Journal of Agriculture
and Environmental Sciences

Climate and Soil Suitability for Maize, Dry bean and Sweet potato production under irrigated Smallholder Agricultural Enterprises in Vhembe District Municipality of Limpopo Province, South Africa
Tsumbedzo Jutas Mavhungu, Azwihangwisi Edward Nesamvuni, Khathutshelo Alfred Tshikolomo, Ndivhudzannyi Sylvester Mpandeli, Johan van Niekerk

Abstract
Purpose of the study was to investigate climate and soil suitability for production of maize, dry bean, and sweet potato. The study employed mixed-methods approach in which both quantitative and qualitative data was used. In winter temperatures were generally lower, whereas in summer temperatures were a minimum >17.4 °C and maximum of about 31 °C were generally suitable for production of the three selected crops. Madimbo Corridor received less rainfall (201–400 mm) than the minimum required by each of the three crops and was generally not suitable for rainfed production. Rainfall at the Upper Mutale Valley (401–600 mm and 601–800 mm) sufficed for suitable for production of these crops. Soil at Madimbo Corridor were less suitable for production of three crops whereas in Upper Mutale Valley soil were suitable. It was recommended that climatic and soil suitability be assessed to decide on crops to be produced in any area.

Full Text: PDF     DOI: 10.15640/jaes.v13n1a1