scholarly journals Relating farmers’ perceptions to long term dynamics in maize (Zea mays L.) production: The production of improved maize is coming to a standstill in central Malawi

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Harrington Nyirenda ◽  
Wantwa Mwangomba ◽  
Ellen M. Nyirenda
Keyword(s):  
Maize Yield ◽  
Climatic Conditions ◽  
Early Maturity ◽  
Maize Production ◽  
Maize Productivity ◽  
Good Taste ◽  
Production Trend ◽  
Production Area ◽  
Hybrid Maize

AbstractMaize production, area and yield dynamics were assessed based on farmer perceptions and production data from 2004/05-2018/19 using 36 000 households in Salima, central Malawi. The results showed that farmers used 16, six and two varieties for hybrid, Open-pollinated varieties (OPV) and local maize respectively. Farmers sourced Hybrid and OPV maize seed from Private Agro dealers while local maize was own-sourced. Farmers preferred local maize for being cheap, good taste, low storage costs, and pest resistance although low yielding. They preferred hybrid and OPV maize for high yielding and early maturity despite demanding high storage costs, pest susceptibility, and low flour. From 2004/05-2018/19, the area under local and OPV maize reduced by 61% and 12% respectively, while that of hybrid maize increased by 49%. However, the consistent decrease in area for hybrid and OPV and significant increase of that of local maize from 2014/15-2018/19 may signal a catastrophic maize production in the region. From 2019/20-2025/26 production of all maize was projected at 44 172 tons by 2025/26, representing a 1.6% increase from the base year 2019/20. This increase will be due to favorable climatic conditions and not increase in area or yield. If maize yield was improved by 30% production would increase to 110 430 tons representing 67% of the food requirement in the study area. The current maize production trend in Salima does not guarantee food security prospects. Therefore, policymakers should consider reviewing the past interventions (input pricing, promotion strategies, sustainable practices, policies) in the maize subsector to enhance maize productivity.

scholarly journals Socio-economic analysis of open pollinated improved and hybrid maize production in Sindhupalchok district of Nepal

2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 130-139
Author(s):  
Grace Tiwari ◽  
Chandan K.C. ◽  
Praseed Thapa ◽  
Astha Shrestha
Keyword(s):  
Household Head ◽  
Fall Armyworm ◽  
T Test ◽  
Maize Production ◽  
Access To Credit ◽  
Maize Productivity ◽  
Maize Varieties ◽  
Hybrid Maize ◽  
The Cost ◽  
Level Training

The study was conducted from April to June, 2020 for comparative analysis of socioeconomic factors and profitability between Open Pollinated Improved (OPI) varieties and Hybrid varieties on maize production in Sindhupalchok district of Nepal. A structured questionnaire was administered to 80 randomly selected households i.e. 48 HHs cultivated OPI and 32 HHs cultivated hybrid maize varieties.  Descriptive statistics, unpaired t-test, multiple linear regressions and indexing were used for data analysis using statistical tools- SPSS version 25 and MS-Excel. Linear regression model revealed that area under maize (5% level), education (5% level), age of household head (1% level), training (1% level), access to credit (5% level) and choice of seed (1 % level) significantly influenced maize production. In addition, unpaired t-test revealed that the productivity of hybrid maize varieties was significantly higher (1% level) than OPI varieties. Fall Armyworm infestation was found to more severe in OPI varieties (5% level) than hybrid. Furthermore, B: C ratio of hybrid varieties (1.59) indicated hybrid maize to be more profitable than OPI (1% level). However, the total cost of cultivation along with the cost of seed per hectare of OPI was found to be lower than hybrid varieties (1% level) thereby significantly increasing the area under maize production for OPI varieties (1% level).  Indexing identified- lack of availability of quality seeds and fertilizers (I= 0.78) as the major problem associated with maize production. Ensuring access to quality seeds and fertilizer at subsidy, mechanization and efficient extension services focused on development of affordable hybrid maize varieties or high yielding OPI and its adoption among the farmers in order to increase maize productivity is recommended.

scholarly journals The Effect of Soil-Climate Conditions, Farmyard Manure and Mineral Fertilizers on Potato Yield and Soil Chemical Parameters

Plants ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (11) ◽  
pp. 2473
Author(s):  
Lukáš Hlisnikovský ◽  
Ladislav Menšík ◽  
Eva Kunzová
Keyword(s):  
Negative Impact ◽  
Farmyard Manure ◽  
Chemical Properties ◽  
Climatic Conditions ◽  
Mineral Fertilizers ◽  
Mineral N ◽  
Maize Production ◽  
Climate Conditions ◽  
Production Area ◽  
Soil Climate

If available to farmers, potatoes represent a crop classically fertilized with farmyard manure in the Czech Republic. At the same time, potatoes are a crop sensitive to soil–climate conditions. We evaluated the effect of cattle manure (FYM), manure and mineral nitrogen (FYM + N1, FYM + N2), manure and mineral fertilizers (FYM + N1PK, FYM + N2PK, FYM + N3PK) application and the effect of three soil-climatic conditions (Caslav—maize production area with degraded Chernozem, Ivanovice—maize production area with Chernozem, Lukavec—potatoes production area with Cambisol) over four years (2016–2019) on potatoes yield and soil chemical properties. Of all the factors, yields were most affected by location. Lukavec provided the highest average yields (37.2 t ha−1), followed by Ivanovice (23.5 t ha−1) and Caslav (15.5 t ha−1). The second most important factor was the climatic conditions of the year. Fertilization was the third most important parameter. FYM significantly increased yields compared to Control, but applied alone cannot cover the needs of potatoes. Similarly, the application of FYM and N increases yields, but for the highest yields, it is best to apply FYM + NPK (80 kg ha−1 N). Co-application of FYM and mineral N fertilizers mitigates the negative impact of mineral N on soil pH.

scholarly journals Longitudinal analysis of a long-term conservation agriculture experiment in Malawi and lessons for future experimental design

2020 ◽  
Vol 56 (4) ◽  
pp. 506-527 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. M. Lark ◽  
I. S. Ligowe ◽  
C. Thierfelder ◽  
N. Magwero ◽  
W. Namaona ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Longitudinal Analysis ◽  
Statistical Power ◽  
Cropping Systems ◽  
Conservation Agriculture ◽  
Maize Yield ◽  
Climatic Conditions ◽  
Randomised Control Trial ◽  
Research Station ◽  
Cropping Season

AbstractResilient cropping systems are required to achieve food security in the presence of climate change, and so several long-term conservation agriculture (CA) trials have been established in southern Africa – one of them at the Chitedze Agriculture Research Station in Malawi in 2007. The present study focused on a longitudinal analysis of 10 years of data from the trial to better understand the joint effects of variations between the seasons and particular contrasts among treatments on yield of maize. Of further interest was the variability of treatment responses in time and space and the implications for design of future trials with adequate statistical power. The analysis shows treatment differences of the mean effect which vary according to cropping season. There was a strong treatment effect between rotational treatments and other treatments and a weak effect between intercropping and monocropping. There was no evidence for an overall advantage of systems where residues are retained (in combination with direct seeding or planting basins) over conventional management with respect to maize yield. A season effect was evident although the strong benefit of rotation in El Niño season was also reduced, highlighting the strong interaction between treatment and climatic conditions. The power analysis shows that treatment effects of practically significant magnitude may be unlikely to be detected with just four replicates, as at Chitedze, under either a simple randomised control trial or a factorial experiment. Given logistical and financial constraints, it is important to design trials with fewer treatments but more replicates to gain enough statistical power and to pay attention to the selection of treatments to given an informative outcome.

scholarly journals Effect of the Push-Pull Cropping System on Maize Yield, Stem Borer Infestation and Farmers’ Perception

Agronomy ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (8) ◽  
pp. 452
Author(s):  
Teshome Kumela ◽  
Esayas Mendesil ◽  
Bayu Enchalew ◽  
Menale Kassie ◽  
Tadele Tefera
Keyword(s):  
Soil Fertility ◽  
Smallholder Farmers ◽  
Abiotic Factors ◽  
Sustainable Use ◽  
Cropping System ◽  
Maize Yield ◽  
Stem Borer ◽  
Maize Production ◽  
Maize Productivity ◽  
Livestock Feed

The productivity of maize in Ethiopia has remained lower than the world average because of several biotic and abiotic factors. Stemborers and poor soil fertility are among the main factors that contribute to this poor maize productivity. A novel cropping strategy, such as the use of push-pull technology, is one of the methods known to solve both challenges at once. A push-pull technology targeting the management of maize stemborers was implemented in the Hawassa district of Ethiopia with the ultimate goal of increased food security among smallholder farmers. This study evaluated farmers’ perception of push-pull technology based on their experiences and observations of the demonstration plots that were established on-farm in Dore Bafano, Jara Gelelcha and Lebu Koremo village of the Hawasa district in 2016 and 2017. This study examined farmers’ perception of the importance of push-pull technology in controlling stemborers and improving soil fertility and access to livestock feed. In both cropping seasons, except for Jara Gelelcha, the maize grain yields were significantly higher in the climate-adapted push-pull plots compared to the maize monocrop plots. The majority (89%) of push-pull technology-practising farmers rated the technology better than their maize production methods on attributes such as access to new livestock feed and the control of stemborer damage. As a result, approximately 96% of the interviewed farmers were interested in adopting the technology starting in the upcoming crop season. Awareness through training and effective dissemination strategies should be strengthened among stakeholders and policymakers for the sustainable use and scaling-up of push-pull technology.

SUSTAINABLE MAIZE PRODUCTION USING GLIRICIDIA/MAIZE INTERCROPPING IN SOUTHERN MALAWI

2006 ◽  
Vol 42 (4) ◽  
pp. 441-457 ◽  
Author(s):  
F. K. AKINNIFESI ◽  
W. MAKUMBA ◽  
F. R. KWESIGA
Keyword(s):  
Soil Fertility ◽  
Cropping Systems ◽  
Continuous Cultivation ◽  
Maize Yield ◽  
Fertilizer Application ◽  
Maize Production ◽  
Soil Fertility Replenishment ◽  
P Fertilizer ◽  
Maize Yields

Maize production in Malawi is limited by high costs and sub-optimal use of chemical fertilizers under continuous cultivation. A long-term gliricidia/maize trial was undertaken on a Ferric Lixisol from 1991/92 to 2001/02. The purpose of the study was to assess the performance of a gliricidia/maize intercropping system as a low-input soil fertility replenishment option in southern Malawi. The experiment was a 2 × 3 × 3 factorial design with three replications. Treatments included two maize cropping systems (with and without gliricidia trees), and three rates of inorganic N fertilizer (0, 24 and 48 N kg ha−1 representing 0, 25 and 50% of the national recommended N rate), and three rates of P fertilizer application (0, 20 and 40 P ha−1 representing 0, 50 and 100% of the recommended rate). No effect of P was detected on yield early in the trial, and this treatment was discontinued. The gliricidia pruning biomass did not decline after 10 years of intensive pruning, with strong correlation between tree biomass production and years after establishment (r = 0.91, p < 0.001). Application of gliricidia prunings increased maize yields by three times compared to the yield of unfertilized sole maize. Maize yield from the unfertilized gliricidia pruning treatment was superior to the yield from sole maize supplemented with a quarter or half the recommended N rate. The study confirmed that a gliricidia/maize intercropping system is a promising soil fertility replenishment option in southern Malawi and elsewhere in southern Africa.

scholarly journals Sites Availability for Minimalizing and Soil-Conservation Tillage of Soils in Slovakia

2011 ◽  
Vol 57 (2) ◽  
pp. 68-75 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jozef Vilček ◽  
Karol Kováč
Keyword(s):  
Soil Conservation ◽  
Agricultural Soils ◽  
Conservation Tillage ◽  
Climatic Conditions ◽  
Soil Science ◽  
Soil Conditions ◽  
Land Area ◽  
Arable Soils ◽  
Maize Production ◽  
Production Area

Sites Availability for Minimalizing and Soil-Conservation Tillage of Soils in SlovakiaThere is an alternative technology of traditional agricultural soil processing, so called minimalizing cultivation, which is based on reduction of some operating processes used in common. It is possible to perform this technology only in particular soil conditions. Total land area of sites, which are avail-able for the application of minimalizing cultivation is about 693 thousand hectares, which presents approximately 28% of agricultural and 48% of arable soils. 60% of this land area occurs in the maize production area and 39% in the sugar beet production area, thus in the most favourable agricultural local-ities regarding climate and soil. According to the administrative structuring of Slovakia 43% of agricultural soils suitable for minimalizing technologies occurs in Nitra district and about 27% in Trnava district. Identification of areas, suitable for such technologies application, is possible by the information databases of Soil Science and Conservation Research Institute, which have been elaborated for this purpose in geographic and informative systems. Regarding input parameters, they were chosen as follows: climatic conditions of given locality, steepness, depth, stoniness and soil texture.

scholarly journals Mechanisms of Nitrogen Use in Maize

Agronomy ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (12) ◽  
pp. 775 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aziiba Emmanuel Asibi ◽  
Qiang Chai ◽  
Jeffrey A. Coulter
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Sustainability ◽  
Maize Yield ◽  
N Recovery ◽  
Nitrogen Use ◽  
Maize Production ◽  
Maize Productivity ◽  
N Fertilizers ◽  
N Utilization ◽  
Use Efficiency ◽  
Reproductive Phases

Nitrogen (N) fertilizers are needed to enhance maize (Zea mays L.) production. Maize plays a major role in the livestock industry, biofuels, and human nutrition. Globally, less than one-half of applied N is recovered by maize. Although the application of N fertilizer can improve maize yield, excess N application due to low knowledge of the mechanisms of nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) poses serious threats to environmental sustainability. Increased environmental consciousness and an ever-increasing human population necessitate improved N utilization strategies in maize production. Enhanced understanding of the relationship between maize growth and productivity and the dynamics of maize N recovery are of major significance. A better understanding of the metabolic and genetic control of N acquisition and remobilization during vegetative and reproductive phases are important to improve maize productivity and to avoid excessive use of N fertilizers. Synchronizing the N supply with maize N demand throughout the growing season is key to improving NUE and reducing N loss to the environment. This review examines the mechanisms of N use in maize to provide a basis for driving innovations to improve NUE and reduce risks of negative environmental impacts.

scholarly journals Efficacy of Biostimulants Formulated With Pseudomonas putida and Clay, Peat, Clay-Peat Binders on Maize Productivity in a Farming Environment in Southern Benin

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nadège Adoukè Agbodjato ◽  
Marcel Yévèdo Adoko ◽  
Olubukola Oluranti Babalola ◽  
Olaréwadjou Amogou ◽  
Farid T. Badé ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pseudomonas Putida ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Maize Yield ◽  
Vital Role ◽  
Maize Production ◽  
Maize Productivity ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Half Dose ◽  
Set Up ◽  
Southern Benin

Maize plays a vital role in Benin's agricultural production systems. However, at the producer-level, yields are still low, although the production of this cereal is necessary for food security. The aims of this study were to assess the efficacy of solid biostimulants formulated from the rhizobacteria Pseudomonas putida and different binders on maize cultivation in the farming environment in three (03) study areas in South Benin. For this purpose, three (03) biostimulants were formulated based on Pseudomonas putida and the clay, peat and clay-peat combinations binders. The experimental design was a randomized block of four (04) treatments with 11 replicates per study area. Each replicate represented one producer. The trials were set up at 33 producers in the study areas of Adakplamè, Hayakpa and Zouzouvou in Southern Benin. The results obtained show that the best height, stem diameter, leaf area as obtained by applying biostimulants based on P. putida and half dose of NPK and Urea with respective increases of 15.75, 15.93, and 15.57% as compared to the full dose of NPK and Urea. Regarding maize yield, there was no significant difference between treatments and the different study areas. Taken together, the different biostimulants formulations were observed to be better than the farmers' practice in all the zones and for all the parameters evaluated, with the formulation involving Pseudomonas putida on the clay binder, and the half-dose of NPK and Urea showing the best result. The biostimulant formulated based on clay + Pseudomonas putida could be used in agriculture for a more sustainable and environmentally friendly maize production in Benin.

scholarly journals Calculation of maize evapotranspiration using evaporation and reference evapotranspiration methods

2020 ◽  
Vol 69 (2) ◽  
pp. 15-25
Author(s):  
Borivoj Pejić ◽  
Ksenija Mačkić ◽  
Ivana Bajić ◽  
Vladimir Sikora ◽  
Dejan Simić ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Reference Evapotranspiration ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Free Water ◽  
Growing Season ◽  
Maize Yield ◽  
Irrigation Scheduling ◽  
Climatic Conditions ◽  
Vegetable Crops ◽  
Maize Production ◽  
Method Of Calculation

Analysis of irrigation scheduling of maize was done by using evaporation from the free water surface (Eo) and correction coefficients (k) and reference evapotranspiration (ETo) and crop coefficients (kc). The field experiment was carried out in 2018 on the Experimental field of the Institute of field and vegetable crops in the Department of alternative crops in Bački Petrovac. Maize hybrid NS 6030 was used for the trials. The plants were irrigated by a drip system with a lateral in each row with drippers spaced every 0.33 m. The drippers had an average flow rate of 2.0 l h-1 under the pressure of 70 kPa. The differences in yield of maize in the irrigation conditions were not statistically significant compared to the variant without irrigation because the year was favorable for maize production. As well there was no difference among variants used for the calculation of maize evapotranspiration. Maize evapotranspiration in the growing season (ETm) were 502 mm and 429 mm by using ETo and kc and Eo and k. Monthly values of ETm during the growing season were consistent regardless of the calculation methods, except in July. Values of ETm in July of 151 mm and 107 mm calculated by using ETo and kc and Eo and k methods as well the daily values which are correlated with the monthly have to be checked in irrigation scheduling of maize in the following investigation period. If statistical significance in maize yield between different methods of calculation is determined, the procedure with a higher yield has to be accepted in the calculation of ETm in the climatic conditions of the Vojvodina region. Otherwise, if the differences in maize yield are not statistical significance a method of calculation by using Eo and k will be recommended, because the value of the lower daily water used on maize evapotranspiration may be considered more realistic.

scholarly journals Modeling the adoption and use intensity of improved maize seeds in Benin, West-Africa: Double-hurdle approach

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (04) ◽  
pp. 17931-17951
Author(s):  
FE Mahoussi ◽  
◽  
PY Adegbola ◽  
AKN Aoudji ◽  
Kouton-Bognon ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Maize Yield ◽  
Easy Access ◽  
Success Factor ◽  
Agricultural Policies ◽  
Maize Seed ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Maize Production ◽  
Maize Productivity ◽  
Maize Seeds ◽  
Double Hurdle

Improved maize seeds are one of the main factors that can contribute to improving maize productivity. This paper was carried out with the aim of identifying the determinants of adoption and improved maize seeds’ intensity use on households in all areas favourable to maize production in Benin using pooled data on 490 producers. Descriptive statistics such as mean, standard deviation, percentage, frequency distribution, t and chi-square tests were used to summarize the characteristics of the sampled producers. Cragg's Double Hurdle model was also used to categorize producers who adopted or who did not adopt improved maize seed and those who intensified the use of improved maize seed. The results showed that literacy, easy access to improved seed, specific training received on the use of improved varieties and gender, affected the adoption of improved maize seed while easy access to improved seed, maize yield, relationship with extension services, total household size, age squared, number of experience years in maize production, and distance from the producer to where the seed was purchased had a significant influence on the decision to intensify the use of improved maize seed. The fact that the variable easy access to improved seeds affected not only the adoption of improved seeds but also the intensification of their use, confirmed that access to improved seeds was an indisputable success factor for the intensification of improved seed use. Giving producers the capacity to obtain improved maize seed that was financially and geographically improved was a very important aspect to be considered by policy makers in the definition of agricultural policies. Predisposing factors for access(perception of varieties, attitudes towards the choice of new varieties, knowledge and management of these varieties)and capacity factors for access(income, availability of seeds in the environment, and seed prices)must be considered. The establishment of a wide seed distribution network through government and non-governmental organizations or private actors could, therefore, be important to reduce transaction costs and improve access to improved maize seed, and then increase the rate of adoption and continued use of improved seed.

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