Maize Bean Research Articles

Small Farm Holder Cropping Systems Influence Microbial Profiles in an Equatorial Rainforest Agroecosystem

The metabarcoding of prokaryotic and fungal (Ascomycota only) ribosomal DNA was used to describe the microbial communities in soils of a remnant equatorial rainforest, maize–bean intercrop, and sugarcane in western Kenya. Cropping systems influenced the microbial community composition and functional traits (energy source and nutrient cycling) of bulk soil in each crop. Microbial richness and diversity tended to increase with cultivation intensity. The soil of the maize–bean intercrop had lower percentages and sugarcane had higher percentages of unique amplicon sequence variants of both bacteria and fungi compared to the remnant forest. Functional traits were altered by cultivation intensity. Compared to remnant forest soils, maize–bean intercrop soil had lower percentages of aerobic chemoheterotrophic bacteria and higher percentages of N-cycling bacteria, while sugarcane had higher percentages of aerobic chemoheterotrophic bacteria and lower percentages of N-cycling bacteria. In the face of increasing forest loss and pressures for agricultural productivity, this landscape provides a rich site for studying the impacts of cropping systems on soil health.

Effects of Different Rotation Combinations of Cabbage, Kidney Bean and Maize on Soil Fungal Communities and Soil Nutrients

The continuous cropping of cabbage or kidney bean results in a decrease in yield by influencing the soil environment. To decrease the damage caused by continuous cropping, ten treatments of cabbage–maize–cabbage (CMC), kidney bean–maize–cabbage (BMC), cabbage–cabbage–cabbage (CCC), cabbage–maize–kidney bean (CMB), kidney bean–maize–kidney bean (BMB), kidney bean–kidney bean–kidney bean (BBB), cabbage–cabbage–maize (CCM), cabbage–kidney bean–maize (CBM), kidney bean–kidney bean–maize (BBM) and kidney bean–cabbage–maize (BCM) rotation combinations were set up. The changes in soil nutrients, fungal community structure, composition and diversity in topsoil under the ten crop rotation combinations were analyzed using Illumina NovaSeq high-throughput sequencing technology and chemical technology. Fungal species were abundant in the ten treatments. The OTUs (operational taxonomic units) showed no significant differences. The richness index values of each treatment had significant differences. The diversity index value of the CCC treatment was significantly lower than those of the other treatments. The dominant soil fungal phylum was Ascomycota, and the subordinate soil fungal phylum was Basidiomycota. No significant differences were observed in Ascomycota between the treatments. Basidiomycota in the BBM treatment was significantly higher than that in the CCM treatment. Kickxellomycota was not found in the CCM and CCC treatments. The BBM treatment had no Entorrhizomycota. The dominant soil fungal class belonged to Ascomycota. The common distinction between continuous cropping and crop rotation was Diaporthales, which might be the main fungal order causing continuous cropping disorders. As the best choice, the BBM treatment could prevent soil-borne fungal diseases and provide the basis for the rational crop rotation of cabbage, kidney bean, and maize.

Cultivating Improved Varieties of Maize Does Not Guarantee Sufficient Dietary Provision of Fe and Zn in a Maize–Bean Intercropping System in Eastern Uganda: Evaluating Effects of Climate and Soil Types

Since hunger and malnutrition are affecting billions of people, the effect of cropping seasons, soil types and climatic conditions (temperature and precipitation) on yield, iron (Fe), zinc (Zn) and amino acids content in grains of hybrid maize (Zea mays), at smallholder farms in Eastern Uganda, was examined. Thirty-six (36) on-farm experiments under maize–bean intercropping with NPK fertilizer were established across three soil types (Petric Plinthosols, Lixic Ferralsols and Vertisols) and growing conditions (seasons, temperature and rainfall). We found significant differences in the grain yield between seasons, but not between soil types. Fe (mean of 22.48 mg/kg) in maize–grains significantly correlated with Zn (mean of 23.21 mg/kg), soil pH, soil organic matter and total nitrogen. Grain amino acid concentrations differed significantly between the seasons and across soil types. Precipitation and temperature did not significantly influence grain-yield nor grain Fe and Zn contents. For two seasons, the hybrid maize variety did not perform better than other varieties in the regions. Thus, a critical finding is that improved varieties of maize is not enough to facilitate increased Fe and Zn uptake nor amino acids content in their grains to desired levels. Hence, a diet dominated by maize will not supply sufficient micronutrients (Fe and Zn) to meet the human dietary requirements in this region.

