Hardpan and maize root distribution under conservation and conventional tillage in agro-ecological zone IIa, Zambia

Esser, Kjell B.

doi:10.4314/acsj.v24i3.5

Cited by 2 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 34 publications

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“…The conventionally tilled fields had been cultivated by ox-drawn plough or hand hoe (ridging) since the start of cultivation. None of the soils had cultivation-induced hardpans (plough pans) that could impede water infiltration [31]. All fields were planted with maize (Zea mays L.) during the two-year study.…”

Section: Field Historymentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Replicate measurements were made in the vicinity of the first sites about 1-2 m away from earlier auger holes. Measurements were done at least 30 cm from the nearest maize plant to reduce the effect of direct uptake of water by plants [31]. Soil moisture was measured using a ThetaProbe Soil Moisture Sensor Type ML2x connected to a Soil Moisture Meter HH2 delivered by Eijkelkamp Soil and Water.…”

Section: Field Measurementsmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Water Infiltration and Moisture in Soils under Conservation and Conventional Agriculture in Agro-Ecological Zone IIa, Zambia

Esser¹

2017

Agronomy

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Conservation agriculture is often presented as being 'climate smart' due to anticipated increases in soil moisture. The extent of enhanced water availability in farmers' fields is, however, poorly documented. This paper presents five data sets describing soil moisture in fields of small-scale conservation and conventional farmers in the Agro-ecological Zone IIa, Zambia. The data include (1) soil cover; (2) time required for visible soil surface saturation, ponding and initial runoff under artificial rainfall; (3) saturated water infiltration rates; (4) weekly soil moisture at six soil depths for two entire rain seasons; and (5) weekly rainfall in each field. Measurements were done for 15 pairs of comparable fields under conservation and conventional agriculture. Pairwise analysis showed significantly shorter time for surface saturation, ponding, and runoff in conservation fields compared to conventional fields. Saturated infiltration rates in riplines and basins of conservation fields were similar to rates in ploughed/hoed fields. Infiltration rates between riplines and between basins were 31-37% lower than those in ploughed/hoed fields. Soil moisture in riplines and basins of conservation fields was higher by an average factor of 1.08 down to 40 cm soil depth, whereas it was lower by an average factor of 0.89 between plant rows compared to fields under conventional tillage. Based on 34,000 soil moisture measurements from 0 to 60 cm depth over two seasons, soils in conservation fields contained a weighted average of 18.2% (vol.) water compared to 19.9% (vol.) in conventional fields (p < 0.05). The results indicate that small-scale adopters of conservation agriculture are less 'climate smart' than conventional farmers in terms of water infiltration and soil moisture.

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Section: Field Historymentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Field Measurementsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Water Infiltration and Moisture in Soils under Conservation and Conventional Agriculture in Agro-Ecological Zone IIa, Zambia

Esser¹

2017

Agronomy

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A climate for commerce: the political agronomy of conservation agriculture in Zambia

et al. 2017

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The promotion of Conservation Agriculture (CA) for smallholders in Sub Saharan Africa is subject to ongoing scholarly and public debate regarding the evidence-base and the agendasetting power of involved stakeholders. We undertake a political analysis of CA in Zambia, which combines a qualitative case study of a flagship CA initiative with a quantitative analysis of a nationally representative dataset on agricultural practices. The current study moves from an investigation of the knowledge politics to an investigation of how the political agendas of the actors involved are shaping agrarian practices. From its initial focus on CA as soil conservation and sustainable agriculture, the framing of the initiative has evolved to accommodate shifting trends in the policy arena. In tandem with the increased focus on climate adaptation, we detect an increasingly strong private sector-led modernisation agenda. The initiative has shifted its target group from the poorest smallholders to prospective commercial farmers, and has forged increasingly strong connections between its farmer-to-farmer extension network and the private input suppliers and service providers. The link between CA and input intensification is reflected in national statistics as a significant association between the practice of conservation tillage and usage of herbicides, pesticides and mineral fertilizer. We argue that environmental and participation agendas are used to buttress CA as an environmentally and socially sustainable alternative agricultural development strategy, while the prevailing practice is the result of a common vision for a private sector-led agricultural 2 development shared between the implementing organisation, the donor and international organisations promoting a new Green Revolution in Africa.

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Hardpan and maize root distribution under conservation and conventional tillage in agro-ecological zone IIa, Zambia

Cited by 2 publications

References 34 publications

Water Infiltration and Moisture in Soils under Conservation and Conventional Agriculture in Agro-Ecological Zone IIa, Zambia

Water Infiltration and Moisture in Soils under Conservation and Conventional Agriculture in Agro-Ecological Zone IIa, Zambia

A climate for commerce: the political agronomy of conservation agriculture in Zambia

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