Crop response to improved drainage of vertisols in the Ethiopian Highlands

The effect of flat seedbed, traditional ridge and furrow and improved drainage of broad bed and furrow (BBF) on grain and straw yield of durum wheat, chickpea and lentil at several Vertisol sites between 1988—1991 was such that on three crops the BBF system gave the highest grain and straw yields at all locations and seasons. This was followed by traditional ridge and furrow system and the least yield was obtained from flat seed beds. The extent of drainage influence on yield was dependent on rainfall quantity, location (clay content) and crop species. The advantages of the BBF technology in improving drainage and increasing crop yield are discussed in their contexts of better cropping systems.