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The shift of growing season’s onset due to rainfall and seasonal variability are among the climate change impacts
affecting agricultural productivity in semi-arid. Previous studies have also noted the seasonal variations in
planting windows in semi-arid Tanzania. Because of such rainfall variability due to uncertainties of climate
change, farmers face difficulties in determining the appropriate planting dates. Though, climate-smart
agriculture (CSA) practices are reinforced to mitigate such climatic extremes and sustain crop production, there
is limited information on the performance of CSA practices under the uncertainty of planting windows due to
unpredictable rainfall on-set and patterns. This study assessed the effects of CSA practices at different planting
windows on maize growth and nutrient uptakes at Mlali village of Dodoma, Tanzania. A split-plot experimental
design was adopted, treatments involved CSA practices (Chololo pits, tied ridges, intercropping and Oxcultivation – as a control) and/at planting windows (Early, Normal and Late planting). The planting windows
were determined based on previous studies and Tanzania national weather forecasts. The results showed that,
CSA practices had a significant (p < 0.05) effect on maize height and N nutrient uptake. Similar biomass and Mg
nutrient uptake were significantly affected (p < 0.05) by both CSA practices and planting dates though Leaf Area
Index (LAI) were significantly affected (p < 0.05) by planting windows. Chololo pits and tied ridges and late
planting dates had the highest soil moisture, plant heights, and biomass. Ox-cultivation had a slight high N, K
and Mg nutrient uptake followed with Chololo pits and tied ridges. |
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