Potential for No-Tillage Agriculture in the Pandamatenga Vertisols of Botswana

Abstract

The objective of this paper was to conduct an extensive literature review to assess the status and potential of no-tillage as an alternative tillage system on vertisols in the Pandamatenga farms, Botswana. Farmers in the area have failed to produce satisfactory crop yield levels because of problems associated with management of the soils using conventional tillage systems. Information f rom literature showed that no-tillage system was effective in improving soil quality, water management, and crop yield in the area. However, there is a need to carryout in-field trials to monitor changes in the soil quality and the environment under no-tillage and conventional tillage systems.