THE PRODUCTIVITY OF RICE/MAIZE INTERCROP AS INFLUENCED BY TILLAGE METHODS
UMAR, A., BABALOLA, O.
Abstract
The effect of tillage methods, zero tilling (Ti),
plow once (T^, plow + harrow once (7$), and plow + harrow twice (T4), on the
productivity of Rice/maize inter-crop was studied in afield of experiment.
The bulk density (1.19) g/cm3), was significantly lower, while total porosity
(55.1%) and void ration (1.24) were significantly higher respectively under
TV than TI, followed by r? then 7j. Gravimetric moisture content was initially
lowest under TI , while soil moisture characteristics (cm3. Cm'3) over a range
of suctions were not significant in the tillage methods.
The grain yields of rice and maize inter-crops were not affected significantly
by the tillage methods.
Nevertheless the conductive soil physical environment under T2 and T3 could
lead to a conclusion that tillage operation be limited to plowing once or plowing
+ harrowing once in short term.
Key words:
rice/maize, nter-crop, tillage methods