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1 Erkossa, Teklu. 2011. Tillage effects on physical qualities of a vertisol in the central highlands of Ethiopia. African Journal of Environmental Science and Technology, 5(12):1008-1016. [doi: https://doi.org/10.5897/AJEST10.089]
Soil management ; Field preparation ; Tillage ; Ridge tillage ; Furrows ; Soil analysis ; Soil moisture ; Soil water content ; Hydraulic conductivity ; Highlands ; Rain / Ethiopia
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: e-copy only Record No: H044664)
http://www.academicjournals.org/ajest/PDF/pdf%202011/Dec/Erkossa.pdf
https://vlibrary.iwmi.org/pdf/H044664.pdf
https://vlibrary.iwmi.org/pdf/H044664.pdf
(0.14 MB) (289.9KB)
In the highlands of Ethiopia, tillage methods and frequency affect drainage, soil erosion, moisture conservation, weeding and harvesting of crops. This is through their effects on soil physical, chemical and biological qualities. In this study, four tillage methods for land preparation, “broad bed and furrows”,” green manure”, “reduced tillage “and the traditional tillage “ridge and furrows” were evaluated for their effects on soil physical quality indicators. The study was superimposed on the field experiment conducted on a vertisol area at Caffee doonsa for five years (1998 to 2002) in the central highland of Ethiopia. Penetration resistance (PR), aggregate stability, water-holding capacity, crust strength and thickness, texture, porosity, saturated hydraulic conductivity, bulk density and water holding capacity were the soil physical quality indicators considered. The result indicated that only PR was significantly (p<0.05) affected, where as the other parameter have shown a slight changes that are consistent with the effects on the bio-chemical parameters as previously reported. Broad bed furrows, and reduced tillage resulted in the highest and the lowest PR, respectively under both the moist and dry soil conditions. Green manure increased aggregate stability and reduced surface crust strength, which was linked to its increased organic matter content and consequent improved microbial activities.
2 Erkossa, T.; Itanna, F.; Stahr, K. 2006. Tillage effects on sediment enrichment, soil quality, and crop productivity in Ethiopian Highlands. Australian Journal of Soil Research, 44(8):753-758. [doi: https://doi.org/ 10.1071/SR06065]
Tillage ; Sediment ; Soil quality ; Crop production ; Highlands ; Vertisols ; Chemicophysical properties ; Indicators ; Erosion ; Field preparation / Ethiopia / Caffee Doonsa
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: e-copy only Record No: H044813)
(0.10 MB)
The promotion and adoption of new tillage practices requires that their potential on-site, off-site, and economic effects are acceptable. Consequently, a field experiment was conducted at Caffee Doonsa (2400m a.s.l.; 08 57N, 39 06E) in the Central Highlands of Ethiopia for 6 years (1998–2003) to evaluate the effects of tillage practices on sustainable productivity and quality of the soil. Four tillage methods [broad bed and furrows (BBF), green manure (GM), ridge and furrows (RF), and reduced tillage (RT)]were arranged in a randomised complete block design with 3 replications on permanent plots (22m by 6 m). Three crops comprising durum wheat (Triticum durum Desf.), lentil (Lens culinaries Medik), and tef (Eragrostis tef), were sown in rotation. Relative crop productivity index (RPI), financial profitability, the nutrient enrichment ratio (ER) of the eroded sediment, and soil quality index (SQI) were used as performance indicators. With its highest RPI, the use of BBF significantly increased the grain yield of lentils by 59% compared with the control, and RT resulted in the highest grain yield of wheat and tef. Economically, BBF was the most profitable option for lentils with 65% increase in gross margin, whereas RT resulted in 11% and 8% increase in that of wheat and tef, respectively. The ER indicated that the nutrient and organic matter content of the eroded sediment was always greater than that of surface soil, but there were no consistent effects associated with the treatments. The SQI showed a positive trend for GM, BBF, and RT, but differences were not statistically different at P=0.05. Overall, none of the tillage treatments was superior, but we encourage use of BBF and RT because of their positive productivity and economic trends. Further research is needed to tap the potential soil quality improvements anticipated for the GM treatment. To optimise the overall benefits, a complete system has to be developed, perhaps using BBF for lentils followed by RT for wheat and tef.
