EFFECT OF PRIMARY TILLAGE IMPLEMENTS ON SOIL PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

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.