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Characterization of Soil Properties, Nutrient Distribution and Rice (Oryza Sativa.) Productivity As Influenced by Tillage Methods in a Typical Gleysols
1F. Issaka, 1L. Yongtao, 2L. Jiuhao, 3M. M. Buri, 2E. Asenso, 4A. Sheka Kanu, 1Z. Zhao
1. College of Natural Resource and Environment, South China Agricultural University, P.R. China
2. College of Water Conservancy and Civil Engineering, South China Agricultural University, P.R. China
3. Counsil for Scientific and Industrial Research(CSIR)-Soil Research Institute, P.M.B Academy Post Office, Kwadaso-Kumasi, Ghana
4. College of Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China

Global emphasis and interest in conservation Tillage in agricultural soils has tremendously increased in the last few years, especially no tillage with its potential to improve soil physicochemical properties, reduce nutrient leaching as well as improve crop productivity in a more sustainable manner.  Several questions still exist with regard to the true role of no tillage in improving soil fertility. A two year field study was conducted to characterize the effects of different tillage methods on soil physical and chemical properties as well as nutrient movement across the soil profile of gleysols, developed over granite in Ghana. In all, Five tillage methods namely; No tillage direct seeding(NTDS), No tillage transplanting(NTTS), Minimum tillage direct seeding(MTDS), minimum tillage transplanting(MTTS) and Conventional tillage(CT) were studied in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications each. After two cropping seasons, the highest bulk density, penetration resistance and lowest porosity were in the order of (NTTS=NTDS) ˃ MTTS ˃ MTDS ˃ CT for both 2016 and 2017 cropping seasons. Results also indicated that though all tillage methods had positive effect on nutrient levels at the surface (0-20cm), NTDS and NTTS recorded high levels of nutrient compared to the rest of the treatments. However, compared with the rest of the treatments, CT was characterized by high incidence of nutrient movement (leaching) along the soil profile (0-100cm). Subsequently, highest plant height and Stover yield (t/ha) were in the order of CT ˃ NTTS ˃ NTDS ˃ MTTTS ˃ MTDS. There was no significant difference in grain yield(t/ha)  of rice for both CT and NTTS for 2016 and 2017 cropping seasons even though NTTS had a slight increase in yield over CT in 2016. Results from this study suggest that even though tillage method tended not to affect nutrient levels so much, the different land preparation methods significantly affected nutrient distribution and grain yields. NTTS produced rice grain yield comparable to CT and NTDS under the prevailing conditions. However, considering the high levels of nutrient movement associated with CT compared to NTTS and also the cost of land preparation and other environmental problems associated with CT, NTTS is recommended for farmers in Ghana to ensure high and sustainable production to feed the growing population.

Keyword: Tillage methods, soil properties, Nutrient leaching, Rice growth