THE Department of Agricultural Research through the Soil Section is undertaking research studies on maize and bean varieties.

This study began in the 2018 summer planting season and fully involves local farmers on the programmes.

The study uses an on-farm approach.

 The overall objective of the research is to evaluate two bean cultivars for biological nitrogen fixation and two maize cultivars for nitrogen use efficiency, the department has said.

It says the study is done to restore the fertility of selected soils and crop productivity in an effort to help the farming community realise increased yields.

It is known that nitrogen deficiency is among the most limiting factors for increased crop yield and management of nitrogen inputs is a major challenge for increased agricultural production.

Although the application of inorganic fertilisers helps to address the limitations of essential nutrients, the department says most resource-poor farmers cannot access the fertiliser due to financial constraints as they come at a high cost.

In Lesotho, the department says, farmers do not apply the recommended fertiliser rates for grain due to high costs resulting in large yield gaps compared to yield potential.

For this  study to take place, two bean varieties are used (Pinto Nodak and NUA 45 “lebete” local name) to determine the best variety in nitrogen (N) fixation and yields on farmer-managed fields and research stations.

The current findings according to the study indicate that Pinto Nodak yields higher compared to NUA 45 although the latter was found to be relatively nutritious in terms of iron (Fe) and Zinc (Zn).

The protein content as reflected by total nitrogen in NUA 45 grain was higher compared to Pinto Nodak, showing the higher efficiency of NUA 45 in utilising the available N in the soil.

Farmers of both Machache and Sakoane said nutritional composition of NUA 45 where the research study is conducted reported better organoleptic taste of NUA 45.

This may suggest that Pinto is better for food security (food quantity), while NUA 45 could be better for nutritional quality.

 As such farmers may need to produce both varieties to satisfy food and nutrition requirements.

So far, the study shows that food and nutrition security benefits of bean varieties will be associated with soil fertility through biological nitrogen fixation.

The final results of these studies will be released after the third summer cropping season of 2021, the department has said.

Regarding maize production, the study has revealed that there is a need to improve productivity of the main staple crop through growing maize varieties that efficiently use nitrogen (N) for the benefit of farmers who usually apply insufficient fertiliser rates.