Farm Household Typology Based on Soil Quality and Influenced by Socio-Economic Characteristics and Fertility Management Practices in Eastern Kenya

The smallholder farming systems in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) are highly diverse and heterogeneous terms of biophysical socio-economic characteristics. This study was conducted upper Eastern Kenya (UEK) to categorize farm households determine the influence characteristics (SeC) soil fertility management practices (SFMP) on across farms. Conditioned Latin hypercube sampling (cLHS) performed 69 sites within Meru Tharaka Nithi counties. From each household (whose field sample obtained), data relating resource endowment were collected through a questionnaire survey. Standard laboratory procedures used analyse samples. Data reduction using categorical principal component analysis (CATPCA) (for SeC SFMP) standard (PCA) properties). Two-step cluster identified three distinct categories or types (FT), namely, low farms (FT1), moderately fertile (FT2), (FT3). correlation clusters against properties significant pH, organic carbon (SOC), cation exchange capacity (CEC), available P, plant K, exchangeable bases. FT1 had SOC, CEC P (soil characteristics), usage fertilizer manure management), smaller size, lower income, size (socio-economic). FT2 SOC (compared FT3) P. In management, higher cases fallowing composting with moderate usage. Households this category family land FT3 relatively high CEC, mineral nutrients. type characterized by use management) as well larger results indicate importance nutrient enhancing quality. Delineation characterization based various parameters including reveal imbalanced flows, suggesting need for locally tailored interventions suited location-specific conditions facilitate improved targeting fertility-enhancing technologies sustainable crop production regimes. While is one most critical inputs agricultural production, it major contributor nitrous oxide emissions from agriculture can have negative environmental effects biota water sources. Farmers’ knowledge thus necessary developing strategies (such integrated approach) promote its efficient minimize detrimental impacts.