SLM Database

Managing calcareous soils through combined structural measures and chemical amendments methods for improving soil productivity and reduce land degradation

• Compiler: Daniel Danano Dale
• 11/09/2016 11:10 a.m.

Green manures are fast-growing legumes sown in a field, weeks or even months before the main crop is planted. These are plants that are deliberately grown for incorporation into the soil to improve fertility and organic matter content.

• Compiler: GERBA LETA
• 02/06/2023 8:10 p.m.

Acidic soils deprive crops of their full nutrient absorption capacity. Lime application to these soil makes them less acidic. It breaks the barrier that fixes nutrients and ensures crops access to vital soil nutrients that unleash their productivity potential.

• Compiler: GERBA LETA
• 02/04/2023 7:02 p.m.

Crop residue management involves leaving stover and other trash from cereal crops (including tef, wheat and maize), as well as haulms of legumes, in the field. Crop residues keep the soil covered, retain organic matter and moisture in the soil, and help to ensure better production.

• Compiler: GERBA LETA
• 02/06/2023 7:33 p.m.

Multistorey agroforestry is the intentional mixing of trees/shrubs with crops, pastures, and livestock. The practice creates environmental, economic, and social benefits for the end users.

• Compiler: GERBA LETA
• 01/15/2023 7:12 p.m.

Cover crops are crops grown on bare, fallow farmland or under a main crop to cover and conserve the soil by protecting it from exposure to the sun, wind, and direct impact of rain. It fixes nitrogen (if a legume), improves soil fertility, supplies livestock fodder, and helps manage both …

• Compiler: GERBA LETA
• 01/26/2023 12:45 p.m.

Intercropping is the growing of two or more crops on the same piece of land at the same time or in temporal sequence. Relay intercropping usually involves planting a legume into an established cereal crop. This farming practice has multiple benefits and is a popular among smallholders in Wolaita zone …

• Compiler: GERBA LETA
• 01/31/2023 10:45 a.m.

Water Spreading Weirs are designed to protect the degradation of agricultural fields and rangelands. They contribute to soil and water conservation and enhance the productive use of dry valleys for food crops and livestock fodder production via the harvest and spread of runoff water and fertile soils.

• Compiler: GERBA LETA
• 03/21/2023 6:02 p.m.

Vermicompost is the product of the decomposition process using various species of earthworms. It is a form of humus and is produced through worms digesting and excreting organic in their casts. Vermicompost has been shown to be an effective organic soil amendment, reducing the need for inorganic fertilizers.

• Compiler: GERBA LETA
• 02/06/2023 6:39 p.m.

Improved compost making using “static pile” systems transforms organic material from plants and/or animals into high-value, rich organic compost. It demands less labour, and less time to reach maturity than conventional systems as it thoroughly mixes the ingredients at the beginning which precludes the need to turn the heap later.

• Compiler: GERBA LETA
• 02/09/2023 7:59 p.m.