Tools and techniques to maximize profits and build resilient farming systems and improve natural resources management in Zambia
By Sebastian Scott – Grassroots Trust
A look inot the histroy of Permaculture adn its roots. Then a look into the state of the world very briefly. Following that an examination of each of the principles laid out by Bill Mollison in the book Introduction to Permaculture. Finally ending with a few pictures that provide looks into Permaculture Management techniques reflecting these design principles.
A look inot the histroy of Permaculture adn its roots. Then a look into the state of the world very briefly. Following that an examination of each of the principles laid out by Bill Mollison in the book Introduction to Permaculture. Finally ending with a few pictures that provide looks into Permaculture Management techniques reflecting these design principles.
We are a cooperative of climate and environmental services! Our high food productivity is a consequence of nature's regeneration inside our crops. Plante Chuva (Plant Rain) is a cooperative for climatic and environmental regeneration, based on syntropic agricultural production, family farming, the promotion of machinery and other modern technologies, and the holding and verticalization of the productive arrangement.
It means that we are an agricultural cooperative with many sectors and many families involved, which instead of producing in a conventional way, produces from organized planting and systematic management of trees in the agricultural area (food production). With this type of cultivation, it is possible to make it rain, recover the rivers and cool the climate, make the soil more fertile through the deposit of organic matter in the place, and harvest more food than conventional agriculture, which will consequently be free of pesticides.
We are looking for your support to pilot Plante Chuva, validate it, and take off to "plant rain" all over Brazil, and worldwide.
Consultation on Peace, Freedom from Hunger, and Sustainable Development: The Ethical Dimensions M. S. Swaminathan Research Foundation, MSRRF,Chennai, India
With a rising world population and declining soil fertility, we could soon be facing a very real food crisis. There are alternatives to the current industrial food system - here's a few to ponder.
Introduction To Permaculture Weekend CourseKat Szuminska
An introduction to Permaculture Course first given at the Hawkesbury Earthcare Centre in April 2009
http://www.earthcare.org.au/intropermcourse by Penny & Karim http://caughtintheart.blogspot.com/
& Kat http://twitter.com/katska
The course is based on Bill Mollison's "Introduction to Permaculture" http://www.tagari.com/item.php?itemid=156
Contents:
Introduction
Definition of Green Revolution
History of Green Revolution
Methods used in Green Revolution
Basic Elements in Method of Green Revolution
Causes of Green Revolution
Effects of Green Revolution
Result/ Evaluation of Green Revolution
Advantages of Green Revolution
Limitations of Green Revolution
Reasonable Supplements to Traditional Farming
Touches on why traditional farming alone will not sustain us in the future and what some solutions are - such as hydroponics, vertical farming, and aquaponics.
With a rising world population and declining soil fertility, we could soon be facing a very real food crisis. There are alternatives to the current industrial food system - here's a few to ponder.
Building Brand Community & Authenticity John Roulac
We First Brand Leadership Summit – building a social marketing plan for 2015 together.
"Getting your social marketing right is no easy task with technology and consumer behavior changing so quickly. That’s why we put together a very special, annual 2-day training event where experts from the smartest and most successful brands in the world come together to build a Social Branding Blueprint with you."
John Roulac's deck at the 2014 Brand Leadership Summit in Beverly Hills, CA. Helping companies create a social marketing roadmap for 2015.
CAMBRIDGE GEOGRAPHY A2 - PRODUCTION, LOCATION AND CHANGE: THE GREEN REVOLUTIONGeorge Dumitrache
CAMBRIDGE GEOGRAPHY A2 - PRODUCTION, LOCATION AND CHANGE: THE GREEN REVOLUTION. It contains: green revolution, Norman Bourlag, green revolution in Mexico, India, Brazil, Philippines. Effects on food security, Malthusian criticism, the environmental impact.
