Effects of Climate Smart Agricultural practices and Planting Dates on Maize Growth and Nutrient Uptake in Semi-Arid Tanzania

Paper Details

Research Paper 01/05/2020
Views (648) Download (32)
current_issue_feature_image
publication_file

Effects of Climate Smart Agricultural practices and Planting Dates on Maize Growth and Nutrient Uptake in Semi-Arid Tanzania

Abiud Missana Gamba, Anthony Anderson Kimaro, Kelvin Mark Mtei
Int. J. Biosci.16( 5), 98-109, May 2020.
Certificate: IJB 2020 [Generate Certificate]

Abstract

The shift of growing season’s onset due to rainfall and seasonal variability are among the climate change impacts affecting agricultural productivity in semi-arid. Previous studies have also noted the seasonal variations in planting windows in semi-arid Tanzania. Because of such rainfall variability due to uncertainties of climate change, farmers face difficulties in determining the appropriate planting dates. Though, climate-smart agriculture (CSA) practices are reinforced to mitigate such climatic extremes and sustain crop production, there is limited information on the performance of CSA practices under the uncertainty of planting windows due to unpredictable rainfall on-set and patterns. This study assessed the effects of CSA practices at different planting windows on maize growth and nutrient uptakes at Mlali village of Dodoma, Tanzania. A split-plot experimental design was adopted, treatments involved CSA practices (Chololo pits, tied ridges, intercropping and Ox-cultivation – as a control) and/at planting windows (Early, Normal and Late planting). The planting windows were determined based on previous studies and Tanzania national weather forecasts. The results showed that, CSA practices had a significant (p < 0.05) effect on maize height and N nutrient uptake. Similar biomass and Mg nutrient uptake were significantly affected (p < 0.05) by both CSA practices and planting dates though Leaf Area Index (LAI) were significantly affected (p < 0.05) by planting windows.  Chololo pits and tied ridges and late planting dates had the highest soil moisture, plant heights, and biomass. Ox-cultivation had a slight high N, K and Mg nutrient uptake followed with Chololo pits and tied ridges.

VIEWS 26

Biazin B, Sterk G, Temesgen M, Abdulkedir A, Stroosnijder L. 2012. Rainwater harvesting and management in rainfed agricultural systems in sub-Saharan Africa–a review. Physics and Chemistry of the Earth, Parts A/B/C, 47, 139-151. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.pce.2011.08.015

Cairns JE, Sonder K, Zaidi PH, Verhulst N, Mahuku G, Babu R. 2012. Maize production in a changing climate: impacts, adaptation, and mitigation strategies. In D. Sparks (Ed.), Advances in agronomy (Vol. 114, pp. 1–58). Burlington: Academic press. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12571-017-0665-3

Cairns JE, Hellin J, Sonder K, Araus JL, MacRobert JF, Thierfelder C. 2013. Adapting maize production to climate change in sub-Saharan Africa. Food Security 5(3), 345–360. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12571-013-0256-x

Chisanga M. 2014. Planting Date and Nitrogen Application Rate on Maize (Zea mays L.) Growth and Yield. Zambian Journal of Agricultural Science, Volume 9(1), 64-70

Derpsch R, Friedrich T, Kassam A, Li H. 2010. Current status of adoption of no-till farming in the world and some of its main benefits. International Journal of Agricultural and Biological Engineering 1-25. http://dx.doi.org/10.3965/j.issn.19346344.2010.01.0-0

Derpsch R, Friedrich T. 2010. Global overview of conservation agriculture adoption. Invited paper to the 4th World Congress on Conservation Agriculture: Innovations for improving efficiency, equity and environment, New Delhi, India. 4–7 Feb. 2009. ICAR, New Delhi. (Accessed 25 Dec. 2019). www.fao.org/ag/ca

Derpsch R, Friedrich T, Kassam A, Li H. 2010. Current status of adoption of no-till farming in the world and some of its main benefits. International Journal of Agriculture and Biological Engineering. 3(1). http://dx.doi.org/10.3965/j.issn.19346344.2010.01.001-025

Findeling A, Ruy S, Scopel E. 2003. Modelling the effects of partial residue mulch on runoff using a physically based approach. Journal of Hydrology 275(1), 49-66. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S0022-1694(03)00021-0

Thierfelder C, Matemba-Mutasa R, Rusinamhodzi L. 2015. Yield response of maize (Zea mays L.) to conservation agriculture cropping system in southern Africa. Soil Tillage Research 146, 230– 242. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.still.2014.10.015

Fatondji D, Martius C, Bielders C, Vlek P, Bationo A, Gérard B. 2006. Effect of planting technique and amendment type on pearl millet yield, nutrient uptake, and water use on degraded land in Niger. Nutrient Cycling in Agroecosystems 76, 203-217. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10705-005-6209-9

Kangalawe R and Lyimo J. 2013. Climate Change, Adaptive Strategies and Rural Livelihoods in Semiarid Tanzania. Natural Resources, Vol. 4 (3), pp. 266-278. http://dx.doi.org/10.4236/nr.2013.43034

Kimaro AA, Mpanda M, Rioux J, Aynekulu E, Shaba S, Thiong’o M, Neufeldt H. 2016. Is Conservation Agriculture ‘Climate-smart’for Maize Farmers in the Highlands of Tanzania? Nutrient Cycling in Agroecosystems 105(3), 217-228. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10705-015-9711-8

