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.
Localização: Mbere South District, Eastern Province, Quênia
Nº de sites de tecnologia analisados:
Difusão da tecnologia: Uniformemente difundida numa área (approx. < 0,1 km2 (10 ha))
Em uma área permanentemente protegida?:
Data da implementação: 10-50 anos atrás
Tipo de introdução
Especifique a entrada | Unidade | Quantidade | Custos por unidade (KSh) | Custos totais por entrada (KSh) | % dos custos arcados pelos usuários da terra |
Mão-de-obra | |||||
Ploughing | ha | 1,0 | 30,0 | 30,0 | 100,0 |
Equipamento | |||||
Tools | ha | 1,0 | 3,0 | 3,0 | 100,0 |
Material vegetal | |||||
Seeds | ha | 1,0 | 10,0 | 10,0 | 100,0 |
Custos totais para a implantação da tecnologia | 43.0 | ||||
Custos totais para o estabelecimento da Tecnologia em USD | 0.43 |
Especifique a entrada | Unidade | Quantidade | Custos por unidade (KSh) | Custos totais por entrada (KSh) | % dos custos arcados pelos usuários da terra |
Mão-de-obra | |||||
Weeding and harvesting | ha | 1,0 | 15,0 | 15,0 | 100,0 |
Equipamento | |||||
Tools | ha | 1,0 | 3,0 | 3,0 | 100,0 |
Material vegetal | |||||
Seeds | ha | 1,0 | 10,0 | 10,0 | 100,0 |
Custos totais para a manutenção da tecnologia | 28.0 | ||||
Custos totais de manutenção da Tecnologia em USD | 0.28 |
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