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1. The bii4africa dataset of faunal and floral population intactness estimates across Africa’s major land uses

Author

Clements, Hayley S., Do Linh San, Emmanuel, Hempson, Gareth, Linden, Birthe, Maritz, Bryan, Monadjem, Ara, Reynolds, Chevonne, Siebert, Frances, Stevens, Nicola, Biggs, Reinette, De Vos, Alta, Blanchard, Ryan, Child, Matthew, Esler, Karen J., Hamann, Maike, Loft, Ty, Reyers, Belinda, Selomane, Odirilwe, Skowno, Andrew L., Tshoke, Tshegofatso, Abdoulaye, Diarrassouba, Aebischer, Thierry, Aguirre-Gutiérrez, Jesús, Alexander, Graham J., Ali, Abdullahi H., Allan, David G., Amoako, Esther E., Angedakin, Samuel, Aruna, Edward, Avenant, Nico L., Badjedjea, Gabriel, Bakayoko, Adama, Bamba-kaya, Abraham, Bates, Michael F., Bates, Paul J. J., Belmain, Steven R., Bennitt, Emily, Bradley, James, Brewster, Chris A., Brown, Michael B., Brown, Michelle, Bryja, Josef, Butynski, Thomas M., Carvalho, Filipe, Channing, Alan, Chapman, Colin A., Cohen, Callan, Cords, Marina, Cramer, Jennifer D., Cronk, Nadine, Cunneyworth, Pamela M. K., Dalerum, Fredrik, Danquah, Emmanuel, Davies-Mostert, Harriet T., de Blocq, Andrew D., De Jong, Yvonne A., Demos, Terrence C., Denys, Christiane, Djagoun, Chabi A. M. S., Doherty-Bone, Thomas M., Drouilly, Marine, du Toit, Johan T., Ehlers Smith, David A., Ehlers Smith, Yvette C., Eiseb, Seth J., Fashing, Peter J., Ferguson, Adam W., Fernández-García, José M., Finckh, Manfred, Fischer, Claude, Gandiwa, Edson, Gaubert, Philippe, Gaugris, Jerome Y., Gibbs, Dalton J., Gilchrist, Jason S., Gil-Sánchez, Jose M., Githitho, Anthony N., Goodman, Peter S., Granjon, Laurent, Grobler, J. Paul, Gumbi, Bonginkosi C., Gvozdik, Vaclav, Harvey, James, Hauptfleisch, Morgan, Hayder, Firas, Hema, Emmanuel M., Herbst, Marna, Houngbédji, Mariano, Huntley, Brian J., Hutterer, Rainer, Ivande, Samuel T., Jackson, Kate, Jongsma, Gregory F. M., Juste, Javier, Kadjo, Blaise, Kaleme, Prince K., Kamugisha, Edwin, Kaplin, Beth A., Kato, Humphrey N., Kiffner, Christian, Kimuyu, Duncan M., Kityo, Robert M., Kouamé, N’goran G., Kouete T, Marcel, le Roux, Aliza, Lee, Alan T. K., Lötter, Mervyn C., Lykke, Anne Mette, MacFadyen, Duncan N., Macharia, Gacheru P., Madikiza, Zimkitha J. K., Mahlaba, Themb’alilahlwa A. M., Mallon, David, Mamba, Mnqobi L., Mande, Claude, Marchant, Rob A., Maritz, Robin A., Markotter, Wanda, McIntyre, Trevor, Measey, John, Mekonnen, Addisu, Meller, Paulina, Melville, Haemish I., Mganga, Kevin Z., Mills, Michael G. L., Minnie, Liaan, Missoup, Alain Didier, Mohammad, Abubakr, Moinde, Nancy N., Moise, Bakwo Fils E., Monterroso, Pedro, Moore, Jennifer F., Musila, Simon, Nago, Sedjro Gilles A., Namoto, Maganizo W., Niang, Fatimata, Nicolas, Violaine, Nkenku, Jerry B., Nkrumah, Evans E., Nono, Gonwouo L., Norbert, Mulavwa M., Nowak, Katarzyna, Obitte, Benneth C., Okoni-Williams, Arnold D., Onongo, Jonathan, O’Riain, M. Justin, Osinubi, Samuel T., Parker, Daniel M., Parrini, Francesca, Peel, Mike J. S., Penner, Johannes, Pietersen, Darren W., Plumptre, Andrew J., Ponsonby, Damian W., Porembski, Stefan, Power, R. John, Radloff, Frans G. T., Rambau, Ramugondo V., Ramesh, Tharmalingam, Richards, Leigh R., Rödel, Mark-Oliver, Rollinson, Dominic P., Rovero, Francesco, Saleh, Mostafa A., Schmiedel, Ute, Schoeman, M. Corrie, Scholte, Paul, Serfass, Thomas L., Shapiro, Julie Teresa, Shema, Sidney, Siebert, Stefan J., Slingsby, Jasper A., Sliwa, Alexander, Smit-Robinson, Hanneline A., Sogbohossou, Etotepe A., Somers, Michael J., Spawls, Stephen, Streicher, Jarryd P., Swanepoel, Lourens, Tanshi, Iroro, Taylor, Peter J., Taylor, William A., te Beest, Mariska, Telfer, Paul T., Thompson, Dave I., Tobi, Elie, Tolley, Krystal A., Turner, Andrew A., Twine, Wayne, Van Cakenberghe, Victor, Van de Perre, Frederik, van der Merwe, Helga, van Niekerk, Chris J. G., van Wyk, Pieter C. V., Venter, Jan A., Verburgt, Luke, Veron, Geraldine, Vetter, Susanne, Vorontsova, Maria S., Wagner, Thomas C., Webala, Paul W., Weber, Natalie, Weier, Sina M., White, Paula A., Whitecross, Melissa A., Wigley, Benjamin J., Willems, Frank J., Winterbach, Christiaan W., and Woodhouse, Galena M.

Published
2024
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4. Better Soils for Resilient Agricultural Production

Author

Daghighi, Elaheh, Ayugi, Vincent, Daghighi, Elika, Farajpour, Azadeh, Mganga, Kevin Z., Orthen, Tobias, Daghighi, Elaheh, Ayugi, Vincent, Daghighi, Elika, Farajpour, Azadeh, Mganga, Kevin Z., and Orthen, Tobias

Abstract

Agriculture plays a pivotal role in improving food security and reducing poverty in Africa, as well as in promoting climate change mitigation and adaptation and general progress on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), the agricultural sector employs 70% of the population and is estimated to contribute roughly 15% to GDP. But changing climate conditions and poor agricultural practices lead to soil degradation of up to 65% of agricultural lands in SSA, threatening food security. The “betterSoil” concept is a holistic and systemic approach that stresses the whole, considers essential regional aspects to link economic prosperity and sustainable agricultural practices, and addresses climate change. Its four simple principles – soil management, compost, biochar, and agroforestry – can unlock the potential of soils to restore soil organic matter, to protect soil fertility and biodiversity, and to sequester CO2 for the future build-up of humus in agricultural soils. Better soils can promote economic growth and development, especially in low-income countries hit hardest by climate change. Its four principles support the introduction of climate-positive practices that can be implemented anywhere. To harvest the benefits of large-scale soil improvement, farmers, governments, the African Union, individuals, the private sector, and practitioners must work together to bring theory on better soils into practice.

