Cropping Systems, Fertility, and the Bay Regions Soils in Somalia

Dr. P.M. Porter Univ. of Minnesota

The Vertisol soils of the Bay Region of Somalia have been considered the ‘breadbasket' of Somalia in terms of dryland agricultural production.  They compose less than 20% of the land area of the region and generally less than half their acreage is cropped in any one year.  These soils are calcareous with a pH about 8.0.  Phosphorus is the growth limiting plant nutrient, and crop yields can be dramatically increased with manure or P application. Olsen soil test P levels are typically below 7 mg/kg.  Field capacity and permanent wilting point of the soil is about 0.43 and 0.29 kg/kg, respectively.  Bulk density at field capacity is about 1.1 g/cc. The region receives a bimodal distribution of rainfall averaging 580 mm annually, resulting in the potential for two growing seasons each year.  While the April season receives only slightly more rain than the November season, most production occurs in the former.  Sorghum is grown both seasons, and is the staple crop.  Post-anthesis moisture stress is the norm.  Sorghum stover is an important component of livestock feed.  Other minor crops include mungbean, cowpea, peanut and maize.  Virtually all the crops are hand sown and harvested, with little or no fertilizer or pesticide application.  Production is limited by the labor requirements involved in weed control.  The average household of 6 farms about 2 ha.