Improving grain yield of smallholder cropping systems: a farmer participatory research (FPR) approach with legumes for soil fertility improvement in Central Malawi
Chamago, A.M.Z.
Improving grain yield of smallholder cropping systems: a farmer participatory research (FPR) approach with legumes for soil fertility improvement in Central Malawi - Nairobi (Kenya) KARI|CIMMYT : 2002 - p. 413-417 - Printed
Low crop yields associated with predominantly nutrient-related soil constraints to crop production constitute an undoubted characteristic of subsistence cropping systems throughout Malawi. Nitrogen (N) is singled out as the most limiting nutrient element followed to some extent by phosphorus (P). Continuous monocropping of maize (Zea mays L.) with little or no fertilizer inputs has contributed to the fall in crop yields. Yet, fertilizer recommendations for smallholder farmers developed in the 20th century have become grossly uneconomic due to escalating fertilizer prices vis-a-vis declining real prices of maize grain. An innovative approach to develop assess and disseminate legume intensified crop production systems as a low-cost measure to counter the risk of diminishing soil fertility and low crop yields, including the criteria governing farmers choice of intensified legume technologies, is described. Using continuous unfertilized maize as a control, the paper outlines maize yield gains resulting from soil nutrient replacement through inputs of intensified legume technologies based on four years (1997-2001) of experimentation with farmers in Central Malawi. Intensified legume technologies resulted in significant (PS 0.05) grain yield increments over control maize. Technologies identified to offer substantial soil fertility benefits included one year fallows with Mucuna pruriens (about 1,135 kg/ha increase in maize grain in Chisepo and 3,515 kg/ha increase in Bembeke averaged over 4 years), maize/pigeonpea intercrop, doubled-up legume intercrop maize rotations (involving improved medium duration pigeonpea variety (ICP 9145). improved groundnut variety (CG7), soyabeans) and maize/Tephrosia vogelii relay intercrop systems. Technologies that offered multiple benefits including reduced demand on household labour were most preferred for adoption by smallholder farmers. Future research in pursuit of improving availability of seed of improved varieties, produce outlets and integrated nutrient management strategies tapping on farmer innovations is urgently required to ensure sustainability of the production system.
English
970-648-120-6
Cropping systems
Farmers
Legumes
Maize
Malawi
Mucuna pruriens
Nitrogen
Seed production
Small farms
Yield increases
Zea mays
Soil fertility
CIMMYT KARI
338.16 / FRI
Improving grain yield of smallholder cropping systems: a farmer participatory research (FPR) approach with legumes for soil fertility improvement in Central Malawi - Nairobi (Kenya) KARI|CIMMYT : 2002 - p. 413-417 - Printed
Low crop yields associated with predominantly nutrient-related soil constraints to crop production constitute an undoubted characteristic of subsistence cropping systems throughout Malawi. Nitrogen (N) is singled out as the most limiting nutrient element followed to some extent by phosphorus (P). Continuous monocropping of maize (Zea mays L.) with little or no fertilizer inputs has contributed to the fall in crop yields. Yet, fertilizer recommendations for smallholder farmers developed in the 20th century have become grossly uneconomic due to escalating fertilizer prices vis-a-vis declining real prices of maize grain. An innovative approach to develop assess and disseminate legume intensified crop production systems as a low-cost measure to counter the risk of diminishing soil fertility and low crop yields, including the criteria governing farmers choice of intensified legume technologies, is described. Using continuous unfertilized maize as a control, the paper outlines maize yield gains resulting from soil nutrient replacement through inputs of intensified legume technologies based on four years (1997-2001) of experimentation with farmers in Central Malawi. Intensified legume technologies resulted in significant (PS 0.05) grain yield increments over control maize. Technologies identified to offer substantial soil fertility benefits included one year fallows with Mucuna pruriens (about 1,135 kg/ha increase in maize grain in Chisepo and 3,515 kg/ha increase in Bembeke averaged over 4 years), maize/pigeonpea intercrop, doubled-up legume intercrop maize rotations (involving improved medium duration pigeonpea variety (ICP 9145). improved groundnut variety (CG7), soyabeans) and maize/Tephrosia vogelii relay intercrop systems. Technologies that offered multiple benefits including reduced demand on household labour were most preferred for adoption by smallholder farmers. Future research in pursuit of improving availability of seed of improved varieties, produce outlets and integrated nutrient management strategies tapping on farmer innovations is urgently required to ensure sustainability of the production system.
English
970-648-120-6
Cropping systems
Farmers
Legumes
Maize
Malawi
Mucuna pruriens
Nitrogen
Seed production
Small farms
Yield increases
Zea mays
Soil fertility
CIMMYT KARI
338.16 / FRI