Differential response to tree fallows in rotational woodlot systems In semi-arid Tanzania: post-fallow maize yield, nutrient uptake, And soil nutrients
| dc.creator | Kimaro, A.A. | |
| dc.creator | Timmer, V.R. | |
| dc.creator | Chamshama, S.A.O. | |
| dc.creator | Mugasha, A.G. | |
| dc.creator | Kimaro, D.A. | |
| dc.date | 2022-09-12T04:59:09Z | |
| dc.date | 2022-09-12T04:59:09Z | |
| dc.date | 2008 | |
| dc.date.accessioned | 2022-10-25T08:51:14Z | |
| dc.date.available | 2022-10-25T08:51:14Z | |
| dc.description | Journal article | |
| dc.description | Agroforestry tree species producing high quality litter may enhance post-fallow soil nutrient availability and crop yields through mineralization of soil organic matter and green manure. A split-plot field experiment was used to evaluate maize yield and soil N and P status after fallowing indigenous and exotic tree species of contrasting litter quality. Responses were compared with recommended inorganic fertilizer use. The objective was to assess efficacy of 5-year tree fallows in improving soil productivity to screen species for increased crop yield under rotational woodlot culture, an agroforestry system mainly used for on-farm fuelwood production in semi-arid Tanzania. Post- fallow maize yield and soil nutrients differed significantly among tree fallows. Low C:N and L:N ratios enhanced nutrient release from slash. Acacia polyacantha (indigenous) and Gliricidia sepium fallows doubled maize yield compared to the natural fallow probably due to high soil N and P levels resulting from net release by high quality foliage. First season maize yield was similar to that from combined N and P fertilizers indicating high capacity of the fallows to improve crop yields and reduce fertilizer inputs usually unaffordable to small-scale farmers. Comparatively low maize yield and soil N and P levels after exotic Acacia crassicarpa and Acacia mangium fallows were attributed to net N immobilization by poor quality litter during growing seasons. This study suggests that rotational woodlot systems utilizing tree species with high litter quality can improve both post-fallow maize yield and soil fertility as well as produce sufficient fuelwood. In this aspect, A. polyacantha would be the most appropriate species. | |
| dc.format | application/pdf | |
| dc.identifier | http://www.suaire.sua.ac.tz/handle/123456789/4541 | |
| dc.identifier.uri | http://hdl.handle.net/123456789/91160 | |
| dc.language | en | |
| dc.publisher | elservier | |
| dc.subject | Acacia | |
| dc.subject | Litter quality | |
| dc.subject | Maize yield | |
| dc.subject | Semi-arid | |
| dc.subject | Semi-arid | |
| dc.subject | Woodlot | |
| dc.title | Differential response to tree fallows in rotational woodlot systems In semi-arid Tanzania: post-fallow maize yield, nutrient uptake, And soil nutrients | |
| dc.type | Article |