ORMASP: Towards nutritional security through organic management of soil fertility for orange-fleshed sweet potato systems
Background
Families in Mozambique can benefit from the introduction of orange-fleshed sweet potato (OFSP), rich in β-carotene and other essential micronutrients to fight vitamin A deficiency (VAD) and malnutrition. However, a continuous cultivation without soil nutrient replenishment, OFSP will lead to a decline in soil fertility. In collaboration with the International Potato Center and Stellenbosch University, we will investigate and introduce organic management practices to smallholding farmers as strategies to build up soil fertility, increase productivity, and improve nutritional value of OFSP.
Objectives
- Determine the potential of different organic resources to meet the high nutrient requirements of OFSP, especially potassium;
- Evaluate intercropping strategies with leguminous species to maximize crop productivity and root nutrient value, N supply, as well as efficiency of resource utilization; and
- Assess soil microbial activity to determine nutrient cycling in improved OFSP systems.
Country: Mozambique
Culture: Culture-fleshed sweet potato
Project duration: 2015-2018
Project partners:
ETH Zurich - Sustainable Agroecosystems
Prof. Dr. Johan Six (Principal Investigator)
Dr. Engil Isadora Pujol Pereira
Doctoral student: Rafaela Conz
International Potato Center (CIP/Mozambique)
Dr. Maria Isabel Andrade
Eliah Munda
Stellenbosch University
Prof. Dr. PJ Pieterse
Project funding: WFSC Mercator Research Program
For more information please contact Johan Six ().
