Background

Chisumbanje Experiment Station is one of three research stations which make up the Lowveld Research station complex. The other stations are Save Valley and Chiredzi which is the headquarters. The station was opened in 1953 to study fundamental irrigation and crop management problems on the black basalt soils in relation to the future development of the area for communal farming, and the methods of crop management and irrigation used have been directed primarily towards achieving these aims. Of late emphasis has also been placed on dryland station. The station falls under the Ministry of Agriculture’s Department of Agricultural Research and Extension.

Geographical location and soil type

The South-eastern Lowveld of Zimbabwe is that part of the country below the 600 metres contour through which pass the Save, Runde, Mwenezi, Bubi and Limpopo river drainage systems. The altitude at Chisumbanje Experiment Station is 420 metres above sea level and is located at latitude 20o48’S and Longitude 32o14’E. The area served by Chisumbanje Experiment Station is the largest single tract of relatively deep basalt-derived soils in Zimbabwe. They majority of these soils consist of dark grey and black self churning clay characterized by loose granular surface horizons of varying thickness which take up water very deep and overlies a less permeable subsoils. Total soil depth is 1.0 – 1.2 m below which is highly calcareous gravelly weathering basalt which is generally more permeable than the overlying soils. The high clay content of the basalt results in water available to plants.

Vision

To be the institution disseminating the largest amount of farming relation information and technology to farmers on basalt soils in natural regions 4 and 5 of Zimbabwe

Mission

To develop and disseminate appropriate farming related technologies to the farming community and other stakeholders within natural regions four and five of Zimbabwe which will result in increased and sustainable crop yield with particular emphasis to vertisols.

Research and Development Thrust

Introduction of new crops
Development of crop varieties which adaptable to the region
Otrategies for maximizing wheat yields on basalt soils
Techniques for improving crop establishment of oil seeds on irrigated basalt soils
Soil fertility management
Soil water conservation
Tillage studies

Weed science

Crop pest research

Current Project and Activities

The following is a list of current research projects with their objectives summarized.

Wheat sowing date X Time of applying nitrogen fertilizer

To evaluate strategies for maximizing yields of early and late sown wheat in the south-eastern Lowveld of Zimbabwe.

Wheat sowing date X Variety trial

To evaluate strategies for maximizing yields of early and late sown wheat in the south-eastern Lowveld of Zimbabwe.

Wheat sowing date X Nitrogen fertilizer trial

To evaluate strategies for maximizing yields of early and late sown wheat in the south-eastern Lowveld of Zimbabwe.

Beans planting method X Nitrogen trial

TO ascertain the best planting method and optimum level of Nitrogen fertilization for irrigated beans.

Wheat irrigation frequency X Nitrogen trial

To find out to what extent wheat yields are reduced by the reduction in the frequency of irrigation on basalt soils and to determine the effects of different nitrogen levels when irrigation water is reduced.

Wheat seed drilling versus broadcasting

To investigate optimum seed reates for early and late sown wheat when drill or broadcast.

Use of solid and foliar fertilizer in wheat

To compare yield benefits obtained from using foliar and solid fertilizers in wheat.

Maize variety X sowing date X Nitrogen trial

To investigate the most suitable maize varieties to grow at different management level and time in the growing season.

Maize variety evaluation trial

To test for adaptability and yield potential of maize hybrids and open pollinated varieties as well as exposing farmers to the latest maize varieties available on the Zimbabwean market.

Stemborer control in Maize and sorghum

Integrated stemborer management in maize and sorghum

Critical weeding time in maize and cotton

To determine the economic benefits and effect of in-row and inter-row weeding at different times after crop emergence on maize and cotton yields.

Effect of tillage and plant residues on cotton and maize yields

To evaluate the combine influence of tillage and residues on weed density and species composition on the vertisols at Chisumbanje Experiment Station.

Use of solid and foliar fertilizer in Cotton

To compare yield benefits obtained from using foliar and solid fertilizer in cotton

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