CA versus Conventional farming-lessons learnt, Effects on soil quality Soil quality, in short, refers to soil chemical and physical

properties. Experience has shown that there are definite changes in soil physical and chemical properties taking place on CA and conventional farming plots. Taking samples from CA and conventional farming plots has indicated a reduction in soil bulk density within the top 15cm of the soil profile within basins than conventional farming plots. The inference is an improvement in water retention within CA basins. There is no water retention and infiltration on conventionally farmed plots and in contrast there is higher water infiltration and retention on CA plots, mainly in the basins. It has also been observed that whilst there is high infiltration within basins, there is also reduced infiltration on the undisturbed space between the basins. This leads to increased inflow of rainwater into planting basins (water harvesting effect).Due to precision application of organic fertilizers like kraal manure, compost and anthill soil, there has a marked change in soil pH as is indicated by the positive responses by crops during the growing period and consequently higher yields. Encouraging farmers to maintain the same planting stations has also helped in the improvement in soil physical and chemical properties. This has consequently resulted in higher crop yields from CA plots compared to conventional farming plots. These yield gains are actually a result of concentration of water and fertility within the basin thereby reducing the risk of crop failure even during times of drought. Planting in the same basins every year is not for perfectionism but for the following reasons; Residual nutrients from last years crop can be utilized by the next crop Soil texture gets softer and easier to work on Decomposed roots of previous crops improve soil fertility and they leave channels for easy root growth and improved water penetration Compaction from feet or implements only occurs between rows Minimal soil disturbance between plants reduces weeds emergence

Effects on household income-lessons learnt This is mainly based on production costs and estimated revenue earned from crop production. An enterprise budget would help to explain the differences in household incomes of the two farming systems. Over the years, CA farmers can realize high income levels compared to conventional farmers due to the fact that there is nutrient build up and thus minimizing on costs of production. Like is shown below, the gross margin budgets compare conservation agriculture with conventional farming: Conservation Agriculture ha 1 crop yield 7.5 Maize price/ton 700 Gross income 5 250 variable costs fertiliser planting material seed herbicides pesticides casual labour bags? Fuel other other Sub-Total Gross margin Conventional Farming ha 1 crop yield 0.642 Maize price/ton 700 Gross income 449.40 variable costs fertiliser planting material seed herbicides pesticides casual labour bags? Plough disking other Sub-Total B 3664 5 250 B

$375 $56

$1,155

1,586 1,586

$ 375 $56

$ 1,155 $ 125 $ 100 1,811

Gross margin

(1361)

449.40

1,811