Alnus acuminata: an effective fertilizer tree for smallholder farmers in sub-humid regions of Rwanda

Abstract

Potato (Solanum tuberusum L.) is an important staple and cash crop cultivated in the highlands of Rwanda. However, declining soil fertility, among other factors, has resulted in low yields. Although application of fertilizers could enhance potato productivity, most farmers cannot afford to buy mineral fertilizers (Kelly, 2013). The use of green manure from Alnus acuminata is an option to improving crop productivity and reducing farmers’ dependence on mineral fertilizers (Akinifesi et al., 2011; Siriri et al., 2010). Promotion of alnus leaf biomass incorporation, facilitated by the Trees for Food Security project, has resulted in massive adoption of this technology. However, the exact amount of green manure required to influence potato yields according to the farmer contexts is lacking. There is urgent need for further research to come up with specific recommendations