An agroecological approach to management of SAT [semi-arid tropics] Alfisols
1987
McCown, R.L.
Crop production in the semi-arid tropics (SAT) is predominantly on Alfisols and without irrigation. Crop yields are low, and soils are being degraded rapidly due to a complex of climatic, edaphic, and management factors. Green revolution technology does not alleviate the serious problems of managing the soil surface; it calls additionally for capital and energy requirements that are incompatible with economic circumstances of farmers in this environment. Certain approaches to land use that are in sympathy with the limitations of both the climate and soils may offer better prospects of improved production systems. Research that provides a first approximation of the suitability of such system1108s as (a) no-tillage/mulch farming, (b) legume alley farming, and (c) legume-ley farming for various physical and socioeconomic conditions in the SAT is urgently needed. Preliminary results of a no-tillage legume-ley strategy at an Australian SAT location show substantial benefits of the legume to both crop and animal production and of no-tillage/mulch to improved soil environment and crop yields. The need for a research approach in developing countries that evaluates such strategies in a relevant cost/benefit framework, and the problems of capital availability as a constraint to adoption, are discu
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