Abstract
THE factors limiting production of a cotton crop on the loessial soils in Northern Nigeria have been discussed previously1,2. These soils form a ‘cap’ under the impact of heavy rain and the surface so formed has a low infiltration rate. The problem is to conserve sufficient rainfall to produce a good crop, yet to provide adequate soil aeration which may be prevented by standing water. Yields of all crops are depressed by lack of water, and yields of some, notably cotton, are depressed by inadequate soil aeration. Under irrigation conditions the timing and placement of watering can be fully controlled, but under rainfall conditions control is more difficult.
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References
Engledow, F. L., Nature, 192, 1248 (1961).
Lawes, D. A., Emp. J. Exp. Agric., 29, 116 (1961).
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LAWES, D. A New Cultivation Technique in Tropical Africa. Nature 198, 1328 (1963). https://doi.org/10.1038/1981328a0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/1981328a0
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