Management of organic matter in the tropics: translating theory into practice |
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Authors: | Cheryl A Palm Ken E Giller Paramu L Mafongoya MJ Swift |
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Affiliation: | (1) Tropical Soil Biology and Fertility Programme (TSBF), Kenya;(2) Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Engineering, University of Zimbabwe, MP167 Mount Pleasant, Zimbabwe;(3) International Centre for Research in Agroforestry (ICRAF), Masekera, Zambia;(4) Tropical Soil Biology and Fertility Programme (TSBF), Kenya |
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Abstract: | Inputs of organic materials play a central role in the productivity of many tropical farming systems by providing nutrients
through decomposition and substrate for synthesis of soil organic matter (SOM). The organic inputs in many tropical farming
systems such as crop residues, manures, and natural fallows are currently of low quality and insufficient quantity to maintain
soil fertility hence there is need to find alternative or supplementary sources of nutrients. Knowledge gained over the past
decade on the role of organic resource quality in influencing soil nutrient availability patterns (Synchrony Principle) and
SOM maintenance (SOM Principle) provides a strong scientific basis on which to develop management tools. This scientific information
must be linked with farmer knowledge and circumstances to provide a realistic approach to soil fertility and SOM management
in the tropics. A decision tree has been developed for testing hypotheses about the resource quality parameters that affect
nitrogen release patterns and rates. The decision tree is linked to an Organic Resource Database (ORD) with detailed information
on the resource quality of agroforestry trees and leguminous cover crops providing a systematic means of selecting organic
resources for soil fertility management. The decision tree has also been translated into a practical field guide for use with
farmers in evaluating organic materials. The longer-term effects of organic inputs on SOM might also be addressed through
the decision tree and database. It is generally believed that materials good for short-term soil fertility will not build
or maintain SOM; if true then it is difficult to imagine practical means of maintaining SOM in the African context where short-term
fertility issues will take precedence over longer-term maintenance of SOM.
This revised version was published online in June 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date. |
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Keywords: | Decision trees Organic input quality SOM fractions Synchrony |
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