Published
2024

5. Soybean inclusion reduces soil organic matter mineralization despite increasing its temperature sensitivity

Author

Yan, Zhengjun, Jia, Rong, Zhou, Jie, Zamanian, Kazem, Yang, Yadong, Mganga, Kevin Z., Zeng, Zhaohai, Zang, Huadong, Yan, Zhengjun, Jia, Rong, Zhou, Jie, Zamanian, Kazem, Yang, Yadong, Mganga, Kevin Z., Zeng, Zhaohai, and Zang, Huadong

Abstract

Legume-based cropping increased the diversity of residues and rhizodeposition input into the soil, thus affecting soil organic matter (SOM) stabilization. Despite this, a comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms governing SOM mineralization and its temperature sensitivity across bulk soil and aggregate scales concerning legume inclusion remains incomplete. Here, a 6-year field experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of three cropping systems (i.e., winter wheat/summer maize, winter wheat/summer maize-soybean, and nature fallow) on SOM mineralization, its temperature sensitivity, and the main drivers in both topsoil (0–20 cm) and subsoil (20–40 cm). Soybean inclusion decreased the SOM mineralization by 17%–24%, while concurrently increasing the majority of soil biochemical properties, such as carbon (C) acquisition enzyme activities (5%–22%) and microbial biomass C (5%–9%), within the topsoil regardless of temperature. This is attributed to the increased substrate availability (e.g., dissolved organic C) facilitating microbial utilization, thus devoting less energy to mining nutrients under diversified cropping. In addition, SOM mineralization was lower within macroaggregates (∼12%), largely driven by substrate availability irrespective of aggregate sizes. In contrast, diversified cropping amplified the Q10 of SOM mineralization in mesoaggregates (+6%) and microaggregates (+5%) rather than in macroaggregates. This underscores the pivotal role of mesoaggregates and microaggregates in dominating the Q10 of SOM mineralization under soybean-based cropping. In conclusion, legume-based cropping diminishes soil organic matter mineralization despite increasing its temperature sensitivity, which proposes a potential strategy for C-neutral agriculture and climate warming mitigation.

