Evaluation of Tillage Practices for Maize (Zea mays) Grown on Different Land-Use Systems in Eastern Zambia

Paramu Mafongoya,Mutondwa Phophi,Obert Jiri

doi:10.5539/sar.v5n1p10

Abstract

<p>Improved fallows of <em>Sesbania sesban</em> (Sesbania) have been known to improve soil physical and chemical properties and increase crop yield compared to traditional fallows. However, the effects of soil tillage practices after improved fallows on soil properties, weeds, labour and subsequent maize crop have not been assessed in Southern Africa. This study aimed to evaluate how tillage practices affect yield of maize and affect soil properties after two years of fallow and subsequent cropping phase. In this study, done at sites in eastern Zambia, maize yield from a two-year planted Sesbania, natural fallow, continuously fertilized and unfertilized maize were compared under conventional, flat till and zero tillage practices. A split plot experiment, with improved fallow systems in the main plot and the tillage practice in the subplot, was established at the sites. The results showed that the increases in grain yield under conventional tillage over zero tillage practice were 17.8% and 28.2% during 2000/2001 and 2001/2002 seasons, respectively, at Msekera. At Chadiza, the increases in grain yield under conventional tillage over zero tillage were 66.3% and 327.4% during 2000/2001 and 2001/2002 seasons, respectively. Greater maize yields were achieved under Sesbania planted fallows compared to the natural fallow and maize monoculture without fertilizer. Overall, zero tillage practice resulted in lower maize grain yield, higher bulk density, reduced water intake, higher weed infestation and high labour demand during weeding compared to conventional tillage.</p>

Highlights

The practice of intensive tillage can be effective for weed management
This study aimed to evaluate how tillage practices affect yield of maize and affect soil properties after two years of fallow and subsequent cropping phase
The results showed that the increases in grain yield under conventional tillage over zero tillage practice were 17.8% and 28.2% during 2000/2001 and 2001/2002 seasons, respectively, at Msekera

Summary

Introduction

The practice of intensive tillage can be effective for weed management. It increases the risk of soil erosion. Frequent tillage can increase land degradation, soil erosion and soil compaction, and these are major challenges that smallholder farmers are facing in crop production (Hamza & Anderson, 2005). Conservation agriculture is defined as a farming system where there is a permanent soil cover, minimal soil disturbance and where crop rotation is practiced (Act et al, 2003). It includes the use cover crops as a soil amelioration measure (Mariki, 2003). Conservation agriculture is known to improve crop yields, reduce soil erosion, soil fertility improvement, and reduces labour requirements (Giller et al, 2009)

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusion