IMPROVING AGRONOMIC EFFICIENCY IN CASSAVA- BASED FARMING SYSTEMS IN THE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO USING ORGANIC AND INORGANIC INPUTS

摘要: Cassava is an important food crop in small-holder farming systems DR. Congo. Due to the limited use of organic and inorganic inputs, soil fertility becomes a major problem cassava production systems. Inorganic inputs for farmers are often too expensive apply at optimal rates combining fertilizer suitable management principle farmers. A study involving 15 households was carried out Congo with following objectives: (ii) determine effect improved variety on agronomic efficiency or groundnut monocropping, (iii) establish combined response intercropping (iv) evaluate influence practices productivity cassava-legume intercrops. Field trials were conducted fertilizers different pure groundnut, application Chromolaena three legumes yields intercrops, cowpea spacing cassava-cowpea intercrop planting time cassava-groundnut two sites. Data rainfall, biomass, grain root collected. Significance differences between varieties types tested using univariate analysis variance. The CROSSTAB procedure Pearson Chi Square used test significance effects farmer score within site. Yield data subjected ANOVA means separated LSD (P < 0.05). Different did not while influenced yield all surveyed significantly = 0.017 P 0.016) increased by 48 173% 58 156%, respectively over control both Sole NPK, sole NPK 0.013, 0.003 0.03) casssava about 45%, 43% 77%, relative controls soybean 0.001) superior terms tubert net benefits Closer intra-row (30 cm) =0.02) 101% wider (50 70 cm). planted 3 weeks after groundnuts 0.042) decreased tuber 60% same as groundnut. results this showed that should improve monocropping profitability cassavagroundnut intercrop. intercropped has closer gave higher income than be 2 sowing This recommended cassava-based systems, famers fertilizer, legume intercrop, space plant times when optimum obtained per findings study.