Tillage systems and soil properties in east Africa

doi:10.1016/0167-1987(93)90063-U

Soil and Tillage Research

Volume 27, Issues 1–4, October 1993, Pages 95-104

https://doi.org/10.1016/0167-1987(93)90063-U Get rights and content

Abstract

This paper defines tillage, indicating that as it is mostly a physical concern of the soil, it has not been studied as much as chemically related soil properties. Tillage in shifting cultivation is also reviewed. Different tillage systems in a number of east African Countries namely Tanzania, Malawi, Botswana, Kenya, Zambia and Uganda are reviewed. The types of tillage in their respective soils are discussed in each Country. Uganda's tillage practices for the main food crop (banana) are discussed, pointing out the crop's rooting system in relation to the heavy, relatively fertile soils, where the bananas are mostly grown. The paper distinguishes between tillage to avoid soil compaction and tillage to reduce soil crusting or hardening and concludes that more research should be carried out on tillage practices relating to heavy soils as it affects the different types of crops, as most of the previous tillage research had been carried out on relatively light soils. Soil crusting or hardening which may involve an understanding of the physical, chemical and biological properties of the soil, should also receive more attention.

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Tillage systems and soil properties in east Africa

Abstract

Field Crops Res.

Lunnyu Soils

Soil Management and Degradation

J. Soil Sci.

Towards optimizing soil physical characteristics for sustained production from soils in the tropics

The effect of the Holt Basin Lister (Mark × Model) on soil structure

East African Agric. For. J.

Decomposition of Carbon-14 labelled plant material under tropical conditions

Soil Sci. Soc. Am. J.

The effect of preplant roller-traffic on soil compaction, root growth and yield of maize in no-till and discing systems on an Alfisol

Role of mulching techniques in tropical soil and water management

IITA Technical Bulletin No. I Ibadan, Nigeria, IITA

Surface soil degradation and management strategies for sustained productivity in the tropics. IBSRAM. 1987

Effects of methods of seedbed preparation, mulching and time of planting on yam in western Nigeria

Progress Reports from Experiment Stations

A long-term experiment on soil fertility and cotton yield in Tanzania

Exper. Agric.