The dynamics between irrigation frequency and soil nutrient management: transitioning smallholder irrigation towards more profitable and sustainable systems in Zimbabwe

Moyo, M and Van Rooyen, A and Bjornlund, H and Parry, K and Stirzaker, R and Dube, T and Maya, M (2020) The dynamics between irrigation frequency and soil nutrient management: transitioning smallholder irrigation towards more profitable and sustainable systems in Zimbabwe. International Journal of Water Resources Development (TSI). pp. 1-25. ISSN 0790-0627

PDF - Published Version Download (3MB)

Abstract

Successful irrigated agriculture is underpinned by answering two critical questions: when and how much to irrigate. This article quantifies the role of the Chameleon and the Wetting Front Detector, monitoring tools facilitating decision-making and learning about soilwater- nutrient dynamics. Farmers retained nutrients in the root zone by reducing irrigation frequency, number of siphons, and event duration. Water productivity increased by more than 100% for farmers both with and without monitoring tools. Transitioning smallholder irrigation systems into profitable and sustainable schemes requires investment in technology, farmers and institutions. Importantly, technologies need embedding in a learning environment that fosters critical feedback mechanisms, such as market constraints.

Item Type:	Article
Divisions:	Research Program : East & Southern Africa
CRP:	CGIAR Research Program on Water, Land and Ecosystems (WLE)
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Irrigated agriculture, Soil and moisture monitoring tools, Adaptive management, Zimbabwe
Subjects:	Others > Irrigation Others > Soil Science Others > Zimbabwe
Depositing User:	Mr Arun S
Date Deposited:	09 Aug 2020 14:26
Last Modified:	09 Aug 2020 14:26
URI:	http://oar.icrisat.org/id/eprint/11550
Official URL:	https://doi.org/10.1080/07900627.2020.1739513
Projects:	UNSPECIFIED
Funders:	Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research, CGIAR Research Program on Water, Land and Ecosystems and CGIAR Fund Donors
Acknowledgement:	This research was part of project Increasing Irrigation Water Productivity in Mozambique, Tanzania and Zimbabwe through On-Farm Monitoring, Adaptive Management and Agricultural Innovation Platforms and funded by the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research [grant no. FSC/2013/006]. The project was also supported by the CGIAR Research Program on Water, Land and Ecosystems and CGIAR Fund Donors.
Links:	Google Scholar

View Statistics

Actions (login required)

View Item