Land Preparation Methods Research Articles

Determining the Effect of Planting Date and Land Preparation Method on Seedling Emergence, Forage Mass, and Forage Nutritive Value of Forage Brassica

Forage brassicas are used as a forage in monoculture and multispecies mixtures, yet research defining best management practices is limited. Two studies were conducted to evaluate the effects of land preparation method and planting date on establishment, forage mass, and quality of two Brassica species, ‘Inspiration’ canola (Brassica napus L.) and ‘T-Raptor’ hybrid turnip (B. rapa subsp. rapa × B. rapa L.). Each experiment was a randomized complete block design evaluating four land preparation methods: (conventional till (CT), no-till after burning (NB), no-till after mowing (NM), and no-till without residue removal (NR)), and four planting dates: (1 September (S1), 15 September (S15), 1 October (O1), and 15 October (O15)). Significant differences were observed for the canola seedling emergence, but are not of biological significance. Hybrid turnip seedling emergence was the greatest for the CT treatment and consistently greater than NM and NR treatments. Forage mass in the canola study was greatest for the CT and NB. Hybrid turnip forage mass demonstrated similar trends to the canola. CT had the greatest mass and the NR and NM treatments tended to provide the lowest forage mass. Across both studies, earlier planting dates (S1 and S15) resulted in greater overall forage mass than the later planting dates (O1 and O15). Forage nutritive value overall was lower in earlier planted brassica; however, forage nutritive value was not reduced enough to negatively impact livestock.

Tillage system and seeding rate effects on the performance of Brassica carinata

AbstractBrassica carinata, a nonfood oilseed crop, is used to produce renewable fuels because of its high oil content and favorable fatty acid profile. Production in the southeastern United States is relatively new, and information on agronomic management practices to optimize growth and yield is limited. Since optimal seeding rate may depend on the land preparation method for this small‐seeded crop, a study was conducted to evaluate the effect of tillage system (conventional, no‐till, broadcast‐disc, and ripper‐roller) and seeding rate (1.12, 5.60, 10.09, and 14.57 kg seed ha−1) on the performance of B. carinata. A randomized complete block design with a strip‐plot restriction on randomization and four replications was implemented in Headland, AL, Jay, FL, and Quincy, FL, over five site‐years during the 2017–2018 and 2018–2019 growing seasons. Data were collected on soil residue cover; plant population; soil penetrometer resistance and moisture; biomass (including carbon and nitrogen); stalk diameter; yield and yield components; seed oil, protein, and glucosinolates concentration; and oil composition. Soil penetrometer resistance was significantly affected by tillage system, with the ripper‐roller consistently having the lowest penetration resistance values across all site‐years. Ripper‐roller tillage had the highest oil content and lowest protein and glucosinolate contents. Yield response to tillage system was variable. Among seeding rate treatments, yield was lowest at 1.12 kg seed ha−1 and similar among 5.60, 10.09, and 14.57 kg seed ha−1 at all site‐years. There was no tillage by seeding rate interaction for yield. Results indicate that among seeding rate treatments used, 5.6 kg seed ha−1 rate was optimal at all site‐years regardless of land preparation method and is thus the recommended seeding rate for commercial carinata production in the Southeastern United States.

Influence of the Soil Preparation Method on the Aerial and Root Development of the Clone GT 1 of Hevea brasiliensis, Mull. Arg (Euphorbiaceae) in the South-West of Cote D’ivoire

Objective: The study was carried out on the plots of the Southwest Agricultural Civil Society (SCASO) in southwestern Côte d'Ivoire. the objective of this study is to evaluate the aerial and root development of rubber plants of Gondang Tapen 1 (GT 1) clone, through the method of land preparation
 Methodology and Results: The methodology focused on plougheds soils of the experimental plots according to a toposequence (summit, mid-slope and low-slope). This treatment was compared with control plots on unploughed soil. The results obtained showed that ploughed soil favoured good aerial development of plants of the GT 1 clone, especially in the lower slopes of plots installed on a toposequence gradient. This cultivation technique also allows a good elongation of the main root of the rubber plants of the GT 1 clone, mainly at the summit and bottom of the toposequence, thus ensuring good fixation in the soil, and thus resistance to windthrow and water supply in the dry season. The study indicated a close relationship between the development of the aerial and underground parts of the GT 1 clone plants on undisturbed (unploughed soil) soils.
 Conclusion and Application: Evaluation of the influence of the mode of land preparation on the aerial and root development of the GT 1 a clone showed that mechanical soil preparation by ploughed soil in rubber cultivation is an appropriate cultivation technique to boost the development of rubber trees in plantations, when soil characteristics require it.

