Conservation tillage in natural region V: the effect of sowing crops in furrows of tied ridges on soil water and crop yield in Natural region V of Zimbabwe.
1995
Nyamudeza P. | Nyakatawa E.Z.
A research programme on rain water conservation using the tied furrow technique (TFT) was initiated at Chiredzi Research Station and Chisumbanje Experiment Station, in Natural Region V in the south east lowveld of Zimbabwe in 1982/83. The effect of sowing crops in furrows of tied ridges 1.0 and 1.5m wide, versus the traditional farmers' practice of sowing on flat land, on soil water content and crop yields were investigated on four soil types. Soil water content in furrows of tied ridges, to a depth of 0.75m was up to 33 more than that for the flat at Chiredzi. The TFT increased by 27, 45 and 32 respectively over seven years. Similar results were obtained on the alluvium soils. On the sandy soils, increasing soil fertility may be needed to obtain significant benefits from the TFT especially in 1.5m furrows. Adoption of the TFT by communal farmers has been observed in Ndowoyo, Matibi 2 and part of Chivi.
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