Spatial and temporal drivers of small mammal distributions in a semi-arid environment: The role of rainfall, vegetation and life-history

2013 ◽  
Vol 38 (7) ◽  
pp. 786-797 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luke T. Kelly ◽  
Ray Dayman ◽  
Dale G. Nimmo ◽  
Michael F. Clarke ◽  
Andrew F. Bennett
Keyword(s):  
Life History ◽  
Small Mammal ◽  
Arid Environment ◽  
Semi Arid

scholarly journals The role of surface water redistribution in an area of patterned vegetation in a semi-arid environment, south-west Niger

1997 ◽  
Vol 198 (1-4) ◽  
pp. 1-29 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Bromley ◽  
J. Brouwer ◽  
A.P. Barker ◽  
S.R. Gaze ◽  
C. Valentine
Keyword(s):  
Surface Water ◽  
Arid Environment ◽  
South West ◽  
Water Redistribution ◽  
Semi Arid

scholarly journals Qualitative soil moisture assessment in semi-arid Africa: the role of experience and training on inter-rater reliability

2015 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 3029-3058
Author(s):  
M. Rinderer ◽  
H. Komakech ◽  
D. Müller ◽  
J. Seibert
Keyword(s):  
Soil Moisture ◽  
Classification Scheme ◽  
Functional Relation ◽  
Soil Surface ◽  
Arid Environment ◽  
Rater Reliability ◽  
Moisture Conditions ◽  
And Training ◽  
Semi Arid

Abstract. Soil and water management is particularly relevant in semi-arid regions to enhance agricultural productivity. During periods of water scarcity soil moisture differences are important indicators of the soil water deficit and are traditionally used for allocating water resources among farmers of a village community. Here we present a simple, inexpensive soil wetness classification scheme based on qualitative indicators which one can see or touch on the soil surface. It incorporates the local farmers' knowledge on the best soil moisture conditions for seeding and brick making in the semi-arid environment of the study site near Arusha, Tanzania. The scheme was tested twice in 2014 with farmers, students and experts (April: 40 persons, June: 25 persons) for inter-rater reliability, bias of individuals and functional relation between qualitative and quantitative soil moisture values. During the test in April farmers assigned the same wetness class in 46% of all cases while students and experts agreed in about 60% of all cases. Students who had been trained in how to apply the method gained higher inter-rater reliability than their colleagues with only a basic introduction. When repeating the test in June, participants were given improved instructions, organized in small sub-groups, which resulted in a higher inter-rater reliability among farmers. In 66% of all classifications farmers assigned the same wetness class and the spread of class assignments was smaller. This study demonstrates that a wetness classification scheme based on qualitative indicators is a robust tool and can be applied successfully regardless of experience in crop growing and education level when an in-depth introduction and training is provided. The use of a simple and clear layout of the assessment form is important for reliable wetness class assignments.

scholarly journals Qualitative soil moisture assessment in semi-arid Africa – the role of experience and training on inter-rater reliability

2015 ◽  
Vol 19 (8) ◽  
pp. 3505-3516 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Rinderer ◽  
H. C. Komakech ◽  
D. Müller ◽  
G. L. B. Wiesenberg ◽  
J. Seibert
Keyword(s):  
Soil Moisture ◽  
Classification Scheme ◽  
Functional Relation ◽  
Soil Surface ◽  
Arid Environment ◽  
Rater Reliability ◽  
Moisture Conditions ◽  
And Training ◽  
Semi Arid

Abstract. Soil and water management is particularly relevant in semi-arid regions to enhance agricultural productivity. During periods of water scarcity, soil moisture differences are important indicators of the soil water deficit and are traditionally used for allocating water resources among farmers of a village community. Here we present a simple, inexpensive soil wetness classification scheme based on qualitative indicators which one can see or touch on the soil surface. It incorporates the local farmers' knowledge on the best soil moisture conditions for seeding and brick making in the semi-arid environment of the study site near Arusha, Tanzania. The scheme was tested twice in 2014 with farmers, students and experts (April: 40 persons, June: 25 persons) for inter-rater reliability, bias of individuals and functional relation between qualitative and quantitative soil moisture values. During the test in April farmers assigned the same wetness class in 46 % of all cases, while students and experts agreed on about 60 % of all cases. Students who had been trained in how to apply the method gained higher inter-rater reliability than their colleagues with only a basic introduction. When repeating the test in June, participants were given improved instructions, organized in small subgroups, which resulted in a higher inter-rater reliability among farmers. In 66 % of all classifications, farmers assigned the same wetness class and the spread of class assignments was smaller. This study demonstrates that a wetness classification scheme based on qualitative indicators is a robust tool and can be applied successfully regardless of experience in crop growing and education level when an in-depth introduction and training is provided. The use of a simple and clear layout of the assessment form is important for reliable wetness class assignments.

The Role of Moisture in the Successful Rehabilitation of Denuded Patches of a Semi-Arid Environment in Kenya

2010 ◽  
Vol 3 (4) ◽  
pp. 195-207 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kevin Z. Mganga ◽  
Nashon K.R. Musim ◽  
Moses M. Nyangit ◽  
Dickson M. Nyariki ◽  
Agnes W. Mwangom ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Arid Environment ◽  
Successful Rehabilitation ◽  
Semi Arid

Role of antecedent soil water content on aggregates stability in a semi-arid environment

1998 ◽  
Vol 48 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 71-80 ◽  
Author(s):  
M Martı́nez-Mena ◽  
A.G Williams ◽  
J.L Ternan ◽  
C Fitzjohn
Keyword(s):  
Water Content ◽  
Soil Water ◽  
Soil Water Content ◽  
Arid Environment ◽  
Semi Arid
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