Assessment of resource requirement and output potential of soil management technologies in Zomba, Malawi
Kamanga, B.C.G.
Assessment of resource requirement and output potential of soil management technologies in Zomba, Malawi - Harare (Zimbabwe) Soil Fert Net|CIMMYT : 1998 - Printed
A study was conducted in Zomba, Southern Malawi to assess the resource requirement and output potential of existing and introduced soil management technologies on smallholder food production. Sesbania (Sesbania sesban), Tephrosia (Tephrosia vogelii), and Pigeon peas (Cajanus cajan) were used as sources of green manure in improved fallow plots. Control plots used maize stover and natural weeds as sources of nitrogen. The amounts of time and labour involved in the management of each practice were monitored throughout the growing season. Results indicate that green manures are superior to maize and weeds commonly incorporated by smallholder farmers to improve yield. Management of green manure requires more labour and time than that of maize stover and weeds. Economic importance of the multipurpose tree species and maize in terms of nitrogen contribution to the soil and maize yields is discussed.
English
970-648-006-4
Green manures
Malawi
Small farms
Soil management
Zea mays
Yields
Nitrogen fertilizers
CIMMYT Soil Fert Net
631.45 / WAD
Assessment of resource requirement and output potential of soil management technologies in Zomba, Malawi - Harare (Zimbabwe) Soil Fert Net|CIMMYT : 1998 - Printed
A study was conducted in Zomba, Southern Malawi to assess the resource requirement and output potential of existing and introduced soil management technologies on smallholder food production. Sesbania (Sesbania sesban), Tephrosia (Tephrosia vogelii), and Pigeon peas (Cajanus cajan) were used as sources of green manure in improved fallow plots. Control plots used maize stover and natural weeds as sources of nitrogen. The amounts of time and labour involved in the management of each practice were monitored throughout the growing season. Results indicate that green manures are superior to maize and weeds commonly incorporated by smallholder farmers to improve yield. Management of green manure requires more labour and time than that of maize stover and weeds. Economic importance of the multipurpose tree species and maize in terms of nitrogen contribution to the soil and maize yields is discussed.
English
970-648-006-4
Green manures
Malawi
Small farms
Soil management
Zea mays
Yields
Nitrogen fertilizers
CIMMYT Soil Fert Net
631.45 / WAD