Rainwater Management and Soil Improvement Techniques in Maize-Soy Bean Intercrop

Abstract

Constraints, opportunities and strategies along maize-soy bean value chain were identified in two districts (Lawra and Tolon) in the Volta River basin of Northern Ghana. Identified constraints which required technological solutions were low rainfall (drought) and poor soils. Rain water management and soil improvement techniques were identified as solutions to these constraints. On-farm trials specifically tested the effect of rainwater management techniques (tied ridges and contour bunds) and soil fertility improvement methods (organic and inorganic fertilizers) on grain and biomass yields in a maize-soy bean inter crop at these two districts. This was part of a more elaborate gender sensitive study that sought to integrate livestock and biomass production into improved rainwater management cropping system that took cognizance of the influence of institutions and markets as well as the various value chain actors. These trials were replicated on-station at Nyankpala Animal Research Institute in Tolon district with two additional treatments. A completely randomized experimental design was used. Mean combined grain yield in Tolon was significantly higher than (P<0.05) in Lawra. The same pattern was observed for combined biomass yield, maize grain yield, soy grain and biomass yields. Gender did not seem to play a role in yield quantities except for soy grain and biomass yield. Tied ridges or contour bunds with organic and inorganic fertilizer had better maize grain and biomass yield as compared to the control. Similar trends were observed on-station. There were no treatment effects on soy. Combined rainwater management and soil fertility improvement techniques had better effect on maize grain and biomass yields. Total grain sale minus input cost per treatment plot varied between the study sites and was found to be more positive for all treatments at Tolon compared to Lawra.