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Plant Science Today (PST)

Research Articles

Vol. 12 No. 4 (2025)

Selected soil physical properties and maize yield influenced by tillage systems and fertilizer types in southwest Nigeria

DOI
https://doi.org/10.14719/pst.7109
Submitted
7 January 2025
Published
24-09-2025 — Updated on 16-10-2025
Versions

Abstract

Management practices can alter soil physical properties and maize (Zea mays L.) yield. The study examined the influence of tillage systems, nitrogen (N) fertilizer and cattle dung (CD) applications on selected soil physical properties and maize yield from 2018 to 2019 in southwest Nigeria. The soil at the site had a sandy loam texture with an annual mean air temperature of 27 °C and annual mean precipitation of 1214 mm. Tillage practices were zero tillage (ZT), minimum tillage (MT) and conventional tillage (CT); N fertilizer at the rate of 120, 90 and 0 kg N ha-1 (control); and CD was applied at the rate of 10, 5 and 0 ton ha-1 (control). Soil bulk density, total porosity and saturated hydraulic conductivity were measured at the 0-15 cm depth after maize harvest. Bulk density was 7 % higher, but total porosity was 6 % lower for MT than CT at 5 tons ha-1 of CD in 2019. Saturated hydraulic conductivity was 17 % higher for 10 compared with 5 tons ha-1 of CD in 2018. Maize yield was 35-57 % higher for MT compared with CT or ZT at 0 and 120 kg N ha-1 in 2018 and 27-88 % higher for CT and MT compared with ZT at all N application rates in 2019. Soil bulk density was positive, but total porosity was negatively correlated in 2018. The MT with 120 kg N ha-1 or 5 tons ha-1 of CD application enhanced bulk density, lowered total porosity and increased maize yield in southwest Nigeria.

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