BULAWAYO - Farmers in Matebeleland South have been challenged to use a dry land soil and water conversation farming method and are considering establishing fertility trenches for gardening.
This was said by the Lupane-based Department of Agriculture and Technical Extension Services supervisor, Thomas Mahlangu. The soil and water conversation farming method entails the digging of basins that become planting holes before the onset of the first rains and this creates micro- water catchments while mulching prevents water evaporation.
“Farmers in Matabeleland South are more or less facing the sane predicament with in Lupane which in region 4. Matabeleland South is in region 5 and thus farmers in that region can opt for early planting in holes dug without tilling the land and before the first rains,” said Mahlangu.
He said farmers in Lupane district in Matabeleland North province had practically proved that dry land conservation farming and proper application of manure had the ability to improve crop yields as well as maintain soil fertility.
Post published in: News