Published
2024

6. The bii4africa dataset of faunal and floral population intactness estimates across Africa’s major land uses

Author

Environmental Sciences, Clements, Hayley S., Do Linh San, Emmanuel, Hempson, Gareth, Linden, Birthe, Maritz, Bryan, Monadjem, Ara, Reynolds, Chevonne, Siebert, Frances, Stevens, Nicola, Biggs, Reinette, De Vos, Alta, Blanchard, Ryan, Child, Matthew, Esler, Karen J., Hamann, Maike, Loft, Ty, Reyers, Belinda, Selomane, Odirilwe, Skowno, Andrew L., Tshoke, Tshegofatso, Abdoulaye, Diarrassouba, Aebischer, Thierry, Aguirre-Gutiérrez, Jesús, Alexander, Graham J., Ali, Abdullahi H., Allan, David G., Amoako, Esther E., Angedakin, Samuel, Aruna, Edward, Avenant, Nico L., Badjedjea, Gabriel, Bakayoko, Adama, Bamba-kaya, Abraham, Bates, Michael F., Bates, Paul J. J., Belmain, Steven R., Bennitt, Emily, Bradley, James, Brewster, Chris A., Brown, Michael B., Brown, Michelle, Bryja, Josef, Butynski, Thomas M., Carvalho, Filipe, Channing, Alan, Chapman, Colin A., Cohen, Callan, Cords, Marina, Cramer, Jennifer D., Cronk, Nadine, Cunneyworth, Pamela M. K., Dalerum, Fredrik, Danquah, Emmanuel, Davies-Mostert, Harriet T., de Blocq, Andrew D., De Jong, Yvonne A., Demos, Terrence C., Denys, Christiane, Djagoun, Chabi A. M. S., Doherty-Bone, Thomas M., Drouilly, Marine, du Toit, Johan T., Ehlers Smith, David A., Ehlers Smith, Yvette C., Eiseb, Seth J., Fashing, Peter J., Ferguson, Adam W., Fernández-García, José M., Finckh, Manfred, Fischer, Claude, Gandiwa, Edson, Gaubert, Philippe, Gaugris, Jerome Y., Gibbs, Dalton J., Gilchrist, Jason S., Gil-Sánchez, Jose M., Githitho, Anthony N., Goodman, Peter S., Granjon, Laurent, Grobler, J. Paul, Gumbi, Bonginkosi C., Gvozdik, Vaclav, Harvey, James, Hauptfleisch, Morgan, Hayder, Firas, Hema, Emmanuel M., Herbst, Marna, Houngbédji, Mariano, Huntley, Brian J., Hutterer, Rainer, Ivande, Samuel T., Jackson, Kate, Jongsma, Gregory F. M., Juste, Javier, Kadjo, Blaise, Kaleme, Prince K., Kamugisha, Edwin, Kaplin, Beth A., Kato, Humphrey N., Kiffner, Christian, Kimuyu, Duncan M., Kityo, Robert M., Kouamé, N’goran G., Kouete T, Marcel, le Roux, Aliza, Lee, Alan T. K., Lötter, Mervyn C., Lykke, Anne Mette, MacFadyen, Duncan N., Macharia, Gacheru P., Madikiza, Zimkitha J. K., Mahlaba, Themb’alilahlwa A. M., Mallon, David, Mamba, Mnqobi L., Mande, Claude, Marchant, Rob A., Maritz, Robin A., Markotter, Wanda, McIntyre, Trevor, Measey, John, Mekonnen, Addisu, Meller, Paulina, Melville, Haemish I., Mganga, Kevin Z., Mills, Michael G. L., Minnie, Liaan, Missoup, Alain Didier, Mohammad, Abubakr, Moinde, Nancy N., Moise, Bakwo Fils E., Monterroso, Pedro, Moore, Jennifer F., Musila, Simon, Nago, Sedjro Gilles A., Namoto, Maganizo W., Niang, Fatimata, Nicolas, Violaine, Nkenku, Jerry B., Nkrumah, Evans E., Nono, Gonwouo L., Norbert, Mulavwa M., Nowak, Katarzyna, Obitte, Benneth C., Okoni-Williams, Arnold D., Onongo, Jonathan, O’Riain, M. Justin, Osinubi, Samuel T., Parker, Daniel M., Parrini, Francesca, Peel, Mike J. S., Penner, Johannes, Pietersen, Darren W., Plumptre, Andrew J., Ponsonby, Damian W., Porembski, Stefan, Power, R. John, Radloff, Frans G. T., Rambau, Ramugondo V., Ramesh, Tharmalingam, Richards, Leigh R., Rödel, Mark-Oliver, Rollinson, Dominic P., Rovero, Francesco, Saleh, Mostafa A., Schmiedel, Ute, Schoeman, M. Corrie, Scholte, Paul, Serfass, Thomas L., Shapiro, Julie Teresa, Shema, Sidney, Siebert, Stefan J., Slingsby, Jasper A., Sliwa, Alexander, Smit-Robinson, Hanneline A., Sogbohossou, Etotepe A., Somers, Michael J., Spawls, Stephen, Streicher, Jarryd P., Swanepoel, Lourens, Tanshi, Iroro, Taylor, Peter J., Taylor, William A., te Beest, Mariska, Telfer, Paul T., Thompson, Dave I., Tobi, Elie, Tolley, Krystal A., Turner, Andrew A., Twine, Wayne, Van Cakenberghe, Victor, Van de Perre, Frederik, van der Merwe, Helga, van Niekerk, Chris J. G., van Wyk, Pieter C. V., Venter, Jan A., Verburgt, Luke, Veron, Geraldine, Vetter, Susanne, Vorontsova, Maria S., Wagner, Thomas C., Webala, Paul W., Weber, Natalie, Weier, Sina M., White, Paula A., Whitecross, Melissa A., Wigley, Benjamin J., Willems, Frank J., Winterbach, Christiaan W., Woodhouse, Galena M., Environmental Sciences, Clements, Hayley S., Do Linh San, Emmanuel, Hempson, Gareth, Linden, Birthe, Maritz, Bryan, Monadjem, Ara, Reynolds, Chevonne, Siebert, Frances, Stevens, Nicola, Biggs, Reinette, De Vos, Alta, Blanchard, Ryan, Child, Matthew, Esler, Karen J., Hamann, Maike, Loft, Ty, Reyers, Belinda, Selomane, Odirilwe, Skowno, Andrew L., Tshoke, Tshegofatso, Abdoulaye, Diarrassouba, Aebischer, Thierry, Aguirre-Gutiérrez, Jesús, Alexander, Graham J., Ali, Abdullahi H., Allan, David G., Amoako, Esther E., Angedakin, Samuel, Aruna, Edward, Avenant, Nico L., Badjedjea, Gabriel, Bakayoko, Adama, Bamba-kaya, Abraham, Bates, Michael F., Bates, Paul J. J., Belmain, Steven R., Bennitt, Emily, Bradley, James, Brewster, Chris A., Brown, Michael B., Brown, Michelle, Bryja, Josef, Butynski, Thomas M., Carvalho, Filipe, Channing, Alan, Chapman, Colin A., Cohen, Callan, Cords, Marina, Cramer, Jennifer D., Cronk, Nadine, Cunneyworth, Pamela M. K., Dalerum, Fredrik, Danquah, Emmanuel, Davies-Mostert, Harriet T., de Blocq, Andrew D., De Jong, Yvonne A., Demos, Terrence C., Denys, Christiane, Djagoun, Chabi A. M. S., Doherty-Bone, Thomas M., Drouilly, Marine, du Toit, Johan T., Ehlers Smith, David A., Ehlers Smith, Yvette C., Eiseb, Seth J., Fashing, Peter J., Ferguson, Adam W., Fernández-García, José M., Finckh, Manfred, Fischer, Claude, Gandiwa, Edson, Gaubert, Philippe, Gaugris, Jerome Y., Gibbs, Dalton J., Gilchrist, Jason S., Gil-Sánchez, Jose M., Githitho, Anthony N., Goodman, Peter S., Granjon, Laurent, Grobler, J. Paul, Gumbi, Bonginkosi C., Gvozdik, Vaclav, Harvey, James, Hauptfleisch, Morgan, Hayder, Firas, Hema, Emmanuel M., Herbst, Marna, Houngbédji, Mariano, Huntley, Brian J., Hutterer, Rainer, Ivande, Samuel T., Jackson, Kate, Jongsma, Gregory F. M., Juste, Javier, Kadjo, Blaise, Kaleme, Prince K., Kamugisha, Edwin, Kaplin, Beth A., Kato, Humphrey N., Kiffner, Christian, Kimuyu, Duncan M., Kityo, Robert M., Kouamé, N’goran G., Kouete T, Marcel, le Roux, Aliza, Lee, Alan T. K., Lötter, Mervyn C., Lykke, Anne Mette, MacFadyen, Duncan N., Macharia, Gacheru P., Madikiza, Zimkitha J. K., Mahlaba, Themb’alilahlwa A. M., Mallon, David, Mamba, Mnqobi L., Mande, Claude, Marchant, Rob A., Maritz, Robin A., Markotter, Wanda, McIntyre, Trevor, Measey, John, Mekonnen, Addisu, Meller, Paulina, Melville, Haemish I., Mganga, Kevin Z., Mills, Michael G. L., Minnie, Liaan, Missoup, Alain Didier, Mohammad, Abubakr, Moinde, Nancy N., Moise, Bakwo Fils E., Monterroso, Pedro, Moore, Jennifer F., Musila, Simon, Nago, Sedjro Gilles A., Namoto, Maganizo W., Niang, Fatimata, Nicolas, Violaine, Nkenku, Jerry B., Nkrumah, Evans E., Nono, Gonwouo L., Norbert, Mulavwa M., Nowak, Katarzyna, Obitte, Benneth C., Okoni-Williams, Arnold D., Onongo, Jonathan, O’Riain, M. Justin, Osinubi, Samuel T., Parker, Daniel M., Parrini, Francesca, Peel, Mike J. S., Penner, Johannes, Pietersen, Darren W., Plumptre, Andrew J., Ponsonby, Damian W., Porembski, Stefan, Power, R. John, Radloff, Frans G. T., Rambau, Ramugondo V., Ramesh, Tharmalingam, Richards, Leigh R., Rödel, Mark-Oliver, Rollinson, Dominic P., Rovero, Francesco, Saleh, Mostafa A., Schmiedel, Ute, Schoeman, M. Corrie, Scholte, Paul, Serfass, Thomas L., Shapiro, Julie Teresa, Shema, Sidney, Siebert, Stefan J., Slingsby, Jasper A., Sliwa, Alexander, Smit-Robinson, Hanneline A., Sogbohossou, Etotepe A., Somers, Michael J., Spawls, Stephen, Streicher, Jarryd P., Swanepoel, Lourens, Tanshi, Iroro, Taylor, Peter J., Taylor, William A., te Beest, Mariska, Telfer, Paul T., Thompson, Dave I., Tobi, Elie, Tolley, Krystal A., Turner, Andrew A., Twine, Wayne, Van Cakenberghe, Victor, Van de Perre, Frederik, van der Merwe, Helga, van Niekerk, Chris J. G., van Wyk, Pieter C. V., Venter, Jan A., Verburgt, Luke, Veron, Geraldine, Vetter, Susanne, Vorontsova, Maria S., Wagner, Thomas C., Webala, Paul W., Weber, Natalie, Weier, Sina M., White, Paula A., Whitecross, Melissa A., Wigley, Benjamin J., Willems, Frank J., Winterbach, Christiaan W., and Woodhouse, Galena M.

Published
2024

10. Better Soils for Resilient Agricultural Production

Author

Environmental Sciences, Daghighi, Elaheh, Ayugi, Vincent, Daghighi, Elika, Farajpour, Azadeh, Mganga, Kevin Z., Orthen, Tobias, Environmental Sciences, Daghighi, Elaheh, Ayugi, Vincent, Daghighi, Elika, Farajpour, Azadeh, Mganga, Kevin Z., and Orthen, Tobias

Published
2024

11. Multi‐stakeholder participation for successful implementation of applied research projects in Africa

Author

Mganga, Kevin Z., primary, Kaindi, Eric, additional, Bosma, Luwieke, additional, Amollo, Kevin O., additional, Munyoki, Bobsammy, additional, Kioko, Theophilus, additional, Kadenyi, Nancy, additional, Musyoki, Gilbert K., additional, Wambua, Stephen M., additional, Ndathi, Aphaxard J. N., additional, van Steenbergen, Frank, additional, and Musimba, Nashon K. R., additional

Published
2023
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12. Legume-based crop diversification reinforces soil health and carbon storage driven by microbial biomass and aggregates

Author

Yan, Zhengjun, Zhou, Jie, Liu, Chunyan, Jia, Rong, Mganga, Kevin Z., Yang, Lei, Yang, Yadong, Peixoto, Leanne, Zang, Huadong, Zeng, Zhaohai, Yan, Zhengjun, Zhou, Jie, Liu, Chunyan, Jia, Rong, Mganga, Kevin Z., Yang, Lei, Yang, Yadong, Peixoto, Leanne, Zang, Huadong, and Zeng, Zhaohai

