Ngoro: an indigenous, sustainable and profitable soil, water and nutrient conservation system in Tanzania for sloping land

摘要: Abstract The Matengo people, in SW Tanzania, developed the ngoro conservation system several hundred years ago and it is a very effective indigenous manual cultivation practice for steep slopes. It deserves wider recognition investigation to gain quantitative understanding of processes its management see whether can be adapted more cost with limited land labour resources. objective study was evaluate effects pit size on soil water yield maize ( Zea mays L.). A field experiment conducted 1995/1996 at two sites near Lipumba village highlands Mbinga District, Ruvuma Region, southern Tanzania. comprise matrix pits surrounding bund walls this used extensively slopes (typically 20–50%) District. Grass cut prior laid out matrix, traditionally about 1.5 m ×1.5  m square, then dug from middle each square placed cover grass form four bunds pit. Crops are planted these (ridges), under which buried decomposing plant residues provide nutrients also ingeniously allow seepage excessive across system. treatments comprised N 1 ×1  m),  m) 2 ×2 randomised complete block design replications. Although profiles were degraded over time, net loss negligible as majority redeposited found most suitable Pit did not significantly influence moisture regime measured study. Increase generally resulted decreased penetration resistance improved growth resulting highest grain being obtained ngoros. Increasing reduced input requirements thereby markedly boosted profitability