Cover Crops in Smallholder Agriculture

Cover Crops in Smallholder Agriculture

Author: Simon Anderson

Publisher: ITDG Publishing

Published: 2001

Total Pages: 156

ISBN-13:

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Lessons learned in Latin America is about the use and dissemination of cover crops in different agreoecosystems need to be made more widely available not only to Spanish speaking, but also Anglophone regions. This publication aims to inform a wide range of actors involved in rural development projects, as well as those in applied research, about the potential of cover crops as components of low external input agricultural (LEIA) systems. Cover crops are, or have the potential to be, an important component in complex, diverse, risk-prone and resource-poor farming situations. The publication includes selected case studies from four different countries in Latin America. These address key issues regarding crop cover integration in LEIA systems. A wide range of agroecosystems are covered by the case studies, so that the information can be adapted for use in other regions. The key issues covered by the case studies are the following: Cover crops in annual cropping systems (Honduras); Cover crops in perennial crops (Bolivia); Role of cover crops in animal husbandry (Mexico); cover crop systems - soil improvement and conservation (Honduras); Alternatives to slash-and-burn (Mexico); Diffusion aspects of cover crop based systems; Applied research activities for agricultural systems improvement (Bolivia); and Action research with campesino farmers in South-east Mexico. However, the different aspects of cover crops cannot be treated separately from each other. The cross-cutting nature of the different aspects of cover crops becomes obvious from the case studies themselves, and the treatment highlights potential applications in other contexts.


Book Synopsis Cover Crops in Smallholder Agriculture by : Simon Anderson

Download or read book Cover Crops in Smallholder Agriculture written by Simon Anderson and published by ITDG Publishing. This book was released on 2001 with total page 156 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Lessons learned in Latin America is about the use and dissemination of cover crops in different agreoecosystems need to be made more widely available not only to Spanish speaking, but also Anglophone regions. This publication aims to inform a wide range of actors involved in rural development projects, as well as those in applied research, about the potential of cover crops as components of low external input agricultural (LEIA) systems. Cover crops are, or have the potential to be, an important component in complex, diverse, risk-prone and resource-poor farming situations. The publication includes selected case studies from four different countries in Latin America. These address key issues regarding crop cover integration in LEIA systems. A wide range of agroecosystems are covered by the case studies, so that the information can be adapted for use in other regions. The key issues covered by the case studies are the following: Cover crops in annual cropping systems (Honduras); Cover crops in perennial crops (Bolivia); Role of cover crops in animal husbandry (Mexico); cover crop systems - soil improvement and conservation (Honduras); Alternatives to slash-and-burn (Mexico); Diffusion aspects of cover crop based systems; Applied research activities for agricultural systems improvement (Bolivia); and Action research with campesino farmers in South-east Mexico. However, the different aspects of cover crops cannot be treated separately from each other. The cross-cutting nature of the different aspects of cover crops becomes obvious from the case studies themselves, and the treatment highlights potential applications in other contexts.


Green Manure/Cover Crop Systems of Smallholder Farmers

Green Manure/Cover Crop Systems of Smallholder Farmers

Author: Marjatta Eilittä

Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media

Published: 2007-05-08

Total Pages: 386

ISBN-13: 1402020511

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In the 1980s and 1990s, green manure/cover crop (GMCC) systems became a popular agricultural technology in research and development efforts for smallholder tropical and subtropical farmers. However, few syntheses of these experiences have been conducted. This volume of case studies contributes to bridging this gap by reviewing field-level experiences with these systems. Twelve case studies are included. Eleven of them describe experiences from Latin America (4 cases), Africa (6 cases) and Asia (1 case) and the twelfth case reports on the development of a GMCC systems database. Two concluding chapters, `Learning from the Case Studies' and `Future Perspectives', build upon the cases. The systems described are diverse. Some systems have been spontaneously adopted by farmers, while others have been introduced to the farmers through diffusion efforts. Some of the cases reviewed describe small, localized efforts while others report on large-scale, well-known ones, such as the combination of GMCCs and conservation tillage in Santa Catarina, Brazil, the maize-Mucuna system in northern Honduras, and the improved fallow systems in Eastern Zambia. Most experiences include both development and research aspects and to the extent possible the cases integrate these two. Discussion of the strengths and shortcomings of the systems and efforts is frank, and the goal is to learn from these experiences to benefit future efforts. It is expected that both researchers and development practitioners and students of tropical farming systems and soil management will find this volume of case studies useful.