3 Erkossa, T.; Itanna, F.; Stahr, K. 2007. Indexing soil quality: a new paradigm in soil science research. Australian Journal of Soil Research, 45(2):129-137. [doi: https://doi.org/10.1071/SR06064]
Soil management ; Soil quality ; Soil analysis ; Tillage ; Indicators ; Field preparation ; Land management ; Highlands ; Vertisols ; Cropping systems / Ethiopia / Caffee Doonsa
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: e-copy only Record No: H044814)
(0.14 MB)
Soil quality indexing is a new approach in spatial and temporal evaluation of land management systems effects on soils’ capacity to function. A field experiment was conducted at Caffee Doonsa (2400 m a.s.l., 08°57'N, 39°06'E) for 6 years (1998–2003) to compare the effects of land preparation methods on soil quality (SQ) and to test the use of the Soil Management Assessment Framework (SMAF) in assessing SQ under the Ethiopian Central Highlands conditions. Four methods of land preparation [broad bed and furrows (BBF), green manure (GM), ridge and furrows (RF), and reduced tillage (RT)] were arranged in a randomised complete block design with 3 replications on permanent plots (22 m by 6 m). Physical, chemical, and biological SQ indicators were determined and scored, and a soil quality index (SQI) was developed using the SMAF procedures. Seven SQ indicators including microbial biomass carbon (MBC), bulk density, aggregate stability (AGG), soil organic carbon (Corg), pH, available water capacity (AWC), and available phosphorus were selected as a minimum dataset. The scored values of the indicators ranged from 0.21 for AGG and 0.97 for pH, both under BBF. Compared with RF (control), all the alternatives (GM, BBF, and RT) increased the scores of Corg and MBC. Moreover, BBF and GM increased the score values of AWC and AGG, respectively. Consequently, there was a non-significant increase in SQI due to the use of GM, BBF, and RT compared with the control. As a result, the land preparation methods may be preferred in a decreasing order GM = BBF = RT = RF for the management goal of crop production. The study indicated that SMAF could be a robust tool to assess the performance of land management methods on soil quality in the study area, but some modifications may be required to fit to the prevailing cropping system and soil characteristics.
4 Erkossa, T.; Stahr, K.; Gaiser, T. 2005. Effect of different methods of land preparation on runoff, soil and nutrient losses from a Vertisol in the Ethiopian highlands. Soil Use and Management, 21(2):253-259. [doi: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1475-2743.2005.tb00132.x]
Field preparation ; Rain ; Runoff ; Soil management ; Erosion ; Nutrients ; Highlands ; Vertisols ; Waterlogging ; Crop yield ; Tillage ; Erosion / Ethiopia / Caffee Doonsaa
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: e-copy only Record No: H044815)
(0.11 MB)
Vertisols are among the most common, high-potential soils in the central highlands of Ethiopia, where over 88% of human and 77% of the livestock population are located. Productivity from these soils is constrained by severe waterlogging due to their physical properties and intensive rainfall in summer. Traditionally, farmers plant late in the season to avoid the waterlogging, which results in harvest yields that are far below optimal. To bridge this yield gap, the broad-bed and furrow system for surface drainage has been introduced. Despite reported yields of various crops, little is known of the on-site and off-site impacts of this system. Consequently, four land preparation methods viz. (i) broad-bed and furrow (BBF), (ii) green manure (GM), (iii) the traditional system of ridge and furrow (RF) and (iv) reduced tillage (RT) were compared on standard runoff plots for 5 years (1998–2002) at Caffee Doonsaa in the central Highlands of Ethiopia. Runoff, sediment, organic carbon and nutrient (organic nitrogen and available phosphorus) losses were determined during the last two years (2001 and 2002). Over 50% of the seasonal rainfall was lost as runoff, regardless of the treatment, with significantly more of the excess water running off BBF and RT treatments in both years. The BBF system drained 67% and 54% of rainfall as runoff in 2001 and 2002, respectively, compared with 61% and 53% from the RT system during the measurement period. Although not statistically significant, the largest sediment and total nutrient losses tended to be from the BBF. The effect of the treatments on total nutrient loss and enrichment ratio was inconsistent. The nutrient concentration in the eroded sediment was greater than that of the originating surface soil but was strongly correlated. The effect of the land preparation methods was significant and varied with crops. Recommended options for best crop productivity are BBF for lentil and RT for wheat and tef.
