Conservation and Conventional Vegetable Cultivation Increase Soil Organic Matter and Nutrients in the Ethiopian Highlands

Agriculture in Africa is adversely affected by the loss of soil fertility. Conservation agriculture (CA) was introduced to curb fertility and water shortages improve crop productivity. However, information on how CA practices enhance quality nutrients scarce sub-Saharan context. The objective this study investigate effects conventional tillage (CT) organic matter under irrigated rainfed vegetable on-farm production systems. During dry wet monsoon phases northern Ethiopian Highlands, a four-year experiment with CT carried out ten farms conditions. Although increase concentration generally slightly greater than CT, difference not significant. average content top 30 cm for both treatments increased significantly 0.5% a−1 from 3% almost 5%. significant 30–60 depth. total nitrogen available phosphorus concentrations proportionally content. Consequently, extended growing season, applying fertilizers livestock manure, removing residue nutrient CT. because tilled, hay applied as surface cover. fertility, widespread adoption will depend socioeconomic factors that determine availability cover relative other competitive uses.