Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
improve surface water and groundwater quality, and increase agronomic produc-
tivity in the semiarid tropics (Sahrawat et al. 2010). Agroforestry techniques, add-
ing innovation to traditional farming systems (e.g., combination of trees and crops,
improved fallow using perennial legumes such as pigeon pea [
Cajanus cajan
], and
regeneration of native species) can enhance soil fertility and reduce risks of soil
erosion (Rousselet-Gadenne 2004). Conversion of tillage-based systems of seedbed
preparation to NT farming is a proven strategy of erosion control (Lal 1976). In con-
junction with cover cropping, use of NT techniques is a conservation-effective mea-
sure. There are numerous merits and co-benefits of using NT farming (Table 1.1),
especially for water conservation and reducing the risks of drought. However, there
are also numerous constraints to the adoption of NT farming by small landholders
(Table 1.3). These constraints must be objectively addressed.
1.7 INDIGENOUS KNOWLEDGE
Developing on the indigenous knowledge of farmers about soils and farming prac-
tices may be critical to the success of agricultural development by small landholders.
Thus, strategic combinations of traditional and modern technologies can increase
agronomic production (Bekunda et al. 2010). In Laos, most farmers distinguish soils
in their field on the basis of color, texture, weed infestation, etc. (Saito et al. 2006).
Thus, crops are seeded on the basis of soil characteristics. Black soils, apparently
of high fertility, are ranked high in preference and crop yields are generally high in
black soils. There are several parameters specifically used by small landholders as
indicators of soil quality (Table 1.4). Scientists should understand these parameters
and quantify them so that farmers can relate to the scientific date. Examples of tra-
ditional technologies include N fixation by indigenous and introduced legumes, and
fertilizer trees. Thus, crop allocation on the home fields is most diversified because
of a favorable level of SOM and plant nutrients on these soils (Zingore et al. 2007),
which receive kitchen ash and other household waste.
Among traditional systems of farming used by small landholders are floating agri-
culture and soilless systems developed in Meso-America, and South and Southeast
Asia (Pantanella et al. 2011). Floating agriculture is a low-technology production
system with no use of chemical fertilizer, and with complete recycling of nutrients
leached into the lake by fish and other aquatic life.
TABLE 1.4
Perception of Soil Quality Parameters by Traditional Small
Landholder Farmers
Soil Quality Parameter
Region/Country
Reference
1. Soil color; black soils are fertile
Laos
Saito et al. (2006)
2. Soil fertility by organic manures
China
Yang (2006)
3. Fat soil vs. thin soil
Haiti
Lal et al. (2013)
