Evaluation of different rainwater harvesting techniques for improved maize productivity in semi‐arid regions of Zimbabwe with sandy soils

Abstract

Abstract Background Maize production in semi‐arid areas has been hindered by moisture stress and poor soil fertility. Long frequent droughts and shortening of growing seasons have been causing yield reduction. Limited knowledge of soil water management by farmers is another key contributor to poor maize yields in the smallholder sector. Therefore, the objective of the study was to investigate the effects of contour‐based and field‐based water harvesting technologies on maize grain yield and rainwater use efficiency under rain‐fed conditions on three farms (Jera, Kudzeeta and Manjengwa) with sandy soils in the Marange smallholder farming area of Zimbabwe. The experiment was laid out as a split plot in a randomised complete block design with three replications at each site. Contour‐based rainwater harvesting structures were the main treatments comprising tied contour (TC), standard contour (STDC) and infiltration pits (IP). Field‐based rainwater harvesting structures were the subplot treatments comprising tied ridges (TR), pot holing (PH) and the flat system (FLAT). Results Results showed that the contour‐based water harvesting structures significantly influenced (p 0.05) with what was obtained on PH. The combination of TC and TR water harvesting technologies resulted in significantly higher maize yields (p 0.05) from STDC. Conclusion It can be concluded that farmers in semi‐arid areas adopt a combination of TC with either TR or PH to improve rainwater use efficiency and maize yields.

Keywords

• contour based
• maize productivity
• planting basins
• rainwater harvesting techniques
• semi‐arid areas