Abstract
In Sub-Saharan Africa, where most farmers are subsistent, crop productivity has gradually declined mainly due to a decrease in soil fertility and erratic rainfall. Therefore, there is a need to evaluate the long-term response of common farming systems to varied seasonal conditions under ideal farm conditions. We tested the performance of Organic, Conventional, and Integrated farming systems in farmers` fields under low-input rates in a maize-based 3-year crop rotation from 2012 to 2023. There were seasonal variations in crop yields with occasional crop failure, especially with legumes. This was mainly occasioned by damping off during early growth stages due to high rainfall amounts, and flower abortion during reproductive stages caused by dry spells, ultimately resulting in yield distress. Maize grain and potato tuber yields were significantly higher (p < 0.01) in Integrated compared to Organic and Conventional farming systems. On the other hand, bean grain yield was significantly higher (< 0.01) in the Organic compared to the other farming systems in all the seasons. The Organic farming system had significantly higher pH, zinc, phosphorus, and calcium (p < 0.01) at the end of the experimental period. Overall, none of the farming systems attained the yield potential of the test crops. Moreover, all the farming systems did not enhance soil properties. Therefore, subsistence input levels of all farming systems do not suffice to sustain soil health and crop productivity, especially under rainfed conditions.
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We are grateful to the farmers from Kianjugu who conducted the trials in their farms to implement the practices and supported in recording the observations during crop growth.
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This research was financially supported by the Biovision Foundation, Coop Sustainability Fund, Liechtenstein Development Service (LED), and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC).
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was obtained from the farmers for their involvement in the study. They responded to the following statement “I confirm that the researcher has explained the nature and the benefits of this research to me. The researchers are allowed to collect the samples from my field for research purposes only. Based on the explanation provided, I know that participation in this research is voluntary, I offer to support in recording of the observations, participate in focus group discussions as a way of providing feedback and learning and that I am not obliged to work on the research always. I permit the research and data collection from my field ☐ YES ☐ NO.
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Compliance with the IUCN Policy Statement on Research Involving Species at Risk of Extinction and the Convention on the Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora: None of the plants (Dolichos Lablab, Tithonia diversifolia, Zea mays) species used in the field experiment is endangered or at the risk of extinction. Experimental research and field studies on, Tithonia diversifolia, and Zea mays plants are not endangered and, hence, not subject to institutional, national, and international guidelines and legislation. However, the seeds/planting materials of Zea Mays, Common beans, Cow pea and Potato were purchased from an agricultural inputs stockist shop, while the cuttings of Tithonia diversifolia were from the hedges of the farms as they freely grow. The plant collection and use was in accordance with all the relevant guidelines.
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Matheri, F., Bautze, D. & Kiboi, M. Subsistence input rates limit farming systems’ potential in a longterm on-farm trial in Central Kenya.
Sci Rep (2026). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-026-62912-6
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-026-62912-6
Keywords
- Participatory On-farm trials
- Organic resources
- Soil nutrients
- long-term experimentation
- Subsistence farming
Source: Ecology - nature.com
