Design and evaluation of alternative production systems: pearl millet/maize and cereal groundnut systems in Mali
1989
Shetty, S.V.R.
The two major production systems studied in Mali--pearl millet/maize--and cereal/groundnut--are described in relation to their response to agronomic factors like variety, density and geometry, date of planting and harvest, and added fertility. The package of technology for the pearl millet/maize system includes planting maize at a recommended density and fertility, and planting pearl millet when maize attains the 3-4 leaf stage. Results from on-farm testing of this improved system are also highlighted. Studies on the design and evaluation of cereal/groundnut systems indicated about 50 per cent intercropping advantage. It was observed, that to obtain normal groundnut yields, higher densities of groundnuts had to be planted with crop stands of cereals. One row of cereal to four rows of groundnuts and delayed planting of cereal provided groundnuts competition-free early growth. It is recommended that because of poor adoption of sole-crop technology, studies on possible ways to incorporate sorghum and pearl millet into the existing production systems based on cash crops should pursue. The need for the development and introduction of management-responsive cereal cultivars into the more potential areas of the Sahelo-Sudanian zone is also emphasized
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