Influence of different tillage practices on soil properties and growth of maize varieties on typic plinthustalf soil

Abstract

It is of upmost importance to understand soil properties in order to adopt most appropriate tillage practice as a soil management option for sustainable crop production. For this purpose, a study was conducted to determine influence of tillage practices on soil properties under maize cultivation in 2016 and 2017 cropping seasons on Typic Plinthustalf soil in Malete, Kwara State. Tillage practices evaluated were No-till, Single plough and Plough + harrow. The results showed that bulk density of entire surface samples under the three tillage practices were desirable for agricultural use (1.5 – 1.7 g/cm³) while their total porosity ranged from 36 – 43 %. Soil inherent capacity indicators: texture, permeability and bulk density of study area reflected a suitable agricultural soil regardless of soil manipulation processes. Preference was in order of plough+harrow>plough>No till in growth parameters. Also, physical and chemical properties of surface soil from No-till plots greatly influenced maize performance evidenced in lateness to 50 % anthesis and silking. Soil dynamic properties variability such as CEC, pH, OC, macro and micro nutrients were in order of No till>plough>plough+harrow. However, considering results obtained from this study, tillage practice centered on Plough+harrow can successfully promote sustainable management of Typic Plinthicustalf soil of Malete, in Kwara State under maize cultivation.