Book Synopsis Green Manure/Cover Crop Systems of Smallholder Farmers by : Marjatta Eilittä

Download or read book Green Manure/Cover Crop Systems of Smallholder Farmers written by Marjatta Eilittä and published by Springer Science & Business Media. This book was released on 2007-05-08 with total page 386 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In the 1980s and 1990s, green manure/cover crop (GMCC) systems became a popular agricultural technology in research and development efforts for smallholder tropical and subtropical farmers. However, few syntheses of these experiences have been conducted. This volume of case studies contributes to bridging this gap by reviewing field-level experiences with these systems. Twelve case studies are included. Eleven of them describe experiences from Latin America (4 cases), Africa (6 cases) and Asia (1 case) and the twelfth case reports on the development of a GMCC systems database. Two concluding chapters, `Learning from the Case Studies' and `Future Perspectives', build upon the cases. The systems described are diverse. Some systems have been spontaneously adopted by farmers, while others have been introduced to the farmers through diffusion efforts. Some of the cases reviewed describe small, localized efforts while others report on large-scale, well-known ones, such as the combination of GMCCs and conservation tillage in Santa Catarina, Brazil, the maize-Mucuna system in northern Honduras, and the improved fallow systems in Eastern Zambia. Most experiences include both development and research aspects and to the extent possible the cases integrate these two. Discussion of the strengths and shortcomings of the systems and efforts is frank, and the goal is to learn from these experiences to benefit future efforts. It is expected that both researchers and development practitioners and students of tropical farming systems and soil management will find this volume of case studies useful.


Cover Crops in West Africa

Cover Crops in West Africa

Author: International Development Research Centre (Canada)

Publisher: IDRC

Published: 1998

Total Pages: 319

ISBN-13: 088936852X

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Cover Crops in West Africa Contributing to Sustainable Agriculture


Book Synopsis Cover Crops in West Africa by : International Development Research Centre (Canada)

Download or read book Cover Crops in West Africa written by International Development Research Centre (Canada) and published by IDRC. This book was released on 1998 with total page 319 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Cover Crops in West Africa Contributing to Sustainable Agriculture


Managing Cover Crops Profitably (3rd Ed. )

Managing Cover Crops Profitably (3rd Ed. )

Author: Andy Clark

Publisher: DIANE Publishing

Published: 2008-07

Total Pages: 248

ISBN-13: 1437903797

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Cover crops slow erosion, improve soil, smother weeds, enhance nutrient and moisture availability, help control many pests and bring a host of other benefits to your farm. At the same time, they can reduce costs, increase profits and even create new sources of income. You¿ll reap dividends on your cover crop investments for years, since their benefits accumulate over the long term. This book will help you find which ones are right for you. Captures farmer and other research results from the past ten years. The authors verified the info. from the 2nd ed., added new results and updated farmer profiles and research data, and added 2 chap. Includes maps and charts, detailed narratives about individual cover crop species, and chap. about aspects of cover cropping.


Book Synopsis Managing Cover Crops Profitably (3rd Ed. ) by : Andy Clark

Download or read book Managing Cover Crops Profitably (3rd Ed. ) written by Andy Clark and published by DIANE Publishing. This book was released on 2008-07 with total page 248 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Cover crops slow erosion, improve soil, smother weeds, enhance nutrient and moisture availability, help control many pests and bring a host of other benefits to your farm. At the same time, they can reduce costs, increase profits and even create new sources of income. You¿ll reap dividends on your cover crop investments for years, since their benefits accumulate over the long term. This book will help you find which ones are right for you. Captures farmer and other research results from the past ten years. The authors verified the info. from the 2nd ed., added new results and updated farmer profiles and research data, and added 2 chap. Includes maps and charts, detailed narratives about individual cover crop species, and chap. about aspects of cover cropping.


Cover Crops for Sustainable Farming

Cover Crops for Sustainable Farming

Author: Eric Justes

Publisher: Springer

Published: 2017-05-29

Total Pages: 95

ISBN-13: 9402409866

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This study, based on a literature review and simulations, shows the efficiency of cover crops at catching nitrate in most agriculture situations. It also analyzes both the negative impacts they can have and the ecosystem services they can provide. The introduction of a cover crop between two main crops helps catch the soil mineral nitrogen before the period of drainage and consequently reduces nitrate leaching and nitrate concentration in the drainage water. This study allows quantifying the efficiency of cover crops at catching nitrate and optimizing their implantation conditions over a large range of French pedoclimatic conditions. The presence of high nitrate levels in surface and ground waters, due to excessive nitrogen fertilization and natural production of nitrate by soil organic matter mineralization, is a double challenge for public health and environment protection.


Book Synopsis Cover Crops for Sustainable Farming by : Eric Justes

Download or read book Cover Crops for Sustainable Farming written by Eric Justes and published by Springer. This book was released on 2017-05-29 with total page 95 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This study, based on a literature review and simulations, shows the efficiency of cover crops at catching nitrate in most agriculture situations. It also analyzes both the negative impacts they can have and the ecosystem services they can provide. The introduction of a cover crop between two main crops helps catch the soil mineral nitrogen before the period of drainage and consequently reduces nitrate leaching and nitrate concentration in the drainage water. This study allows quantifying the efficiency of cover crops at catching nitrate and optimizing their implantation conditions over a large range of French pedoclimatic conditions. The presence of high nitrate levels in surface and ground waters, due to excessive nitrogen fertilization and natural production of nitrate by soil organic matter mineralization, is a double challenge for public health and environment protection.


