Green manuring for tropical organic cropping – A comparative analysis

Green manuring is an essential component of tropical organic farming. Field studies evaluated the use of three legumes as in situ or ex situ green manures, along with a nonlegume green manure and a control to ascertain their impacts on soil properties and yields of maize and mung bean grown in major (wet) and minor (dry) seasons. In situ green manuring, especially with legumes, had the most beneficial impact on soil properties, while with ex situ methods, the use of leaves alone improved soil properties. Yields were increased to a greater extent by green manuring in the minor season, and the in situ system proved to be more beneficial. In ex situ green manuring, greater benefits were obtained by the application of leaves alone. The impact of different green manures and their application methods is presented

Organic matter addition in organic farming – Impact on root development and yields in maize and cowpea over dry seasons

Organic matter and its proper management are vital in tropical organic farming to maintain productivity. A field study thus placed rice straw or Gliricidia leaves on the soil surface or the material was incorporated into soil. The impact of these treatments on soil moisture, root development and yields of organically grown maize or cowpea were evaluated in an Asian dry season. Incorporation increased soil moisture retention in the soil and hence induced better root growth, culminating in higher yields. The impact was greater in maize, especially with Gliricidia leaves. The benefits of incorporating organic matter in dry seasons for tropical organic farming are presented

Inoculation affects nitrogen balances of composts and growth, yield and microflora of Phaseolus beans

The impact of organic matter and two types of inoculums on composting and subsequent growth of common beans was evaluated under tropical field conditions. The composts were made of commonly available organic matter with different C:N ratios, and inoculums consisting of cattle manure slurry, Effective Micro organisms or a mixture of both were added. The mixture of cattle manure and Effective Microorganisms increased N availability and reduced C: N ratios of compost than when applied individually. Legume green matter enhanced compost quality and growth yields. The nodulation and mycorrhizal populations of roots of beans were increased by a mixture of inoculums and using diverse materials in the compost. The usefulness of inoculums such as EM, which is available in all continents is presented on the basis of this study