Restoration of degraded tropical grasslands

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 degradation of these ecosystems, compromising their ecological integrity and reducing their ability to deliver essential ecosystem services.

Our research focuses on restoring these degraded grasslands. In collaboration with the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), we employ a range of research methodologies, including field surveys and controlled experiments, to understand the complex interactions between soil properties and grassland productivity and to identify effective restoration strategies. 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. 

We investigate changes in soil physical properties that are important for soil health and restoration potential of degraded grassland. The research involves measuring 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. We also measure aggregate stability to evaluate soil’s ability to withstand various external disturbances and maintain structure under stress. We also measure soil infiltration to determine the capacity of the soil to transport water, a key factor that influence plant growth and surface runoff. Alongside these measurements, we evaluate soil conditions and species composition to determine how degradation relates to plant species diversity.