Optimizing maize–bean cropping systems for sustainable intensification in southern Ethiopia

AbstractDeclining productivity and scarcity of cultivable land in smallholder systems call for exploring sustainable intensification options to increase productivity. Field experiments were conducted at five sites (Sites 1–5) of the Sidama region, southern Ethiopia, in 2018 and 2019 to determine the effects of cropping systems on maize (Zea mays L.) and common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) productivity. The intercropping of common bean with maize at varying planting times (simultaneous, relay) and number (frequency) of legume intercropping (once or twice) per growing season were compared with monocultures of the components in randomized complete block design with four replications. Cropping system affected the agronomic parameters (pod number plant−1 and 100‐seed weight) of common bean, more so than maize. Specifically, the results revealed that cropping systems affected both maize and bean yields, although the magnitude of the effect varied with sites. The highest maize yield was recorded in fertilized monoculture maize at Sites 1, 2, and 5, and in relay and sequential bean intercropping at Sites 3 and 4, respectively. Moreover, the highest bean yields were obtained in double common bean monoculture whereas, the lowest yields were recorded in relay intercropping. The total land equivalent ratio (LER) ranged from 1.2 to 1.8 and partial LER of maize was higher than that of the common bean. Sequential intercropping (Sites 1, 2, and 5) and relay intercropping (Sites 3 and 4) were economically more beneficial than the other cropping systems. Therefore, farmers could benefit more from maize–bean intercropping systems than monocultures in areas where maize is a staple crop.

Effects of Stand Density and N Fertilization on the Performance of Maize (Zea mays L.) Intercropped with Climbing Beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)

Maize is Germany’s most important fodder and energy crop. However, pure maize cultivation has ecological disadvantages. Moreover, its yield is low in crude protein, an important feed quality parameter. Maize–bean intercropping can potentially address both issues. A bean variety specially developed for intercropping was first introduced in 2016. Using this variety, a network of institutions conducted 13 field trials from 2017 to 2020 on four sites in Germany. We sought to determine the effects of stand density and nitrogen (N) fertilization on dry matter yield, crude protein yield, and soil mineral N content (Nmin) at harvest of intercropped vs. pure maize. The three intercropping bean densities we tested (7.5, 5.5, and 4 plants/m2) produced non-significantly different yields of dry matter or crude protein, given a maize density of 7.5–8 plants/m2. Intercropping was inferior to pure maize in dry matter yield, but non-significantly different in crude protein yield. Under neither cropping strategy were significant losses in dry matter or crude protein yield recorded with reduced compared to full N fertilization. At full fertilization, however, both pure maize systems and the 8/4 maize–bean intercrop system left significantly higher Nmin at harvest than the other variants of the corresponding system or N fertilization level and thus an increased risk of nitrate leaching. We encourage further optimization of yield performance in maize–bean intercropping, e.g., through breeding or promotion of biological N fixation via rhizobia inoculation. Furthermore, we recommend reducing N fertilization levels in maize cultivation.

Productivity and profitability of different crops under the fertigated hydroponic condition

Fodder production competition increased due to ever-increasing human pressure on land for the production of food crops and hydroponic fodder production could be the one option to commit the problem. Five crops (maize, oats, cowpea, lablab, and common bean) seeds with and without fertigation evaluated for fodder yield laid out in a completely randomized design with three replications at Arba Minch Agricultural Research Center during May-August 2019. Shoot length, seed sprouting ability, and duration, green fodder yield were measured. Cereal grains took longer days to be sprouted than pulses. Pulses especially common beans weighed others in the experiment. All crops in the experiment were found to be suitable for hydroponic fodder production. Partial budget analysis showed that hydroponic fodder production could benefit by 30.8% more than grain production. Hydroponic fodder production could be the option for city agriculture, especially in the smallholder poultry business for young entrepreneurs, less land holding farmers, elders and women, and even other interested groups in urban agriculture. Thus, it is ideal for small business groups and the nutritional aspect may be considered by animal nutritionists further.

