Conservation farming in rain-fed agriculture: can biogeotextile, cover crop residues, and soil tillage application improve the growth and the yield of maize (Zea mays L.)?

Abstract

Market demand for maize ( Zea mays L.) in Indonesia is increasing from time to time along with the increasing demand for food and livestock for fodder. However, current farming practices in the upland area where maize usually cultivated, threaten the sustainability of maize production. Conservation farming could be an alternative to reduce land and soil degradation caused by current farming practices. A factorial randomized block designed field experiment was conducted to determine the combined effect of biogeotextile with cover crop residues and soil tillage on growth and yield of maize. The treatments included utilization of Mendong plant’s mat ( Fimbrystilis globulosa ) as biogeotextile material and four cover crop species: Sunn hemp ( Crotalaria juncea ), Cowpea ( Vigna unguiculata ), Pigeon pea ( Cajanus cajan ), and Mucuna (M ucuna spp ). The results showed that the biogeotextile mat and cover crop residues, but not soil tillage, increased maize height and the number of leaves, and yield of maize. Biogeotextile mulch increased maize yield up to 43% compared to control. The highest yield (8.0 t/ha) was shown by the combination of biogeotextile application with cowpea residues. Conservation farming is prospective for improving plant production and protecting land from degradation.