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In the evaluation of Soil and Water Conservation (SWC) techniques, little attention is paid to the rain water productivity of crops. The aim of this research work, is to assess the combined effects of SWC practices and soil fertility management on rain water productivity of maize hybrid. On-farm experiments were carried out in the districts of Houn...
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Rainfed agriculture has a high yield potential if rainfall and land resources are effectively used. In this study, conventional (NC) and six in-situ water conservation practices were used to cultivate Soybean in 2011 and 2012 in Ile-Ife, Nigeria. The conservation practices are: Tied ridge (TR), Soil bund (BD), Mulch (ML), Mulch plus Soil bund (MLBD...
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... Ensuite deux autres échantillons de 100 g ont été prélevés et séchés à l'étuve de marque RAYPA à 105°C pendant 24 h fin de déterminer le taux de matière sèche (% MS). La production de biomasse en matière sèche a été déterminée par la formule suivante :(kg MS/ha) Avec : Superficie fauchée = 0,de la productivité en biomasse de l'eau de pluie La productivité de l'eau de pluie (PEP) a été calculée à partir de la formule suivante(OUATTARA et al., 2018) :PEP biomasse (kg/ha/mm) = . La quantité d'eau de pluie utilisée est celle correspondant aux pluies tombées pendant la période de développement végétative considérée. ...
Comprendre le comportement des espèces fourragères soumises à des doses de fertilisants est à explorer afin de produire du fourrage en quantité et en qualité. Pour ce faire, des expérimentations ont été conduites dans une station de recherche du Burkina Faso pour évaluer les effets du phosphore, du calcium et du magnésium sur la qualité et la quantité de biomasse de quatre espèces fourragères (Stylosanthes hamata, Stylosanthes guianensis, Brachiaria brizantha et Brachiaria ruziziensis). Les résultats ont montré que les meilleures productions de biomasse de B. brizantha et B. ruziziensis ont été respectivement de : 2,331 t MS/ha pour une dose de P0D0N50 et 0,935 t MS/ha pour une dose de P50D0N0 en juin; 2,613 t MS/ha pour la dose de P0D400N50 et 1,734 t MS/ha pour une dose de P0D0N0 en juillet ; 3,862 t MS/ha pour une dose de P100D400N50 et 2,434 t MS/ha pour une dose de P0D400N0 en août. Les biomasses les plus élevées de S. hamata et S. guianensis ont été respectivement de : 1,857 t MS/ha pour une dose D0P50 et 2,197 t MS/ ha pour la dose de D0P100 en juin ; 4,401 t MS/ha pour la dose de D400P100 et à 5,408 t MS/ ha pour la dose D0P50 en juillet ; 6,063 t MS/ha pour la dose de D0P100 et 9,548 t MS/ha pour la dose D0P50 en août. La composition chimique des fourrages des graminées et des légumineuses a enregistré une baisse des teneurs en MAT, P et Ca au fil des mois. L'augmentation de la productivité de l'eau sur les Brachiarias dépend du niveau d'eau ; par contre celle des Stylosanthes a été indépendante du niveau d'eau. D'une manière générale les fertilisants permettent d'avoir des biomasses de qualité et en quantité importante.
... The productivity of rainfall into biomass PRFB (Ouattara et al., 2018) was calculated using the formula: ...
Seeding density, persistence and contribution to biomass of two forage legumes Aeschynomene histrix Poir. and Stylosanthes hamata (L.) Taub. in a natural pasture Short title: Enrichment of natural pasture with leguminous plants The study aimed to investigate the possibilities to enrich natural pastures in the Sudanian zone of Burkina Faso by introducing Aeschynomene histrix and Stylosanthes hamata, two forage legumes. Thus, the experimental design installed was two blocks within which the treatments were randomly distributed with 6 repetitions. The ten treatments were as follow : natural pasture without legume introduction; natural pasture sown with one of the two legumes or without; two seeding densities of the two legumes (400 feet and 800 feet of legumes/m²); two levels of phosphate fertilization (100 kg P 2 O 5 /ha/yr and 0 kg P 2 O 5 /ha/yr). Results showed that legumes were established with high seedling densities (329-595 plants/m²). The legumes introduced into the pasture had a variable specific contribution between 15 and 30%. A. histrix contributed about 1.1 t DM/ha and 2.9 t DM/ha for the treatments without and with phosphorus application, respectively. P 2 O 5 application particularly increased biomass production in the recipient plots by about 25%, and A. histrix biomass production by about 50%. Phosphorus fertilization improved the biomass contribution of the two legumes where S. hamata gave the best results with 49% and 48% of the biomass without phosphorus input respectively for the two seeding rates. A. histrix and S. hamata improve the fodder available for livestock and at the same time ecologically restore natural rangelands..
