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

Abstract

Dire dawa and Harari are one of the area that are subjected to soil erosion and require immediate soil and water conservation measure. To implement this activity, farmlands that are prone to soil erosion was selected in the study area in close collaboration with DAs and farmers. Two FRGs consisting three trial farmers at Harari and two FRGs, with 6 trial farmers at Dire Dawa were established respectively. The trial was conducted following the procedure of RCBD 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 at Harari and dire dawa respectively. 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. Training was given and farmers, DA’s, and woreda experts were participated. Farmers appreciate the integrated physical and biological soil and water conservation measures in terms of design, space and highest. Result indicated that, maize yield, fresh weight of elephant grass, pigeon pea and maize stock biomass data shows an increasing trend across the year. Soil laboratory analysis also shows an increasing trends across yrears especially in the terms of organic matter, available p and total nitrogen. Because of the good bund spacing, and well stabilized soil bund both maize grain and fresh elephant grass and pigeon pea biomass shows an increasing trend across the year.

Keywords: Soil bund, Elephant grass, Pigeon pea, Dire Dawa and Harari Districts.

DOI: 10.7176/FSQM/123-01

Publication date: January 31^st 2024