Modelling of planted legume fallows in Western Kenya. (II) Productivity and sustainability of simulated management strategies |
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Authors: | A P Walker M van Noordwijk G Cadisch |
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Institution: | (1) Institute of Plant Production and Agroecology in the Tropics and Subtropics, University of Hohenheim, 70593 Stuttgart, Germany;(2) World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF), P.O. Box 161, Bogor, 16001, Indonesia |
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Abstract: | Improved fallow is a technology that can help to raise agricultural productivity in systems of poor soil fertility and low
financial capital. Models, once calibrated, can be used to investigate a range of improved fallow systems relatively quickly
and at relatively low cost, helping to direct experimental research towards promising areas of interest. Six fallow crop rotations
were simulated using the WaNuLCAS model in a bimodal rainfall setting in Kenya over a 10 year period: (A) alternating fallow
and crop seasons, (B) one season fallow followed by three seasons crop, (C) one season fallow followed by four seasons crop,
(D–F) 1–3 seasons fallow periods followed by 3–5 seasons crop. The strategies were tested using a number of fallow growth
rates, soil clay contents, and rainfall amounts to determine the interaction of fallow rotation and biophysical variables
on maize (Zea mays (L.)) yield and sustainability (organic matter, N2 fixation, leaching). The best simulated fallow strategies doubled maize yield compared to continuous maize over a 10 year
period. Across all biophysical treatments strategy A and B of no more than three consecutive cropping seasons and of one consecutive
fallow season yielded the most maize. This was because fallow benefits were largely due to the immediate fallow soil fertility
benefit (IFB) rather than the cumulative benefit (CFB). The difference in yield between the two strategies was through a balance
between (1) their interaction with the biophysical variables affecting accumulation of organic matter, hence increasing soil
fertility and (2) the extra intrinsic soil fertility used for maize productivity by the inclusion of more cropping seasons
within the rotation. We propose the following conceptual framework to manage fallows for maximum maize yield: when environmental
factors are strongly limiting to fallow and crop growth then fallow strategy A would be the best strategy to employ (less
risk but more labour) and when factors are less limiting then strategy B would be the best to employ. |
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Keywords: | Computer simulation Organic matter Pedotransfer functions Soil fertility Tropical Water limitation Leaching WaNuLCAS |
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