Nutrient management strategies for coping with climate change in irrigated smallholder cropping systems in Southern Africa

Abstract

Sound management of soil nutrients is critical for optimizing crop vegetative and reproductive development and realizing high yields in irrigated cropping systems. This paper discusses the work done in Africa and presents lessons from other parts of the world for improved nutrient management under irrigation. Considering the rising temperatures and erratic rainfall as a consequence of climatic change and depleted soil nutrients as a result of continuous cropping, this review offers remedial options for managing soil fertility while optimizing water use and crop yields. The paper intends to inform agricultural policy makers and help farmers and organizations in Africa to manage soil nutrient and water resources efficiently and achieve high yields. Importantly, this discussion should stimulate further research in nutrient and water management under varying ecological scenarios of southern Africa to provide a cogent basis for climate change adaptation interventions.