Research on World Agricultural Economy

Enhancing Onion (Allium Cepa) Yields: Integrating Precision Irrigation with Real-Time Soil Moisture and Mulching Strategies for Optimum Productivity

Jean Nzuma

Scientific and Industrial Research and Development Centre

Ms

Chiredzi Research Station

Mr.

Chiredzi Research Station, EasternLowveld, Zimbabwe

Ms

Scientific and Industrial Research and Development Centre (SIRDC) The Scientific and Industrial Research and Development Centre (SIRDC) is a prominent research organization based in Zimbabwe. It focuses on advancing science and technology to drive innovation and support industrial development in the country. Here’s a summary of what SIRDC is about: Summary of SIRDC: Purpose: SIRDC aims to foster scientific research and technological development to promote industrial growth and economic development in Zimbabwe. Research Focus: The center conducts research in various fields, including agriculture, engineering, health, and environmental sciences. It works on projects that address local and national challenges through scientific and technological innovations. Services: SIRDC provides research and development services, technical support, and consultancy to both public and private sectors. It also engages in technology transfer and capacity-building activities. Mission: The mission of SIRDC is to contribute to the advancement of knowledge and technological capabilities in Zimbabwe, thereby enhancing the country’s ability to address socio-economic challenges and improve the quality of life. Collaboration: SIRDC collaborates with national and international institutions, academia, and industry partners to drive research and development initiatives. In essence, SIRDC is dedicated to leveraging science and technology to drive industrial and economic development, with a strong emphasis on practical solutions and innovation.

Miss

The Scientific and Industrial Research and Development Centre (SIRDC) The Scientific and Industrial Research and Development Centre (SIRDC) is a prominent research organization based in Zimbabwe. It focuses on advancing science and technology to drive innovation and support industrial development in the country. Here’s a summary of what SIRDC is about: Summary of SIRDC: Purpose: SIRDC aims to foster scientific research and technological development to promote industrial growth and economic development in Zimbabwe. Research Focus: The center conducts research in various fields, including agriculture, engineering, health, and environmental sciences. It works on projects that address local and national challenges through scientific and technological innovations. Services: SIRDC provides research and development services, technical support, and consultancy to both public and private sectors. It also engages in technology transfer and capacity-building activities. Mission: The mission of SIRDC is to contribute to the advancement of knowledge and technological capabilities in Zimbabwe, thereby enhancing the country’s ability to address socio-economic challenges and improve the quality of life. Collaboration: SIRDC collaborates with national and international institutions, academia, and industry partners to drive research and development initiatives. In essence, SIRDC is dedicated to leveraging science and technology to drive industrial and economic development, with a strong emphasis on practical solutions and innovation.

Vimbai Samukange

Biotechnology Research Institute, Scientific and Industrial Research and Development Centre (SIRDC), Harare P.O. Box 6640, Zimbabwe

Leonard Madzingaidzo

Biotechnology Research Institute, Scientific and Industrial Research and Development Centre (SIRDC), Harare P.O. Box 6640, Zimbabwe

DOI: https://doi.org/10.36956/rwae.v6i1.1334

Received: 17 September 2024; Published: 9 January 2025

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of various mulching conditions and irrigation techniques on the yield of Texas Grano onions (Allium cepa), a key crop for smallholder farmers in Zimbabwe. The primary objective was to identify optimal practices that enhance productivity, water productivity (WP), and water use efficiency (WUE) in onion cultivation. Four mulching treatments were evaluated: control (no mulch), maize residue, soybean trash, and grass. Concurrently, three irrigation methods were assessed: drip irrigation with Chameleon sensors for real-time moisture monitoring, drip irrigation without sensors, and traditional furrow irrigation. A 3 × 4 factorial split-plot design was employed within a randomized complete block design (RCBD) framework, with three replications. The main plots were allocated for irrigation techniques, while the sub-plots comprised the mulching treatments, including a control. A comprehensive cost-benefit analysis evaluated the economic viability of each treatment. Results indicated that combining drip irrigation with Chameleon sensors and maize residue mulch significantly increased both yields and economic returns. These findings highlight the advantages of adopting precision agricultural practices, particularly real-time moisture monitoring, to improve WP and WUE while enhancing resource utilization, thereby increasing system resilience. To fully harness these benefits, farmers should be capacitated and empowered through training on precision irrigation and mulching techniques via demonstration plots and farmer field schools (FFS). Establishing innovation hubs within irrigation schemes is recommended to foster resource sharing and technology adoption, improving productivity and market access for high-value crops. Policymakers must prioritize support for these initiatives to promote sustainable agricultural practices.

Keywords: Irrigation Techniques; Mulching; Moisture Monitoring; Productivity; Economic Viability; Smallholder Farmers; Sustainability; Resource Use

References