Tillage and weed control interactions on a semi-arid granitic catena. I. Maize yield responses
1999
Twomlow, S.J. (Silsoe Research Institute, Bedford (U.K.)) | Dhliwayo, H. (Agronomy Institute, Masvingo (Zimbabwe)) | Riches, Ch. (University of Greenwich, Kent (UK). Natural Resources Institute) | Zvarevashe, V. (Agronomy Institute, Masvingo (Zimbabwe)) | Rufu, N. (Agritex, Masvingo (Zimbabwe))
Since 1990, farmers and research and extension in Masvingo have been developing and testing conservation tillage practices that conserve soil moisture, reduce draught animal power inputs, encourage timely crop establishment and weed control, and take into account the resourcefulness of smallholder farmers. In this, the first of three papers we discuss Maize (Zea mays) yield responses to crop establishment and weed control methods selected by participating farmers over three seasons on a semi-arid granitic catena. The second and third papers address the weeding and socio-economic issues. Maize grain yields were highest on Vlei margin soils in the wet 1995/96 season, Toplands in the wet 1996/97 and Vleis in the dry 1997/98 season. In 1995/96 and 1996/97 seasons the best planting and weeding combinations on Topland and Vlei- margin soils was planting in a rip line followed by overall hand weeding. The best combination in the Vleis was traditional third furrow planting, dropping seed behind the ox-plough, followed by either ox- cultivating, or post plant tie-ridging with an ox-plough and in-row hand weeding. In the drier 1997/98 open plough furrow planting followed by weeding by hand or the ox-plough yielded the best on all soil types.
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