The project commenced the 10 year growth plan for Agrihome. Adopting the no-till technology on a maize/cowpea intercrop field was the most suitable considering the ideals of Agrihome. The technology helps to improve and maintain soil structure whiles helping to manage weeds. The field, established at Twedie in the Atwima Kwanwoma District of Ashanti, faced a couple of challenges particularly low amount of rainfall during cob formation.
Cowpea at close range. Cleared vegetation allowed on field serves as mulch and improves soils structure.
ACTIVITIES CARRIED OUT
|
No. |
ACTIVITY | DATE |
| 1 | Land preparation | 11/05/2015 |
| 2 | Weedicide application | 26/05/2015 |
| 3 | Laying-out | 04/06/2015 |
| 4 | Planting | 04/06/2015 |
| 5 | Fertilizer application | 19/06/2015 |
| 6 | Refilling | 19/06/2015 |
| 7 | Weedicide application | 23/06/2015 |
| 8 | Planting of cowpea | 25/06/2015 |
| 9 | Harvesting of cowpea | 18/09/2015 |
| 10 | Harvesting of maize | 03/10/2015 |
Maize/Cowpea intercrop
View full gallery on maize/cowpea intercrop
HARVEST
Maize yield = 8 bags * 100 kg out of the expected 15 bags * 100 kg.
Cowpea yield = 4bags * 50 kg in addition to its nitrogen fixing benefits and weed control.
RECOMMENDATIONS
- The adoption of conservation agriculture helped to avoid total crop failure.
- Irrigation to make up for prolonged dry spells and enable off-season cropping.
- Intensify monitoring of projects.
CONCLUSION
Harvest fell 47% below the expected (15.0 bags x 100kg) for maize. The purpose for cowpea as an intercrop was to control weeds and that was perfectly served besides yielding 4.0bags x 50kg. Project success is rated average. Agrihome, growing from here, will adopt the best technologies and work towards providing the required logistics to ensure optimum productivity.
4 Comments. Leave new
Excellent example worth emulating. I’ll be contacting you soon.
Thanks for reading, Benjamin. We will be glad to hear from you.
The success of this project could be enhanced by planting the seeds in a solid stand rather than in rows.
The only reason we plant in rows is because we evolved crop management tools around the width of horses and oxen. The equipment exists today to manage crops planted in solid stands. There are many advantages starting with profit but include environmental advantages as well.
Corn is a victim of the row cropping mentality and next to soybeans the leading environmental crop hazard in terms of soil degradation. Top of the list because of the acres they cover.
I have been working with solid seeding corn and soybeans for some time and if you even want to discuss the recipe please contact me.
Best regards
Jim
We really appreciate your input, James. We will be contacting soon to learn more.