Farmers in Matungulu area of Machakos County have being advised to prevent soil erosion following the onset of the El Nino rains.
Speaking in her office on Tuesday, Matungulu Sub-County agricultural officer Janet Mueni said that soil erosion is the carrying away of the top fertile soil which is essential in the growth of crops.
She said that planting of trees is the universal answer to controlling erosion since it holds the soil firmly on the ground, and creates a canopy that prevents splash erosion which is caused when raindrops fall directly on bare land.
She added that farmers should plant cover crops like leguminous plants and also pasture like Napier grass which is deep rooted and holds the soil and also prevents rain drops from reaching the ground directly.
The officer said that those who live on steep areas should build ridges to capture running water as this will reduce the speed of water, enabling it to be easily absorbed by the soil.
The officer further urged the farmers to practice minimum tillage as excessive tillage tears up the soil, therefore exposing the soil nutrients to wind erosion and running water.
“We will be expecting a lot of rains this season and thus we have to think about the regions fertility and also our preparedness to the agriculture life after the rains. Take the necessary measures that will help the soils in this area to retain their fertility,” said Mueni.