The effect of minimum tillage and animal manure on maize yields and soil organic carbon in sub‐Saharan Africa: A meta‐analysis

Abstract

In sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), diminishing soil fertility has been experienced from continuous cropping and low nutrient replacement. Organic inputs and minimum tillage are proposed to increase the declining fertility of the soil to increase crop growth and yields. We reviewed animal manure and minimum tillage use on maize yields and soil organic carbon (SOC) in SSA. This involved a meta-analysis on the influence of minimum tillage and animal manure on maize grain yields and SOC. The peer-reviewed publications on animal manure and minimum tillage influence on maize yields and SOC were selected from articles that contained one or multiples of the following keywords, 'tillage, minimum tillage, conventional tillage, organic, manure, animal manure' using ScienceDirect database. Reported data on maize yields and soil organic carbon were extracted from figures, tables, and text, of the selected studies. These studies were analyzed using R, and results were presented in a forest plot. Minimum tillage had no significant influence on maize yields and soil organic carbon. Animal manure significantly improved maize yields and soil organic carbon. The study underscored the importance of animal manure in improving maize yields and soil organic carbon in SSA. Animal manure application in maize cropping systems is plausible to increase maize yields and soil organic carbon in SSA.