Effects of aqueous extract of Parthenium hysterophorus. L and synthetic phenolics on maize, green gram and kidney bean

Effects of aqueous extract of Parthenium hysterophorus. L and synthetic phenolics on maize, green gram and kidney bean

Effect of combining organic manure and inorganic fertilisers on maize–bush bean intercropping

SummaryIn sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), farmers intercrop common beans with maize but apply inorganic or organic fertilisers targeting only maize. Effects of this practice on bush bean yield have not been fully evaluated with respect to input use and compatibility when intercropped with maize. An on-farm trial managed by smallholder community members was conducted to assess the influence of various soil fertility management options and cropping systems on the yield of two bush bean genotypes (SER45 and SER83) in two agro-ecological zones of Malawi. The farmer-managed trials were laid out in split-plot design, with the bean genotypes as main plots and a combination of the soil fertility management options (i.e., no input, manure, fertiliser and fertiliser + manure) and cropping systems (i.e., sole crop and intercrop) as subplots. The trials were affected by terminal drought and dry spells, but results show that manure and fertiliser application enhanced the resilience of the drought-tolerant bean genotypes. The genotype SER45 was responsive to manure application in the sole crop, giving a 44.4% yield increase over no-manure application. In sole cropping with fertiliser plus manure, bean yields improved by 40.1% for SER45 and 78.3% for SER83 relative to the no-input control. Although sole cropping had higher bean yields, the treatment with manure and fertiliser had a higher land equivalence ratio for intercrop of 1.54 for SER45 and 1.32 for SER83 over sole cropping. These results show that, under smallholder farmer management, the climate adaptability of bush bean genotypes could be enhanced by the combined application of organic and inorganic fertilisers in maize–bean intercrop. The combined application also enhances whole-farm productivity of the common maize–bean intercrop practice than monocrop, hence is of benefit to most low-input smallholder farmers of SSA.

The influences of lime and irrigation water on arsenic accumulation of rice, maize and mungbean in the nethouse condition

This research found the great hold of liming, soils and irrigation water on the arsenic (As) accumulation of rice, maize and mung bean in the nethouse research. Two greenhouse experiments had various plant types of rice, maize and mung bean with two soils inside and outside the dyke, two irrigated waters of 0.0 and 200 ?g As/L and three different lime ratios (0, 7.0 and 9.0 tons CaO/ha). The whole treatments were twenty one (12 treatments of experiment 1 and 9 of experiment 2) with 4 repetitions. The results of this study showed that the lime application raised both soil pH and crop yield. The arsenic (As) absorption of plant bodies in stems and seeds inside the dyke increased from 67.8 to 68.3% higher than those outside the dyke, respectively. The arsenic contents of stems and seeds with the treatments of 200 ?g As/L irrigation water were higher from 81.5 to 89.4% than that of non As irrigation water, respectively. The lime supplementation of 7.0 and 9.0 tons CaO per ha reduced the As accumulation of stems and seeds of rice, maize and mung bean was lower than the one without lime supplement from 38.6 (stems) and 54.5 (seeds). Mung bean absorbed the highest As, followed by rice and maize with the lowest As value. However, the lime supplementation of 9.0 tons CaO/ha had so high soil pH of soil that restricted the growth and yield of crops. More different lime concentrations need to search for more new details and new discovery of positive effects of this research.

Precipitation Controls on Soil Biogeochemical and Microbial Community Composition in Rainfed Agricultural Systems in Tropical Drylands

The current and expected expansion of agriculture in the drylands of Mexico, together with the decrease in precipitation occurring in the country, likely affect ecosystem processes and will bring great challenges for the suitability of rainfed agriculture for smallholder farmers. Here, we assessed metrics of the soil C, N, and P cycles, as well as soil microbial diversity, under rainfed maize and common bean cropping in arid and semiarid regions of central Mexico. The soil enzymatic vector angles of cultivated plots in both regions were above 45°, suggesting P limitation for microbial growth and crop productivity. Although changes were not observed in the intensity of this P-limitation with aridity, we found a negative effect of drought increase on the concentration of soil organic C and total N, with consequences for the C, N, and P balance in soils. Increasing aridity leads to the homogenization of microbial diversity. Considering a scenario in which decreases in mean annual precipitation would uncouple the biogeochemical cycles and homogenize soil biodiversity, the ecological implications could be an increase in the vulnerability of agricultural ecosystems to drought, with negative consequences for the suitability of rainfed agriculture in the drylands of central Mexico.