Ecosystem Investing and Financial Permaculture - practical solutions for a regenerative economic future. Learn more at http://www.regenerativedesigns.wordpress.com
Pasture Cropping - Profitable Regenerative Agriculture Presented by Colin SeisDiegoFooter
Colin will discuss pasture cropping. Colin is the pioneer – developer of “Pasture Cropping” which is a perennial cover cropping method of sowing cereal crops directly into perennial pastures. It combines grazing animals and multispecies crops , into a single land use method where each one benefits the other economically, environmentally and ecologically. Colin Seis owns a 2000-acre farm “Winona” which is situated north of Gulgong on the central slopes of NSW Australia. ‘Winona’ runs 4000 merino sheep and grows crops like, oats, wheat , cereal rye, brassica, pea and vetch.
We are a cooperative of climate and environmental services! Our high food productivity is a consequence of nature's regeneration inside our crops. Plante Chuva (Plant Rain) is a cooperative for climatic and environmental regeneration, based on syntropic agricultural production, family farming, the promotion of machinery and other modern technologies, and the holding and verticalization of the productive arrangement.
It means that we are an agricultural cooperative with many sectors and many families involved, which instead of producing in a conventional way, produces from organized planting and systematic management of trees in the agricultural area (food production). With this type of cultivation, it is possible to make it rain, recover the rivers and cool the climate, make the soil more fertile through the deposit of organic matter in the place, and harvest more food than conventional agriculture, which will consequently be free of pesticides.
We are looking for your support to pilot Plante Chuva, validate it, and take off to "plant rain" all over Brazil, and worldwide.
Consultation on Peace, Freedom from Hunger, and Sustainable Development: The Ethical Dimensions M. S. Swaminathan Research Foundation, MSRRF,Chennai, India
With a rising world population and declining soil fertility, we could soon be facing a very real food crisis. There are alternatives to the current industrial food system - here's a few to ponder.
Introduction To Permaculture Weekend CourseKat Szuminska
An introduction to Permaculture Course first given at the Hawkesbury Earthcare Centre in April 2009
http://www.earthcare.org.au/intropermcourse by Penny & Karim http://caughtintheart.blogspot.com/
& Kat http://twitter.com/katska
The course is based on Bill Mollison's "Introduction to Permaculture" http://www.tagari.com/item.php?itemid=156
Contents:
Introduction
Definition of Green Revolution
History of Green Revolution
Methods used in Green Revolution
Basic Elements in Method of Green Revolution
Causes of Green Revolution
Effects of Green Revolution
Result/ Evaluation of Green Revolution
Advantages of Green Revolution
Limitations of Green Revolution
Reasonable Supplements to Traditional Farming
Touches on why traditional farming alone will not sustain us in the future and what some solutions are - such as hydroponics, vertical farming, and aquaponics.
With a rising world population and declining soil fertility, we could soon be facing a very real food crisis. There are alternatives to the current industrial food system - here's a few to ponder.
Building Brand Community & Authenticity John Roulac
We First Brand Leadership Summit – building a social marketing plan for 2015 together.
"Getting your social marketing right is no easy task with technology and consumer behavior changing so quickly. That’s why we put together a very special, annual 2-day training event where experts from the smartest and most successful brands in the world come together to build a Social Branding Blueprint with you."
John Roulac's deck at the 2014 Brand Leadership Summit in Beverly Hills, CA. Helping companies create a social marketing roadmap for 2015.
CAMBRIDGE GEOGRAPHY A2 - PRODUCTION, LOCATION AND CHANGE: THE GREEN REVOLUTIONGeorge Dumitrache
CAMBRIDGE GEOGRAPHY A2 - PRODUCTION, LOCATION AND CHANGE: THE GREEN REVOLUTION. It contains: green revolution, Norman Bourlag, green revolution in Mexico, India, Brazil, Philippines. Effects on food security, Malthusian criticism, the environmental impact.
Ecosystem Investing and Financial Permaculture - practical solutions for a regenerative economic future. Learn more at http://www.regenerativedesigns.wordpress.com
Pasture Cropping - Profitable Regenerative Agriculture Presented by Colin SeisDiegoFooter
Colin will discuss pasture cropping. Colin is the pioneer – developer of “Pasture Cropping” which is a perennial cover cropping method of sowing cereal crops directly into perennial pastures. It combines grazing animals and multispecies crops , into a single land use method where each one benefits the other economically, environmentally and ecologically. Colin Seis owns a 2000-acre farm “Winona” which is situated north of Gulgong on the central slopes of NSW Australia. ‘Winona’ runs 4000 merino sheep and grows crops like, oats, wheat , cereal rye, brassica, pea and vetch.
