Perennial grass ley rotations with annual crops in tropical Africa: A review

Rotation of grass ley with periods annual crop production can be a means to increased farming system productivity, sustainability, and profitability. This research review offers interpretations rotation results for future African agriculture. Some studies were naturally generated severely over-grazed fallows consisting primarily plant species but other planted well-managed perennial ley. Generally, the rotations yields soil improvement. System benefits similar or greater compared fallow generally higher fodder Surface crusting sandy in Sahel is major concern that may worsened by due deposition clay silt particles. Ley terminated all inversion plow tillage more subsequent crops while less tillage. Most did not have fertilizer use yield response was greatly following one study no interaction effect three studies. The profitability will vary demand which rapidly increasing, especially near urban areas. Strip cropping, example, alternate strips 5–20 m width cycles 6–10 yr, often optimal erosion control sediment trapping, protection from uncontrolled grazing, nearby supply vegetative planting material re-establishment. management improved through experiential learning experimentation.