Conservation agriculture-based Zea mays (maize)-Phaseolus vulgaris (common bean) cropping systems in South Central Ethiopia

Conservation agriculture (CA) is defined as sustainable agriculture production system comprising a set of farming practices. The experiment was conducted at three districts from 2011 to 2016 at five farmers’ field they considered as replicate. The experiment consisted of five treatments (continuous sole maize, maize bean rotation, maize-bean inter-cropping, bean rotation under CA and farmer practice). Maize yield and yield related traits and soil water data were collected from each site. Soil moisture content under CA practices was higher than the farmer practice. At East-Badawacho and Meskan grain yield was higher by 4 and 8% in CA compared with farmer practice, respectively. Maize bean rotation and sole maize under CA out yielded the farmer practice by 13 and 4%, respectively but inter-cropping had 5% lower grain yield. At Hawassa-Zuriya, CA maize bean rotation had higher yield than farmer practice in 2011 and 2013. Maize-bean inter-cropping, maize bean rotation and sole maize under CA had 10, 8 and 6% higher grain yield than farmer practice, respectively. Common bean grain yield from bean rotation under CA had 2799, 2908, and 3226 kg ha-1, from inter cropping bean grain yield of 817, 1065 and 927 kg ha-1 obtained at East-Badawacho, Hawassa-Zuriya and Meskan districts, respectively. Generally, CA cropping systems had drought stress reduction potential and greater yields compared with farmer practice. Key words: Farmer-practice, sole-maize, rotation, inter-cropping, rift-valley.

English

Cereal crops especially maize production in Ethiopian Central Rift Valley is affected by biotic and abiotic production. This study was conducted for two seasons (2015-2016) and the best cropping system was identified using Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications. The experiment had six treatments (1) Continuous mono-cropping under conventional practice (CN), (2) continuous mono cropping under conservation agriculture (CA) (3) relay cropping (CA) with double bean planting within a season (maize bean inter-cropping: second round bean planting was conducted after immediate harvesting of the first bean), (4) Double cropping (CA) (maize bean inter cropping after sole lablab), (5) Double cropping (CA) (maize after bean) and (6) Double cropping (CA) (bean after maize). In 2016, the highest maize biomass yield and maximum water use efficiency were obtained from double cropping bean after maize with value of 16050 kg/ha and 31 kg mm-1, respectively. Maize-bean relay cropping outperformed the sole maize under CA and CN by 182 and 138% for maize grain yield. Water use efficiency of double cropping (maize after bean) and relay cropping was higher than double cropping (bean after maize) by 366 and 197% in 2015 for maize grain yield. For biomass, relay cropping under CA and sole maize under CN had similar water use efficiency of 18 kg mm-1. The CA practice with diverse crops planted together: double inter-cropping at different time (relay cropping) and double cropping under CA are good options for using the residual soil moisture and to sustainably improve crop productivity. Key words: Conservation; cropping system; lablab; water use efficiency.

The Method and Timing of Weed Control Affect the Productivity of Intercropped Maize (Zea mays L.) and Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)

Intercropping results in high overall system productivity on a given piece of land due to the efficient use of available plant growth resources. Weed control in intercropping systems is, however, still a challenge. This study focuses on the effect of the type of weed control (chemical/mechanical) and the timing of chemical herbicide application (pre-emergence/post-emergence) on weed control and crop productivity in a maize bean mixture. For this purpose, the results of a three-year field experiment (2017 to 2019) in northeast Germany will be presented. The experimental setup included a control, three chemical methods, and one mechanical method of weed control. Except for the mechanical treatment, a completely randomized block design was established. Weeds were assessed at BBCH 12 of the maize, immediately before the first weed control treatments to estimate the initial weed infestation, and twice in the six to eight leaf stage of the maize. The weed coverage (%) was estimated. The maize bean mixture was harvested and yields (t ha−1) were measured. The results confirm that the type of weed control, as well as the timing of herbicide application, significantly affects the weed coverage of the maize bean mixture. The most successful weed control strategy was the double chemical herbicide application, in which chemical herbicides are in used pre-emergence beans (BBCH 12 maize) and post-emergence beans (BBCH 12 bean). Weed coverage was reduced by up to 75% using this most effective herbicide strategy and by up to 61% through mechanical weed control, compared to the control. The additional effects of post-emergence treatment on the pre-emergence herbicide control resulted in a 16.5% weed coverage decline. The yield surplus of double chemical herbicide application (pre/post-emergence) was up to 53%, and for the mechanical weed control up to 23%. Additionally, post-emergence herbicide use in intercropped maize and bean resulted in a 16% yield surplus, compared to the single pre-emergence chemical weed control. Optimal timing of weed control during the most sensitive phenology stages of the maize bean mixture is crucial for productivity. The results of this study provide an additional option for suitable weed control of intercropped maize and bean.

