Ir. P.J.A. van Asten : Soil quality and rice productivity problems in Sahelian irrigation schemes

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5 Sep 2003 13:30
Unit: Wageningen University
Location: Aula (gebouw 362), Gen. Foulkesweg 1, Wageningen
Promotor: prof.dr.ir. S.E.A.T.M. van der Zee (Soil Chemistry and Chemical Soil Quality)prof.dr.ir. M.J. Kropff (Crop and Weed Ecology)

 In the Sahel, large irrigated rice schemes were constructed in the 1980s to generate income and provide food security. Declining yields in some of these schemes alarmed farmers and researchers, who fear that salt-related soil degradation jeopardizes the sustainability of these systems. We found that low yields were primarily caused by N, P and Zn deficiency. Application of ample mineral fertilizers increased yields from 3–4 t/ha to 5–6.5 t/ha. However, the recommended fertilizers are often expensive or not available on local markets. Alternatively, organic amendments (5 t/ha) increased yields by 1-2 t/ha. Although the alkaline nature of the studied soils contributed to the observed nutrient deficiencies, we found no evidence that rice cropping resulted in an accumulation of (alkaline) salts in the soil. On the contrary, rice cropping can be used to reclaim the existing alkaline soils, provided some drainage is possible.
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