Abstract

Diversified cropping is a crucial management practice for increasing carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) sequestration in agroecosystems. However, knowledge gaps regarding the mechanisms by which diversified cropping affects C sequestration and soil quality remain unclear. Herein, a field experiment across six-year was performed to explore the effect of three contrasting cropping systems (i.e., winter wheat/summer maize, winter wheat/summer maize-early soybean, and nature fallow) on soil quality and C sequestration, as well as their main drivers at both 0–20 cm and 20–40 cm soil depths. Diversified cropping increased soil organic C (SOC) stock by 9% and the majority of the soil biochemical metrics in the topsoil despite a 40% reduction in the fertilizer application relative to wheat/maize. This was attributed to increased SOC content in large macroaggregates and enhanced microbial turnover due to diverse fresh residue inputs under diversified cropping. Alternatively, the soil organic C, microbial biomass C, C-acquisition enzyme activity, and N-acquisition enzyme activity in large macroaggregates (> 2 mm) were increased by 15%, 15%, 32%, and 16% in the topsoil under diversified cropping versus wheat/maize, respectively. Partial least squares path model displayed that increased C sequestration was mainly driven by microbial biomass C irrespective of the bulk- and aggregate scale. Furthermore, diversified cropping increased the soil quality index by 1- to 2-fold relative to maize/wheat since increased aggregate stability benefited soil structure and nutrient cycling regardless of soil depth. Overall, increased SOC stock is dominantly driven by microbial biomass C, and the improved soil quality is mainly impelled by soil organic C and aggregate stability in responding to diversified cropping were expected to create win-win scenarios for agroecosystems.

Published
2023

13. Multi‐stakeholder participation for successful implementation of applied research projects in Africa

Author

Mganga, Kevin Z., Kaindi, Eric, Bosma, Luwieke, Amollo, Kevin O., Munyoki, Bobsammy, Kioko, Theophilus, Kadenyi, Nancy, Musyoki, Gilbert K., Wambua, Stephen M., Ndathi, Aphaxard J. N., Steenbergen, Frank van, Musimba, Nashon K. R., Mganga, Kevin Z., Kaindi, Eric, Bosma, Luwieke, Amollo, Kevin O., Munyoki, Bobsammy, Kioko, Theophilus, Kadenyi, Nancy, Musyoki, Gilbert K., Wambua, Stephen M., Ndathi, Aphaxard J. N., Steenbergen, Frank van, and Musimba, Nashon K. R.

Abstract

Rainwater harvesting from Roads For Indigenous Pasture production and improved rural livelihoods in Kitui, Kenya (ROFIP) is an applied research project. It assessed the potential of combining multiple sustainable land management practices, for example native grass reseeding, rainwater harvesting from roads and in situ microcatchments to enhance vegetation cover in a semi-arid dryland in Kenya. Rural earth roads were used as a catchment. Runoff generated from rainfall events was diverted into reseeded pastures with trenches established at intervals, across a slope. The ROFIP project also integrated microcatchments created using ox-driven ploughs, a traditional practice for seedbed preparation and harnessing in situ rainwater harvesting in African drylands. Combining the diversion of runoff from roads and harvesting rainwater in situ improves and prolongs soil moisture availability in reseeded pastures. Consequently, this translated to higher biomass yields (i.e. forage for livestock) and vegetation cover (land degradation mitigation and enhanced soil health). This project clearly showed that combining rainwater harvesting and native pasture reseeding improves water retention and soil health, thus improving sustainable pasture production. However, for this to be achieved, it is prudent to involve practitioners to co-design practical solutions that are socially, economically and environmentally sustainable. Multi-stakeholder engagement, effective knowledge sharing, and community involvement can be major enablers in the pursuit of environmental and socioeconomic relevant benefits in applied research projects in Africa. This approach enhances a sense of shared purpose among practitioners and empowers them to become points of reference to their peers.

Published
2023

14. Effects of a tree row on greenhouse gas fluxes, growing conditions and soil microbial communities on an oat field in Southern Finland

Author

Heimsch, Laura, Huusko, Karoliina, Karhu, Kristiina, Mganga, Kevin Z., Kalu, Subin, Kulmala, Liisa, Heimsch, Laura, Huusko, Karoliina, Karhu, Kristiina, Mganga, Kevin Z., Kalu, Subin, and Kulmala, Liisa

Abstract

Agricultural ecosystems are facing critical loss of biodiversity, soil nutrients, and cultural values. Intensive crop production has caused landscape homogenisation, with trees and hedges increasingly disappearing from agricultural land. Changes in farming practices are essential to increase biodiversity and improve soil biogeochemical processes, such as nutrient cycling, soil carbon uptake, and sequestration, as well as to improve the resilience and fertility of farming systems. Agroforestry is an important practice for implementing and improving natural and cultural value of landscapes, but in northern countries, agroforestry methods remain rarely utilised. Our study was conducted in Southern Finland on an agricultural field where a row of willow and alder was planted 6 years prior to our study. We concentrated on the effects of the tree row on crop growing conditions and how far from the trees possible impacts can be observed. We studied soil properties, carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrous oxide (N2O), and methane (CH4) exchange, and soil microbial communities. The impact of trees on crop growing conditions, biomass production, and greenhouse gas fluxes was modest and did not extend further than few meters from the tree row in the warm and dry growing season of 2019. N2O and CH4 fluxes were negligible and the tree row did not increase greenhouse gas emissions from soil. Soil microbial diversity was clearly improved by the presence of trees due to more diverse habitats. The tree row also slightly decreased the estimated annual net emissions of carbon into the atmosphere. Due to positive indications of the effects of agroforestry on biodiversity and carbon uptake, we highly recommend further studies within various agroforestry practices in Nordic countries.

Published
2023

15. Leaf gas exchange characteristics, biomass partitioning, and water use efficiencies of two C 4 African grasses under simulated drought

Author

Mganga, Kevin Z., Kuhla, Jana, Carminati, Andrea, Pausch, Johanna, Ahmed, Mutez A., Mganga, Kevin Z., Kuhla, Jana, Carminati, Andrea, Pausch, Johanna, and Ahmed, Mutez A.

Abstract

Background Few studies have evaluated the effect of drought on the morpho-physiological characteristics of African C4 grasses. We investigated how drought affects leaf gas exchange characteristics, biomass partitioning, and water use efficiencies of Enteropogon macrostachyus and Cenchrus ciliaris. Methods The grasses were grown in a controlled environment under optimum conditions, that is, 70% of the maximum water-holding capacity (WHC) for the first 40 days. Thereafter, half of the columns were maintained under optimum or drought conditions (30% of maximum WHC) for another 20 days. Results Under optimum conditions, C. ciliaris showed a significantly higher photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, and transpiration rate than E. macrostachyus. Drought decreased the photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance and transpiration rate only in C. ciliaris. The net photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, and leaf transpiration of E. macrostachyus did not differ significantly under optimum and drought conditions. E. macrostachyus showed an increase in its water use efficiencies under drought to a greater extent than C. ciliaris. Conclusions Our results demonstrate that C. ciliaris is more sensitive to drought than E. macrostachyus. The decrease in the intercellular CO2 concentration and the increase in stomatal limitation with drought in C. ciliaris and E. macrostachyus suggest that stomatal limitation plays the dominant role in photosynthesis of the studied African C4 grasses.

