Conservation agriculture for small holder rainfed farming: Opportunities and constraints of new mechanized seeding systems
Date
2012Author
Johansen, C.
Haque, M. E.
Bell, R. W.
Thierfelder, Christian
Esdaile, R. J.
Metadata
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In the past, development and dissemination of conservation agriculture technologies, such as mechanized seeders and herbicides, has suited large-scale agricultural operations. Recent innovations specifically designed for smallholders have been developed in Brazil and introduced in Africa. These include animal-drawn rippers and direct seeders, which have produced equal yields to conventional tillage and seed broadcasting. However, more research is needed concerning weed management and place-based agro-ecological variance in order to further disseminate conservation agriculture technologies (and subsequent ecosystem services) to greater numbers of smallholder farmers.