A comparative analysis of conservation agriculture systems: Benefits and challenges of rotations and intercropping in Zimbabwe

Field Crops Research

Volumn 137, Issue , 2012, Pages 237-250

  Thierfelder, Christian ^a   Cheesman, Stephanie ^a   Rusinamhodzi, Leonard ^a  

^a CIMMYT   (Zimbabwe)

Author keywords

Green manure cover crops; Legumes; Maize based systems; No tillage; Residual effects; Sustainable land management

Indexed keywords

AGRICULTURAL PRACTICE; ALTERNATIVE AGRICULTURE; BULK DENSITY; CLIMATE CHANGE; COMPARATIVE STUDY; COVER CROP; CROP RESIDUE; CROP ROTATION; CULTIVAR; EROSION CONTROL; INFILTRATION; INTERCROPPING; LEGUME; MAIZE; MANURE; SOIL CARBON; SOIL DEGRADATION; SOIL EROSION; SOIL FERTILITY; SOIL QUALITY; SOIL STRUCTURE; SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT; ZERO TILLAGE;

ZIMBABWE;

CAJANUS CAJAN; CROTALARIA; CROTALARIA OCHROLEUCA; VIGNA UNGUICULATA; ZEA MAYS;

EID: 84868683578     PISSN: 03784290     EISSN: None     Source Type: Journal    
DOI: 10.1016/j.fcr.2012.08.017     Document Type: Article

References (70)

