Reduced tillage and nitrogen effects on soil water dynamics and maize (Zea mays L.) yield under semi-arid conditions |
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| Authors: | Walter Mupangwa Steve Twomlow S. Walker |
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| Affiliation: | 1. ICRISAT, Matopos Research Station, P.O. Box 776, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe;2. Department of Soil, Crop and Climate Sciences, University of Free State, P.O. Box 339, Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa;3. CIMMYT, Southern Africa Regional Office, P.O. Box MP 163, Harare, Zimbabwe;4. IFAD Eastern and Southern Africa Regional Office, Nairobi, Kenya;5. Department of Soil, Crop and Climate Sciences, University of Free State, P.O. Box 339, Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa |
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| 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. |
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| Keywords: | basins conventional ploughing rainwater-use efficiency soil fertility tine ripping |
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