Effects of burning harvested residues on the archaeal and bacterial communities of Eucalyptus urophylla substituting native vegetation

The land preparation method of burning harvested residues considerably affects soil archaeal and bacterial communities. However, the changes in the archaeal and bacterial communities of Eucalyptus urophylla plantation and the driving factors of microbial community diversity are still unknown. This study explored the effects of E. urophylla replacement for native vegetation and the burning of harvested residues on the diversity of archaeal and bacterial communities. Soil samples were collected from the E. urophylla plantation with burnt (Burn) and retained (Retain) harvest residues after 5 years, and the native vegetation was selected as a control (CK). Results show that significant differences in soil organic matter, available phosphorus, available boron, soil bulk density, and moisture content were found among the three stands (p < 0.05), and the concentrations of OM, AP and AB in Burn are the lowest, and BD is the highest. CK has the highest diversity of archaeal and bacterial communities, whereas Burn has the lowest. The co-occurrence network pattern of CK shows high robustness and high positive interaction between archaea and bacteria. However, Burn's network shows extremely low robustness and high negative interaction. Available phosphorus, organic matter, and bulk density are the key factors affecting archaeal and bacterial communities as confirmed by random forest models, redundant analysis, and structural equation modeling. Furthermore, the influence of environmental factors on archaeal communities is greater than that on bacteria, and the total effect of environmental factors on bacteria through archaeal community mediation is significant, including 79.45% indirect effects. These results can serve as a reference to enhance the management of harvested residues in E. urophylla plantations in the future.

Interactive Effect of Land Preparation Methods and Weeding Frequency on Seasonal Soil Properties and Maize Yield

Dynamics of soil physical properties and maize yield were investigated in both major and minor cropping seasons under different land preparation methods and weeding frequency. A factorial design experiment was organized on a randomized complete block design with three replicates. The land preparation methods were plough + harrow (P + H) and no-tillage (NT) while weeding frequency treatments comprised 0, 1, 2 and 3-hoeing regimes. In both seasons, P + H yielded good penetration resistance and bulk density, high moisture content and total porosity, and maximum total grain yield than NT. Also, agitating the soil surface at different weeding frequency improved soil physical properties and maize yield parameters. Furthermore, lower penetration resistance and bulk density but higher moisture content and porosity were recorded on hoeing regime(s) than 0-hoeing. The interactive effect of land preparation methods versus weeding frequency on soil properties was significant except penetration resistance during minor season and total porosity during major season. Maximum total grain yield was obtained from P + H vs 2-hoeing treatment plots in both seasons. Generally, increasing weeding frequency on P + H plots enhanced soil physical properties and maize yield than NT treatment plots. Therefore, to obtain suitable seasonal soil conditions for crop production, cultivable soils should be ploughed, harrowed and hoed twice at 2nd and 5th weeks after ploughing (WAP).

Assessment of Technology and Yield Gap of Chickpea in Bundelkhand Region of Uttar Pradesh, India

Bundelkhand region of Uttar Pradesh (UP), India is a major pulse producer in the Indian subcontinent. The agriculture production, particularly, pulses have been playing a great role in strengthening the economic conditions and are the source of livelihood of Bundelkhand region of Uttar Pradesh state. The productivity of chickpea crop is low due to lack of adoption of best management practices of chickpea by farmers Keeping these constraints under consideration the yield gap and technology gap assessed of the region by conducting Cluster Front Line Demonstrations on best management practices of chickpea during Rabi seasons in the year 2015-16 to 2018-2019, respectively. The demonstration was carried out in six villages of Mahoba district. The results revealed that the full technological gap in 5 practices (variety, seed treatment, seed inculcation with Rhizobium, weed management practices and plant protection), a partial gap in 3 practices (seed rate, fertilizer management and irrigation) and Nil gap in 2 practices (land preparation and sowing methods). Further, Average grain yield of chickpea showed a remarkable increase (32%) in CFLDs compared to Farmers practice (check). However, it is still behind to potential yield. The average technological gap, extension gap and technology index were 8.10 q ha-1, 3.30q ha-1 and 36.6% respectively. The study recommends the improvement of productivity of chickpea may be achieved through fulfilling the gap between demonstration yield and farmers practice yield. Therefore, more effort requires to determine the socio-economic factors for practicing age-old practice and extension efforts needed to the rapid diffusion of best management practices. Further, The future study on variable climate conditions and edaphic factors requires to determine the gap between potential and demonstration yield.

