Farmers in Thika West Sub-County have been asked to avoid using fire during land preparation to reduce damage to the soil.
Martin Gakure, a soil scientist attributed low harvests to poor soil nutrition that is highly affected by unregulated use of fire for land preparation aggravated by the on-going prolonged dry spell experienced in the sub-county.
He revealed that some people believe that fires near farming areas attract rain, adding that others say that it drives away wild animals, beliefs he termed as outdated and "highly retrogressive".
"I urge farmers adhere to the laws that govern land preparation methods especially when using fire to avoid loss of favourable nutrients erased from the soil during fire," he said.
The agriculturalist urged farmers to abide by the Grass Fires Act (CAP 327) whenever they want to prepare their land.
"The law stipulates that when one wants to use fire as a means of land clearing then he should inform the relevant authorities and his neighbours 48 hours before the exercise, a move that helps in planning emergencies," he added
He however acknowledged that some communities still use the forests as shrines and worship places but asked leaders to be in the forefront in educating residents on the benefits of managing soil nutrients to increase harvest.