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The dynamics between irrigation frequency and soil nutrient management: transitioning smallholder irrigation towards more profitable and sustainable systems in Zimbabwe

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  • Martin Moyo
  • André Van Rooyen
  • Henning Bjornlund
  • Karen Parry
  • Richard Stirzaker
  • Thabani Dube
  • Mthulisi Maya

Abstract

Successful irrigated agriculture is underpinned by answering two critical questions: when and how much to irrigate. This article quantifies the role of the Chameleon and the Wetting Front Detector, monitoring tools facilitating decision-making and learning about soil-water-nutrient dynamics. Farmers retained nutrients in the root zone by reducing irrigation frequency, number of siphons, and event duration. Water productivity increased by more than 100% for farmers both with and without monitoring tools. Transitioning smallholder irrigation systems into profitable and sustainable schemes requires investment in technology, farmers and institutions. Importantly, technologies need embedding in a learning environment that fosters critical feedback mechanisms, such as market constraints.

Suggested Citation

  • Martin Moyo & André Van Rooyen & Henning Bjornlund & Karen Parry & Richard Stirzaker & Thabani Dube & Mthulisi Maya, 2020. "The dynamics between irrigation frequency and soil nutrient management: transitioning smallholder irrigation towards more profitable and sustainable systems in Zimbabwe," International Journal of Water Resources Development, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 36(S1), pages 102-126, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:cijwxx:v:36:y:2020:i:s1:p:s102-s126
    DOI: 10.1080/07900627.2020.1739513
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    Cited by:

    1. Kaveney, Brooke & Barrett-Lennard, Edward & Chau Minh, Khoi & Dang Duy, Minh & Nguyen Thi, Kim Phuong & Kristiansen, Paul & Orgill, Susan & Stewart-Koster, Ben & Condon, Jason, 2023. "Inland dry season saline intrusion in the Vietnamese Mekong River Delta is driving the identification and implementation of alternative crops to rice," Agricultural Systems, Elsevier, vol. 207(C).
    2. Mekonnen, Dawit K. & Yimam, Seid & Arega, Tiruwork & Matheswaran, Karthikeyan & Schmitter, Petra M.V., 2022. "Relatives, neighbors, or friends: Information exchanges among irrigators on new on-farm water management tools," Agricultural Systems, Elsevier, vol. 203(C).
    3. Mdemu, M.V. & Kimaro, E.G. & Tafula, M. & de Sousa, W. & Moyo, M. & Parry, K. & Bjornlund, H. & Mukwakwami, N. & Ramshaw, P., 2023. "Participatory mapping of irrigation schemes in Tanzania, Mozambique and Zimbabwe and their value for multi-level learning," Agricultural Water Management, Elsevier, vol. 290(C).
    4. Ripendra Awal & Almoutaz El Hassan & Farhat Abbas & Ali Fares & Haimanote K. Bayabil & Ram L. Ray & Selamawit Woldesenbet, 2021. "Patterns of Nutrient Dynamics within and below the Rootzone of Collard Greens Grown under Different Organic Amendment Types and Rates," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(12), pages 1-16, June.

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