Legume Biomass Transfer For Enhancing Productivity of Maize in Striga Infested Farmlands: The Case of Iringa District, Tanzania

The projects’ major aim was to increase maize productivity in Striga infested soils in Iringa district in Southern Tanzania. Two villages (Mangalali and Kiwere) in which maize is a major crop and in which Striga asiatica is a major problem were selected as case studies. The conceptual framework was based on the use of nitrogen-fixing legumes (three species each of edible and non-edible types) as the main intervention for the improvement of soil fertility levels, planted in a short duration rotation with maize. The effect of the legumes was compared to nitrogen applied using urea fertilizer. Legume species were chosen over other options as a natural resource for soil fertility improvement. Farmers were the key actors at all stages of the studies under the guidance of local extension workers. The legume or maize biomass produced in each individual plot in the first season was incorporated into the soil prior to planting maize variety Situka on all the plots in the second season (2011/ 12). Two graduate students were supported under the project to pursue studies leading to the award of MSc. Both students were registered at Sokoine University of Agriculture in Morogoro, Tanzania and were the key implementers of project activities. The titles for the MSc dissertations of the students are: (i) The influence of legume biomass on soil fertility statusand maize performance in Striga infested soils of Iringa (by Ms Rebeca Hepelwa), and (ii) On-farm evaluation of legumes’biomass and IR-maize for the management of Striga in Iringa district, Tanzania (by Mr. Mabula David).