Nutrient balances and expected effects of alternative practices in farming systems of Uganda

Climate-smart crop production in semi-arid areas through increased knowledge of varieties, environment and management factors

“…4,5,6,7), resulting in specific strategies of when and where to use the limited amount of manure available (Table 5). Soil fertility differences are important for farmers when they make decisions on crop allocation, and these differences are amplified by farmers' management in many regions, leading to preferred plots for the best crops (Samake et al 2005;Tittonell et al 2006Tittonell et al , 2007Wortmann and Kaizzi 1998). The use of manure is almost always beneficial for crops (Affholder 1995;de Rouw 2004;Zingore et al 2008).…”

Integrated Soil Fertility Management in Bean-Based Cropping Systems of Eastern, Central and Southern Africa

“…Therefore, bean yield is generally low in most regions and is most likely to decline because of the ever increasing population density. In fact, under current farming systems in small holders' fields, soil nutrient balances are negative , except in banana based systems (Wortmann and Kaizzi, 1998).Although bean grain yields are variable across countries and regions, they generally vary from 200 kgha -1 in less favorable environments to 700 kg ha -1 in more favorable environments when grown in pure stands, and about half of this when intercropped (Kimani et al, 2001). …”

Water-smart agriculture in East Africa

“…Major crops include banana, coffee, pulses (beans and peas), cereals (millet, maize, and sorghum), root crops (potato) and vegetables (Mugonola, 2013c). The annual crops require clean tillage practices, which expose the fields to water erosion and nutrient loss through leaching and nutrient mining at harvest (Wortmann and Kaizzi, 1998;Isabirye et al, 2007). Banana production is a major economic activity in this area and therefore takes up a considerable portion of farm-level resources (Bagamba, 2007).…”