Presentation by Sara Scherr (President, EcoAgriculture Partners) at the May 15, 2013 event "Natural Resource Management and Food Security for a Growing Population". For more information visit: http://www.wri.org/event/2013/05/natural-resource-management-and-food-security-growing-population
restoring the soil physical structure and chemical fertility, improving soil organic C and therefore, sustaining the system productivity. Nitrogen fixers and phosphate solubilizer contribute through biological fixation of nitrogen, solubilization of fixed nutrients and enhanced uptake of plant nutrients (Gupta et al., 2003).
INM tries to reduce the need for chemical fertilizers by taking advantages of non-chemical sources of nutrients such as the manures, composts and bio-fertilizers (Gopalasundaram et al., 2012). Bio-fertilizers application not only increases plants growth and yield, but increase soil microbial population and activity; resulting in improved soil fertility (Ramesh et al., 2014). They include free-living bacteria which promote plant growth even in polluted soils. Azospirillum, Azotobacter, Pseudomonas, Bacillus and Thiobacillus are examples of these bacteria (Zahir et al., 2004). Niess (2002) reported that plant growth promoting bacteria reduced the toxicity of heavy metals and increased plant growth and yield.
Intercropping has been in practice for centuries to sustain yield, minimize risk, utilize the lag phase, and improve productivity (Rao, 2000). It reported that physico-chemical changes in soil under pure and alley cropping with Leucaena leucocephala (after six year) and found that alley cropping more suitable than pure crop (Gangwar et al., 2004).
Presentation by Abdoulaye Mando at the May 15, 2013 event "Natural Resource Management and Food Security for a Growing Population". For more information visit: http://www.wri.org/event/2013/05/natural-resource-management-and-food-security-growing-population
This was done as a student presentation using photographs & content from various web sites & textbooks on the assumption of fair usage for studying & is for NON-COMMERCIAL purposes.
Lets take an adventure into the world of sustainable farming by Clare Liang &...Art4Agriculture
Why is it important to study agriculture?
Good Question says Clare and Helena.
Well its a good start to solving the looming food shortage crisis they tell us
See if you agree
Speaker: Khidhir Abbas Hameed,
Al Mishkhab Rice Research Station
Title: System of Rice Intensification SRI
Date: December 9, 2020
Organizer: Central and West Asian Rice Center (CWA Rice)
Venue: online
Multilayer Cropping : Ideal approach for better yield and increasing farm incomeAntaraPramanik
In India mostly farmers (about 85%)comes under small and marginal farmers. In near future, availability of land for cultivation will be reduce with increasing population and rapid urbanization, degradation of land due to soil erosion and soil salinity.
As per estimate, in India more than 95% holding will be under the category of small and marginal holders by 2050 (Agrawal R.L., 1995) .
For solution of this problem, multi storied cropping system will be a potential and efficient option to provide food, nutritional and income security to the growing population of India (Awasthi O.P. et.al., 2008) . This has possible because of the diverse agro climatic condition, enormous biodiversity, wide variation in soil fertility, large cultivable land area in the geographical boundary of India. Multi-layer Cropping is a system of growing crops together of different heights at the same time on the same piece of land. It is also referred as multi-storied cropping or multi-tier cropping. Multilayer Cropping is based on the principle of high-density planting and making the ultimate and efficient use of manure, water, land, labour and vertical space.
This system of cropping also works on the principles of minimization of production cost and inputs use, development of organic and sustainable farming system in order to mitigate the use of chemicals and ensuring the food and nutritional security to each household.
Multilayer system of cropping is sustainable method of cropping that is cost effective and requires less labour . Therefore, people should be made aware of this type of farming system.
