Soil fertility replenishment through agroforestry systems in two contrasting agro-ecological zones of Zimbabwe.

Abstract

The main limiting nutrient in most communal areas of Zimbabwe is nitrogen (N). There is also deterioration of soil physical properties without continual addition of organic matter to the soil. Soil fertility replenishment through agroforestry technologies such as biomass transfer and improved fallows are discussed in terms of their potential to alleviate N limitations to increase maize yield. Various management practices to enhance the nutrient use efficiency on these systems are discussed. Areas of future resources are suggested.


Transactions of the Zimbabwe Scientific Association Volume 72 (Supplement) 1998, pp. 31-42