ICT4Agroecology part II: outcomes for maize production systems

Abstract

Agroecology is gaining increased attention by experts and global organizations; however, it's practical application in the field remains understudied, particularly in developing countries. Here, we aimed to evaluate common agroecological practices at three sites in Tanzania, including organic soil amendments, intercropping, and biological pest control - individually, in pairs, or in three-way combinations at each site. Information Communication Technology tools - the AgroEco Research and AgroEco Analysis application - were used for data gathering & storage and data visualization & statistical analysis, respectively. We found that high maize kernel weights (as proxy for yield) can be obtained from nutrient-poor soils specifically when grown with a combination of organic soil amendments and intercropped with legumes - ranging from 3 to 4.5 t/ha (with a maximum of 7 t/ha on one occasion) and exceeding national maize yields of 1-2 t/ha in Tanzania. However, intercropping and biological pest control individually and in combination did not affect maize yield. Under flood or drought conditions, only plots with soil fertility amendments produced some harvestable maize kernels. Our results provide a substantial reference for recommending and advocating agroecological methods to smallholder farmers, farmer training organizations, and policy makers.