Authors
Muneta Grace Manzeke, Florence Mtambanengwe, Hatirarami Nezomba, Paul Mapfumo
Publication date
2015/10/15
Journal
OF ABSTRACTS
Pages
66
Description
Most cultivated soils in sub Saharan Africa are deficient in essential plant nutrients such as nitrogen(N), phosphorus(P) and zinc (Zn). This leads to reduced crop growth and widespread dietary Zn deficiencies (Joy et al., 2014). Despite known deficiencies, smallholder farmers in Zimbabwe and southern Africa use mostly N-‐ and P-‐based fertilizers to improve crop productivity. Several studies have been conducted using Zn-‐enriched fertilizers on crops (agronomic biofortification), which can enhance the nutrition of smallholder communities whose energy supply is derived mainly from staple cereals. Few such studies have been done on grain legume crops, which constitute a greater component of protein intake in these communities. The aim of this study was to determine the potential of integrated soil fertility management(ISFM) through use of locally available organic nutrient resources and external Zn sources on cowpea production and nodulation, and grain quality.