Quantification And Simulation Of Organic Carbon Stocks And Fractions Under Different Tillage Systems And Sugarcane Plantation In Soils Of Western Kenya

ABSTRACT

Sugarcane farming systems can adversely affect soil properties especially total soil organic carbon stocks (TSOCst) and fractions. This study was carried out in Western Kenya sugar zones to assess impacts of tillage systems (Tractor and Oxen ploughing), and plantation ages (continuous mono-cropping system, more than 20 years, 11 ̶ 20 years, 0 ̶ 10 years) on TSOCst and fractions (particulate soil organic carbon, POC, and the mineral associated soil organic carbon, MOC) in three different Agro-ecological zones (AEZs). Consequently, their effects on soil organic carbon quantities were simulated using Rothamsted organic carbon turnover model (Roth C Model). Undisturbed and disturbed soil samples were sampled from the sugarcane plantations in the three identified Western Kenya sugar zones (Mumias, South Nyanza (SONY) and Chemelil sugar zones) at top 0.6m. Soil Organic Matter was fractionated into labile (>250 μm) and stable (