Effects of innovative farmer practices in soil fertility and water management on soil productivity and maizeand leafy vegetable production in Harare, Zimbabwe
Abstract
241 words
Poor soil fertility and increased frequency of mid-season
droughts due to climate change have made it difficult for urban
farmers to get sustainable crop yields especially on sandy soils.
Higher yields can be attained by urban farmers if proper fertilizer
types and rates are applied with sufficient soil moisture. The
use of animal manures and organic municipal wastes as fertilizers
is on the increase in urban agriculture (UA). However, nutrient
dynamics of these organic materials need to be known so as to
help farmers manage them in a manner that optimises nutrient
uptake and ultimately crop productivity. In this study, field and
greenhouse trials will be conducted where maize and leafy
vegetables will be the test crops fertilized using sewage sludge,
animal (cattle, poultry, pig) manure and mineral fertilizer under
conventional and minimum tillage systems. Nitrogen (N),
phosphorus (P), heavy metals uptake and biomass production
will be determined at 4 weeks after germination (WAE) and
physiological maturity for greenhouse and field trials,
respectively. An incubation experiment will be conducted to
study N and P mineralization from the organic amendments.
This study also seeks to determine gendered labour
responsibilities and control over means of production as well as
socio-economic issues in UA and their influence on crop
productivity by conducting a baseline survey. The goal of the
project is to enhance food security (nutritive value and quantity)
of the urban farmers and better prepare them to face the
impacts of climate change.
Subjects
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