Research Article
Evaluation of Alley-cropping Agroforestry System and Conventional System of Agriculture on the Productivity of Cabbage (Brassica oleracea L.) in Dschang, West Region of Cameroon
Issue:
Volume 12, Issue 6, December 2024
Pages:
382-390
Received:
11 October 2024
Accepted:
1 November 2024
Published:
22 November 2024
DOI:
10.11648/j.ajaf.20241206.11
Downloads:
Views:
Abstract: Cabbage is one of the main vegetable crops grown in Cameroon. However, production is limited by rising prices and the scarcity of chemical fertilisers on the market. The rise in cost of fertilizers leaves some farmers reluctant to use fertilisers and as a result leads to lower yields, hence, low crop profitability. The aim of this study was to compare the two systems of agriculture; agroforestry system with the conventional system on the growth of cabbage (Brassica oleracea L.). Research plots were established on the campus of the University of Dschang, in the West Region of Cameroon. The comparisons were made on the basis of productivity, pest abundance and economic profitability. Data on yield and pest susceptibility variables were collected during the field trials. It was realised that the slug (Deroceras reticulatum) population was higher in the agroforestry system (4.62±2.41 slugs) than in the conventional system (1.03±0.55 slugs). The aphid population (Brevicoryne brassicae) was higher in the conventional cropping system (25.31±38.94 aphids) compared with the alley-cropping agroforestry system (0.71±0.62 aphids). Productivity variables showed that cabbage yield did not vary between the two production methods. It was 66.08 t/ha and 66.76 t/ha respectively for the agroforestry system and the conventional system. The economic analysis showed that the agroforestry system was more profitable than the conventional system. Thus, growing cabbage in an agroforestry system is an ecological and profitable strategy for agriculture that is more resilient to climatic variations.
Abstract: Cabbage is one of the main vegetable crops grown in Cameroon. However, production is limited by rising prices and the scarcity of chemical fertilisers on the market. The rise in cost of fertilizers leaves some farmers reluctant to use fertilisers and as a result leads to lower yields, hence, low crop profitability. The aim of this study was to comp...
Show More
,
Besem Doris Arrey