Published
2023

16. Priming effect depending on land use and soil types in a typical semi-arid landscape in Kenya

Author

Mganga, Kevin Z., Rolando, José L., Kalu, Subin, Biasi, Christina, Karhu, Kristiina, Mganga, Kevin Z., Rolando, José L., Kalu, Subin, Biasi, Christina, and Karhu, Kristiina

Abstract

Addition of labile carbon (C) inputs to soil can accelerate or slow down the decomposition of soil organic matter (SOM), a phenomenon known as priming effect (PE). However, the magnitude and direction of PE is often difficult to predict, consequently making its relationship with labile C inputs and nutrient availability elusive. To assess this relationship, we added 13C labelled glucose (corresponding to 50% of initial soil microbial biomass C) to two soil types (Vertisol and Acrisol) with different concentrations of available N and from four land use systems (agricultural, pasture, grassland and shrubland). Parallel laboratory incubations i.e. short-term (6 days) and long-term (6 months), were set up to determine the effect of land use and soil type (N availability) on PE. Addition of labelled glucose in solution led to the retardation of SOM mineralization (negative PE) in both soil types and across all land use systems. This is attributed to preferential substrate utilization characterized by the higher mineralization of added glucose. Land use systems and soil types with higher N-availability displayed weaker negative PE, which is in line with the stoichiometric decomposition theory. In conclusion, our study demonstrate that N-availability plays a major role in determining mineralization of labile C inputs, magnitude and direction of PE in the studied dryland soils and land use systems. The fact that 15–27% of the added 13C remained in the soil at the end of the 6 months incubation and PE was negative, indicates that continuous labile C inputs could contribute to C immobilization and stabilization in these semiarid soils. Moreover, 13C glucose remaining in soils after 6 months in semi-natural pastures was comparable to those under natural grassland and shrubland systems especially in Acrisols. This demonstrates that incorporation and maintaining a perennial cover of native pastures has the potential to increase C sequestration in African semi-arid agricultural s

Published
2023

19. UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration: key considerations for Africa

Author

Environmental Sciences, Nsikani, Mlungele M., Anderson, Pippin, Bouragaoui, Zakher, Geerts, Sjirk, Gornish, Elise S., Kairo, James G., Khan, Nasreen, Madikizela, Bonani, Mganga, Kevin Z., Ntshotsho, Phumza, Okafor-Yarwood, Ifesinachi, Webster, Kayla M.E., Peer, Nasreen, Environmental Sciences, Nsikani, Mlungele M., Anderson, Pippin, Bouragaoui, Zakher, Geerts, Sjirk, Gornish, Elise S., Kairo, James G., Khan, Nasreen, Madikizela, Bonani, Mganga, Kevin Z., Ntshotsho, Phumza, Okafor-Yarwood, Ifesinachi, Webster, Kayla M.E., and Peer, Nasreen

Published
2023

21. Fate and stabilization of labile carbon in a sandy boreal forest soil: A question of nitrogen availability?

Author

Environmental Sciences, Meyer, Nele, Sietiö, Outi-Maaria, Adamczyk, Sylwia, Ambus, Per, Biasi, Christina, Glaser, Bruno, Kalu, Subin, Martin, Angela, Mganga, Kevin Z., Olin, Miikka, Seppänen, Aino, Shrestha, Rashmi, Karhu, Kristiina, Environmental Sciences, Meyer, Nele, Sietiö, Outi-Maaria, Adamczyk, Sylwia, Ambus, Per, Biasi, Christina, Glaser, Bruno, Kalu, Subin, Martin, Angela, Mganga, Kevin Z., Olin, Miikka, Seppänen, Aino, Shrestha, Rashmi, and Karhu, Kristiina

Published
2023

23. Multi‐stakeholder participation for successful implementation of applied research projects in Africa

Author

Environmental Sciences, Mganga, Kevin Z., Kaindi, Eric, Bosma, Luwieke, Amollo, Kevin O., Munyoki, Bobsammy, Kioko, Theophilus, Kadenyi, Nancy, Musyoki, Gilbert K., Wambua, Stephen M., Ndathi, Aphaxard J. N., Steenbergen, Frank van, Musimba, Nashon K. R., Environmental Sciences, Mganga, Kevin Z., Kaindi, Eric, Bosma, Luwieke, Amollo, Kevin O., Munyoki, Bobsammy, Kioko, Theophilus, Kadenyi, Nancy, Musyoki, Gilbert K., Wambua, Stephen M., Ndathi, Aphaxard J. N., Steenbergen, Frank van, and Musimba, Nashon K. R.

Published
2023

24. Microbial carbon use efficiency along an altitudinal gradient

Author

Mganga, Kevin Z., Sietiö, Outi-Maaria, Meyer, Nele, Poeplau, Christopher, Adamczyk, Sylwia, Biasi, Christina, Kalu, Subin, Räsänen, Matti, Ambus, Per, Fritze, Hannu, Pellikka, Petri K.E., Karhu, Kristiina, Environmental Sciences, Environmental Sciences, Department of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Forest Sciences, Soils and climate change, Department of Geosciences and Geography, Helsinki Institute of Sustainability Science (HELSUS), Institute for Atmospheric and Earth System Research (INAR), Forest Soil Science and Biogeochemistry, and Forest Ecology and Management

Subjects
1171 Geosciences, DECOMPOSITION, 11832 Microbiology and virology, 4112 Forestry, BACTERIAL, SUBSTRATE USE EFFICIENCY, RESOURCE STOICHIOMETRY, TEMPERATURE RESPONSE, Carbon use efficiency, Soil Science, Microbial growth, Microbiology, EXTRACTION METHOD, BIOMASS, NITROGEN, Ecological stoichiometry, SOIL-CARBON, GROWTH, Soil microbial carbon pump, Enzyme activity
Abstract

Soil microbial carbon-use efficiency (CUE), described as the ratio of growth over total carbon (C) uptake, i.e. the sum of growth and respiration, is a key variable in all soil organic matter (SOM) models and critical to ecosystem C cycling. However, there is still a lack of consensus on microbial CUE when estimated using different methods. Furthermore, the significance of many fundamental drivers of CUE remains largely unknown and inconclusive, especially for tropical ecosystems. For these reasons, we determined CUE and microbial indicators of soil nutrient availability in seven tropical forest soils along an altitudinal gradient (circa 900–2200 m a.s.l) occurring at Taita Hills, Kenya. We used this gradient to study the soil nutrient (N and P) availability and its relation to microbial CUE estimates. For assessing the soil nutrient availability, we determined both the soil bulk stoichiometric nutrient ratios (soil C:N, C:P and N:P), as well as SOM degradation related enzyme activities. We estimated soil microbial CUE using two methods: substrate independent 18O-water tracing and 13C-glucose tracing method. Based on these two approaches, we estimated the microbial uptake efficiency of added glucose versus native SOM, with the latter defined by 18O-water tracing method. Based on the bulk soil C:N stoichiometry, the studied soils did not reveal N limitation. However, soil bulk P limitation increased slightly with elevation. Additionally, based on extracellular enzyme activities, the SOM nutrient availability decreased with elevation. The 13C-CUE did not change with altitude indicating that glucose was efficiently taken up and used by the microbes. On the other hand, 18O-CUE, which reflects the growth efficiency of microbes growing on native SOM, clearly declined with increasing altitude and was associated with SOM nutrient availability indicators. Based on our results, microbes at higher elevations invested more energy to scavenge for nutrients and energy from complex SOM whereas at lower elevations the soil nutrients may have been more readily available.

Published
2022
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25. Agricultural Land Degradation in Kenya

Author

Mganga, Kevin Z. and Mganga, Kevin Z.

