Evaluation of different rainwater harvesting techniques for improved maize productivity in semi-arid regions of Zimbabwe with sandy soils

Background: Maize production in semi-arid areas has been hindered by moisture stress and poor soil fertility. Long frequent droughts and shortening of growing seasons have been causing yield reduction. Limited knowledge of soil water management by farmers is another key contributor to poor maize yields in the smallholder sector. Therefore, the objective of the study was to investigate the effects of contour-based and field-based water harvesting technologies on maize grain yield and rainwater use efficiency under rain-fed conditions on three farms (Jera, Kudzeeta and Manjengwa) with sandy soils in the Marange smallholder farming area of Zimbabwe. The experiment was laid out as a split plot in a randomised complete block design with three replications at each site. Contour-based rainwater harvesting structures were the main treatments comprising tied contour (TC), standard contour (STDC) and infiltration pits (IP). Field-based rainwater harvesting structures were the subplot treatments comprising tied ridges (TR), pot holing (PH) and the flat system (FLAT). Results: Results showed that the contour-based water harvesting structures significantly influenced (p < 0.05) maize grain yields. TCs had the highest maize grain yields compared with infiltration pits and STDCs over two cropping seasons. Maize yields on field-based TR were significantly higher (p < 0.05) than on the FLAT but were not different (p > 0.05) with what was obtained on PH. The combination of TC and TR water harvesting technologies resulted in significantly higher maize yields (p < 0.05) than other combinations. TR and STDC also gave higher maize grain yield at Jera farm which was significantly different from other two farms. Rainwater use efficiency followed the same trend as maize grain yields, with TC having higher values but not significantly different (p > 0.05) from STDC. Conclusion: It can be concluded that farmers in semi-arid areas adopt a combination of TC with either TR or PH to improve rainwater use efficiency and maize yields.