed:
Spread of the Technology: evenly spread over an area (approx. 1-10 km2)
In a permanently protected area?:
Date of implementation: 10-50 years ago
Type of introduction
| Specify input | Unit | Quantity | Costs per Unit (Kshs.) | Total costs per input (Kshs.) | % of costs borne by land users |
| Labour | |||||
| Labour | ha | 1.0 | 50.0 | 50.0 | 100.0 |
| Equipment | |||||
| Tools | ha | 1.0 | 10.0 | 10.0 | 100.0 |
| Fertilizers and biocides | |||||
| Compost/manure | ha | 1.0 | 10.0 | 10.0 | 100.0 |
| Total costs for establishment of the Technology | 70.0 | ||||
| Total costs for establishment of the Technology in USD | 0.7 | ||||
| Specify input | Unit | Quantity | Costs per Unit (Kshs.) | Total costs per input (Kshs.) | % of costs borne by land users |
| Labour | |||||
| Cutting the banana leaves and applying FYM | ha | 1.0 | 4.0 | 4.0 | 100.0 |
| Equipment | |||||
| Tools | ha | 1.0 | 10.0 | 10.0 | 100.0 |
| Fertilizers and biocides | |||||
| Compost/manure | ha | 1.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 100.0 |
| Total costs for maintenance of the Technology | 19.0 | ||||
| Total costs for maintenance of the Technology in USD | 0.19 | ||||
It has contributed to soil erosion control through improved ground cover, reduction of splash by rain drops. Improved soil fertility and moisture content of the top soil and increase of yield.
Rats and squeals can hide in the mulch before decomposition
