Improvement of Manure Management for Crop Production in Central Uganda

Manure management practices in sub-Saharan Africa vary depending on the importance smallholder farmers attach to its use as a soil amendment. Cattle manure, which is the primary on-farm manure resource, is generally of low quality due to poor manure management practices. The objective of this study was to improve cattle manure quality on-farm in terms of plant nutrient conservation and enhancement. The study involved two cattle management systems, namely intensive (IS) and semi-intensive (SEI). The study involved eight smallholder farms selected through purposely random sampling and were treated as replicates. The farms were located in Lukwanga parish, Wakiso district, Central Uganda. Each farm under the IS had an average of two heads of mainly Friesian breed of cattle whereas those under the SEI system had an average of three heads of local breed cattle. Other variables include seasonal changes and manure management practices (including farmers practice and improved management practices). Composted manur...