Seasonal Climate Variability Influence on Soil Characteristics Along Disturbance Gradient in King’wal Wetland, Kenya
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Keywords
Résumé
Soil plays a crucial role in supporting plant growth and development in inland wetland ecosystems. However, soil characteristics are sensitive to seasonal climate variability and anthropogenic disturbances, which influence their ecosystem services and the overall health status. This study investigated how these factors influence soil properties in King’wal Wetland, a vital ecosystem in Kenya experiencing increasing human pressure. Data on rainfall and temperature from September 2021 to August 2022 were obtained from the Kenya Meteorological Department, Kapsabet. Four study sites were selected and stratified into the least disturbed and most disturbed. Four composite soil samples were collected in triplicate using a soil auger from 0 - 10 cm depth below the soil surface at four selected study sites, mixed in a bucket, and placed in a zip-lock labelled bag. The soil samples were transported to the laboratory for analysis of soil pH, organic carbon, moisture, total nitrogen, and phosphorus. The results showed that soil pH and soil phosphorus had higher values in the wet season, but were not significant. Soil moisture varied significantly between wet and dry seasons (F = 59.2, P < 0.001), organic carbon (F = 17.7; P < 0.001), and total nitrogen (F = 31.0; P < 0.001). Furthermore, disturbance influenced all soil characteristics significantly except for total phosphorus. Soil moisture, organic carbon, and total nitrogen concentrations were higher in the least disturbed sites. Soil characteristics were influenced by rainfall, water depth, and air temperature. Water depth and rainfall had a strong positive relationship with soil moisture (R = 0.21, P < 0.01) and (R = 0.26, P < 0.001), respectively. However, water depth had a significant negative influence on organic carbon (R = -0.28, P < 0.001) and total nitrogen (R = -0.23, P < 0.001). Furthermore, temperature had a significant negative relationship with soil moisture (R = -0.41; P < 0.001) and water depth (R = -0.66; P < 0.001) in King’wal wetland. Understanding the influence of seasonal climatic changes and human-induced disturbances on wetland soil characteristics are crucial. This will inform managers and scientists to restore and conserve wetland soil as part of nature-based solutions for the effects of climate variability and change.
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Jun 30, 2025
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Rongoei, P. . J. K., Mwasi , S., & Sudoi , V. K. (2025). Seasonal Climate Variability Influence on Soil Characteristics Along Disturbance Gradient in King’wal Wetland, Kenya . Journal of Aquatic and Terrestrial Ecosystems, 3(2), 46–64. https://doi.org/10.69897/jatems.v3i2.237
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Original Articles
Bibliographies de l'auteur
Priscah J. K. Rongoei, Department of Environmental Sciences, School of Environmental Studies and Resource Management, University of Eldoret, P.O. Box 1125, Eldoret, Kenya
Department of Environmental Sciences,
School of Environmental Studies and Resource Management,
University of Eldoret, P.O. Box 1125, Eldoret, Kenya
Shem Mwasi , Department of Environmental Sciences, School of Environmental Studies and Resource Management, University of Eldoret, P.O. Box 1125, Eldoret, Kenya
Department of Environmental Sciences,
School of Environmental Studies and Resource Management,
University of Eldoret, P.O. Box 1125, Eldoret, Kenya
Vincent K. Sudoi , Department of Environmental Sciences, School of Environmental Studies and Resource Management, University of Eldoret, P.O. Box 1125, Eldoret, Kenya
Department of Environmental Sciences,
School of Environmental Studies and Resource Management,
University of Eldoret, P.O. Box 1125, Eldoret, Kenya