Effect of tillage on the growth and yield of maize (Zea mays L)

Abstract

As a response to measures that can improve maize yield without increasing the area currently used for cultivation in Nigeria, a field experiment was conducted at the research farm of the Institute of Agricultural Research and Training (IAR&T) Moor Plantation Ibadan to determine the effects of four tillage and cultural weed control method (hoe weeding) on growth and yield of three maize varieties. The tillage methods evaluated are (1) ploughed twice (T1), (2) ploughed twice, harrowed once (T2), (3) ploughed twice harrowed once and ridged (T3), and (4) zero tillage (T4). The three maize varieties used are (1) Suwan–ISR–Y (Suwan I Striga Resistance- Yellow) (V1), (2) TZPBSR–W (Tropical Zea mays Population Borer and Streak Resistant–White) (V2), and (3) DMR–LSR–Y (Downey Mildew Resistant, Late maturing Streak Resistant, Yellow) (V3). Results showed that T1 has the highest performance for both maize plant vegetative growth (stem girth, number of leaves and plant height) and maize grain yield, while T4 has the least. This was more evident at six and eight weeks after planting (WAP) for the vegetative growth, but not at four WAP. Also, TZPB-SR-W showed the most preferable growth and yield of the three maize varieties. The obtained yield with T1 and TZPB-SR-W is higher than the current average in Nigeria, it discourages traditional ridging, and it practically adapts to low-income local farmers. Rather than the farmers’ propensity to recycle their seeds, programs that can encourage the adoption of improved varieties