EFFECTS OF TILLAGE METHODS ON SOME PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF SANDY LOAM SOIL AND SEEDLING EMERGENCE OF COWPEA IN GIREI, ADAMAWA STATE, NIGERIA
An appropriate tillage method is necessary to create an optimum seed bed condition for optimum seed germination. Field experiment was conducted at Modibbo Adama University of Technology, Yola, in the research farm, Department of Agricultural and Environmental Engineering to investigate the effect of different tillage methods on some physical properties (bulk density, moisture content and penetration resistance) of sandy loam soil and early emergence of cowpea in a semi-arid environment. Tillage treatments were Disc Ploughing and Disc Harrowing; Disc Ploughing, Disc Harrowing, and Zero Tillage as a direct drilling method (control). The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design with four replications. The result indicate that zero tillage treatment had the lowest mean moisture content of 46%, bulk density of 1.59g/cm3 with high penetrating resistance of 2.40 Mpa. It was also observed that Disc Ploughing and Disc Harrowing treatment had the highest seed germination number than the other treatments. Results showed that Disc Plough and Disc Harrow was found to be more appropriate and profitable tillage method for improving bulk density, moisture content and penetration resistance in sandy loam soil and germination of cowpea. Statistically, results of the study indicate that the effect of tillage methods on some soil physical properties and seed germination were highly significant at 5% level of significance. It is recommended that the Disc Ploughing and Disc Harrowing tillage treatment be adopted for Cow pea production in the study area.
Authors : Tya, T.S.K.
Category : Open Access Volume (Issue) : 6(2) Date Uploaded : 12th March 2021