1. Amézquita E., Cobo Q.L., Torres E.A. Diseño, construcción y evaluación de un minisimulador de lluvia para estudios de susceptibilidad a erosión en areas de laderas. Revista Suelos Equatoriales 1999, 29(1):66-70.
2. Anderson I.P., Brinn P.J., Moyo M., Nyamwanza B. Physical Resource Inventory of the Communal Lands of Zimbabwe - An Overview 1993, Natutal Resource Institute, Bulletin 60, Chatham, UK.
3. Baker J.M., Ochsner T.E., Venterea R.T., Griffis T.J. Tillage and soil carbon sequestration - what do we really know?. Agric. Ecosyst. Environ. 2007, 118:1-5.
4. Balkcom, Reeves D.W., Kipling S. Sunn-hemp utilized as a legume cover crop for corn production. Agron. J. 2005, 97:26-31.
5. Baudron F., Tittonell P., Corbeels M., Letourmy P., Giller K.E. Comparative performance of conservation agriculture and current smallholder farming practices in semi-arid Zimbabwe. Field Crops Res. 2012, 132:117-128.
6. Bunderson, W.T., Jere, Z.D., Chisui, J.L., Museka, R., Mbale, B., N'goma, S., 2011. Guidelines for Conservation Agriculture in East and Southern Africa. Total Land Care Booklet Publication No. 4, December 2011, TLC, Lilongwe, Malawi.
7. Derpsch R., Roth C., Sidiras N., Köpke U. Controle de erosao no Parana, Brazil: Sistemas de cobertura do solo, plantio direto e preparo conservacionista do solo 1991, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Technische Zusammenarbeit (GTZ) GmbH, Eschborn, Germany.
8. Dowswell C.R., Paliwal R.L., Cantrell R.P. Maize in the Third World 1996, Westview Press, CO, USA.
9. Ehlers W. Observations on earthworm channels and infiltration on tilled and untilled Loess soils. Soil Sci. 1975, 119:73-77.
10. Ellert B.H., Bettany J.R. Calculation of organic matter and nutrients stored in soils under contrasting management regimes. C. J. Soil Sci. 1995, 75:529-538.
11. FAO. Conservation Agriculture: Case Studies in Latin America and Africa 2002, FAO Soils Bulletin 78 FAO, Rome.
12. GART Golden Valley Agriculture Research Trust: Yearbook 2006 2006, GART, Lusaka, Zambia.
13. Gilbert N. Dirt poor: the key to tackling hunger in Africa is enriching its soil. The big debate is about how to do it. Nature 2012, 483:525-527.
14. Giller K.E. Nitrogen Fixation in Tropical Cropping Systems 2001, CABI Publishing, New York.
15. Giller K.E., Corbeels M., Nyamangara J., Triomphe B., Affholder F., Scopel E., Tittonel P. A research agenda to explore the role of conservation agriculture in african smallholder farming systems. Field Crops Res. 2011, 124:468-472.
16. Giller K.E., Wilson K.J. Nitrogen Fixation in Tropical Cropping Systems 1991, CAB International, Wallingford, UK.
17. Giller K.E., Witter E., Corbeels M., Tittonell P. Conservation agriculture and smallholder farming in Africa: the heretic's view. Field Crops Res. 2009, 114:23-34.
18. Haggblade, S., Tembo, G., 2003. Conservation Farming in Zambia: EPTD Discussion Paper No. 108. IFPRI, Washington, DC.
19. Hauggaard-Nielsen H., Jørnsgaard B., Kinane J., Jensen E.S. Grain legume - cereal intercropping: the practical application of diversity, competition and facilitation in arable and organic cropping systems. Ren. Agric. Food Syst. 2008, 23:3-12.
20. Hobbs P.R. Conservation agriculture: what is it and why is it important for future sustainable food production?. Int. J. Agric. Sci. 2007, 145:127-137.
21. Ismail I., Blevins R.L., Frye W.W. Long-term no-tillage effects on soil properties and continuous corn yields. Soil Sci. Soc. Am. J. 1994, 58:193-198.
22. Jeranyama P., Hesterman O.B., Waddington S.R., Harwood R.R. Relay-intercropping of sunnhemp and cowpea into a smallholder maize System in Zimbabwe. Agron. J. 2000, 92:239-244.
23. Johansen C., Haque M.E., Bell R.W., Thierfelder C., Esdaile R.J. Conservation agriculture for small holder rainfed farming: opportunities and constraints of new mechanized seeding systems. Field Crops Res. 2012, 132:18-32.
24. Kassam A., Friedrich T., Shaxson F., Pretty J. The spread of conservation agriculture: justification,sustainability and uptake. Int. J. Agric. Sust. 2009, 7:292-320.
25. Kimaro A.A., Timmer V.R., Chamshama S.A.O., Ngaga Y.N., Kimaro D.A. Competition between maize and pigeonpea in semi-arid Tanzania: effect on yields and nutrition of crops. Agric. Ecosyt. Environ. 2009, 134:115-125.
