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All Journal Plantropica: Journal of Agricultural Science
MASHAVAKURE, NILTON
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Agriculture, Biological Sciences & Forestry

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Soil, Crop Yield, and Economic Benefits of Conservation Agriculture-Based Cropping Systems: Triple Wins during an El Niño-Induced Drought Year in Zimbabwe MASHAVAKURE, NILTON; Soropa, Gabriel; Mandityira, Caroline R; Chivhuna, Primrose; Musiyiwa, Kumbirayi
Plantropica: Journal of Agricultural Science Vol. 10 No. 2 (2025): Agustus
Publisher : Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture, Brawijaya University

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.21776/ub.jpt.2025.010.2.8

Abstract

Conservation agriculture (CA) is a sustainable farming system that can confer agronomic, ecological, and economic benefits to farmers across the globe. This study evaluated the effects of different cropping systems on soil properties, crop and fodder yields, and economic returns. Data was collected from a four-year-old experiment at Chinhoyi University of Technology farm with seven treatments [no-till (NT), NT + dead mulch (DM), NT + live mulch using Brachiaria and Desmodium uncinatum (LM), NT + rotation (ROT), NT + DM + ROT, NT + LM + ROT and conventional tillage (CT)] in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Compared to CT, NT + LM + ROT reduced soil bulk density by 5.6% and increased water-holding capacity by 49.8%. Soil organic matter was lowest in CT (1.8%), and highest in NT + DM + ROT (5.5%). CT also resulted in lower soil pH (5.6) than NT-based systems (pH = 6.4-7.2). While NT + LM + ROT improved bulk density and water-holding capacity, NT + DM + ROT enhanced soil organic matter. NT + DM increased maize and soybean yields by 31.8% compared to CT, whereas NT and NT + LM reduced yields by 58.5-91.3%. Despite these yield differences, NT systems with DM or LM exhibited 37.4% lower total variable costs and greater economic performance than both CT and NT. These findings demonstrate the potential of CA to improve soil health, enhance financial returns, and boost yield, offering a sustainable alternative for agricultural production.
Preliminary Evaluation of Leaf Extracts from Three Zimbabwean Aloe Species as Potential Bio-Stimulants on Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) Health and Yield Mafuratidze, Rumbidzai; Chatyoka, Anesu I.; Simbanegavi, Michelle A.; Zhou, Fortune N.; Dzvuke, Tinodaishe M.; Sanjobo, Jennifer T.; Mashavakure, Nilton
Plantropica: Journal of Agricultural Science Vol. 11 No. 1 (2026): Februari
Publisher : Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture, Brawijaya University

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.21776/ub.jpt.2026.011.1.11

Abstract

The use of natural bio-stimulants has gained attention over the past few years, aiming to reduce the excessive use of agrochemicals in crop production thus promoting sustainable agriculture. This study aimed to investigate the bio-stimulant potential of foliar-applied aloe leaf extracts on tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) health and yield. The study was done over a period of six months at Chinhoyi University of Technology Farm, Zimbabwe. The control involved normal farmer practice using Compound C® fertiliser (6% N: 15% P2O5: 12% K2O), calcium nitrate (15.5% N) and ammonium nitrate (34.5% N) application at 400, 140 and 200 kg ha-1, respectively. Leaf extracts of Aloe barbadensis Miller, A. ferox M., and A. broomii at concentrations of 10 g/L (low), 20 g/L (moderate) and 30 g/L (high) were combined with three inorganic fertilizer application rates (25%, 50% and 75% of normal farmer practice). The results showed that foliar application of aloe leaf extracts at moderate concentrations and fertilization reduced pest-related leaf damage by 60% relative to normal farmer practice. Furthermore, reduction of inorganic fertilizer by 25%-75% in combination with aloe leaf extracts achieved the same yield as normal farmer practice. The findings of this study highlight the potential of aloe leaf extract–based biostimulants, rich in bioactive compounds and nutrient-associated constituents, to sustain tomato yield and enhance resilience to biotic stress. Further studies should focus on optimising aloe leaf extracts in sustainable nutrient pest management in tomato production.
Co-Authors Chatyoka, Anesu I. Chivhuna, Primrose Dzvuke, Tinodaishe M. Mafuratidze, Rumbidzai Mandityira, Caroline R Musiyiwa, Kumbirayi Sanjobo, Jennifer T. Simbanegavi, Michelle A. Soropa, Gabriel Zhou, Fortune N.