Microdosing of nitrogen fertiliser and cattle manure under in situ rainwater harvesting to improve maize production in smallholder farming system in a semiarid area of Zimbabwe
Journal of Sustainable Agriculture and Environment March 29, 2024 Andrew T. Kugedera, Letticia K. Kokerai
Combining tied ridges (a rainwater-harvesting technique) with nitrogen microdosing at 89.5 kg N per hectare increased maize grain yields, rainwater use efficiency, and return on investment in semiarid Zimbabwe. Tied ridges outperformed planting pits and conventional tillage. The highest nitrogen use efficiency occurred at 58.5 kg N per hectare under tied ridges. The greatest return on investment (US$1747.23) came from tied ridges plus 89.5 kg N per hectare in the 2021/22 season. The findings suggest that tied ridges with higher nitrogen rates can improve maize production for smallholder farmers facing moisture and nutrient stress.