... En effet, les cordons pierreux sont des techniques très efficaces de récupération des sols. Selon Roose et al. (2015), les micro-barrages perméables tels que les cordons pierreux améliorent localement l'infiltration, mais surtout réduisent la vitesse du ruissellement (Ouattara et al., 2017) et sa charge solide, donc l'érosion. ...
La dégradation des sols cultivés constitue l’une des contraintes majeures limitant la productivité de l’agriculture en Afrique sub-saharienne et au Burkina Faso. La présente recherche vise une meilleure compréhension des pratiques et perceptions des producteurs agricoles de Samandéni, afin d’aboutir à des solutions d’amélioration de la fertilité des sols. Le thème retenu à cet effet est : Perception de la fertilité des sols et stratégies d’adaptation agricole des producteurs à Samandéni (Burkina Faso). La démarche adoptée a consisté à effectuer des enquêtes socio-économiques par administration de questionnaire auprès de 105 ménages agricoles, et des entretiens auprès de personnes ressources, à des observations directes sur le terrain et à l’analyse des résultats des tests de laboratoire. La recherche a révélé que les paysans sont en majorité conscients de la baisse de fertilité des sols (62%). Leurs stratégies d’adaptation sont l’apport de la fumure organique (25%) et d’engrais minéraux (85%), l’utilisation des cordons pierreux (34%), le recours à la Régénération Naturelle Assistée (RNA) (12%) et à la jachère (10%). Des nouvelles stratégies agricoles doivent être renforcées, prenant en compte les connaissances endogènes des paysans afin d’optimiser les résultats escomptés. The degradation of cultivated soils is one of the major constraints limiting agricultural productivity in sub-Saharan Africa and in Burkina Faso. The present research aims at a better understanding of the practices and perceptions of agricultural producers in Samandéni, in order to find solutions for improving soil fertility. The theme chosen for this research is: Perception of soil fertility and agricultural adaptation strategies of farmers in Samandéni (Burkina Faso). The approach adopted consisted of socio-economic surveys by administering questionnaires to 105 farm households, interviews with resource persons, direct observations in the field and analysis of laboratory test results. The research revealed that the majority of farmers are aware of the decline in soil fertility (62%). Their coping strategies are the use of organic manure (25%) and mineral fertilisers (85%), the use of stone barriers (34%), the use of Assisted Natural Regeneration (ANR) (12%) and fallow (10%). New agricultural strategies need to be strengthened, taking into account the endogenous knowledge of farmers in order to optimise the expected results.
... Water used by the crop is sourced mainly from the soil moisture reserves and rarely meets the crop requirement in drought-prone areas. In the semi-arid regions of SSA, a rainfed maize crop yields ~15 kg ha −1 of grain per 1 mm of evapotranspirated water [5,6]. Thus, the management of soil water from rainfall is crucial to reduce the water deficit in dryland areas. ...
Maize (Zea mays L.) productivity is constrained by water shortages in the predominantly rainfed agriculture of the tropical semi-arid Ruzizi Plain, in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The region is characterized by a high seasonal and inter-annual rainfall variability and a frequent occurrence of consecutive dry days within growing seasons. Consequently, planning water utilization in rainfed agriculture has become complex, as appropriate soil water conservation (SWC) practices are lacking among most smallholder farmers. Identifying practices that increase water use efficiency (WUE) along the slope gradient is crucial for supporting maize production in the region. In this study, we assessed, for three growing seasons, the effectiveness of two SWC practices (tied ridges and Zai pits) in improving the WUE of two maize varieties along three slope gradients (0-2, 2-8, and 8-15%) in the tropical semi-arid Ruzizi Plain. In this area, rainfall amounts (142-289 mm) were consistently below the evapotranspiration demands (356-533 mm) across the three growing seasons. Tied ridges recorded the highest grain yield (2.16 t ha −1) and WUE (15.23 kg mm −1), especially at low slopes, when compared to Zai pits and conventional tillage. For all SWC practices, WUE decreased with the slope gradient (p < 0.01). Furthermore, a decrease in stored soil water (SWS) at silking and maturity stages (milk, dough, and dent stages) negatively affected the WUE. The variety had no significant effect on grain yield and WUE. Root biomass (RBM), shoot biomass (SBM), and leaf area index (LAI) at the flowering stage were the most associated with the WUE (R 2 = 58.5%). In conclusion, tied ridges showed potential for improving maize WUE and yield in the water-deficient conditions that characterize the Ruzizi Plain, and could be promoted to improve the maize productivity among smallholder farmers.
... This result was similar to Mwangi (2011) , the combination of 5 m filter strip with counter farming leads to the reduction of sediment yield by 73% from the baseline value. Ouattara et al. (2017) reported that the combination of soil and water conservation techniques of water and sediment yield is effective in Burkina Faso. Comparison of three scenarios independently, the filter strip showed the maximum reduction of sediment yield in areas. ...
