Vleis are low-lying, usually gently sloping, seasonally waterlogged areas. Two major problems facing farmers in this environment are weed control and water management. On-farm tillage trials tested in four locations were broad-beds, pre- plant ridges, post-plant ridges, drainage furrows and flat-planting. PVC pipes were installed to 1m depth and height of water table was recorded monthly. Maize and rice yields were recorded from each plot. Mean water level below the soil surface under broad-beds was 63 cm compared to 56 and 57 cm under post-plant ridges and furrows, respectively. The effect of the broad-beds on water levels was consistent across the season. Broad-beds gave significantly higher maize yields compared to the worst performing treatment, flat planting, where areas of inundation and waterlogging were recorded. However, rice yields were favourable under flat planting. Post-plant ridges and furrows produced no rice yield due to inappropriate timing of their construction. Economic analyses indicate that despite the increased labour and draft animal requirement, beds give better returns than other treatments. Flat planting, being the one most commonly used by farmers, is the second most productive treatment and for those without access to DAP, this is likely to be the one they continue to use.

English

0410|AGRIS 0401|AL-Maize Program

Juan Carlos Mendieta

CIMMYT Publications Collection