Applying mulch and manure in smallholder cropping systems: challenges, realities, limitations, and opportunities

Soil fertility plays an important role in crop production. However, continuous cropping with minimal fertilizer application has resulted in declining soil fertility and correspondingly low crop yields in smallholder cropping systems. The decline in soil fertility can be partially mitigated by applying local, organic sources of nutrients.

Data and Resources

Additional Info

Field Value
Type of ALiSEA product None
Title Applying mulch and manure in smallholder cropping systems: challenges, realities, limitations, and opportunities
Description Soil fertility plays an important role in crop production. However, continuous cropping with minimal fertilizer application has resulted in declining soil fertility and correspondingly low crop yields in smallholder cropping systems. The decline in soil fertility can be partially mitigated by applying local, organic sources of nutrients.
Agroecology Category Soil health
Agroecology Keyword
  • Green manure
  • Soil fertility
  • Soil health
  • Soil quality
Contributing organisations Centre for Crop Systems Analysis, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, Netherlands 2Knowledge, Technology and Innovation Group, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, Netherlands; Agricultural Innovation and Technology Transfer Center, Mohammed VI Polytechnic University, Ben Guerir, Morocco; Africa Rice Center (AfricaRice), Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire; Department of Agricultural Extension, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
Author Eugene Dela Setsoafia, Harro Maat, Mohamed El Gharous, Prem Bindraban , Comfort Freeman and Paul C. Struik
Year 2025
Type of document Scientific & Research
Language English
Country Global
Administrative Level 1
Administrative Level 2
Web Link https://doi.org/10.3389/fsufs.2025.1677182