5 Erkossa, T.; Stahr, K.; Gaiser, T. 2006. Soil tillage and crop productivity on a Vertisol in Ethiopian highlands. Soil and Tillage Research, 85(1-2):200-211. [doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.still.2005.01.009]
Soil management ; Tillage ; Field preparation ; Crop production ; Vertisols ; Highlands ; Furrows ; Green manures ; Agronomic characters ; Economic aspects / Ethiopia / Caffee Doonsa
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: e-copy only Record No: H044818)
(0.16 MB)
Soil quality deterioration and consequent reduced productivity characterize the Vertisols in the highlands of Ethiopia. The problem is exacerbated by lack of appropriate land preparation alternatives for the major crops in the area. A field experiment was carried out for 6 years (1998–2003) at Caffee Doonsa in the central highlands of Ethiopia to evaluate alternative land preparation methods on the performance of wheat (Triticum durum Desf.), lentil (Lens culinaries Medik L) and tef (Eragrostis tef L) grown in rotation. Four methods of land preparation (broad bed and furrow, green manure, ridge and furrow and reduced tillage) were arranged in a randomized complete block design with three replications on permanent plots of 22 m by 6 m. Broad bed and furrow significantly increased the grain yield of lentils by 59% (from 1029 to 1632 kg ha1) as compared to the control. On the other hand, reduced tillage resulted in the highest grain yield of wheat (1862 kg ha1) and tef (1378 kg ha1) as compared to 1698 kg ha1 of wheat and 1274 kg ha1 of tef for the control although the increase was not statistically significant. A gross margin analysis showed that BBF is the most profitable option for lentil with 65% increase in total gross margin. On the other hand, RT resulted in 11 and 8% increase in gross margin of wheat and tef, respectively as compared to the control. Based on the agronomic and economic performances best combinations of crop and land preparation method were: lentil sown on broad bed and furrow, and wheat and tef sown after reduced tillage.
6 Sri Lanka. Department of Agriculture (DOA); Sri Lanka Council for Agricultural Research Policy (SLCARP); Disaster Management Centre (DMC); United Nations Development Programme (UNDP); International Water Management Institute (IWMI). 2011. Practitioners’ guide book on the best agricultural practices for drought and floods in Sri Lanka [Guide book development team includes B.R. Ariyaratne of IWMI]. Colombo, Sri Lanka: Department of Agriculture (DOA). 281p. (Also in Sinhalese and Tamil).
Agriculture ; Climate change ; Natural disasters ; Risks ; Rain ; Drought ; Flooding ; Soils ; Soil moisture ; Crop management ; Cropping systems ; Rainfed farming ; Irrigated farming ; Field preparation ; Rice ; Land management ; Land use ; Erosion ; Watershed management ; Water management ; Water users ; Decision making ; Biodiversity ; Agroecology ; Living standards ; Arid zones ; Irrigation management ; Irrigation systems ; Wells ; Farmers ; Guidelines ; Pest management ; Fungal diseases / Sri Lanka
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: CD col Record No: H046082)
(90.06 MB) (89.94MB)
7 Sri Lanka. Department of Agriculture (DOA); Sri Lanka Council for Agricultural Research Policy (SLCARP); Disaster Management Centre (DMC); United Nations Development Programme (UNDP); International Water Management Institute (IWMI). 2011. Practitioners’ guide book on the best agricultural practices for drought and floods in Sri Lanka. In Sinhalese. [Guide book development team includes B.R. Ariyaratne of IWMI]. Colombo, Sri Lanka: Department of Agriculture (DOA). 281p. (Also in English and Tamil).
