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LOW-INPUT WEED MANAGEMENT AND CONSERVATION TILLAGE IN SEMI-ARID ZIMBABWE

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 April 1997

RICHES
Affiliation:
Natural Resources Institute, Chatham Maritime, Kent, ME4 4TB, UKSilsoe Research Institute, Wrest Park, Silsoe, Bedford, MK45 4HS, UKMakoholi Experiment Station, Department of Research and Specialist Services, Private Bag 9182 Masvingo, Zimbabwe
TWOMLOW
Affiliation:
Natural Resources Institute, Chatham Maritime, Kent, ME4 4TB, UKSilsoe Research Institute, Wrest Park, Silsoe, Bedford, MK45 4HS, UKMakoholi Experiment Station, Department of Research and Specialist Services, Private Bag 9182 Masvingo, Zimbabwe
DHLIWAYO
Affiliation:
Natural Resources Institute, Chatham Maritime, Kent, ME4 4TB, UKSilsoe Research Institute, Wrest Park, Silsoe, Bedford, MK45 4HS, UKMakoholi Experiment Station, Department of Research and Specialist Services, Private Bag 9182 Masvingo, Zimbabwe

Abstract

Four weeding systems were evaluated for three seasons on sandy soils in a semi-arid area of Zimbabwe. Inter-row weeding with a plough with body (mouldboard breast) attached, produced a ridge and furrow landform. This confers the advantage of increased water retention associated with ridging without the additional investment in labour and equipment needed when ridges are made pre-planting with a ridging plough. Mid-season ridging by plough with body attached achieved more efficient weed control than the common farmer practices of using a cultivator or plough without the body. In terms of crop water use efficiency and grain yield, weeding with the plough and body performed at least as well as any existing farmer practices. Productivity, in terms of grain yield per hour worked, was considerably higher following weeding with the plough and body compared with alternative systems.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
© 1997 Cambridge University Press

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