Crop yield and weed growth under conservation agriculture in semi-arid Zimbabwe

Soil and crop management under conservation agriculture in Zimbabwe

Carbon mitigation strategies and mechanisms have been globally implemented in an attempt to prevent catastrophic climate change. Kyoto targets require reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and increases in carbon sequestration. Although a number of carbon neutral technologies have been adopted such as bio-fuel and alternative energies, these currently fail to meet global requirements. An innov...

Impacts of different tillage practices on some soil microbiological properties and crop yield under semi-arid Mediterranean conditions

Effects of six tillage practices on some soil microbiological properties and crop yields were evaluated for a clay soil (Typic Haploxererts) under semi-arid Mediterranean conditions in a three year study (2006-2009). The experiment was designed as a completely randomized-block with three replications. Treatments were: conventional tillage with residue incorporated (CT1), conventional tillage wi...

Chronic poverty in semi-arid Zimbabwe

Modelling crop canopy and residue rainfall interception effects on soil hydrological components for semi-arid agriculture

Crop canopies and residues have been shown to intercept a significant amount of rainfall. However, rainfall or irrigation interception by crops and residues has often been overlooked in hydrologic modelling. Crop canopy interception is controlled by canopy density and rainfall intensity and duration. Crop residue interception is a function of crop residue type, residue density and cover, and ra...

A Decision Support System for Enhancing Crop Productivity of Smallholder Farmers in Semi-Arid Agriculture

This study aimed at investigative decision support systems for assisting strategic and tactical decision making of smallholder farmers to reduce climate risks and increase crop productivity of semi-arid areas. Specifically, the study assessed farm-level decisions used by the farmers for reducing climate risks; examined information communication and knowledge sharing strategies for enhancing dec...