We know that many farmers in different countries are unwillingly killing themselves because they work hard in their land but they don’t get good production.
Farmers who are willing to do work are deprived of different resources like irrigation and good area of agricultural land. In this scenario, they can be motivated to do multi-layer system of cropping which can ultimately solves all these problem.
This system of cropping can helps to uplift the economic condition of farmer. The Multilayer Cropping System is indeed a boon to small & marginal farmers.
Fruit trees for improved nutrition and livelihoodsFMNR Hub
• Fruit diversity on farms for improved diets and nutrition: A household tree portfolio approach. Stepha McMullin, World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF), Kenya
• Nutritional value of some indigenous fruits and nuts growing in Southern Africa, Mangani Katundu, University of Malawi
• Quality seed and seedling systems. Ramni Jamnadass, World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF), Kenya
• Improving access to fruits for nutrition through better fruit orchard management. Simon Mng’omba, World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF), Malawi.
• Strengthening markets and value addition of fruits for nutrition and livelihoods: a private sector case study- Malawi Mangoes. Wilson Gondwe
"Understanding the Carbon Cycle: Processes, Human Impacts, and Strategies for...MMariSelvam4
The carbon cycle is a critical component of Earth's environmental system, governing the movement and transformation of carbon through various reservoirs, including the atmosphere, oceans, soil, and living organisms. This complex cycle involves several key processes such as photosynthesis, respiration, decomposition, and carbon sequestration, each contributing to the regulation of carbon levels on the planet.
Human activities, particularly fossil fuel combustion and deforestation, have significantly altered the natural carbon cycle, leading to increased atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations and driving climate change. Understanding the intricacies of the carbon cycle is essential for assessing the impacts of these changes and developing effective mitigation strategies.
By studying the carbon cycle, scientists can identify carbon sources and sinks, measure carbon fluxes, and predict future trends. This knowledge is crucial for crafting policies aimed at reducing carbon emissions, enhancing carbon storage, and promoting sustainable practices. The carbon cycle's interplay with climate systems, ecosystems, and human activities underscores its importance in maintaining a stable and healthy planet.
In-depth exploration of the carbon cycle reveals the delicate balance required to sustain life and the urgent need to address anthropogenic influences. Through research, education, and policy, we can work towards restoring equilibrium in the carbon cycle and ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come.
Micro RNA genes and their likely influence in rice (Oryza sativa L.) dynamic ...Open Access Research Paper
Micro RNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs molecules having approximately 18-25 nucleotides, they are present in both plants and animals genomes. MiRNAs have diverse spatial expression patterns and regulate various developmental metabolisms, stress responses and other physiological processes. The dynamic gene expression playing major roles in phenotypic differences in organisms are believed to be controlled by miRNAs. Mutations in regions of regulatory factors, such as miRNA genes or transcription factors (TF) necessitated by dynamic environmental factors or pathogen infections, have tremendous effects on structure and expression of genes. The resultant novel gene products presents potential explanations for constant evolving desirable traits that have long been bred using conventional means, biotechnology or genetic engineering. Rice grain quality, yield, disease tolerance, climate-resilience and palatability properties are not exceptional to miRN Asmutations effects. There are new insights courtesy of high-throughput sequencing and improved proteomic techniques that organisms’ complexity and adaptations are highly contributed by miRNAs containing regulatory networks. This article aims to expound on how rice miRNAs could be driving evolution of traits and highlight the latest miRNA research progress. Moreover, the review accentuates miRNAs grey areas to be addressed and gives recommendations for further studies.
Characterization and the Kinetics of drying at the drying oven and with micro...Open Access Research Paper
The objective of this work is to contribute to valorization de Nephelium lappaceum by the characterization of kinetics of drying of seeds of Nephelium lappaceum. The seeds were dehydrated until a constant mass respectively in a drying oven and a microwawe oven. The temperatures and the powers of drying are respectively: 50, 60 and 70°C and 140, 280 and 420 W. The results show that the curves of drying of seeds of Nephelium lappaceum do not present a phase of constant kinetics. The coefficients of diffusion vary between 2.09.10-8 to 2.98. 10-8m-2/s in the interval of 50°C at 70°C and between 4.83×10-07 at 9.04×10-07 m-8/s for the powers going of 140 W with 420 W the relation between Arrhenius and a value of energy of activation of 16.49 kJ. mol-1 expressed the effect of the temperature on effective diffusivity.
