Abstract
The study was conducted to assess the effects of traditional tillage practices namely No-till, Ridge-till and Mound-till, on cassava growth parameters and soil physico-chemical properties. It was a factorial experiment laid out in a randomised complete block design replicated 3-times. The factors were the 3-tillage methods and cassava plant as a test crop. Data collected on soil properties include the particle size distribution, soil bulk density, soil water content, hydraulic conductivity, soil pH, soil organic carbon, total nitrogen, available phosphorus and exchangeable bases, while data collected on plant growth and yield indices include; plant height, stem girth, number of leaves, number of tubers, tuber length and weight of tubers. The data were collected at 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 months but cumulated at 12 months after planting. The data were subjected to analysis of variance and relationship between cassava tuber yield and some soil properties measured. Results of the study showed that there was no significant difference between Ridge and Mound-till. The Ridge-till and Mound-till systems significantly influenced plant height, stem girth, number of leaves, tuber weight and total yield of cassava than No-till system, hence were recommended of increased yield of cassava in the study area.
Highlights
Traditional tillage practices such as Flat-tillage (No-tillage), Ridge-tillage and Moundtillage are well known among the rural agricultural communities either as a soil management practice to improve soil quality and productivity or increase crop yields especially the root and tuber crops (Obiefuna (2012) )
Because of their fragile nature, various tillage practices as soil management options have been used from time immemorial
Description of the experimental site : The study was conducted in Ani-ngene at Ugbolu, in Oshimili North Local Government Area with Latitude 60 14N and Longitude 60 40‘E. The area is located in a typical humid environment that is characterized by distinct wet and dry seasons
Summary
Traditional tillage practices such as Flat-tillage (No-tillage), Ridge-tillage and Moundtillage are well known among the rural agricultural communities either as a soil management practice to improve soil quality and productivity or increase crop yields especially the root and tuber crops (Obiefuna (2012) ). Growth and yield indices of cassava (manihot utilissima) and soil physico-chemical properties as in luenced by different traditional tillage practices in a humid environment. Because of their fragile nature, various tillage practices as soil management options have been used from time immemorial These include Flat-tillage (zero tilled), Ridge-tillage and Moundtillage which consist essentially of heaping the surface soil mainly for root and tuber crops (Ogban et al (2006) ). The purpose of these tillage techniques is either to improve rainwater in iltration, conserve moisture, control weeds and most importantly increase yield quality (Acquaah (2006) ). Hullugalle et al (1987) have observed that tillage has the tendency to reduce soil bulk density, and in luence soil water in iltration rate
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