No-tillage and previous maize–palisadegrass intercropping reduce soil and water losses without decreasing root yield and quality of cassava

Abstract

No-tillage (NT) is an alternative technique adopted in cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) growing areas to reduce soil loss. However, it may affect the development of storage roots depending on the soil-covering residues. This study evaluated the soil and water losses and storage root yield and quality of cassava planted in the dry and rainy seasons using conventional tillage (CT) and NT, following sole maize (Zea mays L.) cropping or maize–palisadegrass [Urochloa brizantha (Hochst. ex A. Rich.) R.D. Webster] intercropping. The experimental design was a randomized block with five replications. Four treatments were considered representing cassava planted using CT and NT following sole maize or maize–palisadegrass intercropping. CT caused soil loss of up to 43.4 Mg ha−1 over the 16 months of cassava cultivation. NT following maize–palisadegrass intercropping did not decrease cassava yield nor its quality and reduced both soil and water losses. In the rainy planting season, NT reduced soil loss by up to 80% (35 Mg ha−1), while in the dry planting season, the reduction varied between 28% and 38% (8–11 Mg ha−1). These findings suggest that previous maize–palisadegrass intercropping followed by NT of cassava is recommended for increasing soil conservation, especially in cassava planted in the rainy season.