| dc.description.abstract | Alley cropping is a crop production system in which food crops are grown in
the alleys created by hedgerows of selected tree species, preferably legumes.
The objective of this study was to model a Cassia /maize alley cropping system
in the semi-arid district of Machakos in Kenya. The modelling was done with
respect to the system's ground water dynamics as it affects its biomass
production. First the dynamics of water in a bare soil was modelled, and then
Cassia and maize were introduced separately and their biomass production
modelled with respect to water. Finally, a combined Cass/a/maize/ground
water model was build and analysed. The model suggests that water is a
critical factor in the biomass production of Cassia and maize. The main
achievement of this project has been to provide a starting point for a framework
in which empirical research results can be integrated and interpreted in a more
holistic manner. | |
