A cover crop is a crop planted primarily to manage soil erosion, soil fertility, soil quality, water, weeds, pests, diseases, biodiversity and wildlife in an agroecosystem,which is an ecological system managed and largely shaped by humans across a range of intensities to produce food, feed, or fiber. Currently, not many countries are known for using the cover crop method.
Purpose of the Technology: Cover crops are of interest in sustainable agriculture as many of them improve the sustainability of agroecosystem attributes and may also indirectly improve qualities of neighboring natural ecosystems. Their purpose include Suppressing weeds, protecting soil from rain or runoff,improving soil aggregate stability,reducing surface crusting, adding active organic matter to soil,breaking hard pan, fixing nitrogen,scavenging soil nitrogen and suppressing soil diseases and pests.
Establishment / maintenance activities and inputs: Cover crops are low-maintenance compared to most crops, but they still need some care. Mowing keeps large cover crops manageable, and sorghum-sudangrass actually increases its root growth if mowed once or twice. White Dutch clover planted in garden pathways needs to be mowed regularly to keep it from competing with vegetables and flowers. Be sure to water cover crops during times of drought.
Natural / human environment: Cover crops are practiced in areas which are prone to soil erosion as areas with steep slope.
Lugar: Mbere South District, Eastern Province, Kenia
No. de sitios de Tecnología analizados:
Difusión de la Tecnología: distribuida parejamente sobre un área (approx. < 0.1 km2 (10 ha))
¿En un área de protección permanente?:
Fecha de la implementación: 10-50 años atrás
Tipo de introducción
Especifique insumo | Unidad | Cantidad | Costos por unidad (KSh) | Costos totales por insumo (KSh) | % de los costos cubiertos por los usuarios de las tierras |
Mano de obra | |||||
Ploughing | ha | 1,0 | 30,0 | 30,0 | 100,0 |
Equipo | |||||
Tools | ha | 1,0 | 3,0 | 3,0 | 100,0 |
Material para plantas | |||||
Seeds | ha | 1,0 | 10,0 | 10,0 | 100,0 |
Costos totales para establecer la Tecnología | 43.0 | ||||
Costos totales para establecer la Tecnología en USD | 0.43 |
Especifique insumo | Unidad | Cantidad | Costos por unidad (KSh) | Costos totales por insumo (KSh) | % de los costos cubiertos por los usuarios de las tierras |
Mano de obra | |||||
Weeding and harvesting | ha | 1,0 | 15,0 | 15,0 | 100,0 |
Equipo | |||||
Tools | ha | 1,0 | 3,0 | 3,0 | 100,0 |
Material para plantas | |||||
Seeds | ha | 1,0 | 10,0 | 10,0 | 100,0 |
Indique los costos totales para mantenecer la Tecnología | 28.0 | ||||
Costos totales para mantener la Tecnología en USD | 0.28 |
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