Browsing by Author "Snapp, S."

Now showing 1 - 4 of 4
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    Advanced Soil Organic Matter Management
    Snapp, S.; Grandy, S. (Lansing, MI: Michigan State University Extension, 2012)
    This bulletin explains how to build soil organic matter using certain agronomic practices and the science behind those practices. The authors argue that on-farm experiments should be included as an important process to adapting recommendations to specific farm situations.
  • Biodiversity can support a greener revolution in Africa
    Snapp, S.; Blackie, M. J.; Gilbert, R. A.; Bezner-Kerr, R.; Kanyama-Phiri, G. Y. (Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 2010)
    In Africa there is an urgent need to increase crop productivity in order to improve environmental and food security in this area. In Malawi, the government has subsidized N-fertilizer and improved maize seed, bringing it to 10% of its original cost. This paper evaluates the results of a countrywide trial which tested the effects of legume diversification on maize yields in this region. The results suggest that long-lived legume crops are important contributors to conservation farming, because growing an 11 to 36 month plant provides extended living cover and leaf cover, which results in lower soil disturbance. This study shows that increased fertilizer efficiency, crop diversification, and increased stability of crop yield can have important implications for food security in Africa.
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    Building Soil for Organic and Sustainable Farms: Where to start?
    Morrone, V.; Snapp, S. (Lansing, MI: Michigan State University, 2012)
    This is a bulletin published by the Extension Bulletin for the purpose to provide general, background knowledge on soil properties, management, and conservation. They reccommend using organic and ecologically based managements that rely on biological processes. It provides definitions, processes, advice, and documents on how to monitor soil quality as part of a long-term management plan.
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    Realigning research and extension to focus on farmer's constraints and opportunities
    Snapp, S.; Blackie, M. J.; Donovan, C. (Elsevier, 2012)
    This article explores the research and extension of farmer innovations of technology. It argues that researchers need to consider farmer's constraints and attempt to improve the farmer's capacity to adapt technologies. They critique current research and extension initiatives for high-dose fertilizer recommendations and argue that small input doses and training farmers should take priority. However, they conclude by claiming this initiative is also an institutional challenge as well as a technological challenge.