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    A multi-objective model exploration of banana-canopy management and nutrient input scenarios for optimal banana-legume intercrop performance

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    Journal Article (1.213Mb)
    Date
    2021
    Author
    Ocimati, W.
    Groot, J.C.J.
    Blomme, G.
    Timler, C.
    Remans, R.
    Taulya, G.
    Ntamwira, J.
    Tittonell, P.
    Type
    Journal Article
    Review Status
    Internal Review
    Target Audience
    Scientists
    Metadata
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    Abstract/Description
    Bananas on smallholder farmers in the African Great Lakes region are often pruned to illuminate shorter understory intercrops, reducing overall farm profitability. The impact of this practice on environmental and nutritional indicators are not known. This study determined the effect of this practice on operating profit, protein yield, soil organic matter (SOM) balance, and nitrogen input; and the management options for optimal performance of the intercrops. Alternative scenarios for improving soil nutrient balances of the system were also explored. Data from an experiment intercropping bush beans with banana at three leaf pruning levels (i.e., retaining all, seven, and four leaves) was used as the input for the multi-objective optimization FarmDESIGN model. Retention of four functional leaves mimicked a worst-case scenario observed on farms. Banana and bush bean monocrops served as controls. The model maximized operating profit, protein yield, and SOM, and minimized nitrogen input. Nutrient input scenarios in which (i) farmyard manure was only applied at planting (business as usual (‘BaU’)); and ‘BaU’, was combined with (ii) hedges, (iii) inorganic fertilizers, (iv) hedges and goat manure, (v) hedges and inorganic fertilizers, (vi) inorganic fertilizers and goat manure, and (vii) hedges, inorganic fertilizers, and goat manure, were also explored. Severe banana leaf pruning reduced profitability, SOM, and protein yield, although it’s less nutrient demanding. In contrast, the “un-pruned banana-bush bean intercrop” and “sole banana crop” had a higher profitability, SOM balance, and protein yield, whereas they demand more soil nutrients. No profound improvements in operating profit, SOM balance, and protein yield occurred for ‘BaU’, while hedges resulted in mild improvements. Profound improvements in all objectives occurred with the addition of the inorganic fertilizers, while goat manure resulted in a high SOM balance and N input. For ‘BaU’ and hedges, “severely pruned banana-bush bean intercrop” dominated the optimal solution set for improving farm performance. In contrast, when the inorganic fertilizers and/or goat manure was introduced, “un-pruned banana-bush bean intercrop” and/or “sole un-pruned banana crop” were the optimal solutions. The study confirms severe leaf pruning to negatively impact profitability, while the more profitable un-pruned crop options are unsustainable without external input of nutrients. Thus, investments in external inputs are crucial for a sustainable banana-intercrop system. The FarmDESIGN model made the trade-offs and synergies in this complex intercrop system explicit, thus was also helpful for field-level decision making.
    Acknowledgements
    This research was conducted in the framework of the Roots, Tubers and Banana program of the CGIAR (CRP RTB).
    https://dx.doi.org/10.3390/agronomy11020311
    Multi standard citation
    Permanent link to this item
    https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12478/7289
    IITA Authors ORCID
    Godfrey Taulyahttps://orcid.org/0000-0002-5690-0492
    Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
    https://dx.doi.org/10.3390/agronomy11020311
    Research Themes
    Natural Resource Management
    IITA Subjects
    Agronomy; Banana; Biodiversity; Food Security; Plant Breeding; Plant Production
    Agrovoc Terms
    Bananas; Hedges; Optimization Methods; Synergism; Biodiversity; Intercropping
    Regions
    Africa; Central Africa
    Countries
    Democratic Republic of the Congo
    Hubs
    Eastern Africa Hub
    Journals
    Agronomy
    Collections
    • Journal and Journal Articles4842
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