Tropical grasslands are key ecosystems that sustain biodiversity, support local livelihoods, and play a crucial role in global climate regulation. In Kenya, these grasslands are fundamental to both communities and wildlife; however, overgrazing, agricultural expansion and climate change are leading to the degradation of these ecosystems, compromising their ecological integrity and reducing their ability to deliver essential ecosystem services. Degraded grasslands produce less biomass, tend to have less soil organic matter, and increase soil erosion rates, causing lower soil productivity and affecting biodiversity. Effective management and restoration of these degraded grasslands is vital to ensure their sustainability for future generations.

In collaboration with our partners – the International Livestock Institute (ILRI) in Kenya and Lancaster University in the UK, we conduct research in Western Kenya (smallholder farms) and South Kenya (Kapiti Ranch), employing a range of research methodologies, including in situ field surveys and controlled experiments, to identify effective restoration strategies by understanding intricate interactions between soil properties, grazing management on grassland productivity, and the resilience of grasslands to climate extremes such as drought and flood. This work will offer valuable insights into the current grassland soil health and inform restoration efforts that can enhance soil quality, promote species diversity, and restore ecosystem functionality. Each location, Western and Southern Kenya, has its own projects, which are described in more detail below.

This project will explore changes in soil physical properties that are important for soil health and the restoration potential of degraded grasslands. Specifically, we investigate changes in i) soil compaction using dynamic cone penetrometer to assess the extent of mechanical resistance in the soil profile, which may affect root growth and water movement, ii) aggregate stability to evaluate the soil’s ability to withstand various external disturbances and maintain structure under stress, iii) hydraulic conductivity to determine the capacity of the soil to transport water, a key factor that influences plant growth and surface runoff, and vi) evaluating soil conditions and species composition to determine how degradation relates to plant diversity.