Effects of N fertilization on soil chemistry dynamics in Ferralsols of the High Potential Maize Zone, Kenya

Oluoch, K.C., Otinga, A., Njoroge, R., Mutua, S., Ouma, T., Agredazywczuk, P., Barthel, M., Six, J., Leitner, S., Oduor, C. and Harris, E. 2025. Effects of N fertilization on soil chemistry dynamics in Ferralsols of the High Potential Maize Zone, Kenya. EGU General Assembly 2025, Vienna, Austria, 27 Apr–2 May 2025, EGU25-466. https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu25-466, 2025.

Nitrogen-based inorganic fertilizers have been crucial in crop production globally. For a long time, SSA agriculture has been characterised by low fertilizer use and negative nutrient balances. However, recently fertilizer use has increased drastically. Unfortunately, increased use of synthetic N fertilizers alters soil properties directly and indirectly, and N losses to the ecosystem contribute to environmental degradation and climate change. Limited studies have focused on the effect of increased N application rates on agricultural soils in the tropical highlands. It is crucial to investigate and understand N flows in tropical soils to predict potential ecological impacts of increased synthetic N-fertilizer use while meeting the food demand in SSA.