Scenario analysis
Maize yields at all sites were highly responsive to fertilizer in more
favorable growing seasons. In less favorable seasons at Kandeu and
Golomoti, the two driest sites, fertilizer input had a limited effect on
maize yield. Both DLR and traditional rotation systems increased
maize grain yields when compared with monoculture maize or maize
pigeonpea intercrops receiving the same fertilizer rate (35 kg N/ha;
Fig. 2). At all sites, this increase in maize yield was approximately
equal to the increase achieved when an additional 34 kg N/ha was
added to continuous maize systems. Increases in maize yields due to rotation
were most marked in more favorable growing seasons. In poorer
growing seasons at Kandeu and Golomoti, maize grown in rotation
achieved yields only slightly above continuous maize.