WRI’s brand new “Food Service Playbook for Promoting Sustainable Food Choices” gives food service operators the very latest strategies for creating dining environments that empower consumers to choose sustainable, plant-rich dishes. This research builds off our first guide for food service, now with industry experience and insights from nearly 350 academic trials.
Diabetes is a rapidly and serious health problem in Pakistan. This chronic condition is associated with serious long-term complications, including higher risk of heart disease and stroke. Aggressive treatment of hypertension and hyperlipideamia can result in a substantial reduction in cardiovascular events in patients with diabetes 1. Consequently pharmacist-led diabetes cardiovascular risk (DCVR) clinics have been established in both primary and secondary care sites in NHS Lothian during the past five years. An audit of the pharmaceutical care delivery at the clinics was conducted in order to evaluate practice and to standardize the pharmacists’ documentation of outcomes. Pharmaceutical care issues (PCI) and patient details were collected both prospectively and retrospectively from three DCVR clinics. The PCI`s were categorized according to a triangularised system consisting of multiple categories. These were ‘checks’, ‘changes’ (‘change in drug therapy process’ and ‘change in drug therapy’), ‘drug therapy problems’ and ‘quality assurance descriptors’ (‘timer perspective’ and ‘degree of change’). A verified medication assessment tool (MAT) for patients with chronic cardiovascular disease was applied to the patients from one of the clinics. The tool was used to quantify PCI`s and pharmacist actions that were centered on implementing or enforcing clinical guideline standards. A database was developed to be used as an assessment tool and to standardize the documentation of achievement of outcomes. Feedback on the audit of the pharmaceutical care delivery and the database was received from the DCVR clinic pharmacist at a focus group meeting.
Willie Nelson Net Worth: A Journey Through Music, Movies, and Business Venturesgreendigital
Willie Nelson is a name that resonates within the world of music and entertainment. Known for his unique voice, and masterful guitar skills. and an extraordinary career spanning several decades. Nelson has become a legend in the country music scene. But, his influence extends far beyond the realm of music. with ventures in acting, writing, activism, and business. This comprehensive article delves into Willie Nelson net worth. exploring the various facets of his career that have contributed to his large fortune.
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Introduction
Willie Nelson net worth is a testament to his enduring influence and success in many fields. Born on April 29, 1933, in Abbott, Texas. Nelson's journey from a humble beginning to becoming one of the most iconic figures in American music is nothing short of inspirational. His net worth, which estimated to be around $25 million as of 2024. reflects a career that is as diverse as it is prolific.
Early Life and Musical Beginnings
Humble Origins
Willie Hugh Nelson was born during the Great Depression. a time of significant economic hardship in the United States. Raised by his grandparents. Nelson found solace and inspiration in music from an early age. His grandmother taught him to play the guitar. setting the stage for what would become an illustrious career.
First Steps in Music
Nelson's initial foray into the music industry was fraught with challenges. He moved to Nashville, Tennessee, to pursue his dreams, but success did not come . Working as a songwriter, Nelson penned hits for other artists. which helped him gain a foothold in the competitive music scene. His songwriting skills contributed to his early earnings. laying the foundation for his net worth.
Rise to Stardom
Breakthrough Albums
The 1970s marked a turning point in Willie Nelson's career. His albums "Shotgun Willie" (1973), "Red Headed Stranger" (1975). and "Stardust" (1978) received critical acclaim and commercial success. These albums not only solidified his position in the country music genre. but also introduced his music to a broader audience. The success of these albums played a crucial role in boosting Willie Nelson net worth.
Iconic Songs
Willie Nelson net worth is also attributed to his extensive catalog of hit songs. Tracks like "Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain," "On the Road Again," and "Always on My Mind" have become timeless classics. These songs have not only earned Nelson large royalties but have also ensured his continued relevance in the music industry.
