Metagenomic Characterization of Soil Microbial Communities from Makueni and Kiambu Counties of Kenya

The soil microbiome constitutes a critical foundation for terrestrial ecosystem functioning, driving essential processes such as nutrient cycling, organic matter decomposition, and the maintenance of soil structural stability. However, the integrity of these microbial communities is increasingly com...

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Main Authors: Degefu, Tulu, Agegnehu, Getachew, Moenga, Susan, Desta, Gizaw, Odney, Damaris, Kaushal, Manoj, Bolo, Peter, Korir, Hezekiah, Gebrehawaryat, Yoseph, Singh, Ramesh, Harawa, Rebbie
Format: Informe técnico
Language:Inglés
Published: International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics 2025
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Online Access:https://hdl.handle.net/10568/180551
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author Degefu, Tulu
Agegnehu, Getachew
Moenga, Susan
Desta, Gizaw
Odney, Damaris
Kaushal, Manoj
Bolo, Peter
Korir, Hezekiah
Gebrehawaryat, Yoseph
Singh, Ramesh
Harawa, Rebbie
author_browse Agegnehu, Getachew
Bolo, Peter
Degefu, Tulu
Desta, Gizaw
Gebrehawaryat, Yoseph
Harawa, Rebbie
Kaushal, Manoj
Korir, Hezekiah
Moenga, Susan
Odney, Damaris
Singh, Ramesh
author_facet Degefu, Tulu
Agegnehu, Getachew
Moenga, Susan
Desta, Gizaw
Odney, Damaris
Kaushal, Manoj
Bolo, Peter
Korir, Hezekiah
Gebrehawaryat, Yoseph
Singh, Ramesh
Harawa, Rebbie
author_sort Degefu, Tulu
collection Repository of Agricultural Research Outputs (CGSpace)
description The soil microbiome constitutes a critical foundation for terrestrial ecosystem functioning, driving essential processes such as nutrient cycling, organic matter decomposition, and the maintenance of soil structural stability. However, the integrity of these microbial communities is increasingly compromised by agricultural intensification, where heavy reliance on synthetic inputs and tillage leads to biodiversity loss and environmental degradation. To counteract these trends, the B-REAL initiative leverages advanced soil metagenomics to develop regenerative agricultural practices that enhance system resilience. Focused on agricultural landscapes in Kenya, specifically within Kiambu and Makueni counties, this study characterizes microbial taxonomic profiles to evaluate the impact of sustainable management strategies. By comparing conventional baselines against specific B-REAL interventions—including organic manuring, agroforestry integration, water harvesting techniques like Zai pits, and biopesticide application—the research aims to identify microbial drivers of soil health. Ultimately, these insights support the transition toward low-input, high-efficiency farming systems that restore soil vitality and ensure long-term productivity.
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publishDate 2025
publishDateRange 2025
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publisher International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics
publisherStr International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics
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spelling CGSpace1805512026-01-24T02:04:46Z Metagenomic Characterization of Soil Microbial Communities from Makueni and Kiambu Counties of Kenya Degefu, Tulu Agegnehu, Getachew Moenga, Susan Desta, Gizaw Odney, Damaris Kaushal, Manoj Bolo, Peter Korir, Hezekiah Gebrehawaryat, Yoseph Singh, Ramesh Harawa, Rebbie soil microbiomes metagenomics soil health ecosystem services landscape management The soil microbiome constitutes a critical foundation for terrestrial ecosystem functioning, driving essential processes such as nutrient cycling, organic matter decomposition, and the maintenance of soil structural stability. However, the integrity of these microbial communities is increasingly compromised by agricultural intensification, where heavy reliance on synthetic inputs and tillage leads to biodiversity loss and environmental degradation. To counteract these trends, the B-REAL initiative leverages advanced soil metagenomics to develop regenerative agricultural practices that enhance system resilience. Focused on agricultural landscapes in Kenya, specifically within Kiambu and Makueni counties, this study characterizes microbial taxonomic profiles to evaluate the impact of sustainable management strategies. By comparing conventional baselines against specific B-REAL interventions—including organic manuring, agroforestry integration, water harvesting techniques like Zai pits, and biopesticide application—the research aims to identify microbial drivers of soil health. Ultimately, these insights support the transition toward low-input, high-efficiency farming systems that restore soil vitality and ensure long-term productivity. 2025-12-10 2026-01-23T19:23:55Z 2026-01-23T19:23:55Z Report https://hdl.handle.net/10568/180551 en Open Access application/pdf International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics Degefu, Tulu; Agegnehu, Getachew; Moenga, Susan; Desta, Gizaw; Odney, Damaris; Kaushal, Manoj; Bolo, Peter; Korir, Hezekiah; Gebrehawaryat, Yoseph; Singh, Ramesh; & Harawa, Rebbie. 2025. Metagenomic Characterization of Soil Microbial Communities from Makueni and Kiambu Counties of Kenya. ICRISAT.
spellingShingle soil microbiomes
metagenomics
soil health
ecosystem services
landscape management
Degefu, Tulu
Agegnehu, Getachew
Moenga, Susan
Desta, Gizaw
Odney, Damaris
Kaushal, Manoj
Bolo, Peter
Korir, Hezekiah
Gebrehawaryat, Yoseph
Singh, Ramesh
Harawa, Rebbie
Metagenomic Characterization of Soil Microbial Communities from Makueni and Kiambu Counties of Kenya
title Metagenomic Characterization of Soil Microbial Communities from Makueni and Kiambu Counties of Kenya
title_full Metagenomic Characterization of Soil Microbial Communities from Makueni and Kiambu Counties of Kenya
title_fullStr Metagenomic Characterization of Soil Microbial Communities from Makueni and Kiambu Counties of Kenya
title_full_unstemmed Metagenomic Characterization of Soil Microbial Communities from Makueni and Kiambu Counties of Kenya
title_short Metagenomic Characterization of Soil Microbial Communities from Makueni and Kiambu Counties of Kenya
title_sort metagenomic characterization of soil microbial communities from makueni and kiambu counties of kenya
topic soil microbiomes
metagenomics
soil health
ecosystem services
landscape management
url https://hdl.handle.net/10568/180551
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