Land use
Crops (and rotation): Maize, sorghum, beans, melons following arable rainfed mixed cropping system, although monoculture is also being promoted by government agricultural extension staff. Otherwise a predominantly cattle grazing zone.
Crop calendar & tillage practices: Tillage with animal traction for the low income groups but tractors for the middle to wealthy. This is done in October if there are early rains or in January for the late rains, sowing after first rain. Weeding by hand. No pesticide application. Harvest manually normally beginning of June.
Chemicals (fertilizer, pesticides) applied: Fertilizer - when cattle graze on failed crop or crop residue, otherwise limited application (fertilizer too costly). There are incidences of kraal manure applications. When government introduces/applies subsidies then NPK fertilizer for 5ha is given, and this is applied at row planting times - no top dressing.
Irrigation: none
Natural vegetation, main types and species composition: Tree/shrub savanna
Stocking density of animals: 17.5 ha/LSU