Milkweed Establishment in Restored Central Missouri Prairie

ABSTRACTThe decline of the Eastern North American monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) population continues to be a major concern among conservationists. Numerous publications and organizations suggest that establishing milkweed (Asclepias spp.), at a landscape scale, is necessary to increase the monarch population. The translocation of commercially grown containerized plugs is commonly recommended to establish milkweed. During 2017, we used a split‐plot design to examine the factors of age of prairie restoration, plant type, and land preparation method on survival of translocated milkweed in restored prairie in central Missouri, USA. Milkweeds were translocated to 16 0.81‐ha sites, half classified as young (&lt;8 yr) and half as old (&gt;9 yr) prairie restorations. We randomly selected 8 sites to establish bare‐root milkweed seedlings and 8 sites were planted with milkweed seedling plugs. Each site contained paired 0.4‐ha plots. At the plot level we tested 2 land preparation techniques, disking with the application of pre‐emergent herbicide and application of a grass herbicide. Milkweeds were planted at the density of 200 milkweeds/0.40 ha as suggested by the Missouri Monarch and Pollinator Conservation Plan. We conducted a census to determine milkweed survival 2 growing seasons after establishment. Two‐year survival of translocated bare‐root milkweed ( = 0.26, 95% CI = 0.12–0.49) was nearly 5 times greater than that of milkweed seedling plugs ( = 0.05, 95% CI = 0.02–0.13). Milkweed in disked plots had greater survival ( = 0.18, 95% CI = 0.10–0.31) than in plots treated with grass herbicide ( = 0.08, 95% CI = 0.04–0.16). Milkweed survival in older restored prairies ( = 0.07, 95% CI = 0.03–0.18) was lower than that in newer prairie plantings ( = 0.21, 95% CI = 0.09–0.41). Our results suggest translocation of bare‐root milkweed seedlings, combined with disking and application of pre‐emergent herbicide, is the preferred alternative. We suggest translocation of milkweed may be a feasible method of enhancing monarch habitat. However, meeting the challenge of restoring milkweed at recommended densities in established grasslands may be limited if milkweed seedling plugs are used. © 2020 The Wildlife Society.

Effect of Planting Methods on Growth and Yield of Groundnut Cultivars

Background: The low yield in groundnut which can be partly attributed to poor land preparation methods necessitated the need for alternative strategy of land preparation that will promote higher productivity in groundnut farming. Methods: A field experiment was carried out in two separate locations between May and August in 2016 to assess the effect of planting methods on growth and yield of groundnut cultivars. Result: The results revealed that groundnut crop sown on modified ridges and furrow with narrow furrow planting recorded significantly higher plant height, number of leaves, 50% flowering, yield attributes and yield when compared to other methods of planting All the groundnut cultivars responded positively to all planting methods except those grown on flat surface without beds. However, modified ridges and furrow with narrow furrow planting proved to be the best method.

Effect of cultural practices on quality and yield of onion (Allium cepa L. Var. Safid e Paisaye)

Onion (Allium cepa L.) is among the most cultivated vegetable crops in the world. Afghanistan is thought to be the origin as several local and wild varieties are found in different parts of the country. Safid e Paisaye is a local variety grown in central parts of Afghanistan in the Ghorband valley. This variety has long storability and high market demand among restaurants in the region, but little research has been done to increase the quality and its availability to the market to increase its market share in Afghanistan. Conducted under supervision of Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Noida, India, at Agriculture Faculty Research Farm of Kabul University, this investigation looks at plough depth, land preparation methods, and planting date on quality and yield of onion bulb; it also studied other cultural practices including irrigation and fertilization dose and frequency. The parameters studied in this investigation include neck diameter (cm), bulb diameter (cm), neck to bulb ratio, bulb weight (gr), bulb volume (cm3), bulb density (gr/cm3), Total Soluble Solids (TSS) (Brix), firmness (Kg/cm2), marketable yield (MT/Ha), and total yield (MT/Ha). The data revealed that planting date has significant influence on bulb quality and yield of onion. The highest bulb diameter (6.95 cm), bulb weight (121 gr), bulb volume (128 cm3), marketable yield (32.54 MT/Ha), and total yield (34.24 MT/Ha) and the lowest neck to bulb ratio (0.04) were recorded for the first planting date (seed sown in nursery on 10 March - seedlings planted in field on 10 May). Land ...

