Implications of intra-plot heterogeneity for yield estimation accuracy: Evidence from smallholder maize systems in Ethiopia.

ABSTRACT: Intra-plot heterogeneity in yield is often observed in smallholder farming systems, although its implications for yield measurement remain under-investigated. Using a unique dataset on smallholder maize production in Ethiopia, we quantify the magnitude of inter- and intra-plot heterogeneity, describe the relationship between intra-plot heterogeneity and maize productivity, and document the implications of intra-field heterogeneity on the accuracy of alternative yield estimation protocols. Our data include five common yield estimation protocols, as well as full plot harvests of 230 smallholder maize fields. We surveyed agronomic decisions, biophysical variables, and accessibility characteristics of the surveyed fields. We quantify intra-plot heterogeneity using the coefficient of variation

SUBMITTER: Sida TS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8146729 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature