Characterising low production patches in cropped fields of the Kigezi highlands, Uganda.

Abstract

Intensification of land use has led to land degradation over much of the African highlands. One of the indicators of this degradation are the low production patches of land within cropped fields that have captured farmers' attention and desire for special know-how on their management. The farmers of the Kigezi highlands in southwestern Uganda have a local name, Ebeija, describing the condition of crops growing on these land patches, and relating this condition to soil fertility. Soils from selected low production patches of land in the Kigezi highlands were characterised for their nutrient status by chemical analyses of soil and plant tissue samples, and the limiting nutrient approach in pot and field trials so as to identify the potential soil management needs for these patches. Nutrient concentration levels in soils and bean (Phaseoulus vulgaris L.) foliar tissues indicated that potassium was the deficient nutrient, averaging 0.23 cmolkg and 0.94%, respectively. The limiting nutrient studies indicated best crop yield response (upto 156%) from the combined application of potassium, phosphorus and micronutrients. In smallholder farming systems, such nutrient combinations can best be achieved through integrated fertiliser management.