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
Soil sample analysis for soil pH , mineral nitrogen , available phosphorus , exchangeable cations Inset image(s)
Plant foliar analysis for N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn, Pb and others upon request. Inset image(s) 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:
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
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