Abstract

Arid and semi-arid drylands cover approximately over 80% of Kenya's landmass and are home to almost 30 and 70% of the human and livestock populations, respectively. Pastoral livestock--crop production systems constitute the main economic activity and source of livelihood. In Kenya, land degradation has widely been considered as a major environmental challenge threatening the livelihoods of over 12 million people living in degraded lands. Nearly 80% of Kenya's landmass is affected by land degradation. It has been estimated that approximately 30--40% of the arid and semi-arid lands are rapidly being lost through degradation and an additional 2% have completely been degraded. The total economic value of land degradation in Kenya was at 1.3 billion USD annually between 2001 and 2009. Principal degradation processes in the marginal arid and semi-arid environments in Kenya include salinization, soil compaction, vegetation degradation, and soil erosion. Soil loss in these dryland zones mainly occurs when vegetation cover is removed exposing the soil to the agents of erosion, i.e., water and wind. Arid and semi-arid environments are particularly vulnerable to degradation because the soils are characterized by a poor structure exacerbated by scarce vegetation cover. The main causes of land degradation in these dryland environments in Kenya include overgrazing, woodland deforestation, poor rainfed and irrigation agricultural practices, and mineral mining activities. Land degradation process in these marginal lands is aggravated and accelerated by the effects of climate change and variability (recurrent droughts and floods) and increased human population. Increased human population has continued to exert tremendous pressure on the Kenyan dryland resources. However, it also serves as the main driver and valuable resource in reversing degradation at farm and landscape scales through soil conservation and sustainable land management practices such as conservation agriculture, dry

Published
2022

26. Microbial carbon use efficiency along an altitudinal gradient

Author

Environmental Sciences, Mganga, Kevin Z., Sietiö, Outi-Maaria, Meyer, Nele, Poeplau, Christopher, Adamczyk, Sylwia, Biasi, Christina, Kalu, Subin, Räsänen, Matti, Ambus, Per, Fritze, Hannu, Pellikka, Petri K.E., Karhu, Kristiina, Environmental Sciences, Mganga, Kevin Z., Sietiö, Outi-Maaria, Meyer, Nele, Poeplau, Christopher, Adamczyk, Sylwia, Biasi, Christina, Kalu, Subin, Räsänen, Matti, Ambus, Per, Fritze, Hannu, Pellikka, Petri K.E., and Karhu, Kristiina

Published
2022

27. Leaf gas exchange characteristics, biomass partitioning, and water use efficiencies of two C4African grasses under simulated drought

Author

Mganga, Kevin Z., Kuhla, Jana, Carminati, Andrea, Pausch, Johanna, Ahmed, Mutez A., and Sollenberger, Lynn

Abstract

Few studies have evaluated the effect of drought on the morpho‐physiological characteristics of African C4grasses. We investigated how drought affects leaf gas exchange characteristics, biomass partitioning, and water use efficiencies of Enteropogon macrostachyusand Cenchrus ciliaris. The grasses were grown in a controlled environment under optimum conditions, that is, 70% of the maximum water‐holding capacity (WHC) for the first 40 days. Thereafter, half of the columns were maintained under optimum or drought conditions (30% of maximum WHC) for another 20 days. Under optimum conditions, C. ciliarisshowed a significantly higher photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, and transpiration rate than E. macrostachyus. Drought decreased the photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance and transpiration rate only in C. ciliaris. The net photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, and leaf transpiration of E. macrostachyusdid not differ significantly under optimum and drought conditions. E. macrostachyusshowed an increase in its water use efficiencies under drought to a greater extent than C. ciliaris. Our results demonstrate that C. ciliarisis more sensitive to drought than E. macrostachyus. The decrease in the intercellular CO2concentration and the increase in stomatal limitation with drought in C. ciliarisand E. macrostachyussuggest that stomatal limitation plays the dominant role in photosynthesis of the studied African C4grasses. The LI‐6400/XT Portable Photosynthesis System was used to measure leaf gas exchange characteristics of two C4 perennial grasses native to African rangelands, that is, Cenchrus ciliaris(African foxtail grass) and Enteropogon macrostachyus(Bush rye grass), under optimum and drought conditions.

Published
2023
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28. Forage value of vegetative leaf and stem biomass fractions of selected grasses indigenous to African rangelands

Author

Mganga, Kevin Z., Ndathi, Aphaxard J.N., Wambua, Stephen M., Bosma, Luwieke, Kaindi, Eric M., Kioko, Theophilus, Kadenyi, Nancy, Musyoki, Gilbert K., Van Steenbergen, Frank, Musimba, Nashon K.R., Mganga, Kevin Z., Ndathi, Aphaxard J.N., Wambua, Stephen M., Bosma, Luwieke, Kaindi, Eric M., Kioko, Theophilus, Kadenyi, Nancy, Musyoki, Gilbert K., Van Steenbergen, Frank, and Musimba, Nashon K.R.

Published
2021

30. Plant Morphoecological Traits, Grass-Weed Interactions and Water Use Efficiencies of Grasses Used for Restoration of African Rangelands

Author

Mganga, Kevin Z., Kaindi, Eric, Ndathi, Aphaxard J.N., Bosma, Luwieke, Kioko, Theophilus, Kadenyi, Nancy, Musyoki, Gilbert K., Wambua, Stephen, van Steenbergen, Frank, Musimba, Nashon K.R., Mganga, Kevin Z., Kaindi, Eric, Ndathi, Aphaxard J.N., Bosma, Luwieke, Kioko, Theophilus, Kadenyi, Nancy, Musyoki, Gilbert K., Wambua, Stephen, van Steenbergen, Frank, and Musimba, Nashon K.R.

