Nothando Dunjana

Degrees

Current Research Activities

Agricultural Sciences

Evaluating the potential of vermicomposting technologies for the production of organic manure from farmyard wastes. Currently, more than half of Sub-Saharan Africa’s (SSA) population derive their livelihood from agriculture based systems, where cultivation is on marginal and infertile soils. Moreover, the high cost of inorganic fertilizers and unavailability of organic manures have resulted in accelerated nutrient mining and soil degradation resulting in unsustainable agricultural production. This research aims to evaluate the potential of the converting farm available organic wastes such as maize, legume and tobacco residues by earthworms into organic manure that can be applied into soil for the production of maize (Zea mays) and tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) under small-holder farming systems. In addition, I am involved in evaluating the effects of biochar application to soil on various soil properties such as water retention, cation exchange capacity, nutrient and heavy metal leaching, crop emergence and growth on crusting soils as well as crop yields. This project also explores biochar production methods, feed sources and application rates under local socioeconomic scenarios and soil types. I also have worked extensively with small-holder farmers in projects that seek to increase crop productivity and link farmers to relevant stakeholders in the maize and tomato value chain such as markets, inputs suppliers, transporters, etc.

Fellowship with OWSD