1.2 Contact details of resource persons and institutions involved in the assessment and documentation of the Technology

{'additional_translations': {}, 'value': 1068, 'label': 'Name of project which facilitated the documentation/ evaluation of the Technology (if relevant)', 'text': 'Soil protection and rehabilitation for food security (ProSo(i)l)', 'template': 'raw'} {'additional_translations': {}, 'value': 876, 'label': 'Name of the institution(s) which facilitated the documentation/ evaluation of the Technology (if relevant)', 'text': 'Alliance Bioversity and International Center for Tropical Agriculture (Alliance Bioversity-CIAT) - Kenya', 'template': 'raw'} {'additional_translations': {}, 'value': 876, 'label': 'Name of the institution(s) which facilitated the documentation/ evaluation of the Technology (if relevant)', 'text': 'Alliance Bioversity and International Center for Tropical Agriculture (Alliance Bioversity-CIAT) - Kenya', 'template': 'raw'}

1.3 Conditions regarding the use of data documented through WOCAT

The compiler and key resource person(s) accept the conditions regarding the use of data documented through WOCAT:

Yes

1.4 Declaration on sustainability of the described Technology

Is the Technology described here problematic with regard to land degradation, so that it cannot be declared a sustainable land management technology?

No

Comments:

There have been no adverse effects on the environment in the area since lime was applied to the demo site in 2022.

1.5 Reference to Questionnaire(s) on SLM Approaches (documented using WOCAT)

2.1 Short description of the Technology

Definition of the Technology:

Lime application is a rapid way to treat soil acidity and improve productivity.

2.2 Detailed description of the Technology

Description:

Liming is the application of soil conditioners, including marl, chalk, limestone, burnt lime, or hydrated lime to the soil to raise its pH; thus, reduce its acidity. Calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg)-rich materials are the most used – the Ca or Mg increase the base saturation in the soil hence neutralizing soil acidity that is often caused by the effects of acids from nitrogen (N) fertilizer, slurry, and high rainfall. Liming improves soil fertility by increasing the activity of beneficial earthworms and improving soil structure. It is a source of Ca, and by raising the pH of soils it increases uptake of plant nutrients.

The soil must be tested to determine its pH level. Lime should be applied to soils with pH levels below 5.0, but especially to soils with pH below 4.0 which are very acidic. High concentrations of acids decrease the availability of plant nutrients, especially phosphorous (P) and molybdenum (Mo) and increase the toxic effect of aluminium (Al) and manganese (Mn). In addition, acidity causes some plant nutrients to be leached below the plant rooting zone.

A farmer must wear protective clothing, including face masks, goggles, gumboots, gloves, and an apron before working with lime. The best time to apply agricultural lime to any piece of land is during the dry season. The lime must be covered with soil immediately after application to prevent loss through evaporation, since it is highly volatile. If lime has to be applied during the rainy season, the farmer must apply the lime just before it starts to rain so that the rainwater can leach the lime into the soil. Agricultural lime can be applied in three ways:

a) Broadcasting with a spreader. The land must be ploughed immediately to cover the lime and to prevent loss through evaporation.
b) Band method: Lime is applied between crops if it was not applied before land preparation. The lime must also be covered with soil immediately.
c) Spot method: Lime is applied at the base of the crop (similar to top dressing). Similarly, the lime must also be covered with soil immediately.

Farmers like agricultural lime because it improves soil structure and larger particles are formed in a process called flocculation. In addition, lime binds the larger particles of humus producing a good crumb structure. This improves soil drainage by creating more air spaces. Thus, the soil become easier to cultivate and plant root growth is facilitated. One acre (0.4 ha) of land with a pH of below 4.0 requires 300-350 kgs of lime; a pH of between 4.0 and 5.0, requires 200–250 kgs.

2.3 Photos of the Technology

2.5 Country/ region/ locations where the Technology has been applied and which are covered by this assessment

2.6 Date of implementation

Indicate year of implementation:

2022

2.7 Introduction of the Technology

Specify how the Technology was introduced:

• through projects/ external interventions

Comments (type of project, etc.):

Introduced by the ProSoil Project under a Soil Health Programme.