Published
2021

31. Drivers of seedling establishment success in dryland restoration efforts

Author

Shackelford, Nancy [0000-0003-4817-0423], Paterno, Gustavo B. [0000-0001-9719-3037], Breed, Martin F. [0000-0001-7810-9696], Harrison, Peter A. [0000-0002-3502-0242], Guo, Qinfeng [0000-0002-4375-4916], Kirmer, Anita [0000-0002-2396-713X], Munson, Seth M. [0000-0002-2736-6374], Török, Péter [0000-0002-4428-3327], Becker, Carina [0000-0003-4567-5127], Burton, Philip J. [0000-0002-5956-2716], Caruana, Alex [0000-0002-7604-4574], Deák, Balázs [0000-0001-6938-1997], Dullau, Sandra [0000-0003-3167-799X], Golos, Peter J. [0000-0003-3588-7011], Holmes, Patricia M. [0000-0003-0794-9713], Jonas-Bratten, Jayne [0000-0002-1716-7195], Lorite, Juan [0000-0003-4617-8069], Merino-Martín, Luis [0000-0002-0343-0546], Milton, Suanne Jane [0000-0003-4390-6040], Seabloom, Eric W. [0000-0001-6780-9259], Valkó, Orsolya [0000-0001-7919-6293], Veblen, Kari [0000-0001-7523-3368], Xu, Zhiwei [0000-0002-8630-1204], Suding, Katharine L. [0000-0002-5357-0176], Quiroga, R Emiliano [0000-0001-9785-451X], Shackelford, Nancy, Paterno, Gustavo B., Winkler, Daniel E., Erickson, Todd E., Leger, Elizabeth A., Svejcar, Lauren N., Breed, Martin F., Faist, Akasha M., Harrison, Peter A., Curran, Michael F., Guo, Qinfeng, Kirmer, Anita, Law, Darin J., Mganga, Kevin Z., Munson, Seth M., Porensky, Lauren M., Quiroga, R Emiliano, Török, Péter, Wainwright, Claire E., Abdullahi, Ali, Bahm, Matt A., Ballenger, Elizabeth A., Barger, Nichole, Baughman, Owen W., Becker, Carina, Lucas-Borja, M. E., Boyd, Chad S., Burton, Carla M., Burton, Philip J., Calleja, Eman, Carrick, Peter J., Caruana, Alex, Clements, Charlie D., Davies, Kirk W., Deák, Balázs, Drake, Jessica, Dullau, Sandra, Eldridge, Joshua, Espeland, Erin, Farrell, Hannah L., Fick, Stephen E., Garbowski, Magda, De la Riva, Enrique G., Golos, Peter J., Grey, Penelope A., Heydenrych, Barry, Holmes, Patricia M., James, Jeremy J., Jonas-Bratten, Jayne, Kiss, Réka, Kramer, Andrea T., Larson, Julie E., Lorite, Juan, Mayence, C.Ellery, Merino-Martín, Luis, Miglécz, Tamás, Milton, Suanne Jane, Monaco, Thomas A., Montalvo, Arlee M., Navarro-Cano, J. A., Paschke, Mark W., Peri, Pablo L., Pokorny, Monica L., Rinella, Matthew J., Saayman, Nelmarie, Schantz, Merilynn C., Parkhurst, Tina, Seabloom, Eric W., Stuble, Katharine L., Uselman, Shauna M., Valkó, Orsolya, Veblen, Kari, Wilson, Scott, Wong, Megan, Xu, Zhiwei, Suding, Katharine L., Shackelford, Nancy [0000-0003-4817-0423], Paterno, Gustavo B. [0000-0001-9719-3037], Breed, Martin F. [0000-0001-7810-9696], Harrison, Peter A. [0000-0002-3502-0242], Guo, Qinfeng [0000-0002-4375-4916], Kirmer, Anita [0000-0002-2396-713X], Munson, Seth M. [0000-0002-2736-6374], Török, Péter [0000-0002-4428-3327], Becker, Carina [0000-0003-4567-5127], Burton, Philip J. [0000-0002-5956-2716], Caruana, Alex [0000-0002-7604-4574], Deák, Balázs [0000-0001-6938-1997], Dullau, Sandra [0000-0003-3167-799X], Golos, Peter J. [0000-0003-3588-7011], Holmes, Patricia M. [0000-0003-0794-9713], Jonas-Bratten, Jayne [0000-0002-1716-7195], Lorite, Juan [0000-0003-4617-8069], Merino-Martín, Luis [0000-0002-0343-0546], Milton, Suanne Jane [0000-0003-4390-6040], Seabloom, Eric W. [0000-0001-6780-9259], Valkó, Orsolya [0000-0001-7919-6293], Veblen, Kari [0000-0001-7523-3368], Xu, Zhiwei [0000-0002-8630-1204], Suding, Katharine L. [0000-0002-5357-0176], Quiroga, R Emiliano [0000-0001-9785-451X], Shackelford, Nancy, Paterno, Gustavo B., Winkler, Daniel E., Erickson, Todd E., Leger, Elizabeth A., Svejcar, Lauren N., Breed, Martin F., Faist, Akasha M., Harrison, Peter A., Curran, Michael F., Guo, Qinfeng, Kirmer, Anita, Law, Darin J., Mganga, Kevin Z., Munson, Seth M., Porensky, Lauren M., Quiroga, R Emiliano, Török, Péter, Wainwright, Claire E., Abdullahi, Ali, Bahm, Matt A., Ballenger, Elizabeth A., Barger, Nichole, Baughman, Owen W., Becker, Carina, Lucas-Borja, M. E., Boyd, Chad S., Burton, Carla M., Burton, Philip J., Calleja, Eman, Carrick, Peter J., Caruana, Alex, Clements, Charlie D., Davies, Kirk W., Deák, Balázs, Drake, Jessica, Dullau, Sandra, Eldridge, Joshua, Espeland, Erin, Farrell, Hannah L., Fick, Stephen E., Garbowski, Magda, De la Riva, Enrique G., Golos, Peter J., Grey, Penelope A., Heydenrych, Barry, Holmes, Patricia M., James, Jeremy J., Jonas-Bratten, Jayne, Kiss, Réka, Kramer, Andrea T., Larson, Julie E., Lorite, Juan, Mayence, C.Ellery, Merino-Martín, Luis, Miglécz, Tamás, Milton, Suanne Jane, Monaco, Thomas A., Montalvo, Arlee M., Navarro-Cano, J. A., Paschke, Mark W., Peri, Pablo L., Pokorny, Monica L., Rinella, Matthew J., Saayman, Nelmarie, Schantz, Merilynn C., Parkhurst, Tina, Seabloom, Eric W., Stuble, Katharine L., Uselman, Shauna M., Valkó, Orsolya, Veblen, Kari, Wilson, Scott, Wong, Megan, Xu, Zhiwei, and Suding, Katharine L.

Abstract

Restoration of degraded drylands is urgently needed to mitigate climate change, reverse desertification and secure livelihoods for the two billion people who live in these areas. Bold global targets have been set for dryland restoration to restore millions of hectares of degraded land. These targets have been questioned as overly ambitious, but without a global evaluation of successes and failures it is impossible to gauge feasibility. Here we examine restoration seeding outcomes across 174 sites on six continents, encompassing 594,065 observations of 671 plant species. Our findings suggest reasons for optimism. Seeding had a positive impact on species presence: in almost a third of all treatments, 100% of species seeded were growing at first monitoring. However, dryland restoration is risky: 17% of projects failed, with no establishment of any seeded species, and consistent declines were found in seeded species as projects matured. Across projects, higher seeding rates and larger seed sizes resulted in a greater probability of recruitment, with further influences on species success including site aridity, taxonomic identity and species life form. Our findings suggest that investigations examining these predictive factors will yield more effective and informed restoration decision-making.

