Effects of windbreak species and mulching on wind erosion and millet yield in the Sahel

Michels, K (1998) Effects of windbreak species and mulching on wind erosion and millet yield in the Sahel. Experimental Agriculture, 34 (4). pp. 449-464. ISSN 0014-4797

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Abstract

In an on-station agroforestry experiment conducted in south-west Niger, the effects of seven windbreak species and of a soil mulch made from crop residue on wind erosion and pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum) production were monitored. Within a distance of 20 m, strips of the perennial grass, Andropogon gayanus, reduced total annual soil flux by 6–55% and hedges of Bauhinia rufescens 2 m in height reduced soil flux by 47–77% compared with unsheltered control plots. No significant overall windbreak effect on millet stover and grain yields was found. In contrast, erosion reduction and yield increases due to mulch application were highly significant. Soil mulch is a promising alternative to complex windbreak–millet cropping systems in regions where direct economic benefits for farmers are not ensured by windbreaks

Item Type:	Article
Divisions:	UNSPECIFIED
CRP:	UNSPECIFIED
Subjects:	Mandate crops > Millets
Depositing User:	Ms K Syamalamba
Date Deposited:	16 May 2013 08:54
Last Modified:	20 Sep 2013 09:39
URI:	http://oar.icrisat.org/id/eprint/6803
Official URL:	http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/S0014479798004050
Projects:	UNSPECIFIED
Funders:	UNSPECIFIED
Acknowledgement:	UNSPECIFIED
Links:	Google Scholar

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