Vanlauwe, B. and Wendt, J. and Giller, K. and et al, . (2013) A fourth principle is required to define Conservation Agriculture in sub-Saharan Africa: The appropriate use of fertilizer to enhance crop productivity. Field Crops Research. pp. 1-4.
![[img]](http://eprints.icrisat.ac.in/style/images/fileicons/application_pdf.png) |
PDF (In Press, Corrected Proof)
- Accepted Version
Restricted to ICRISAT researchers only |
Abstract
Intensification of agricultural systems in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is considered a pre-condition for alleviation of rural poverty. Conservation Agriculture (CA) has been promoted to achieve this goal, based on three principles: minimum tillage, soil surface cover, and diversified crop rotations. CA originated in regions where fertilizer is commonly used and crop productivity is high, ensuring an abundance of crop residues. By contrast, crop yields are generally low in SSA and organic residues in short supply and farmers face competing demands for their use. Since minimal tillage without mulch commonly results in depressed yields, the use of fertilizer to enhance crop productivity and organic residue availability is essential for smallholder farmers to engage in CA. This is especially true since alternative ways to increase organic matter availability have largely failed. A case study from Kenya clearly demonstrates how fertilizer increases maize stover productivity above thresholds for minimal initial soil cover required for initiating CA (about 3 tonne ha−1). We conclude that strategies for using CA in SSA must integrate a fourth principle – the appropriate use of fertilizer – to increase the likelihood of benefits for smallholder farmers.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | Mulch; Integrated Soil Fertility Management; Smallholder farmers; Organic resources |
| Author Affiliation: | Natural Resource Management Research Area, International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Nairobi, Kenya |
| Subjects: | Plant Production Social Sciences > Agricultural Extension,Technology, ICT Soil Science and Microbiology > Soil Sciences |
| Divisions: | General |
| Depositing User: | Mr Siva Shankar |
| Date Deposited: | 07 Nov 2013 10:18 |
| Last Modified: | 07 Nov 2013 10:18 |
| Official URL: | http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.fcr.2013.10.002 |
| URI: | http://eprints.icrisat.ac.in/id/eprint/12114 |
Actions (login required)
 |
View Item |
