Summary And Conclusion

Last Updated on Wed, 28 Dec 2022|Agriculture Organization

Carbon is an important component of the soil and is essential for the maintenance of soil quality. As a constituent part of humus, C serves as a binding agent that holds soil particles into aggregates, and thereby enhances the soil physical properties, particularly porosity, aeration, infiltration, and drainage. Further, polysaccharides secreted by soil microflora can have the same effect, but not to the extent as C. Carbon also serves as a major sink/source of essential plant nutrients. Chemically, it is very important for enhancing soil fertility through improvement in CEC and nutrient retention, and as a source of energy for microorganisms.

Soil C dynamics are influenced by environmental factors such as temperature and rainfall along with anthropogenic factors that include the need for clearing forests and grasslands for farming,farming systemsin place, and harvesting forests for timber and wood fuel. In Zambia, the chitemene and fundikila systems of land clearing and preparation, and the felling of forest trees for charcoal and wood fuel, result in a serious loss of soil organic and inorganic C.

Soil C sequestration practices have been recommended to ameliorate these conditions. They include the use of cover crops,green manure, integ轮作rated nutrient management systems, reforestation, and conservation tillage to reduce soil disturbances and hence soil erodibility.

Soil organic C sequestration is a highly recommended approach to sequester organic C. Increasing SOM content under current farming systems in Zambia maybe an easier approach to sequester SOC. In the northern part of the country, the chitemene and fundikila systems could be made more productive by increasing biomass accumulation in the miombo woodlands and reducing the burning of vegetation. The introduction of suitable multipurpose trees, herbaceous woody legumes that contain high lignin, polyphenols, and condensed tannins like Calliandra calothyrsus and Gliricidia sepium, would be one way to sequester C, as these materials are C sinks and release C slowly over long periods of time (Malama, 1998). Encouraging water harvesting may help to sequester soil C in the drier areas of Region 1, where the soils are prone to erosion and water is a limiting factor to crop production. In all threeagroecological regions, enhancing biomass production and accumulation, and reducing deforestation when clearing land for agricultural production, and lumber and wood fuel harvesting will enhance SOC sequestration for the betterment of soil quality,农业可持续发展,food security, and a reduction in global warming.

Continue reading here:References Of Agriculture Policy In Zambia

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Readers' Questions

  • raino ollila
    What conclusion polutry farm housing system?
    2 months ago
    • The conclusion of the poultry farm housing system is that it is important to provide adequate space for the birds to move around, perch, and lay eggs, as well as to keep the birds healthy and productive. Housing systems should provide maximum air circulation and allow for adequate light, litter management, and inspection. It is also important to consider the cost of the housing system when making decisions.
    • angelika hartmann
      What is the conclusion of land clearing?
      1 year ago
      • The conclusion of land clearing is that it can have both positive and negative impacts on the environment, including impacts on native flora and fauna, soil erosion, water quality, and air quality. Depending on the type of land clearing that is occurring, land clearing can also have an impact on local communities and economies. In some cases, land clearing can be beneficial and improve the quality of life for local communities, while in other cases it can cause significant damage and disruption. Ultimately, land clearing should be undertaken with the utmost consideration for its environmental and social impacts.
      • JANI
        What is good about chitemene system?
        1 year ago
        • The chitemene system is an ancient agricultural practice found among certain tribes in Central and Southern Africa. It is a sustainable, low-input farming method that has been used for centuries in Africa. Here are some of the positive benefits of the chitemene system:
        1. It is a cost-effective and sustainable form of farming that is easily adapted to different climates and soils.
        2. The system relies on sawdust and ash to promote the growth of crops, reducing the need for chemical fertilizers.
        3. Its low-input farming allows farmers to save money while increasing their crop yields.
        4. The chitemene system is environmentally friendly, helping to conserve soil and water resources.
        5. It is labor-intensive, providing employment opportunities in rural areas.
        • anja rothschild
          How does chitemene system contribute to soil improvement?
          1 year ago
          • The Chitemene system is a traditional slash-and-burn farming system used in Central and Southern Africa. It is an important land management technique used to restore fertility to exhausted soils and to provide the necessary nutrients for food crops. The system involves clearing an area of natural vegetation, burning it and then manuring the ashes into the soil before planting a variety of crops. This practice helps to replenish the soil, create more organic matter, reduce erosion, as well as promote the growth of beneficial soil organisms, such as fungi and bacteria. Additionally, the ashes from the burned vegetation help improve the soil’s water-holding capacity, allowing for better retention of water during dry periods. The system is also beneficial for improving soil fertility, aiding in the growth of food crops, and helping farmers to increase their yields.