26. Kladviko E.J., Mackay A.D., Bradford J.M. Earthworms as a factor in the reduction of soil crusting. Soil Sci. Soc. Am. J. 1986, 50:191-196.
27. Köppen W. Dr. A. Petermanns Mitteilungen aus Justus Perthes'. Geog. Anstalt. 1918, 64:193-203.
28. Kumwenda J.D.T., Waddington S.R., Snapp S.S., Jones R.B., Blackie M.J. Soil fertility management in Southern Africa. Africa's Emerging Maize Revolution 1998, 305. Lynne Rienner Publishers, CO, USA. D. Byerlee, C.K. Eicher (Eds.).
29. Kutilek M., Nielsen D.R. Soil Hydrology 1994, Catena Verlag, Cremmlingen-Destedt.
30. Lal R. No-tillage effects on soil properties and maize (Zea mays L.) production in Western Nigeria. Plant Soil 1974, 40:321-331.
31. Lal R. Effective conservation farming systems for humid Tropics. Soil Erosion and Conservation in the Tropics 1982, 57-76. ASA Special Publication No. 43, American Society of Agronomy, Soil Sci. Soc. Am., Madison, WI, USA. W. Kussow (Ed.).
32. Landers J.N. How and why the Brazilian zero tillage explosion occurred. Sustaining the Global Farm. Selected Papers from the 10th International Soil Conservation Organisazation Meeting 2001, 29-39. D.E. Stott, R.H. Mohtar, G.C. Steinhardt (Eds.).
33. Lobell D.B., Burke M.B., Tebaldi C., Mastrandrea M.D., Falcon W.P., Naylor R.L. Prioritizing climate change adaptation needs for food security in 2030. Science 2008, 319:607-610.
34. Logsdon S.D., Karlen D.L. Bulk density as a soil quality indicator during conversion to no-tillage. Soil Till. Res. 2004, 78:143-149.
35. Luo Z., Wang E., Sun O.J. Can no-tillage stimulate carbon sequestration in agricultural soils? A meta-analysis of paired experiments. Agric. Ecosyst. Environ. 2010, 139:224-231.
36. Mazvimavi, K., Twomlow, S., Belder, P., Hove, L., 2008. An assessment of the sustainable uptake of conservation farming in Zimbabwe International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics: Global Theme on Agroecosystems Report No. 39. Bulawayo, Zimbabwe.
37. Morgan R.P.C. Soil Erosion and Conservation 1995, Longman Group Ltd., Harlow, England.
38. Munyati M. Conservation tillage for sustainable crop production systems: results and experiences from on-station and on-farm research (1988-1996). Z. Sci. News 1997, 31:27-33.
39. Mupangwa W., Twomlow S., Walker S. Reduced tillage, mulching and rotational effects on maize (Zea mays L.), cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (Walp) L.) and sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L (Moench)) yields under semi-arid conditions. Field Crops Res. 2012, 132:139-148.
40. Ngwira A.R., Aune J.B., Mkwinda S. On-farm evaluation of yield and economic benefit of short term maize legume intercropping systems under conservation agriculture in Malawi. Field Crops Res. 2012, 132:149-157.
41. Nyamapfene K. Soils of Zimbabwe 1991, Nehanda Publishers (Pvt) Ltd., Harare, Zimbabwe.
42. Nyamadzawo G., Nyamugafata P., Chikowo R., Giller K.E. Partitioning of simulated rainfall in a kaolinitic soil under improved fallow-maize rotation in Zimbabwe. Agroforest Syst. 2003, 59:207-214.
43. Ofori F., Stern W.R. The combined effects of nitrogen fertilizer and density of the legume component on production efficiency in a maize/cowpea intercrop system. Field Crops Res. 1987, 16:43-52.
44. Oldeman L.R., Engelen V.W.P., Pulles J.H.M. The Extent of the Status of Human-induced Soil Degradation. Annex 5: World Map of the Status of Human-induced Soil Degradation An Explanaotry Note 1990, UNEP-ISRIC, Wageningen.
45. Rockström J., Kaumbutho P., Mwalley P., Temesgen M. Conservation farming among small-holder farmers in E. Africa: adapting and adopting innovative land management options. Conservation Agriculture: A Worldwide Challenge 2001, 364-374. ECAF/FAO, Cordoba, Spain. L. Garcia-Torres, J. Benites, A. Martinez-Vilela, A. Holgado-Cabrera (Eds.).
46. Roth C.H. Infitrabilität von Latosol Böden in Nordparan, Brasilien in Feldversuchen zur Erosionskontrolle mit verschiedenen Bodenbearbeitungssystemen und Rotationen. Göttinger Bodenkundliche Berichte, 83 1985, 1-105. Institute für Bodenkunde, Göttingen. B. Meyer, B. Ulirich (Eds.).
47. Rusinamhodzi L., Corbeels M., Nyamangara J., Giller K.E. Maize-grain legume intercropping is an attractive option for ecological intensification that reduces climatic risk for smallholder farmers in central Mozambique. Field Crops Res. 2012, 136:12-22.
