Effect of Soil and Water Conservation Technologies on Climbing Bean Growth and Yield in Lake Mulehe Sub catchment Kisoro District, Uganda

The purpose of the study was to examine the effects of soil and water conservation technologies on soil properties and crop yields in Lake Mulehe Sub-catchment, Kisoro District, Uganda. The specific objective of the study was to determine the effects of the two most used Soil and Water Conservation technologies on climbing bean performance and yield in Lake Mulehe sub-catchment. The study adopted an experimental design in which two 15m × 15m plots, each with an already established soil and water conservation technology identified, were used to compare climbing bean yield and growth performance under uniform agronomic management and systematic monitoring of tagged plants across blocks. 100 farmers were randomly selected to identify the predominant soil and water conservation technologies using an observation checklist. Soil samples collected at a depth of 0-15cm under similar soil and water conservation technology were blended, cured to form composite samples, and analysed in a standard laboratory to evaluate soil properties related to four conservation techniques and one control plot. Statistical analysis utilized SPSS 20 and Microsoft Excel 2016. It is revealed that mulching showed the highest effectiveness in promoting climbing bean growth and yield, with an average leaf number of 25, plant height of 8ft, pod number of 84, and grain weight of 61 grams per 100 beans, surpassing both grass bands and control plots. It is recommended that research and monitoring efforts be intensified to assess the long-term impacts of soil conservation technologies on soil health, crop yields, and environmental sustainability. The study also recommends that government policy support and incentives be enhanced to promote sustainable land management practices.