Green manure production systems for Asian ricelands
Progress in adapting green manures (GMs) to Asia’s changing rice production
systems has been limited. Recent research has concentrated on the soil fertility
implications of GMs neglecting the socioeconomic and agronomic aspects that
ultimately determine the feasibility and cost effectiveness of GM systems. Recogni
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tion holistic evaluation and extrapolation of areas where GMs have a comparative
advantage over mineral fertilizer or other nonrice crops are needed. This paper
reviews the strategy for including GMs in rice farming systems and develops a
framework for analyzing the fit of soil
–
improving legumes across a range of ecological
niches. Macroeconomic factors such as oil prices and national policy set the
general framework. Other important factors determining the specific adaptation of
GMs are the socioeconomic environment farm
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level economic and biophysical
conditions and availability of appropriate GM species and production technology.
The prognosis for soil
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improving legumes is seen to follow two key possibilities:
1) multiple
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use solutions where the GM also provides grain fodder or fuel; and
2) specificity of GMs to well
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defined niches within the cropping system. Agronomic
research in the hitherto neglected areas of species improvement seed production
crop establishment and pest management may expand the options for GMs in all
niches. The complexity and scale of the work require an international research effort
that provides leadership stimulates coordinated work and involves sharing priority
responsibilities among participating research institutions.
Authors
Ladha, J.K.,Garrity, D.P.
Publication year
1994
