Crop Nutrition Section

 

RESEARCH

The crop nutrition section conducts research on crop nutrition and soil management aimed at enhancing productivity of soils and crops. Such research includes studies on crop production ,soil fertility management, generation of techniques for improving productivity of soils and crops and soil-water-plant relationships under irrigated and rain fed conditions

Collaborative research work is also carried out with public and private sector organisations within and outside Zimbabwe. These include the local universities, private companies, NGOs and international organisations such as the International Atomic Energy Agency.

ADVISORY SERVICES

The section also offers fertilizer and lime recommendations to farmers. Diagnosis of plant nutrient deficiencies. Advice is given to individual and organisations on crop nutrition, soil fertility management and various soil-related problems. The section also disseminates soils information to various user groups within Zimbabwe.

Laboratories in Crop Nutrition Section

  1. Soil Testing  Lab

Soil sample analysis for soil pH , mineral nitrogen , available phosphorus , exchangeable cations

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  1. Foliar analysis Lab

Plant foliar analysis for N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn, Pb and others upon request.

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STAFF

The section has a staff compliment of 5 Research Officers, 5 Laboratory Technicians, 6 sample analysts, 4 technical assistants. The Research Officers have at least a BSc Honours Degree in Soil Science with different research interest that are closely related.

Some of the key research interests for current researchers in the Crop Nutrition Section are given in table below:

Name of Officer/e-mail Designation Research Interests

Shumba Armwell

  1. BSc Soil Science(UZ)
  2. Master of Philosophy in Soil Science (UZ)

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Principal Research Officer Crop Nutrition, Integrated soil fertility management, Climate change adaptation, agronomy

Gwandu Tariro

  1. BSc Soil Science (University of Zimbabwe),
  2. Master of Philosophy in Soil  Science (University of Zimbabwe)

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Principal Research Officer, Integrated soil fertility management, Climate change adaptation, Natural Resources management, Soil Fertility management, Crop Nutrient Management.

Chipangura Tafadzwa.

    1.    BSc Agriculture and Natural Resources (Africa University)

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 Principal Research Officer Soil Fertility and water management, Crop Nutrition, Crop Nutrient Management, climate change adaptation, Natural Resources management

Tozivepi Kudakwashe S.

  1. BSc Soil Science(UZ)

     

Research Officer Crop nutrition , Soil microbiology , Natural resources management , GIS

 PUBLICATIONS

GENERAL

 A guide to the meaning of soil test results 

SCIENTIFIC PUBLICATIONS

1.  Mutimaamba, C., MacRobert, J., Cairns, J.E., Magorokosho, C.E., Ndhlela, T., Mukungurutse, C.,

      Minnaar-Ontong, A. and Labuschagne, M.T., 2017. Diallel analysis of acid soil tolerant and

      susceptible maize inbred lines for grain yield under acid and non-acid soil conditions. Euphytica,                 213 (4), p.88.     

2.   T. Gwandu., F. Mtambanengwe., P. Mapfumo., T.C. Mashavave., R. Chikowo and H. Nezomba.

   2014. Factors Influencing Access to Integrated Soil Fertility Management Information and

   Knowledge and Its Uptake among Smallholder Farmers in Zimbabwe. The Journal of

   Agricultural Education and Extension, 20:1, 79-93, DOI: 10.1080/1389224X.2012.757245

3. Mashavave, T.C., Mapfumo, P., Mtambanengwe, F., Chikowo, R., Gwandu, T., Nezomba, H. And Siziba, S. 2013. Interaction Patterns Determining Improved Information and Knowledge Sharing Among Smallholder Farmers. 2013. African Journal of Agricultural and Resource Economics. Volume 8:1 Pp 1-12

4. F.Mtambanengwe, H.Nezomba, J.Rurinda, T.Tauro, G.Manzeke, C.Chagumaira, T.Gwandu, G.Kanonge, N.Kurwakumire, T.Mtangadura and T.Mashavave.2014. Available Options for Soil Fertility Management for Resettled A1 Farmers in Zimbabwe-SOFECSA Experiences in Zimbabwe. University of Zimbabwe Publications.

5. Shumba, A., Marumbi, R., Nyamasoka, B., Nyamugafata, P., Nyamangara, J., Madyiwa, S., 2014. Mineralisation of organic fertilisers used by urban farmers in Harare and their effects on maize (Zea mays L.) biomass production and uptake of nutrients and heavy metals, South African Journal of Plant and Soil, DOI:10.1080/02571862.2014.912686    

         

6. Dunjana, N., Nyamugafata, P., Shumba, A., Nyamangara, J., Zingore, S., 2012. Effects of cattle manure on selected soil physical properties of smallholder farms on two soils of Murewa, Zimbabwe. Soil Use and Management; doi: 10.1111/j.1475-2743.2012.00394.x.

7. Tauro, T.P., Mapanda, F., Mtombeni, G., Shumba, A., Dhliwayo, D.K.C., 2010. Soil Acidity: Is It a Problem in Large Scale Commercial Farms in Zimbabwe. Journal of Agricultural Science and

Book Chapters

  1. ., F. Mtambanengwe., H. Nezomba and P. Mapfumo. 2014. Developing capacity for farmer-led monitoring and evaluation processes of integrated soil fertility management in Eastern Zimbabwe.In: Agricultural Innovations for Sustainable Development: Contributions from the 3rd Africa-Wide Women and Young Professionals in Science Competitions. Volume 4: Issue 3. CTA and FARA, 2014.