Acting and Film Career
Hollywood Ventures
In addition to his music career, Willie Nelson has also made a mark in Hollywood. His distinctive personality and on-screen presence have landed him roles in several films and television shows. Notable appearances include roles in "The Electric Horseman" (1979), "Honeysuckle Rose" (1980), and "Barbarosa" (1982). These acting gigs have added a significant amount to Willie Nelson net worth.
Television Appearances
Nelson's char
Natural farming @ Dr. Siddhartha S. Jena.pptxsidjena70
A brief about organic farming/ Natural farming/ Zero budget natural farming/ Subash Palekar Natural farming which keeps us and environment safe and healthy. Next gen Agricultural practices of chemical free farming.
UNDERSTANDING WHAT GREEN WASHING IS!.pdfJulietMogola
Many companies today use green washing to lure the public into thinking they are conserving the environment but in real sense they are doing more harm. There have been such several cases from very big companies here in Kenya and also globally. This ranges from various sectors from manufacturing and goes to consumer products. Educating people on greenwashing will enable people to make better choices based on their analysis and not on what they see on marketing sites.
Artificial Reefs by Kuddle Life Foundation - May 2024punit537210
Situated in Pondicherry, India, Kuddle Life Foundation is a charitable, non-profit and non-governmental organization (NGO) dedicated to improving the living standards of coastal communities and simultaneously placing a strong emphasis on the protection of marine ecosystems.
One of the key areas we work in is Artificial Reefs. This presentation captures our journey so far and our learnings. We hope you get as excited about marine conservation and artificial reefs as we are.
Please visit our website: https://kuddlelife.org
Our Instagram channel:
@kuddlelifefoundation
Our Linkedin Page:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/kuddlelifefoundation/
and write to us if you have any questions:
info@kuddlelife.org
Regenerative Agriculture for small scale farmers in the sub-humid tropics
1. Regenerative
Agriculture – RA
for small scale farmers in
the sub-humid tropics
Tools and techniques to maximize
profits and build resilient farming
systems and improve natural
resources management in
Zambia
Sebastian Scott – Grassroots Trust
2. What’s the goal?
To achieve improved livelihoods for the
rural population through a balance of
social, economic and environmental
factors to ensure sustainable growth.
5. Organic Matter- the heart of
the soil
Increased organic matter leads to:
- Increased infiltration and water holding
capacity
- Increased nutrient content and holding
capacity
- Improved soil structure which leads to
reduced erosion and less labour when the soil
is cultivated
- Increased biological function in the soil which
leads to nutrient release and disease
suppression
6. How do we increase soil
organic matter in tropical
soils?
No burning of crop residues – as this leads to the
carbon on the surface of the soil being released as
carbon dioxide and monoxide.
No soil inversion – as this leads to the introduction of
excessive oxygen into the soil which leads to rapid
decomposition of soil organic mater by micro-
organisms.
Reduce heavy applications of nitrogen fertilizer – as
this directly kills micro organisms, leads to rapid
bacterial growth and loss of carbon as CO2 and also
leads to acidic soil conditions which limit nutrient
availability.
Grow more organic matter in the field and cycle
organic matter through animals in the form of
manure.
8. Why do people burn residue?
To allow the plough to pass in the field
To avoid the hindrance of residue during post
emergence weed control
To avoid the risk of late season ‘hot’ fires near
their homes
By accident when people – not necessarily
the farmers - burn bush around their farms
To enable the hunting of field mice.
To reduce disease/pest pressure from residue
9.
