Formulation of soil quality index plus to support soil management in preventing soil degradation in dryland farming

Coffee farming and soil management in Rwanda

Agriculture is the cornerstone of Rwanda’s economy. The authors review how the sector has changed and specifically what soil management practices are now being implemented to enhance coffee production. Coffee covers around 2.3% of total cultivated arable land, and is grown mainly by smallholder farmers on plots of less than one hectare. Rwanda produces high-quality speciality or fully washed co...

Physicochemical Properties of Soil from Five Villages in Botswana with Respect to Soil Degradation

field study was conducted at five villages of Botswana namely, Tsabong, Tshane, Mathathane, Motlhabaneng and Tsetsejwe during the periods of June to August 1999 and June to August 2000. The objective of the study was to assess and compare the soil physicochemical properties of soils at the five villages and to study the effect of cultivation on some soil physical properties. Parameters measured...

Effects of Soil and Crop Management Practices on Soil Quality

Developing the concept of soil quality may help identify the soil and crop management practices required for environmentally, socially, and economically sustainable agriculture. Objectives of this paper are (1) to review current efforts to define soil quality, (2) to discuss factors and processes which influence soil quality, (3) to identify, soil and crop management practices that affect proce...

Soil Fauna Diversity – Function , Soil Degradation , Biological Indices , Soil Restoration

Effects of straw mulch on soil water and winter wheat production in dryland farming

The soil water supply is the main factor that limits dryland crop production in China. In a three-year field experiment at a dryland farming experimental station, we evaluated the effects of various straw mulch practices on soil water storage, grain yield, and water use efficiency (WUE) of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum). Field experiments were conducted with six different mulch combinations (...