Simulations using APSIM suggest that Conservation Agriculture sustains protein yield under changing climate dynamics in Northern Mozambique

Summary

This study employs the APSIM (Agricultural Production Systems sIMulator) modelling framework to evaluate the potential of Conservation Agriculture (CA) to sustain protein yields under changing climate conditions in Northern Mozambique. By simulating multiple CA system components — including reduced tillage, permanent soil cover, and crop rotation — the research addresses a recognised gap in existing crop modelling literature, which has typically failed to represent the full CA system. The findings suggest that CA practices may offer resilience advantages over conventional tillage in maintaining protein yield under climate variability, with implications for food and nutrition security in Sub-Saharan Africa.

UK applicability

This study is specific to the semi-arid smallholder farming context of Northern Mozambique and is of limited direct applicability to UK agriculture; however, the methodological approach using APSIM to model Conservation Agriculture systems under climate scenarios offers transferable insights for UK researchers and policymakers exploring CA adoption and climate adaptation in temperate arable systems.

Key measures

Protein yield (kg/ha); grain yield (t/ha); climate scenario projections; tillage system comparisons

Outcomes reported

The study used APSIM crop modelling simulations to assess how Conservation Agriculture practices affect protein yield under current and projected future climate scenarios in Northern Mozambique. It likely compared CA systems (minimum tillage, permanent soil cover, crop rotation) against conventional tillage in terms of yield and protein output stability.

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