Agriculture ; Climate change ; Natural disasters ; Risks ; Rain ; Drought ; Flooding ; Soils ; Soil moisture ; Crop management ; Cropping systems ; Rainfed farming ; Irrigated farming ; Field preparation ; Rice ; Land management ; Land use ; Erosion ; Watershed management ; Water management ; Water users ; Decision making ; Biodiversity ; Agroecology ; Living standards ; Arid zones ; Irrigation management ; Irrigation systems ; Wells ; Farmers ; Guidelines ; Pest management ; Fungal diseases / Sri Lanka
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: IWMI Record No: H046083)
(82.58 MB)
8 Sri Lanka. Department of Agriculture (DOA); Sri Lanka Council for Agricultural Research Policy (SLCARP); Disaster Management Centre (DMC); United Nations Development Programme (UNDP); International Water Management Institute (IWMI). 2011. Practitioners’ guide book on the best agricultural practices for drought and floods in Sri Lanka. In Tamil. [Guide book development team includes B.R. Ariyaratne of IWMI]. Colombo, Sri Lanka: Department of Agriculture (DOA). 280p. (Also in English and Sinhalese).
Agriculture ; Climate change ; Natural disasters ; Risks ; Rain ; Drought ; Flooding ; Soils ; Soil moisture ; Crop management ; Cropping systems ; Rainfed farming ; Irrigated farming ; Field preparation ; Rice ; Land management ; Land use ; Erosion ; Watershed management ; Water management ; Water users ; Decision making ; Biodiversity ; Agroecology ; Living standards ; Arid zones ; Irrigation management ; Irrigation systems ; Wells ; Farmers ; Guidelines ; Pest management ; Fungal diseases / Sri Lanka
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: CD col Record No: H046084)
(61.76 MB)
9 Buisson, Marie-Charlotte; MacDonald, K.; Saikia, Panchali; Balasubramanya, Soumya; Aslamy, Sohrob; Horbulyk, Theodore. 2016. Impact of water users associations on water and land productivity, equity and food security in Tajikistan. Mid-term Technical Report. Colombo, Sri Lanka: International Water Management Institute (IWMI). 102p.
Water user associations ; Water productivity ; Water governance ; Water management ; Water availability ; Water supply ; Water rates ; Land productivity ; Equity ; Food security ; Household food security ; Role of women ; Women's participation ; Female labour ; Farmers ; Irrigation water ; Irrigation management ; Small scale farming ; Agriculture ; Cultivated land ; Private farm ; Field preparation ; Decision making ; Community organizations ; Crops ; Labour / Tajikistan
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: e-copy only Record No: H047854)
(3.57 MB)
10 Coslet, C.; Goodbody, S.; Guccione, C. 2017. FAO/WFP crop and food security assessment mission to Sri Lanka. Special report. Rome, Italy: FAO; World Food Programme (WFP). 44p.
Crop production ; Household food security ; Assessment ; Water availability ; Irrigation schemes ; Seasonal cropping ; Cereals ; Rice ; Maize ; Vegetables ; Seeds ; Fertilizers ; Field preparation ; Crop yield ; Livestock production ; Agricultural prices ; Markets ; Economic growth ; Living standards ; Food supply ; Food consumption ; Rain ; Flooding ; Drought / Sri Lanka
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: e-copy only Record No: H048199)
(2.53 MB) (2.53 MB)
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