Consequences of fire in agricultural sector in Banga Bakundu, Cameroon: A review

Genesis of fire is tied to the origin of plants, and has been a closed companion to human for land preparation, harvesting and hunting. Fire is caused by natural phenomena and human activities which can either be deliberate or accidental. In the Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), smallholder farmers are the breadbasket of the economy. In Banga Bakundu, farmers practiced slash and burn method of land preparation for the production of annual and perennial crops for home consumption and sales. This review was aimed at identifying the causes of fire and its consequences in the agricultural sectors and propose solutions to abate the disaster of fire so as to promote sustainable agricultural system in the study area, developing countries and the world at large. Small-scale farmers need relatively enough individuals in the farmland before deliberate burning and should precede with the creation of fire breaks at the edges of the farmland. Deep containers are good for holding charcoal during brooding and can prevent fire outbreak from charcoal spark. Meanwhile, burning is responsible for several premature deaths, psychological stressors and also causes several health complications including cancer, cardiovascular diseases etc. The government of Cameroon needs to intensify sensitization on the negative externalities of bush burning to the environment and offering of health assistance to farming communities.

Sugarcane production in the subtropics: Seasonal changes in soil properties and crop yield in no-tillage, inverting and minimum tillage

Sugarcane is one of the important energy crops grown globally. Despite the increased sugarcane productivity, the mechanization of sugarcane production has caused the modification of soil structure in different scales. A field study was therefore conducted for three growing seasons (2010 - 2013) to evaluate seasonal changes of soil physico-chemical and mechanical properties and crop yield under different soil management practices for sugarcane (Saccharum Oficinarum) production in southern Brazil. In 2010/2011, the experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design in three replications, consisting of no-tillage (NT), no-tillage + compaction (NTC), inverting conventional tillage (CT), and minimum tillage of chiseling (Chi) treatments. Disturbed and undisturbed soil samples were collected from soil layers 0–10, 10–20, 20–40 and 40–60 cm for the determination of soil properties, and sugarcane yield was evaluated. Shortly after land preparation, soil tillage significantly reduced the BD and AWmax but increased the macropore volume. Three years after land preparation and continuous no-tillage, there was a significant reduction in soil BD, Ma, FC, PWP, AWmax, TN, Ks, and Ic while SOM and σp increased in the 0–10 cm surface layer. For the 10–20 and 20–40 cm layers, BD and σp increased while Ma, FC, PWP, AWmax, and Ks decreased. Tillage had no significant (p < 0.05) on the soil properties beyond the 40 cm depth. Although sugarcane yield was not influenced by the different land preparation methods, however, NT, Chi or CT treatment could be preferred when considering soil management options for sugarcane production in this region.

Method of land and cadastral documentation preparation of a land plot for building an object of medical appointment

Method of land and cadastral documentation preparation of a land plot for building an object of medical appointment

Inter &amp; Active Effect of Tillage and Nitrogen Fertilizer on Maize (Zea mays L.) Performance on a Humid Alfisol Southwestern, Nigeria

A field trial was conducted in 2017 to investigate the interactive effect of the land preparation methods and different rates of nitrogenous fertilizer on maize performance and yield southwestern Nigeria. The experiment was a 3 by 3 factorial; conducted in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) in a split plot management with tillage systems (T): Convectional tillage (CT), Reduced tillage (RT) and No-tillage (NT) as the main plot while nutrient amendments (N) rates (0, 50, and 120 Kg N.Ha-1) as sub-plots factor and all treatments were replicated three times. Growth and yield parameters were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA). No tillage had the least plant height, stem diameter and stover weight but had the highest grains yield. Grain yield were not statistically different in all the tillage practices at different N rates applied but 60 kg N ha-1 seems best for maize production in the study area.

Effect of different preceding crops and land preparation methods on the agrophysiological and health parameters of Hevea brasiliensis Muell. Arg clone GT 1 in southwestern Côte d'Ivoire

