Evaluation of alternative soil management techniques under intensive cultivation of the Lake Victoria creascent of Uganda

Abstract

Effective evaluation of soil management techniques require consideration of the soil, the crops, the farmers and the environment. Soil productivity in the "fertile crescent" zone around Lake Victoria of Uganda has decreased. It is necessary therefore, to identify acceptable practices necessary in opening the land and subsequently managing the soil for sustainable production of annual crops. A completely randomized block design experiment was set up at Makerere University Agriculture Research Institute Kabanyolo (MUARIK) with three replications. The objective was to evaluate four land clearing methods when interacted with soil management practices. The study which took place on a predominately Kandiudult soil type lasted three years involving rotations of Maize (Population 29) and beans (K20). Chemical, physical and biological soil properties, crop yield and socio-economic data were collected before clearing, after clearing and once every year. It was concluded that the peasant farmer should however, continue practicing traditional management, only that the crop residue should be returned to the field. The richer farmer should practice semi-mechanized operations, with return of crop residue and eventual use of fertilizers.