A Guide to Conservation Agriculture in Zimbabwe - Canadian ...

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CONTENTS Farming for the Future Foreword Contents Introduction 1 About this manual 1 1. Introducing Conservation Agriculture 1.1 What is Conservation Agriculture 2 1.2 Principles of Conservation Agriculture 3 Minimum soil disturbance Minimum tillage Mulching and minimal burning of crop residues Mixing and rotating crops Timely implementation Precise operations Efficient use of inputs 1.3 Why Practice Conservation Agriculture 8 1.4 Problems with Conventional Farming 10 1.5 Conservation Agriculture in Nature 11 1.6 Benefits of Conservation Agriculture 12 Short term benefits (1-4 years) Long term benefits (beyond 4 years) 1.7 Implementing Conservation Agriculture in Zimbabwe 16 1.8 Options for Conservation Agriculture 18 Planting basins - all crops Shallow planting furrows - small grains and legumes Anim al-powered options 1.9 Conservation Agriculture and Other Farming Approaches 20 Soil and water conservation Integrated pest management Agro-forestry 2. Promoting Conservation Agriculture Among Farmers 2.1 Working with Farmers 23 Community entry Extention approaches 2.2 Challenges to Working with Farmers 25 Gender issues iv Farming for the Future
Farming for the Future CONTENTS HIV and AIDS Barriers to implementing conservation farming Ways to overcoming barriers 2.3 Monitoring and Sustaining Conservation Agriculture 29 2.4 Principles and Methods for Training and Extension 30 Teaching adult learners Participatory approaches Reflection and experimentation Showing evidence of benefits Trials and demonstration plots Field days Farmer to farmer exchange 2.5 Planning Training Courses 32 What you need to consider during your training Who should attend Training goals Materials needed for the training Where to conduct the training When to conduct the training 3. Practical Steps in Conservation Agriculture 3.1 Preparing the basins 35 3.2 Applying Manure, Fertilizer and Lime 39 3.3 Planting 40 3.4 Mulching and Stover Management 42 3.5 Weeding and Thinning 42 3.6 Topdressing 43 3.7 Harvesting and Dry Season Management 44 3.8 Frequently Asked Questions 44 4. Resources for Conservation Agriculture 4.1 Further Reading 46 4.2 Organisations Involved in Conservation Agriculture 46 4.3 Conservation Agriculture Calendar of Operations 48 4.4 Conservation Agriculture Packages 53 4.5 Guidelines for Simple Paired Plot Demonstration 57
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A Guide to Conservation Agriculture in Zimbabwe - Canadian ...

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