3.1 Main purpose(s) of the Technology

• improve production
• reduce, prevent, restore land degradation
• preserve/ improve biodiversity
• create beneficial economic impact

3.2 Current land use type(s) where the Technology is applied

Land use mixed within the same land unit:

Yes

Specify mixed land use (crops/ grazing/ trees):

• Agro-silvopastoralism

3.3 Has land use changed due to the implementation of the Technology?

Has land use changed due to the implementation of the Technology?

• No (Continue with question 3.4)

3.4 Water supply

Water supply for the land on which the Technology is applied:

• mixed rainfed-irrigated

Comments:

There is drip irrigation using plastic bottle for bananas.

3.5 SLM group to which the Technology belongs

• integrated soil fertility management

3.6 SLM measures comprising the Technology

3.7 Main types of land degradation addressed by the Technology

3.8 Prevention, reduction, or restoration of land degradation

Specify the goal of the Technology with regard to land degradation:

• restore/ rehabilitate severely degraded land

4.1 Technical drawing of the Technology

4.2 General information regarding the calculation of inputs and costs

Specify how costs and inputs were calculated:

• per Technology area

other/ national currency (specify):

KES

If relevant, indicate exchange rate from USD to local currency (e.g. 1 USD = 79.9 Brazilian Real): 1 USD =:

124.21352

4.3 Establishment activities

	Activity	Timing (season)
1.	Soil testing	In preparation for liming
2.	Lime acquisition	In preparation for liming
3.	Acquisition of personal protective equipment clothing (PPE)	In preparation for liming
4.	Lime application	Before soil disturbance through ploughing/ before rains
5.	Ploughing/ covering lime	After lime application

4.4 Costs and inputs needed for establishment

	Specify input	Unit	Quantity	Costs per Unit	Total costs per input	% of costs borne by land users
Labour	Lime application	Man-days	2.0	300.0	600.0	100.0
Labour	Ploughing/ covering lime	Man-days	15.0	300.0	4500.0	100.0
Equipment	PPE	Set	1.0	3000.0	3000.0	100.0
Fertilizers and biocides	Lime	50 kgs bag	20.0	300.0	6000.0	100.0
Other	Soil testing	Sample	1.0	800.0	800.0	100.0
Total costs for establishment of the Technology					14900.0
Total costs for establishment of the Technology in USD					119.95

4.5 Maintenance/ recurrent activities

	Activity	Timing/ frequency
1.	Regular testing	Every 3 years, after 6 months if all required lime was not applied
2.	Lime acquisition	In preparation for liming
3.	Reapplication	Dependent on soil test results
4.	Ploughing/ covering lime	After lime application

Comments:

No maintenance has been done so far.

4.6 Costs and inputs needed for maintenance/ recurrent activities (per year)

	Specify input	Unit	Quantity	Costs per Unit	Total costs per input	% of costs borne by land users
Labour	Lime application	Man- days	2.0	300.0	600.0	100.0
Labour	Ploughing/ covering lime	Man- days	15.0	300.0	4500.0	100.0
Equipment	PPE	Set	1.0	3000.0	3000.0	100.0
Fertilizers and biocides	Lime	50 Kg bags	3.0	300.0	900.0	100.0
Other	Soil testing	Sample	1.0	800.0	800.0	100.0
Total costs for maintenance of the Technology					9800.0
Total costs for maintenance of the Technology in USD					78.9

Comments:

No maintenance has been done so far. The indicated costs are for information purposes. Reapplication is dependent on recommendations of soil testing. It is assumed that reapplication will require a smaller amount of lime than the initial application.

4.7 Most important factors affecting the costs

Describe the most determinate factors affecting the costs:

Rate of man-days and costs vary from one place to another, farmer to farmer, and with type of work. Costs for maintenance are subject to change with time.

Exchange rate for February 2023, source: European Commission/ InfoEuro online at https://commission.europa.eu/funding-tenders/procedures-guidelines-tenders/information-contractors-and-beneficiaries/exchange-rate-inforeuro_en

5.1 Climate

5.2 Topography

Indicate if the Technology is specifically applied in:

• not relevant

Comments and further specifications on topography:

The farm is located at an area that is higher in altitude compared to other areas in the larger area. The farmer's field lies at an elevation of 1,505 m above sea level.