Published
2021

32. Author Correction: Drivers of seedling establishment success in dryland restoration efforts

Author

Shackelford, Nancy [0000-0003-4817-0423], Paterno, Gustavo B. [0000-0001-9719-3037], Breed, Martin F [0000-0001-7810-9696], Harrison, Peter A [0000-0002-3502-0242], Guo, Qinfeng [0000-0002-4375-4916], Kirmer, Anita [0000-0002-2396-713X], Munson, Seth M [0000-0002-2736-6374], Török, Péter [0000-0002-4428-3327], Becker, Carina [0000-0003-4567-5127], Burton, Philip J [0000-0002-5956-2716], Caruana, Alex [0000-0002-7604-4574], Deák, Balázs [0000-0001-6938-1997], Dullau, Sandra [0000-0003-3167-799X], Golos, Peter J [0000-0003-3588-7011], Holmes, Patricia M [0000-0003-0794-9713], Jonas-Bratten, Jayne [0000-0002-1716-7195], Lorite, Juan [0000-0003-4617-8069], Merino-Martín, Luis [0000-0002-0343-0546], Milton, Suanne Jane [0000-0003-4390-6040], Seabloom, Eric W [0000-0001-6780-9259], Valkó, Orsolya [0000-0001-7919-6293], Veblen, Kari [0000-0001-7523-3368], Xu, Zhiwei [0000-0002-8630-1204], Suding, Katharine L [0000-0002-5357-0176], Shackelford, Nancy, Paterno, Gustavo B., Winkler, Daniel E., Erickson, Todd E., Leger, Elizabeth A., Svejcar, Lauren N., Breed, Martin F., Faist, Akasha M., Harrison, Peter A., Curran, Michael F., Guo, Qinfeng, Kirmer, Anita, Law, Darin J., Mganga, Kevin Z., Munson, Seth M., Porensky, Lauren M., Quiroga, R Emiliano, Török, Péter, Wainwright, Claire E., Abdullahi, Ali, Bahm, Matt A., Ballenger, Elizabeth A., Barger, Nichole, Baughman, Owen W., Becker, Carina, Lucas-Borja, M. E., Boyd, Chad S., Burton, Carla M., Burton, Philip J., Calleja, Eman, Carrick, Peter J., Caruana, Alex, Clements, Charlie D., Davies, Kirk W., Deák, Balázs, Drake, Jessica, Dullau, Sandra, Eldridge, Joshua, Espeland, Erin, Farrell, Hannah L., Fick, Stephen E., Garbowski, Magda, De la Riva, Enrique G., Golos, Peter J., Grey, Penelope A., Heydenrych, Barry, Holmes, Patricia M., James, Jeremy J., Jonas-Bratten, Jayne, Kiss, Réka, Kramer, Andrea T., Larson, Julie E., Lorite, Juan, Mayence, C.Ellery, Merino-Martín, Luis, Miglécz, Tamás, Milton, Suanne Jane, Monaco, Thomas A., Montalvo, Arlee M., Navarro-Cano, J. A., Paschke, Mark W., Peri, Pablo L., Pokorny, Monica L., Rinella, Matthew J., Saayman, Nelmarie, Schantz, Merilynn C., Parkhurst, Tina, Seabloom, Eric W., Stuble, Katharine L., Uselman, Shauna M., Valkó, Orsolya, Veblen, Kari, Wilson, Scott, Wong, Megan, Xu, Zhiwei, Suding, Katharine L., Shackelford, Nancy [0000-0003-4817-0423], Paterno, Gustavo B. [0000-0001-9719-3037], Breed, Martin F [0000-0001-7810-9696], Harrison, Peter A [0000-0002-3502-0242], Guo, Qinfeng [0000-0002-4375-4916], Kirmer, Anita [0000-0002-2396-713X], Munson, Seth M [0000-0002-2736-6374], Török, Péter [0000-0002-4428-3327], Becker, Carina [0000-0003-4567-5127], Burton, Philip J [0000-0002-5956-2716], Caruana, Alex [0000-0002-7604-4574], Deák, Balázs [0000-0001-6938-1997], Dullau, Sandra [0000-0003-3167-799X], Golos, Peter J [0000-0003-3588-7011], Holmes, Patricia M [0000-0003-0794-9713], Jonas-Bratten, Jayne [0000-0002-1716-7195], Lorite, Juan [0000-0003-4617-8069], Merino-Martín, Luis [0000-0002-0343-0546], Milton, Suanne Jane [0000-0003-4390-6040], Seabloom, Eric W [0000-0001-6780-9259], Valkó, Orsolya [0000-0001-7919-6293], Veblen, Kari [0000-0001-7523-3368], Xu, Zhiwei [0000-0002-8630-1204], Suding, Katharine L [0000-0002-5357-0176], Shackelford, Nancy, Paterno, Gustavo B., Winkler, Daniel E., Erickson, Todd E., Leger, Elizabeth A., Svejcar, Lauren N., Breed, Martin F., Faist, Akasha M., Harrison, Peter A., Curran, Michael F., Guo, Qinfeng, Kirmer, Anita, Law, Darin J., Mganga, Kevin Z., Munson, Seth M., Porensky, Lauren M., Quiroga, R Emiliano, Török, Péter, Wainwright, Claire E., Abdullahi, Ali, Bahm, Matt A., Ballenger, Elizabeth A., Barger, Nichole, Baughman, Owen W., Becker, Carina, Lucas-Borja, M. E., Boyd, Chad S., Burton, Carla M., Burton, Philip J., Calleja, Eman, Carrick, Peter J., Caruana, Alex, Clements, Charlie D., Davies, Kirk W., Deák, Balázs, Drake, Jessica, Dullau, Sandra, Eldridge, Joshua, Espeland, Erin, Farrell, Hannah L., Fick, Stephen E., Garbowski, Magda, De la Riva, Enrique G., Golos, Peter J., Grey, Penelope A., Heydenrych, Barry, Holmes, Patricia M., James, Jeremy J., Jonas-Bratten, Jayne, Kiss, Réka, Kramer, Andrea T., Larson, Julie E., Lorite, Juan, Mayence, C.Ellery, Merino-Martín, Luis, Miglécz, Tamás, Milton, Suanne Jane, Monaco, Thomas A., Montalvo, Arlee M., Navarro-Cano, J. A., Paschke, Mark W., Peri, Pablo L., Pokorny, Monica L., Rinella, Matthew J., Saayman, Nelmarie, Schantz, Merilynn C., Parkhurst, Tina, Seabloom, Eric W., Stuble, Katharine L., Uselman, Shauna M., Valkó, Orsolya, Veblen, Kari, Wilson, Scott, Wong, Megan, Xu, Zhiwei, and Suding, Katharine L.

Abstract

In the version of this Article originally published, the surname of author Tina Parkhurst was incorrectly written as Schroeder. This has now been corrected.

Published
2021

34. Plant Morphoecological Traits, Grass-Weed Interactions and Water Use Efficiencies of Grasses Used for Restoration of African Rangelands

Author

Mganga, Kevin Z., primary, Kaindi, Eric, additional, Ndathi, Aphaxard J. N., additional, Bosma, Luwieke, additional, Kioko, Theophilus, additional, Kadenyi, Nancy, additional, Musyoki, Gilbert K., additional, Wambua, Stephen, additional, van Steenbergen, Frank, additional, and Musimba, Nashon K. R., additional

Published
2021
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35. Dry matter yields and hydrological properties of three perennial grasses of a semi-arid environment in east Africa

Author

Mganga, Kevin Z., Musimba, Nashon K.R., Nyariki, Dickson M., Nyangito, Moses M., Mwang'ombe, Agnès W., Ekaya, Wellongton N., Clavel, Danièle, Francis, Judith Ann, Von Kaufmann, Ralph, Verhagen, Jan, and Muiru, William M.

Subjects
otorhinolaryngologic diseases, food and beverages, F62 - Physiologie végétale - Croissance et développement
Abstract

Enteropogon macrostachyus (Bush rye), Cenchrus ciliaris L. (African foxtail grass) and Eragrostis superba Peyr (Maasai love grass) are important perennial rangeland grasses in Kenya. They provide an important source of forage for domestic livestock and wild ungulates. These grasses have been used extensively to rehabilitate denuded patches in semi-arid environment of Kenya. This study investigated the dry matter yields and hydrological properties of the three grasses under simulated rainfall at three phenological stages; early growth, elongation and reproduction. Laboratory seed viability tests were also done. Hydrological properties of the three grasses were estimated using a Kamphorst rainfall simulator. Results showed that there was a significant difference (p > 0.05) in dry matter yields and soil hydrological properties at the different grass phenological stages. Generally, all the three grasses improved the soil hydrological properties with an increase in grass stubble height. C. ciliaris gave the best soil hydrological properties followed by E. macrostachyus and E. superba, respectively. E. macrostachyus recorded the highest seed viability percentage. C. ciliaris and E. superba were ranked second and third, respectively. C. ciliaris yielded the highest biomass production at the reproductive stage followed by E. superba and E. macrostachyus, respectively.

Published
2010

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