Impacts of Grinding and Acidification of Animal Bones with Coffee Wastewater on Plant Dry Matter Yield and Recovery of Phosphorus

ABSTRACT In sub-Saharan Africa, soil fertility depletion and limited access to mineral phosphorus (P) fertilizers are considered among the main constraints of crop productivity. The goal of our work is to make P fertilizer from locally available materials, thus reducing the costs due to importation and transportation for smallholder-farmers with limited financial capacities. Cattle bones collected from slaughterhouses were ground to two fineness-level, acidified using coffee wastewater (pH ~4.3), and then compared to commercially available diammonium phosphate (DAP) in a pot experiment using Zea mays (maize) and Phaseolus vulgaris (common bean). Finely ground bones increased maize and common bean dry matter yield (DMY) and P uptake compared to coarsely ground bones, but a significant interaction between grinding and acidification also suggests that acidification with coffee wastewater increased availability of bone-based P, at least two-times more DMY and P uptake under acidified finely ground bones than for non-acidified treatments. In addition, acidified finely-ground bones produced maize and common bean DMY, P uptake and P recovery efficiency that were comparable to those of DAP. These results demonstrate the utility of acidified finely ground bones to enhance crop yields, potentially serving as an alternative P-rich resource to imported and expensive fertilizers that depend on nonrenewable resources.

Formation characteristics of watermelon seed productivity under intercropping

Characteristics of watermelon seed formation in intercropping were studied. Different growing methods of watermelon seeds depending on its interaction with intercrops (sugar maize and common bean) and their planting schemes in melon fields were investigated. The developed elements of the watermelon seed growing technology reduced the impact of high temperatures on this melon crop (the number of fruits with sunburn decreased by 7.1 % compared to control). The results of phenological observations and analysis of yield components, seed productivity and quality of Favoryt watermelon variety in the intercropping with sugar maize and common bean were presented. It was established that the developed elements of the watermelon growing technology in intercropping under high temperatures and low relative air humidity in the Northern Steppe of Ukraine increased of watermelon yield and the full-value seed formation. It was found that intercropping of watermelon with sweet corn under proper cultivation gave positive results (watermelon seed yield gain by 12.4 % and 0.7 t/ha ears of sweet maize in milky-wax ripeness were received additionally), and with common bean (watermelon seed yield gain by 8.9 % and additional 75 kg/ha of beans). Methods and planting schemes of watermelon and intercrops were established: sugar maize in the rows of watermelon according to scheme 2.8 x 1 m, common bean in the rows of watermelon according to scheme 1.4 x 0.5 m. It was found that under intercropping of watermelon with sweet maize the full-value seed yield per one fruit increased up to 88.5 %, and with common bean – to 84.9 %. Key words: watermelon, sugar maize, common bean, intercropping, seed yield.

Investigation of the effects of substitution levels, assay methods and length of adaptation to experimental diets on determined metabolisable energy value of maize, barley and soya bean meal

ABSTRACT 1. Two experiments were carried out to investigate the influence of substitution levels, assay methods and adaptation length of broilers to experimental diets on metabolisable energy of corn and barley (Experiment 1) and soya bean meal (Experiment 2). In each experiment, the test feedstuffs proportionately replaced the reference diet at the rates of 150, 300 or 450 g/kg. Each treatment had 8 or 7 replicate cages containing three birds per cage. Broiler chickens were adapted to experimental diets for either 7 or 4 d prior to excreta collection on d 20 and 21. 2. Metabolisable energy was determined using the difference method at each substitution level and the regression method, using the 4 combinations of the substitution levels. 3. In Experiment 1, AME and AMEn were lower (P < 0.01) for barley than for maize, irrespective of the assay method and there was a trend for an adaptation × cereal grains interaction (P < 0.10) for AME determined by the difference regression method. For maize, AME and AMEn calculated using regression or the difference method were not significantly different, whereas barley AME and AMEn values were greater (P < 0.01) when derived using regression analysis. 4. In Experiment 2, there was no significant adaptation length × substitution levels interaction. The AME and AMEn values were lowest (P < 0.01) at 150 g/kg SBM inclusion level when calculated using the difference method. On the other hand, AME and AMEn values determined by the regression method were not influenced by substitution levels. 5. It was concluded that the influence of substitution levels on assayed metabolisable energy is feedstuff-dependent and that the regression method produced more consistent metabolisable energy values in a feedstuff-independent manner.

