Description

Abstract: Return on investments in land management can be increased by targeting management interventions based on knowledge of the potential of different types of land to produce biomass, resist degradation, and recover from disturbance. The ‘ecological site’ system was developed by the USDA to provide such information to land-use planners and land managers. We developed a rapid approach to defining ecological sites in areas where detailed soil maps are not available. Preliminary results from applying this approach in Laikipia, Kenya illustrate its value for quickly generating ecological site information. Such information can guide decisions about where development money should be focused for greatest impact.