10. Why do people plough?
Ploughing is usually a method of early weed
control and allows a period of calm before
weeding starts
Ploughing with a mould-board plough allows a
farmer to plant seed and apply fertilizer in the
furrow behind the plough
The plough is thought to loosen the soil – but in
reality does the opposite through the action of
smearing and by allowing particle separation to
occur over time – both lead to ‘hard pan’ effects
which limit root growth and soil drainage
In summary – ploughing is predominantly a labour
saving technique
11. Why do people use fertilizer?
Fertilizer gives good yield responses on soils
which have high organic matter – this has
been the case for many virgin soils that have
had organic matter built up over many years
in our savannah eco-system, with few fires
and abundant wildlife to aid decomposition
and cycling of nutrients
Fertilizer is subsidized by the government
Maize- our main crop- requires a lot of
nutrients, especially Nitrogen and
Phosphorous for good growth and yields
12. So – how do we establish
crops without burning and
ploughing without increasing
the labour burden, at low
cost?
For very dry areas – some form of dry season,
minimum tillage land preparation that
concentrates water near the seed, e.g. basins,
ripping.
Minimum/no tillage direct seeding. E.g.
Mechanical/draft power drawn or hand seeders
or dibble stick, possibly on slight contour ridges in
very humid conditions or on poorly drained sites.
14. Using a dibble stick to make
holes for planting
maize/soya/cover crops etc.
15. How do we provide crops with
nutrients without fertilizer?
Build soil organic matter, reduce soil disturbance and
promote soil biology that can release nutrients for plants
over the season.
Intercropping cash crops (grains, pulses or oil crops) with
various legumes has proven to be a sustainable method
providing nutrients to subsequent maize crops if the
nitrogen is releases at the correct time to correspond with
cash crop demand.
Pigeon pea is one such legume that currently has a cash
market in Zambia and is a very high protein food source for
humans and livestock. It also has the ability to produce
large amounts of biomass for building SOM.
Improved Manure Handling (IMH) techniques for ruminant
and non-ruminant manure can boost crop yields and add
valuable organic matter to the soil.
16. Fertilizer should not be ruled out and can
play an important role in very sandy soils
and soils which are in transition to
increased SOM and improved soil biology.
Furthermore, small additions of fertilizer
(less than 100kg/Ha) may produce good
economic returns once the soil has been
returned to health (more than 2% organic
matter)
If available, calcitic and dolomitic lime
can be used in a strip applications in the
field or through IMH manure in acid soils
and as a source of calcium for soil
biology.
17. Intercropping guidelines
Should provide immediate benefit to farmers:
food, fodder, firewood, timber
Seed should be cheap and easy to establish
The system as a whole should be able to
produce large quantities of biomass (more
than 6t/Ha dry or 25t/Ha wet above ground
organic matter) in order to increase long term
organic matter
In the case of legumes, should be able to fix
sufficient N for grain crops
18. Cont..
In the case of legumes, should have the
ability to release N at the time that grain
crops require it (little understood but
extremely important for effective use of
gm/cc’s)
Should do most of its growing before the
main crop canopies (very fast maturing
cowpea), after the main crop has
matured (pigeon pea) or be shade
tolerant (sweet potato, pumpkin)
19.
20. 6.6t/Ha maize, no fert, no
manure after 2 years pigeon
pea intercropping.
21. Pigeon pea intercropping
guidelines
Plant at the same time as maize in the same
planting hole
For Zambia, use medium maturity varieties like
Zamseed ‘Early Bulk’ and ICEAP 015/14
Plant high seed rates to avoid brittle stems
which lead to damage during browsing and
make cutting back easier
High plant density also increases yield
potential and biomass production
22. Three or more crops from one
field in one year!
Harvest maize – May/June
Harvest Pigeon pea – July/August
Allow ruminants or pigs to browse pigeon pea -
August to Nov
Pigeon pea is strip harvested
Pigeon pea is ratooned for two years after the
year of establishment
Pumpkins, climbing beans and cowpea can also
be planted together with maize in this system in
the second and third season(not in the first as
these crops may interfere with the growth of the
pigeon pea
23. The potential for immediate
benefit
Establishment cost 1 man-day to plant 1Ha (in the
same hole as maize at the same time). Planting
once every 3 years.
15kg seed/Ha 20USD(in Zambia) from seed
companies, 10USD from farmers once at the
beginning of the cycle.