Effect of row arrangement of common bean with maize intercropping on yield and economic benefit of component crops under Gimbo and Guraferda, Kaffa and Bench Maji zones, South Ethiopia

The yield advantage obtained due to intercropping is attributed to a better use of resources by crops grown in combinations, as compared to sole stands. Field experiment conducted at Gimbo and Guraferda during 2017 and 2018 cropping seasons in order to determine the appropriate intercropping row arrangement on maize-common bean yield and economic advantages of the cropping system. Maize variety BH-540 and common bean variety Hawassa dume were used as test crop. The experiment used four treatments (sole maize, sole common bean, 1:1 maizecommon bean and 1:2 maize-common bean intercropping) arranged in a randomized complete block design with four replications. Grain yield of the component crops were significantly varied by locations. The highest maize yield was recorded at Guraferda than Gimbo; whereas, common bean yielded better at Guraferda than at Gimbo. The combined mean grain yield of maize and common bean was significantly (p&lt;0.05) higher for sole stands than intercropping. The highest yield of 6545.7 and 5570.6 kg ha-1 was obtained from sole maize at Guraferda and Gimbo locations, respectively. On the other hand, the highest yield of 3407.2 and 2638.0 kg ha-1 was obtained from growing sole common bean at Gimbo and Guraferda locations, respectively. The yield obtained from 1:1 maize-common bean intercropping was statistically same with sole maize yield at Guraferda. The highest LER of 1.62 and 1.52 with MAI of 15,268.05 and 13.695.90 ETB ha-1 obtained from 1:1 maize-common bean intercropping at Guraferda and Gimbo locations, respectively. Generally, growing 1:1 maize-common bean intercropping found to be more productive and economically profitable than others. Hence, a one row common bean intercropped between the two rows of maize can be recommended in the lowlands of Gimbo and Guraferda areas.&#x0D; Int. J. Agril. Res. Innov. Tech. 10(1): 22-27, June 2020

Critical slope length for soil loss mitigation in maize-bean cropping systems in SW Kenya

Soil erosion and land fragmentation threaten agricultural production of sub-Saharan African highlands. At our study site in Western Kenya, farm size is mostly < 2 ha, laid out in narrow strips in slope direction and ploughed downhill. Soil conservation measures like hedgerows and green manures can reduce effective slope length for erosion, but compete with crops for space and labour. Knowledge of critical slope length can minimise interventions and trade–offs. Hence, a maize–bean intercrop (MzBn) slope length trial on 20, 60 and 84 m long plots, replicated twice on three farms was carried out in Rongo, Migori County, during one rainy season. Soil loss from 84 m slope length (SL) plots was 250 % higher than from 60 m and 710% higher than from 20 m plots, while soil loss from 20 and 60 m plots did not differ (p < 0.05). Conversely, runoff was lower on the 84 m than on the 60 m (p < 0.05) or the 20 m SL (p < 0.05). Across all three farms slope gradient and length had highest explanatory power to predict soil loss. At individual farm level, under similar slope and soil texture, slope length and profile curvature were most influential. Regarding results of the slope length experiments, food crop plot lengths < 50 m appear essential considering soil loss, sediment load, and soil loss to yield ratio under the given rainfall, soil and slope (10–14%) conditions. Our results call for designing integrating slope length options and cropping systems for effective soil conservation. We recommend planting Mucuna and Calliandra–hedgerows as buffer strips below the critical slope length, and legume cash crops and maize uphill. Such approaches are critical against the backdrop of land fragmentation and labour limitation to sustainably maximise food production from the available land area in the region.