48. 2 fixation capacity improves yield of a subsequent maize crop under Zimbabwean rain-fed conditions. Plant Soil 2006, 287:327-336.
49. Sakala, W., 1998. Nitrogen dynamics in maize (Zea mays) and pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan) intercropping in Malawi. Ph.D. Thesis. Department of Biological Sciences, Wye College, University of London, 217 pp.
50. Sakala W.D. Crop Management Interventions in Traditional Maize Pigeonpea Intercropping Systems in Malawi 1994, Bunda College of Agriculture, University of Malawi, Lilongwe.
51. Sakala W.D., Cadisch G., Giller K.E. Interactions between residues of maize and pigeonpea and mineral N fertilizers during decomposition and N mineralization. Soil Biol. Biochem. 2000, 32:679-688.
52. Sanchez P. Soil fertility and hunger in Africa. Science 2002, 295:2019-2020.
53. Sanginga N., Woomer P.L. Integrated Soil Fertility Management in Africa: Principles 2009, Practices and Developmental Process, CIAT.
54. Snapp S.S., Blackie M.J., Gilbert R.A., Bezner-Kerr R., Kanyama-Phiri Y. Biodiversity can support a greener revolution in Africa. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U. S. A. 2010, 107:20840-20845.
55. Snapp S.S., Rohrbach D.D., Simtowe F., Freema H.A. Sustainable soil management options for Malawi: can smallholder grow more legumes?. Agric. Ecosyst. Environ. 2002, 91:159-174.
56. Statistix, 2008. Statistix 9: Analytical Software., Tallahassee, USA. http://www.statistix.com/.
57. Thierfelder C., Cheesman S., Rusinamhodzi L. Benefits and challenges of crop rotations in maize-based Conservation Agriculture (CA) cropping systems of Southern Africa. Int. J. Agric Sust. 2012, 1-17.
58. Thierfelder C., Wall P.C. Effects of conservation agriculture techniques on infiltration and soil water content in Zambia and Zimbabwe. Soil Till. Res. 2009, 105:217-227.
59. Thierfelder C., Wall P.C. Investigating Conservation Agriculture (CA) systems in Zambia and Zimbabwe to mitigate future effects of climate change. J. Crop Improv. 2010, 24:113-121.
60. Thierfelder C., Wall P.C. Rotations in conservation agriculture systems of Zambia: effects on soil quality and water relations. Exp. Agric. 2010, 46:309-325.
61. Thierfelder C., Wall P.C. Reducing the Risk of Crop Failure for Smallholder Farmers in Africa Through the Adoption of Conservation Agriculture Innovations as Key to the Green Revolution in Africa 2011, 1269-1277. Springer, Netherlands. A. Bationo, B. Waswa, J.M.M. Okeyo, F. Maina, J.M. Kihara (Eds.).
62. Thierfelder C., Wall P.C. Effects of conservation agriculture on soil quality and productivity in contrasting agro-ecological environments of Zimbabwe. Soil Use Manage. 2012, 28:209-220.
63. Valbuena D., Erenstein O., Homann-Kee Tui S., Abdoulaye T., Claessens L., Duncan A.J., Gérard B., Rufino M.C., Teufel N., van Rooyen A., van Wijk M.T. Conservation Agriculture in mixed crop-livestock systems: scoping crop residue trade-offs in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. Field Crops Res. 2012, 132:175-184.
64. Verhulst N., Kienle F., Sayre K.D., Deckers J., Raes D., Limon-Ortega A., Tijerina-Chavez L., Govaerts B. Soil quality as affected by tillage-residue management in a wheat-maize irrigated bed planting system. Plant Soil 2011, 340:453-466.
65. Vogel H. Conservation Tillage in Zimbabwe: Evaluation of Several Techniques for the Development of Sustainable Crop Production Systems in Smallholder Farming 1994, Institute of Geography, University of Berne, Switzerland, p. 191.
66. Waddington S.R. Grain legumes and green manures for soil fertility in Southern Africa: taking stock of progress. Proceedings of a Conference Held 8-11 October 2002 2003.
67. Waddington S.R., Karigwindi J.M., Chifamba J. The sustainability of a groundnut plus maize rotation over 12 years on smallholder farms in the sub-humid zone of zimbabwe. Afric. J. Agric. Res. 2007, 2:342-348.
68. Wall P.C. Tailoring Conservation Agriculture to the needs of small farmers in developing countries: an analysis of issues. J. Crop Improv. 2007, 19:137-155.
69. WRB. World Reference Base on Soils 1998, FAO-ISRIC, Rome, Italy.
70. ZCATF Farming for the Future: A Guide to Conservation Agriculture in Zimbabwe 2009, Zimbabwe Conservation Agriculture Task Force, Harare, Zimbabwe.