Yield of pigeon pea in maize intercrop 200-
700kg/Ha for 3 years (16-24% protein)
Cash return from Pigeon pea/Ha: 100-300USD/year
Also dry season browsing for livestock and
firewood.
24.
25.
26. IMH guidelines
Use local/cheap material to cover and
protect manure for the drying effect of the
sun and leaching effects of rain to increase to
nitrogen content in manure by up to 10 times
= 10 times less hauling
Strip apply manure in crop row only and
combine with weeding to cover manure
Apply manure twice in a season if possible –
most of the N in manure is used up in 3-4week
after application.
Unlike traditional compost making - IMH is a
low-labour technology and requires no
added organic matter, water or mixing
27.
28. Mrs Tembo, Chongwe,
Zambia. Reducing inputs,
increasing yields…
0
1000
2000
3000
4000
5000
6000
7000
2011/12 100kg D
100kg Urea
2012/13 5 t IMH +
100kg D 100kg urea
2013/14 5 t IMH + 40
kg Urea
Maize yield kg/Ha
Profit K/ha - no hired labour
29. Mechanical weed control
Light mechanical weed control can be
used to bury manure/compost/residues to
preserve nutrients, encourage
decomposition and the release of
nutrients.
Mechanical weed control using animal
draft power (ADP) and hand hoe are
made more difficult where abundant
residues are present on the soil surface.
Excessive soil disturbance reduces SOM
and can lead to moisture loss and erosion.
30. Herbicides
Can allow farmers with access to herbicides
and appropriate training to control weeds
effectively in low/no-tillage systems.
For farmers that do not employ labour for
weed control (most farmers in Africa) it usually
increases variable costs.
Can be toxic to soil organisms, water borne
organisms, people and livestock. Some
selective herbicides have long term residual
action, reducing potential for crop rotation.
Makes intercropping (the basis for resilient,
productive, low cost cropping systems) very
difficult.
32. Allows a farmer to suppress weeds during the
growth of the cash crop.
Can be very fast compared to mechanical
weed control(7-14days/Ha compared to 25-
45). This allows farmers to cover large areas at
critical times in the growing season.
Allows weeds to grow back after the cash
crop has matured, increasing soil fertility and
providing soil cover and livestock fodder in
the dry season.
Works best with higher plant densities/bigger
plants that can effectively compete with
weeds through canopy closure.
Needs sharp tools to work effectively and can
takes longer if done when weeds are big.
Cannot bury manure/compost/fertilizer, which
can promote nutrient losses.
33. Pasture management and
improved livestock production
Planned/rotational grazing to reduce internal
and external parasites and improve grassland
species diversity and re-growth.
Selecting indigenous cattle and goat breeds
with disease resistance and improved
performance under dry-land conditions.
Value adding grain by producing farm-made
feed for mono-gastric animals. This can
double, triple or even quadruple the value of
farm produced grain and provide a valuable
source of manure for crop production.
34. Planned grazing
‘Bunching’ animals
together in a herd to
graze in strips simulates
large herbivore behavior
in the wild and leads to
many grassland and
livestock health benefits.
36. Free-range broilers
Broilers are housed
in a movable cage
which is moved to
a new position
every day and
effectively weed
and fertilize the soil
– in this case for
bananas.
37. Free-range eggs
Laying hens
are kept in
simple
housing with
an outside
run. Manure
from the
house these
chickens is
used as a
fertilizer for
crops.
38. Community dynamics
Some RA technologies can be applied
independently by farmers to improve
management practices, but..
The success of many of these technologies
depends upon community decisions as a
whole and…
Without community awareness and common
consensus about what can be achieved and
how it can be achieved….
Regenerating soils, trees, grasslands, livestock
numbers, wildlife and fish stocks and
improving rural livelihoods can be very difficult
39.
40. Grassroots Trust
We provide training for farmers at our farm in
Kafue to give farmers hands on experience
with these technologies
We work with communities to enhance
awareness about natural resource
management and give specific guidance
where needed
We facilitate/enhance relationships with
communities and other stakeholders to
facilitate a conducive development
environment
We link communities to appropriate private
sector partners to aid in marketing and
finance opportunities