Abstract:
Effect of four primary tillage implements on soil transient physical properties were evaluated
on clay, silty clay and clay loam soils. The objective of the study was to evaluate the effect of
the tillage implements on the transient physical properties of the different soils. The
experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications.
Four tillage implements used were the local plow (Maresha), ripper maresha, mofer attached
ARDU mouldboard plough and AIRIC mouldboard. Ploughing was done twice using the
implements specified above (1st and 2nd pass). Statistical analysis was made using SAS
computer package. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was used to evaluate the significance level
of effects on each of the parameters considered in study and their interactions. The
investigation made clearly indicated that all tillage implements statistically significant in
creating the favourable soil conditions when compared with no tillage (i.e. lowest soil
penetration resistance, lowest dry bulk density, highest soil moisture content, highest
infiltration rate and highest total porosity). The no tillage treatment resulted in or produced
the most unfavourable soil conditions in all soil types (i.e. highest soil penetration resistance,
highest dry bulk density, lowest soil moisture content, low infiltration rate and lowest total
porosity). The highest soil moisture contents were observed in clay soil under ARDU and
AIRIC plough treatments after 60 days of planting. The least bulk densities and penetration
resistances were noted at the 2nd pass for all soil types considered in the study under ARDU
plough and the ripper maresha. The highest total porosity was also observed under ARDU
and ripper maresha.
