Maize stover transfers from maize fields to banana-based agroforestry homegardens and the corresponding nutrient flows in central-northern Tanzania
Maize (Zea mays) stover produced in the drier lowland areas on the volcanic foot slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro serves as an important additional fodder for smallholder zero-grazed dairy cattle farming in the humid highland areas of the region. The obtained cattle manure is used to replenish nutrients and manage soil fertility in banana-based agroforestry homegardens of the highlands, which contributes significantly to sustaining crop production, thus food security and the livelihoods of the community. The study aims to provide a preliminary evaluation of the amounts of stover removed from smallholder maize-based fields in the lowlands and the subsequent nutrient flows to the banana-based agroforestry homegardens of the highlands.
Title of publication: Climate-Smart Solutions for Tropical Mountain Environments
Volume: 6
Author: Akida I. Meya
Other authors: Rony Swennen, Patrick A. Ndakidemi, Kelvin M. Mtei, Roel Merckx
Year: 2023
Country/ies: United Republic of Tanzania
Geographical coverage: Africa
Type: Article
Full text available at: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/ffgc.2023.1131328/full
Content language: English