Agricultural land is the main source of stream sediments after conversion of an African montane forest.

摘要: In many parts of Africa, soil erosion is an important problem, which evident from high sediment yields in tropical montane streams. Previous studies Kenya pointed to a large contribution catchments cultivated by smallholder farmers. This led the hypothesis that unpaved tracks and gullies are main sources agriculture highlands Kenya. The aim this study was investigate with fingerprinting generate knowledge base improve land management reduce yields. Four (agricultural land, tracks, channel banks) suspended sediments were analysed for biogeochemical elements as potential tracers. To apportion target different sources, we applied MixSIAR un-mixing modelling under Bayesian framework. Surprisingly, analysis showed agricultural accounted 75% (95% confidence interval 63–86%) total sediment. Channel banks contributed 21% (8–32%), while smallest contributions generated 3% (0–12%) 1% (0–4%), respectively. Erosion strategies should lands emphasis on disconnecting form hillslope source areas Lake Victoria.