Using Digital Tools to Assess Soil Variables in Selected Counties in North Rift, Kenya

Abstract

The need for techniques and instruments that enable rapid soil testing has gained attention in the face of climate change and environmental degradation. This could improve efficiency and productivity by providing real-time, high-quality, and accessible data for decision-making. This study used GPS tools to visualize, analyze, and gather essential field information and applied Near Infra-Red Spectrometry to assess soil parameters and recommend corrective action for sustainable livelihood in five Counties in North Rift Kenya. Soil reaction varied from 5.5 in Kaptega, Transnzoia, to 7.8 in Kospir, Turkana counties. Low soil pH and CEC were recorded in parts of Nandi and Transnzoia counties. Soils from the dryland ecologies in Turkana, W. Pokot, and Samburu were predominantly alkaline. Total organic Carbon was generally low in the dryland ecologies of Samburu and Turkana. Low soil fertility was generally indicated in Samburu, Turkana, and W. Pokot. This was attributable to the low organic carbon levels and low precipitation, which may have negatively influenced soil microbial activity. Sustainable farming practices such as crop rotation, mulching, mixed farming, cover cropping, and minimum/conservation tillage are recommended in areas where crop cultivation is feasible. Amelioration of soils with agricultural lime and organic matter is highly recommended in the affected areas within the agropastoral counties for improved production to guarantee food security and sustainable livelihoods