Abstract
Various kinds of shrubs species are found in many fields and fallows in semiarid Niger. In order to understand the nature of their interactions with millet (Pennisetum glaucum L.) and their role in soil conservation, experiments were conducted in 1995 and 1996. Three treatments were applied with different shrub densities: cutting all shrubs, cutting half of the shrubs and leaving all shrubs. Millet was harvested per plot and in different circular zones around selected shrubs. In addition, transects across shrubs were investigated for soil parameters and microtopography changes. Millet yield and soil-nutrient status were higher around shrubs compared to the open field. Microtopography was elevated up to 20 cm near shrubs. The positive influence of shrubs on increased millet production extended to 2 m distance from the shrub. Competition between uncut shrubs and millet plants was found within a distance of 1.2 m. An increasing yield of millet was found in plots with shrubs up to a density of about 450 shrubs per hectare. Shrubs showed to be effective for preservation of soil fertility of fields in south-west Niger and thus important for millet production. Optimal for shrub management in farmers' fields would be cutting half of the shrubs and leaving the other half uncut for simultaneous wood production.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Banzhaf J (1988) Auswirkungen von Windschutzstreifen aus Brachlandvegetation auf Wachstum und Ertragsbildung von Perlhirse (Pennisetum americanum (L.) Leeke) und Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.) im südlichen Sahel Westafrikas. Dissertation Univertsität Hohenheim, 145 pp
Bationo A and Mokwunye AU (1991) Role of manures and crop residue in alleviating soil fertility constraints to crop production: With special reference to the Sahelian and Sudanian zones of West Africa. Fert Res 29: 117-125
Begue A, Hanan NP and Prince SD (1994) Radiative transfer in shrub savanna sites in Niger: preliminary results from HAPEX-Sahel. 2. Photosynthetically active radiation interception of the woody layer. Agricultural and Forest Meteorology 69(3-4): 247-266
Bernhard-Reversat F (1982) Biogeochemical cycle of nitrogen in a semi-arid savanna. Oikos 38: 321-332
Breman H and Kessler JJ (1995) Woody plants in agro-ecosystems of semi-arid regions-with an emphasis on the sahelian countries. Advanced Series in Agricultural Science 23, Berlin, Heidelberg, Springer, 340 pp
FAO, 1997: FAO Production Yearbook 1996. Vol. 50. Rom: FAO, 235 pp
Gaze SR, Brouwer J, Simmonds LP and Bromley J (1998) Dry season water use patterns under Guiera senegalensis L. shrubs in a tropical savanna. J Arid Envir 40: 53-67
Haigis J, Wezel A, Rath T, Graef F, Muehlig-Versen B, Abele S, Frick T and Neef A (1999) An interdisciplinary approach to evaluate technology options for small scale farming in Niger. Proceedings of the Workshop on 'Evaluation of Technical and Institutional Options for Small Farmer in West Africa', University of Hohenheim, Germany, 21-22 April 1998. Margraf, Weikersheim, pp 23-40
Herrmann L (1996) Staubdeposition auf Böden West-Afrikas. Eigenschaften und Herkunftsgebiete der Stäube und ihr Einfluß auf Boden und Standortseigenschaften. Hohenheimer Bodenkundliche Hefte 36, 239 pp
Kainkwa RMR and Stigter CJ (1994) Wind reduction downwind from savanna woodland edge. Neth J Agri Sci 42(2): 145-157
Kessler JJ and Breman H (1991) The potential of agroforestry to increase primary production in the Sahelian and Sudanian zones of West Arica. Agrof Syst 13: 41-62
Kok R de (1993) An architectural analysis of Guiera senegalensis, a pioneer species in the sahelian tigerbush. Wageningen: Agricultural University, 35 pp
Michels K (1994) Wind Erosion in the Southern Sahelian Zone. Extent, Control and Effects on Millet Production. Stuttgart, Ulrich E. Grauer, 99 pp
Sterk G, Herrmann L and Bationo A (1996) Wind blown nutrient transport and soil productivity changes in southwest Niger. Land Degradation & Rehabilitation 7: 325-335
Sterk G, Herrmann L and Wezel A (1998) Soil nutrient transport by wind in south-west Niger. In: Renard G, Neef A, Becker K and Oppen M von (eds) Soil Fertility Management in West African Land Use Systems, pp 215-220. Proceedings of the Regional Workshop, 4-8 March 1997, Niamey, Niger, Margraf, Weikersheim
Stuart-Hill GC and Tainton NM (1989) The competitive interaction between Acacia karoo and the herbaceous layer and how this is influenced by defoliation. J App Ecol 26: 285-298
Sturm H-J (1998) The importance of agricultural parks for soil fertility management. In: Renard G, Neef A, Becker K and Oppen M von (eds) Soil Fertility Management in West African Land Use Systems, pp 293-298. Proceedings of the Regional Workshop, 4-8 march 1997,Niamey, Niger, Margraf, Weikersheim
Vierich HID and Stopp WA (1990) Changes in West African Savanna Agriculture in response to growing population and continuing low rainfall. Agricul Ecosys and Envir 31: 115-132
Wezel A (1998) Brachewechselwirtschaft und Managementmöglichkeiten im semiariden Niger, Westafrika. Pflanzengesellschaften, Integration von Büschen in den Hirseanbau. Verlag Ulrich E. Grauer, Stuttgart, 195 pp
Wezel A and Boecker R (1998) Fallow plant communities and site characteristics in semi-arid Niger, West Africa. J Arid Envir 40(3): 269-280
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Wezel, A. Scattered shrubs in pearl millet fields in semiarid Niger: Effect on millet production. Agroforestry Systems 48, 219–228 (2000). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1006382814180
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1006382814180