Participatory Demonstration and Evaluation of Integrated Maize-Forage Production and Soil Conservation through Forage Legumes under Sowing and Grass Strips on Soil Bunds

Abstract

Soil conservation through integrating legumes with grain crops, and grass strips on soil bunds is an important option for food and feed security of human and livestock respectively. Based on this notion, this research activity was conducted with objectives of improve productivity of land and livestock through the integrated conservation and farm management, demonstrate integrated maize-forage production, and practices of soil and water conservation practices and improve soil fertility through the biological and physical conservation practices from 2016 to 2018 main cropping season in selected sites Kile, Adada1 and Wahil kebeles. The trial was conducted following the procedure of Randomized Control Block Design on three farmers’ fields at each site where farmers are used as replication. Soil bunds extending 20m across contour were constructed on each farm of three farmers. The design of structure was based on the slope of the land which encompasses bund height 70cm and bund width 50cm to protect over toping of flood and increases water retention in the soil. This research found that maize yield 2447.2 kg/ha, 3311.13kg/ha and 3808.66kg/ha; fresh weight of elephant grass 15, 400kg/ha, 6150kg/ha and 20,200kg/ha; and pigeon pea 8200kg/ha, 9620kg/ha, 13800kg/ha an increasing trend across sites throughout three years from the constructed soil bund with integrated system. Soil laboratory analysis also shows an increasing organic matter, available phosphorus and nitrogen because of these integrated systems. Therefore, promoting this integrated system is recommended to small holder farmers by government, Nongovernment and other stakeholders.

Key words: Soil bund, Elephant grass, Pigeon pea, Conservation

DOI: 10.7176/FSQM/100-02

Publication date:August 31^st 2020