Incorporation of Leguminous Cover Crops in Smallholder Cassava-Based Production System in Western Tanzania

• DOI: 10.4236/ajps.2017.813235
• Publication Date: 2017-12-26T07:09:22Z
• Authors: Peter Z. Matata; Alexandre M. A. P...; Leah W. Masolwa; Alaerto L. Marcolan; Rodrigo da S. Rib...
• Keywords: Mucuna pruriens; Canavalia ensiformis; Mucuna; Intercropping; Crotalaria juncea; Manihot

Small-scale crop production in many parts of Tanzania is constrained by problems among which soil fertility degradation a major problem. Over 80% cassava (Manihot esculenta) done the small-scale farmers who continuously cultivate their fields, but use limited inputs to restore depleted plant nutrients. The objective this study was examine best legume species that could be incorporated systems under farmers’ conditions and result increase yields. Mucuna pruriens Canavalia ensiformis were either with or planted as sole rotation cassava. found produce almost similar amount biomass. two legumes, however, produced higher biomass than intercropping system. system 6.28 t·ha-1 5.31 t·ha-1, respectively. represents an input nitrogen into simulates saving cost 181.42 141.96 US$ ha-1. In first year, root yields significantly increased (p -1) (2.41 t·ha-1) (2.25 t·ha-1). Intercropping legumes yield represent sustainable alternative reduce farms’ dependence on external enhance inherent fertility.