5.3 Soils

If available, attach full soil description or specify the available information, e.g. soil type, soil PH/ acidity, Cation Exchange Capacity, nitrogen, salinity etc.

pH = 5.3, Cation Exchange Capacity = 59 mmol+/kg, nitogen = 9 g/kg, SOC = 14.1 g/kg

5.4 Water availability and quality

Is water salinity a problem?

No

Is flooding of the area occurring?

No

Comments and further specifications on water quality and quantity:

There are several boreholes in the area and according to interviews with some borehole owners, the depths are not more than 50 metres.

5.5 Biodiversity

Comments and further specifications on biodiversity:

Most farms are under crops and trees; hence, the area has high agrobiodiversity.

5.6 Characteristics of land users applying the Technology

5.7 Average area of land used by land users applying the Technology

5.8 Land ownership, land use rights, and water use rights

Land ownership:

• individual, not titled
• individual, titled

Land use rights:

• individual

Water use rights:

• communal (organized)
• individual

Are land use rights based on a traditional legal system?

No

5.9 Access to services and infrastructure

Comments:

The above rating varies from one village to the other.

6.1 On-site impacts the Technology has shown

Socio-economic impacts

Production

Income and costs

Socio-cultural impacts

Ecological impacts

Soil

6.2 Off-site impacts the Technology has shown

Specify assessment of off-site impacts (measurements):

None noted

6.3 Exposure and sensitivity of the Technology to gradual climate change and climate-related extremes/ disasters (as perceived by land users)

Gradual climate change

Gradual climate change

	Season	increase or decrease	How does the Technology cope with it?
annual temperature		increase	well

6.4 Cost-benefit analysis

How do the benefits compare with the establishment costs (from land users’ perspective)?

How do the benefits compare with the maintenance/ recurrent costs (from land users' perspective)?

6.5 Adoption of the Technology

• single cases/ experimental

If available, quantify (no. of households and/ or area covered):

About 30 households

Comments:

Still in demonstration stage.

6.6 Adaptation

Has the Technology been modified recently to adapt to changing conditions?

No

6.7 Strengths/ advantages/ opportunities of the Technology

Strengths/ advantages/ opportunities in the land user’s view
Improves crop yields.
Efficiency in use of fertilizers.

Strengths/ advantages/ opportunities in the compiler’s or other key resource person’s view
Makes it easier to work on land.

6.8 Weaknesses/ disadvantages/ risks of the Technology and ways of overcoming them

Weaknesses/ disadvantages/ risks in the land user’s view	How can they be overcome?
High cost of PPE.	The farmer should budget for and plan to buy the PPE early before time of application.

Weaknesses/ disadvantages/ risks in the compiler’s or other key resource person’s view	How can they be overcome?
Limitation in accessing soil testing facilities/ services.	Create awareness about and link farmers to existing soil testing facilities/ services.

7.1 Methods/ sources of information

7.2 References to available publications

Title, author, year, ISBN:

Liming effects on soil pH and crop yield depend on lime material type, application method and rate, and crop species: a global meta-analysis

Available from where? Costs?

Free download at https://www.researchgate.net/publication/327188728_Liming_effects_on_soil_pH_and_crop_yield_depend_on_lime_material_type_application_method_and_rate_and_crop_species_a_global_meta-analysis

7.3 Links to relevant online information

Title/ description:

Soil Acidity and Liming

URL:

https://www.ctahr.hawaii.edu/oc/freepubs/pdf/pnm10.pdf

Title/ description:

Bungoma County Integrated Development Plan, 2018-2022

URL:

Free download at https://www.devolution.go.ke/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Bungoma-CIDP-2018-2022.pdf

7.4 General comments

1. Provide a function to be able to link the documented SLM to similar work that has been documented in other databases e.g., LandPortal, etc.
2. Some of the impacts (section 6) cannot be quantified.