Land preparation method and preceding crops affect the evolution of rubber trees. Its ignorance and/or poor execution do not allow the efficient development of the agronomic and economic potentialities of plantations. In order to remove this constraint, a study was undertaken in southwestern Côte d'Ivoire. The rubber trees were planted at 510 trees/ha according to a Fisherblock experimental design, of six preceding crop treatments with three repetitions. Only one latex harvesting system was applied (S/2 d/4 6d/7 ET 2.5% Pa 1 (1) 6/y). The parameters measured were rubber yield, annual average girth increment, physiological profile, sensitivity to tapping panel dryness and sensitivity to root rot caused by the genus Fomes. The results showed that the rate of rubber trees found in the plots was good (90.73± 0.47 %) and had varied with land preparation method depending on the preceding crops. Vegetative growth at tapping (2.05±1.36 cm.year -1 ), and average rubber yield (2053±179 kg.ha-1 .year -1 ) and the rate of tree loss due to the genus Fomes (8.33±0.42%) were influenced by land preparation method. The good productivity, the good physiological state of the rubber trees were characterized by a well balanced physiological profile and a tapping panel dryness rate (3.60 ± 1.74%), independently of treatments. The Agroeconomic results showed that mechanically prepared fallow (813641 FCFA.ha-1 .year -1 ) was the best preceding crop and land preparation method. This technical result has two main interests for the national rubber-growing industry, since it actively participates in the national policy for fighting against deforestation but also contributes to the establishment of a secondary forest by the attributes of the rubber-growing plant cover.

Transformation of shifting cultivation: Extent, driving forces and impacts on livelihoods in Tanzania

Shifting cultivation is in rapid transformation in many parts of the Global South, but the drivers and consequences of these changes are still not well understood, especially in Africa. We therefore analysed the drivers of this transformation and its impacts on livelihoods between 1995 and 2014 in two villages located in Eastern Central Tanzania by combining analysis of socio-economic and remote sensing data. Results revealed that in an upland village, the number of shifting cultivators declined from 34% to 16% and the area changed from 19% to 17%. In a plateau village, the number of shifting cultivators declined from 24% to 18% and the area substantially declined from 23% to 14%. In both villages, shifting cultivators adopted intensive land preparation methods that involved deep tillage and burying of vegetation. Transformation of shifting cultivation in the upland area was driven by adoption and enforcement of land tenure policies that restrict shifting cultivation whereas in the plateau area, it was driven by population pressure causing competition for land between shifting cultivators and pastoralists. In both villages transformation of shifting cultivation negatively affected household income and increased periods of food insecurity.

English

Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) is one of the exportable commodities in Ethiopia, though its productivity is threatened by moisture stress. This research aims to study effect of organic mulches and land preparation methods on sesame productivity and in-situ moisture conservation. The experiment was carried out in Humera, Western Tigray during 2015/16 growing season. The experimental design was factorial randomized complete block design with three replications. There were four type of organic mulches (rice straw, sorghum straw, sesame straw and “Sudan grass”) compared with control (no mulching) and two land preparation methods (ridge and flat land preparation). Sesame, variety Setit-1 was used in the experiment. The organic mulching rate of application was 10 ton ha-1 and this was applied evenly to the soil immediately after emergence. Soil water content, phonological characteristics, yield and yield components of sesame were collected. Partial budget analysis was computed to evaluate the economic visibility of both factors. The data collected was analyzed with Genstat15 software and treatment showed that significant difference was subjected to mean comparison test. The analyzed results indicated that land preparation methods with organic mulching had significant effect on soil moisture content at different soil depth and grain yield. The highest yield (750 kg ha-1) was recorded under flat land preparation with “Sudan grass” while the lowest yield (140 kgha-1) was recorded under no mulch with flat land preparation methods. The economic analysis showed that flat land preparation with “Sudan grass” produces the highest net benefit (9,499 Birr) and marginal rate of return (223.3%). The overall result showed that investing 1.0 Birr on flat land preparation method mulched with “Sudan grass” earns 2.23 birr. Thus, using flat land preparation with “Sudan grass” as mulch could be an advantage to obtain highest yield and profit for the farmers in dry land areas. Key words: Organic mulch, land preparation method, soil moisture, Sesame yield.