Sediment transport is a complex hydrological phenomenon that influences water resources, ecosystems, soil and water quality. The evaluation of sediment yield and mitigation practices are the mechanism to enhance the water resource potential. The study was aimed at simulating the sediment yield and the impact of three best management scenarios in the Upper and Middle Awash River Basin (UMARB). The Soil and Water Assessment Tool (ArcSWAT 2012) was used to simulate and identify high sediment yield prone areas in the catchment by the implementation of three management practices such as filter strips, terraces, and grassed waterways. The model results indicated a good agreement between observed and simulated streamflow and sediment yield in the baseline scenario. The mean annual sediment yield was 21.43 ton/ha/yr. The implementation of 5 and 10 m filter strips reduced the mean annual sediment yield by 31.68% and 46.6%, respectively. Terraces and grassed waterways were showed a reduction of sediment yield by 19.56% and 16.64%, respectively. Filter strips were found to provide the highest reduction of sediment yield in each sub-basin and the outlet of the catchment. Besides, the combination of the three management scenarios has reduced the values of sediment yield by 50.88% from the baseline, and the mean annual sediment yield becomes 10.53 ton/ha/yr. In these results, the efficiency of soil conservation practices would increase by applying more than two sediment management scenarios in the study area. The study delivered important information for the reduction of sediment yield and implementation of sustainable watershed management in the UMARB.
... This also concurs with previous studies (Kihara et al., 2009) that yield responses to fertility amendments are much higher than the response to the water harvesting technologies alone. Combination of water management and soil fertility improvement as in the case of the use of micro-dosing of N fertiliser with tied ridges in Mozambique (Wall and Thierfelder, 2009) and Zai pits with organic manures in Niger (Fatondji et al., 2009) has resulted to significant yields (Ouattara et al., 2017). ...
Water harvesting technologies and soil conservation measures promote water-nutrient synergy and increase agricultural production in the dryland zones of sub-Saharan Africa. To alleviate water stress, soil fertility decline and reduce runoff, soil and water conservation measures are promising options whose impact on agricultural productivity has not been fully explored. The objective of the study was to assess the effect of using zai pits in combination with selected soil fertility ammendments. An experiment was conducted in Tharaka Nithi County, Kenya to assess effects of using Zai pits in combination with selected amendments on sorghum production. The experiment was set up in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) involving 12 soil and water conservation treatments with three replications per block. Experimental data were subjected to analysis of variance and mean separation done using least significant difference (LSD) at p < 0.05. Zai pit in combination with tithonia amendment had the highest yields of 4.30 Mg ha−1 during short rains season of 2013 while Zai pit in combination with cattle manure had the highest yield of 4.18 Mg ha−1 during short rains season of 2014. Conventional planting with full rate NPK had the highest benefit-cost ratio (BCR) of 3.58 while Zai pit without input had the least BCR of 0.99. The experiment showed that Zai pit technology contributed to increments of yields in comparison to conventional planting although its BCR was lower than conventional planting with similar amendments. However, both Zai pit and conventional practices should be used in combination with organic and inorganic amendments to enhance yields in sorghum production.
... Another study conducted by [77] also relied largely on expert opinion, promote this practice as a restoration method on both soil productivity and climate change adaptation but was limited by financial means. This result from farmers views on the association zai þ mulch is consistent with the argument of several authors such as [33,45,78]. Accordingly, this practice is the most prevalent practice in the south western of Niger. ...
Climate change increases the vulnerability of agrosystems to soil degradation and reduces the effectiveness of traditional soil restoration options. The implementation of some practices need to be readjusted due to steadily increasing temperature and lowering precipitation. For farmers, the best practice found, should have the potential to achieve maximum sustainable levels of soil productivity in the context of climate change. A study was conducted in SouthWest Niger to investigate the use of the suitable practice, through (i) a meta-analysis of case studies, (ii) using field survey and (iii) by using AquaCrop model. Results showed that the effects of the association zaï þ mulch on crop yield was up to 2 times higher than control plots depending on climate projections scenario RCP 8.5 under which carbon dioxide (CO 2) concentrations are projected to reach 936 ppm by 2100. The practice appeared to be an interesting option for enhancing crop productivity in a context of climate change. Concerning its ability, it offers the best prospects to reverse soil degradation in the study area. In addition, the simulation showed that this strategy was suitable for timely sowing and therefore confirmed scholars and farmers views. Furthermore, this practice is relatively more effective compared to the others practices. These results show that association zaï þ mulch could be considered as the best practice that can participate to a successful adaptation to reduce risk from climate change at the same time by reducing the vulnerability of farmers in Southwest of Niger for now and even for the future.