Kimaro AA, Timmer V, Chamshama S, Ngaga Y, Kimaro D. 2009. Competition between maize and pigeonpea in semi-arid Tanzania: Effect on yields and nutrition of crops. Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment 134(1-2), 115-125. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.agee.2009.06.002

Kimaro A, Timmer V, Chamshama S, Mugasha A, Kimaro D. 2008. Differential response to tree fallows in rotational woodlot systems in semi-arid Tanzania: Post-fallow maize yield, nutrient uptake, and soil nutrients. Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment, 125(1-4), 73-83. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.agee.2007.11.007

Kurwakumire N, Chikowo R, Mtambanengwe F. 2014. Maize productivity and nutrient and water use efficiencies across soil fertility domains on smallholder farms in Zimbabwe. Field Crop Research 164, 136–147. http://doi.org./10.1016/j.fer2014.05.13.

Ndakidemi P, Dakora F, Nkonya E, Ringo D, Mansoor H. 2006. Yield and economic benefits of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) and soybean (Glycine max) inoculation in northern Tanzania. Australian Journal of Experimental Agriculture, 46(4), 571-577. https://doi.org/10.1071/EA03157

Kouyaté Z, Diallo D, N’Diaye K, Ayemou A. 2012. Influence of crop management systems on soil properties and sorghum yields in the Sahelian zone of Mali. African Journal of Agricultural Research 7(37), 5217-5223

Majule AE, Liwenga E, Nsemwa L, Swai E, Katunzi A, Gwambene B. 2012. Strengthening local agricultural innovation systems in Tanzania and Malawi to adapt to the challenges and opportunities arising from climate change and variability: Final technical report. 73 pp. IRA, University of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

Mashingaidze N, Madakadze C, Twomlow S, Nyamangara J, Hove L. 2012. Crop yield and weed growth under conservation agriculture in semi-arid Zimbabwe. Soil and Tillage Research 124, 102–110. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.still.2012.05.008.

Mertz O, Halsnæs K, Olesen JE, Rasmussen K. 2009. Adaptation to climate change in developing countries.Environmental Management (New York), 43(5), 743-752. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00267-008-9259-3

Mongi H, Majule AE, Lyimo JG. 2010. Vulnerability and adaptation of rain fed agriculture to climate change and variability in semi-arid Tanzania. African Journal of Environmental Science and Technology 4(6). http://dx.doi.org/10.5897/AJEST09.207

Morton J, Kisauzi D, Ohiomoba I, Demby D, Mangheni M, Moumouni I. 2014. Climate, agriculture and knowledge in Africa: Agricultural research and advisory services in the face of climate change. Final synthesis report of the climate learning for African agriculture project.

Mudatenguha F, Anena J, Kiptum CK, Mashingaidze AB. 2014. In situ rain water harvesting techniques increases maize growth and grain yield in a semi-arid agroecology of Nyagatare, Rwanda. International Journal of Agricultural Biology 16, 996‒1000.

Nelson D, Sommers LE. 1982. Total carbon, organic carbon, and organic matter 1. Methods of soil analysis. Part 2. Chemical and microbiological properties (methodsofsoilanalysis), 539-579.

Neufeldt H, Jahn M, Campbell BM., Beddington JR, DeClerck F, De Pinto A, Jarvis A. 2013. Beyond climate-smart agriculture: toward safe operating spaces for global food systems. Agriculture & Food Security 2(1), 12. https://doi.org/10.1186/2048-7010-2-12

Nyoki D, Ndakidemi PA. 2016. Intercropping system, rhizobia inoculation, phosphorus and potassium fertilization: A strategy of soil replenishment for improved crop yield. International Journal of Current Microbiology and Applied Sciences 5(10), 504-522. http://dx.doi.org/10.20546/ijcmas.2016.510.056

Olsen S, Sommers L, Page A. 1982. Methods of soil analysis. Part 2. Chemical and microbiological properties of Phosphorus. ASA Monograph 9, 403-430.

Porter JR, Xie L, Challinor AJ, Cochrane K, Howden SM, Iqbal MM, Garrett K. 2014. Food security and food production systems.

Scherr SJ, Shames S, Friedman R. 2012. From climate-smart agriculture to climate-smart landscapes. Agriculture & Food Security 1(1), 12. http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/2048-7010-1-12

Shrestha J, Kandel M, Chaudhary A. 2018. Effects of planting time on growth, development and productivity of maize (Zea mays L.). Journal of Agriculture and Natural Resources 1(1), 43-50. https://doi.org/10.3126/janr.v1i1.22221

Thierfelder C, Mwila M, Rusinamhodzi L. 2013. Conservation agriculture in eastern and southern provinces of Zambia: Long-term effects on soil quality and maize productivity. Soil and tillage research 126, 246-258. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.still.2012.09.002

Thornton PK, Ericksen PJ, Herrero M, Challinor AJ. 2014. Climate variability and vulnerability to climate change: a review. Global change biology 20(11), 3313-3328. http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/gcb.12581

Thornton PK, Rosenstock T, Förch W, Lamanna C, Bell P, Henderson B, Herrero M. 2018. A qualitative evaluation of CSA options in mixed crop-livestock systems in developing countries Climate Smart Agriculture (p 385-423): Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-61194-5_17.