Combined effect of land preparation methods and planting geometry on the performance of machine transplanted rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Field experiment on effect of land preparation methods and planting geometry on growth and yield of machine transplanted rice (Oryza sativa L.) was conducted at Agricultural Research Station, Gangavathi, University of Agricultural Sciences, Raichur, Karnataka during kharif, 2012 and 2013 in clay soil under irrigated condition.Pooled mean indicated that, among the different land preparation methods and planting geometry puddling with rotovator fb levelling with spike tooth harrow and planting geometry of 30 x 21 cm recorded significantly higher growth parameters viz., Leaf area index ( 2.87 and 1.56, respectively) , dry matter accumulation in leaves (13.44 and 14.43 g plant-1, respectively), dry matter accumulation in stem (26.25 and 29.31 g plant-1 , respectively), dry matter accumulation in panicles ( 37.21 and 41.38 g plant-1 , respectively), total dry matter accumulation in plant (73.82 and 85.12 g plant-1, respectively), thousand grain weight (18.17 and 18.71,g respectively), grain yield (4906 and 5192 kg ha-1 , respectively), straw yield (6247 and 6508 kg ha-1, respectively), gross returns (Rs. 87,733 and 92779 ha-1, respectively), net returns (Rs. 46329 and 50007 ha-1) and benefit cost ratio (2.14 and 2.20 ). Puddling with rotovator fb levelling with spike tooth harrow and 30 x 21 cm spacing were found better for transplanting of rice by self propelled mechanical transplanter. Land preparation would be helpful as one of the important pre requirement in machine transplanting of rice, which in turn will decide the time (time required for settling of soil particle) and type of machine to be used for transplanting of rice.

The effect of agricultural extension services: Date farmers’ case in Balochistan, Pakistan

The Government of Pakistan has adopted a policy of providing agricultural extension services to promote agricultural production by disseminating appropriate knowledge and technologies to farmers. Consistent with this national policy, farmers in Balochistan have been provided with extension services by the provincial Department of Agriculture through their extension officials working with the District of Agricultural Extension Department. The required information was collected from a questionnaire survey covering 200 date palm farm households, group discussions, and surveys of key informants in the Panjgur District of Balochistan. Contrary to the policy of providing extension following the participatory approach, the extension in the study area was provided through the age-old top-down approach, with particular field-level extension officials not having much knowledge with regard to addressing date palm specific production problems. Of the farmers who had access to extension services, only half of them had made use of the knowledge/technology provided by extension officials. Overall, the small-scale farmers who used the extension services produced a better yield compared to that of the medium- and large-scale farmers. The linear regression model highlighted five factors that significantly influenced production. Those variables included the total number of date palm trees, the land preparation method recommended by extension officials, frequency of irrigation, expenditure on pesticides as recommended by extension officials, and farm-household income. Overall, farmers in the study area were found to have very poor access to extension services due to a combined effect of several factors. This was partly attributed to institutional constraints, including a very limited number of extension workers and their lack of knowledge on how to address date palm specific problems, such as the Dubas bug, which had infested approximately 90% of trees, and the shortage of irrigation water for around 90% of farmers, which caused a 65% decrease in date production. Conclusions are drawn based on the findings of the analysis, and resulting recommendations have been made for improving the extension services.

Achievements of Cassava Agronomy Research in Southern Ethiopia in the Last two Decades

The paper describes research results of obtained in the process of generation of appropriate cultural practices, cropping systems and other agronomic studies of cassava in Ethiopia. Based on plant population studies carried out for three consecutive years on major cassava growing areas of SNNPR, plant spacing of 100 cm x 80, 120 cm x 80 and 80 cm x 80 was recommended for Awassa, Amaro kele and Amaro Jijola areas, respectively. The moisture content of cassava roots were invariably higher in varieties Qule, Kele and local in 12th and 15th MAP; But, decreases there after markedly in a linear way. Conversely, viscosity and root yield of the cassava increases significantly (P < 0.05) starting the 12th MAP. Results of intercropping maize and cassava showed that alternate rows (1C:1M) had LER advantage of 71%. Similarly, growing cassava intercropped with haricot bean, cow pea, soy bean and mung bean resulted in LER of 1.82, 1.49. 1.48 and 1.62 compared to sole beans in Amaro area. In one study that investigated planting positions and planting parts, slant and vertical plantings are suitable in Awassa sandy soils compared to horizontal planting. Similarly, this study revealed that planting materials shall be taken from middle and top part of the main stem of cassava compared to its branches. In another study that investigated land preparation methods, it was found that furrow and ridge planting produced comparable results of 48t/ha and 43t/ha compared to 38t/ha produced by flat plantings. Planting date trial carried out for three consecutive seasons elaborated that rainfed cassava planting could be carried out from mid April to early May based on optimum marketable and total tuber yield obtained. Thus, the crop responded very well to crop management practices like plant density, land preparation methods, planting positions, intercropping, etc.and farmers or investors could optimize production by using these recommendations.

Effect of Different Land Preparation Methods for Sawah System Development on Soil Productivity Improvement and Rice Grain Yield in Inland Valleys of Southeastern Nigeria

Effect of Different Land Preparation Methods for Sawah System Development on Soil Productivity Improvement and Rice Grain Yield in Inland Valleys of Southeastern Nigeria