Conservation Agriculture-Based Maize-Bean Cropping Systems in South Central Ethiopia

Conservation agriculture (CA) is defined as sustainable agriculture production system comprising a set of farming practices adapted to the requirement of crops and local condition of each region. This experiment was conducted at three districts: East-Badawaho, Meskan and Hawassa-Zuriya. In each district five farmers hosted the experiment and each farmer was used as a replicate. The experiment was run for six years (2011-2016) at each farmer’s field. The experiment consisted of five treatments (Continuous sole maize, Maize bean rotation, Maize-bean inter-cropping, Bean rotation under CA and farmer practice. BH-543 maize variety and Hawassa-Dume common bean variety were used. Soil moisture content under CA practices was higher than the farmer practice during drought year. Maize yield and yield related traits and soil water data were collected from each site. At East-Badawacho grain yield was 4% higher in CA compared with farmer practice. Maize bean rotation and sole maize under CA out yielded the farmer practice by 13 and 4%, respectively but maize-bean inter-cropping had 5% lower grain yield. At Hawassa-Zuriya, CA maize bean rotation had higher yield than farmer practice in 2011 and 2013. At Meskan, CA had 8% higher than FP. Maize-bean inter-cropping, maize bean rotation and sole maize under CA had 10, 8 and 6% higher grain yield than farmer practice, respectively. Common bean grain yield from bean rotation under CA had 2799, 2908, and 3226 kg ha -1 at East-Badawacho, Hawassa-Zuriya and Meskan district respectively. Inter-cropping under CA had 817, 1065 and 927 kg ha -1 , respectively. Generally, CA cropping systems had random drought stress reduction potential as compared with common practice and even under normal condition cropping systems under CA had higher grain yield and biomass production potential. Keywords: cropping systems, farmer practice, sole maize, rotation, inter cropping; rift valley DOI: 10.7176/JNSR/10-12-01 Publication date: June 30th 2020

Effect of Cropping System and Nitrogen on Maize and Soy Bean Yields in Western Kenya

Inherent low soil fertility in the highly weathered and degraded soils largely accounts for low and unsustainable crop yields in most African countries (Okalebo et al., 2006; Sanchez et. al., 1997). Productivity of maize and soybeans in Kenya, particularly in the western region is generally low. The high costs of inorganic fertilizers and the possibility of decreasing soil productivity in due to soil mining and environmental pollution demands a reassement of their use, vis-a-vis, other alternative technologies. The objective of this study was to assess the effect of selected cropping systems, N fertilizer and manure on maize and soy bean crop yields in western Kenya (Bungoma, Vihiga, and Teso). The experiment was a split plot design arranged and laid down in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Cropping systems (mono cropping, MBILI and conventional) were the main factor while fertility interventions (FYM and CAN) were the treatments. The cropping systems consisted of conventional (Maize and soy beans were planted as intercrop in 37.5 cm alternating rows), MBILI (Managing Beneficial Interactions in Legume Intercrops), maize and soybean monocrop. Five fertilizer treatments were used: calcium ammonium nitrate and farm yard manure, both applied at the rate of 30 kg N ha-1 and 75 kg N ha-1, respectively, and absolute control that had no added treatment. Field experiments were planted during two cropping seasons of short rains season (August to December 2011) and one long rains season (April to August 2012) Generally, maize yields were found to be significantly higher in both the mono cropping system (mean yield: 2.00 t/ha) and MBILI system (mean yield: 1.77 t/ha) compared to conventional farming (mean yield: 1.27 t/ha). Soybean yields were found, overall, to be significantly higher in the mono cropping system (mean: 1.00t/ha) compared to both MBILI (mean: 0.75 t ha-1) and conventional system (mean: 0.59 t ha-1). For both maize and soy bean grain, application of CAN75N and planting with FYM75N were found to significantly increase yields, compared to either top dressing with CAN30N or planting with FYM30N. CAN generally produced higher yields with monocrop system whereas MBILI system did better when FYM is used, suggesting that an optimal system could consist of MBILI with organic fertilizers. The mean Land Equivalent Ratio (LER) values were always greater than 1.0 for intercropping and I.0 for mono cropping system. Manure was found to produce similar yields as those in fertilizer applications. This study recommends MBILI system and organic manure as a beneficial way of growing maize and soy beans