Effect of tillage and mulching on agronomics performances of maize and soil chemical properties in Linsinlin Watershed of Centre of Benin

Abstract

Soil conservation has become an important aspect in achieving food security. The objective of this study is to assess the effect of two agricultural practices on the agronomic performance of maize and the chemical properties of soil. A field experiment was carried out on loamy-sand soil using Fisher Block design. Tillage systems and mulching significantly affected maize growth and yield components. The interactive effect of tillage and mulching were not significant on growth and yield components of maize. While, the highest growth rate (2.38 cm/day), leaf area (65.70 cm²), collar diameter (1.39 cm), grain yield (4148.71 kg DM ha-1), straw yield (5077.65 kg DM ha-1) and harvested index (40%) were obtained with the treatment combining isohypse ridging and mulch. Tillage increased soil organic matter. Treatment combining isohypse ridging to mulching allowed obtaining the highest level of soil organic matter after trial. The level of nitrogen and available phosphorus did not vary under the treatment. Throughout, this experiment, isohypse ridging under mulching constitute the effective soil conservation practice to combat soil erosion and improve maize productivity on the watershed of Linsinlin in Southern Benin. \n \n Key words: Tillage, mulching, maize yield, soil chemical properties, watershed, Djidja.