... In the Cotton-4 countries (C4), namely Benin, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Chad, soil tillage and inappropriate management practices cause an accelerated degradation of soil fertility and a decrease of yields which can compromise the cotton production, however, very important in these countries. The rainfall irregularity which characterizes climate changes, involves unfavorable conditions for ploughing, with the consequences of sowing delays, and therefore, a decrease of crops yields (Ouattara et al., 2017). In this context, there is a need to explore DMC for a sustainable alternative of crop production in these countries. ...
ùùTo improve the productivity and sustainability of cotton and cereals based system, direct sowing under mulch was tested for its efficacy on cotton and maize yields on the research station of Farako-Bâ, in Western Burkina Faso. The experimental design was a complete randomized blocks of Fisher with four replications. Conventional tillage by annual moldboard plowing (T7) was compared with direct sowing under mulch-based cropping system (DMC) using maize association with cover crops defined as: maize without cover crop (T1), maize + Brachiaria ruziziensis (T2), maize + B. ruziziensis + Mucuna cochinchinensis (T3), maize + B. ruziziensis + Panicum maximum (T4), maize + B. ruziziensis + Stylosanthes hamata (T5), and maize + Crotalaria juncea (T6). Cover crops were planted 21 days after maize emergence between the rows of this main crop. The biomass produced by the cover crops and maize straws were evaluated as well as maize and cotton yields, during the first 6 years of the study, from 2010 to 2015. Results showed that among cover crops, the biomass production was significantly lower with C. juncea. The associations of cover crops with maize increased significantly the production of total dry matter compared to plots without cover crops, in the conventional tillage. Association with cover crops did not influence significantly nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium contents of maize and the maize's yields even if the depressive effects were recorded. Compared to the conventional tillage, the DMC appeared also effective on seed cotton yields even without a significant improvement during the 6 first years of the study. These promising results, confirm the feasibility in tropical conditions of DMC which must be continued to better analyze its long-term effects on soil properties.
... This was achieved by running the model after adjusting respective simulation parameters for terraces and grassed waterways. The use of an integration of soil and water conservation methods have been shown to improve yields and water productivity in other studies (Ouattara, Serme, Bongoungou, & Zombre, 2017). Simulation results were then compared to those when individual conservation practice is implemented. ...
Recently, there has been a growing need to implement soil and water conservation measures in order to control sediment and water yield from agricultural areas. The objective of this study was to use a modeling approach to evaluate the impacts of structural conservation measures on water and sediment yield from Thika Chania catchment in Central Kenya. The SWAT model was calibrated and validated for stream flow and sediment yield at a gauging station in the catchment. The calibrated model was run to create a base scenario for the simulation of structural conservation methods, i.e. terraces and grassed waterways. Model simulation results indicated that terraces and grassed waterways would significantly impact water and sediment yield at the catchment outlet. Terraces were found to provide the greatest reduction in sediment yield, by 81% from the baseline scenario, while grassed waterways reduced sediment yield by 54%. Terraces indicated a reduction in surface runoff by 30% from the base annual average value of 202 mm. This was attributed to the increased infiltration that was indicated by increase in base flow by 8%. However, grassed waterways did not indicate any significant reduction in water yield. The results of this study show that structural conservation measures could reduce sediment yield from cultivated areas by more than 50% at the sub catchment level. Results also indicated that the effectiveness of structural conservation measures can be increased by implementing more than one method. Structural conservation measures studied in the current study were found to have a positive impact in controlling water and sediment yield in the catchment. However, further studies need to be conducted to evaluate the costs and benefits of implementing them at a small scale.
Abiotic stress is a major cause of the declining crop yield worldwide, especially in tropical agricultural areas. Meeting the global food demand has become a serious challenge, especially in tropical areas, because of soil acidity, Al and Fe toxicity, drought and heat stress, and climate change. In this article, we reviewed several research and review papers from Google Scholar to list the different solutions available for the mitigation of abiotic stress, especially in tropical regions where several major crops, such as maize, sorghum, wheat, rice, soybean, and millet, are affected by abiotic stress and fertilizer input. In particular, Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) has been affected by the low use of fertilizers owing to their high cost. Therefore, soil and plant researchers and farmers have developed many techniques to mitigate the effects of stress and improve the crop yield based on the agroecological zone and crop type. Nutrient management using chemical fertilizers alone or in combination with organic crops is a strategy recommended to cope with abiotic stress and increase the crop yield, particularly in developing countries. Notably, integrated soil fertility management has been effective in semi-arid areas under drought and heat stress and in subhumid and humid areas with high soil acidity and Fe toxicity in Africa. Recent advances in the molecular physiology of various crops considered a staple food in SSA have facilitated the breeding of transgenic tolerant plants with high yield. However, the feasibility and implementation of this technique in the African continent and most tropical developing countries are major issues that can be solved via adequate subsidies and support to farmers. This review can aid in the development of novel strategies to decrease hunger and food insecurity in SSA.
