Reduced tillage and nitrogen effects on soil water dynamics and maize (Zea mays L.) yield under semi-arid conditions. Issue 1 (2nd January 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mupangwa, Walter; Twomlow, Steve; Walker, S.
• Is Part Of: International journal of agricultural sustainability. Volume 14:Issue 1(2016)
• Page Start: 13
• Page End: 30
• Publication Date: 2016-01-02
• Subjects: basins -- conventional ploughing -- rainwater-use efficiency -- soil fertility -- tine ripping; Agriculture -- Environmental aspects -- Periodicals; Agricultural ecology -- Periodicals; 338.14
• DOI: 10.1080/14735903.2015.1011393
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1473-5903

Abstract

Abstract : Soil water and nutrients are critical drivers of crop production for smallholders of southern Africa. A three-year study was conducted to assess the effect of integrating single and double ploughing, ripping and planting basins with nitrogen fertilizer (0, 10 and 20 kg N ha –1 ) on soil water dynamics and maize ( Zea mays L.) yields. The experimental design was factorial with four tillage methods and three nitrogen levels as treatment factors. The study was conducted under semi-arid conditions of Zimbabwe. Tillage methods had similar soil water patterns in the profile and no tillage × N interaction effects were observed on soil water dynamics. Soil water penetrated deeper into the profile under ripper and basin methods than conventionally ploughed treatments. Nitrogen increased maize yields (14–96%) and rainwater-use efficiency (20–92%) regardless of tillage methods and growing season quality. However, more studies are required to explore complementary techniques that can improve rainwater capture and prolong soil water storage, and improve soil fertility.