Conservation Tillage Systems and Water Productivity - Implications for Smallholder Farmers in Semi-Arid Ethiopia PhD, UNESCO-IHE Institute for Water Education, Delft, The Netherlands
Auteur : Temesgen Leye Melesse
Conservation tillage systems have been adopted by farmers in many countries to solve the problem of land degradation and declining water productivity. Direct application of such tillage systems has not been possible among resource-poor, smallholder farmers in semi-arid areas of Ethiopia. Problems such as the lack of rainfall, the costs of herbicides and implements, and the special cultivation needs of the crop tef, which can not be planted in rows, have developed locally-adapted conservation tillage systems. This book considers traditional tillage systems and the results of tests carried out on appropriate conservation tillage implements and systems for smallholder farmers in semi-arid regions of Ethiopia. The traditional tillage implement, the Maresha Plough, and the related tillage systems were identified as being the main cause of repeated and cross-ploughing, leading to land degradation and reduced water productivity. Modified implements were found to be suitable for conservation tillage systems while being simple, light and affordable. Two types of tillage systems developed for maize and tef were found to reduce surface runoff, increase availability of water to crops and increase yields.
Date de parution : 11-2017
17.8x25.4 cm
Date de parution : 07-2007
Ouvrage de 130 p.
17.8x25.4 cm
Thèmes de Conservation Tillage Systems and Water Productivity -... :
Mots-clés :
Tillage Systems; plow; Conservation Tillage; pan; Conservation Tillage Systems; conventional; TRADITIONAL TILLAGE SYSTEMS; implement; Tillage Frequency; surface; Moisture Content; runoff; Strip Tillage Systems; traditional; Tillage Implements; frequency; Plow Pans; operation; Resource Poor Smallholder Farmers; rainfall; Soil Evaporation; Cross Plowing; Tie Ridger; Reduced Water Productivity; Deep Percolation; Traditional Tillage; Draft Power Requirement; Row Planter; Minimum Tillage Treatments; Conventional Tillage Systems; Reduce Soil Evaporation; Rain Drops; NS NS NS; Low Water Productivity; Tillage Commencement