Managing Cover Crops Profitably

Managing Cover Crops Profitably

Author:

Publisher:

Published: 1992

Total Pages: 128

ISBN-13:

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Book Synopsis Managing Cover Crops Profitably by :

Download or read book Managing Cover Crops Profitably written by and published by . This book was released on 1992 with total page 128 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:


Cover Crops and Sustainable Agriculture

Cover Crops and Sustainable Agriculture

Author: Rafiq Islam

Publisher: CRC Press

Published: 2021-06-16

Total Pages: 327

ISBN-13: 100040711X

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This book will not serve as the "encyclopedia of cover crop management," but it’s close. The benefits of a wide range of individual cover crops and blends/mixes for specific agronomic crop rotations and geographic locations are included. Descriptions, photographs, and illustrations show how cover crops look in the field, including plant height, leaf architecture, and rooting patterns. Long term benefits are described for soil health, soil structure, water quality, nutrient contributions, soil biodiversity, air quality and climate change. In addition to the "whys" of cover crop use, the book includes details on the "hows:" how to choose cover crops for specific applications and locations; how (and when) to plant; how to manage and maintain the cover for maximum benefit; and how and when to terminate. Planting options include: drilling/planting between rows of an agronomic crop at planting time, or when the crop is short (i.e. corn in early June); "aerial" seeding with an airplane or high-clearance machine shortly before the crop reaches maturity; and drilling/planting immediately after harvest of the agronomic crop. Selected cover crops (blends) can help with pest and disease management. Cover crops are an economic input with an expected return on investment, similar to pesticides and fertilizer. As part of a continuous no-till system, cover crops provide long-term biological, chemical and structural benefits. The resulting increase in soil organic matter means the agronomic crop yields benefit from better water infiltration and water holding capacity, greater availability of nitrogen and other nutrients, deeper rooting, and increased soil microbial activity in the root zone.


Book Synopsis Cover Crops and Sustainable Agriculture by : Rafiq Islam

Download or read book Cover Crops and Sustainable Agriculture written by Rafiq Islam and published by CRC Press. This book was released on 2021-06-16 with total page 327 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book will not serve as the "encyclopedia of cover crop management," but it’s close. The benefits of a wide range of individual cover crops and blends/mixes for specific agronomic crop rotations and geographic locations are included. Descriptions, photographs, and illustrations show how cover crops look in the field, including plant height, leaf architecture, and rooting patterns. Long term benefits are described for soil health, soil structure, water quality, nutrient contributions, soil biodiversity, air quality and climate change. In addition to the "whys" of cover crop use, the book includes details on the "hows:" how to choose cover crops for specific applications and locations; how (and when) to plant; how to manage and maintain the cover for maximum benefit; and how and when to terminate. Planting options include: drilling/planting between rows of an agronomic crop at planting time, or when the crop is short (i.e. corn in early June); "aerial" seeding with an airplane or high-clearance machine shortly before the crop reaches maturity; and drilling/planting immediately after harvest of the agronomic crop. Selected cover crops (blends) can help with pest and disease management. Cover crops are an economic input with an expected return on investment, similar to pesticides and fertilizer. As part of a continuous no-till system, cover crops provide long-term biological, chemical and structural benefits. The resulting increase in soil organic matter means the agronomic crop yields benefit from better water infiltration and water holding capacity, greater availability of nitrogen and other nutrients, deeper rooting, and increased soil microbial activity in the root zone.


Managing Cover Crops Profitably

Managing Cover Crops Profitably

Author: Sustainable Agriculture Network

Publisher:

Published: 1998

Total Pages: 216

ISBN-13:

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Book Synopsis Managing Cover Crops Profitably by : Sustainable Agriculture Network

Download or read book Managing Cover Crops Profitably written by Sustainable Agriculture Network and published by . This book was released on 1998 with total page 216 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:


Cover-crops for Young Orchards

Cover-crops for Young Orchards

Author: Rollins Adams Emerson

Publisher:

Published: 1906

Total Pages: 36

ISBN-13:

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Book Synopsis Cover-crops for Young Orchards by : Rollins Adams Emerson

Download or read book Cover-crops for Young Orchards written by Rollins Adams Emerson and published by . This book was released on 1906 with total page 36 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:


Restoring the Soil

Restoring the Soil

Author: Roland Bunch

Publisher:

Published: 2012-09

Total Pages:

ISBN-13: 9780968854648

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Book Synopsis Restoring the Soil by : Roland Bunch

Download or read book Restoring the Soil written by Roland Bunch and published by . This book was released on 2012-09 with total page pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: