M. Abebe et al., CROP RESPONSE TO IMPROVED DRAINAGE OF VERTISOLS IN THE ETHIOPIAN HIGHLANDS, Journal of agronomy and crop science, 172(4), 1994, pp. 217-222
The effect of flat seedbed, traditional ridge and furrow and improved
drainage of broad bed and furrow (BBF) on grain and straw yield of dur
um wheat, chickpea and lentil at several Vertisol sites between 1988-1
991 was such that on three crops the BBF system gave the highest grain
and straw yields at all locations and seasons. This was followed by t
raditional ridge and furrow system and the least yield was obtained fr
om flat seed beds. The extent of drainage influence on yield was depen
dent on rainfall quantity, location (clay content) and crop species. T
he advantages of the BBF technology in improving drainage and increasi
ng crop yield are discussed in their contexts of better cropping syste
ms.