Effect of tillage methods and maize straw mulching on selected hydraulic properties of a Hutton soil and pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum) performance in Limpopo Province

Abstract

Limpopo Province is characterized by frequent droughts that lead to low plant available water for crop growth, and consequently low crop yields. Soil degradation also contributes to low crop yields in the province. However, through proper tillage practices such as conservation tillage, soil quality and crop yields could be improved. Most smallholder farmers in the province practice conventional tillage, thus leaving the soil surface without protective cover, leading to soil degradation. By adopting conservation tillage practice, the soil quality and crop yields is likely to improve. However, little is documented on the effects of conservation tillage under smallholder agriculture in the province. A study will be conducted under dryland conditions in University of Venda Experimental farm, Limpopo province to investigate the short- term effects of conservation tillage on soil water retention properties and other soil physical properties (bulk density, soil moisture content, total soil porosity, aggregate stability and soil organic carbon) following pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum) cultivation on Hutton soil. The experiment will be laid out in a split plot design with three replications during 2022/23 to 2023/24 cropping seasons. Treatments will consist of minimum tillage and conventional tillage as main plots. Sub plots will consist of maize straw mulch at three rates (0, 8 and 16 t/ha). Soil physical parameters will be determined using standard methods. Plant parameters such as plant height, dry matter and grain yield of pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum) will be measured. Daily rainfall record will be kept for the duration of the experiment. Conventional tillage will be used as a control in this study. The study outcome will be used by researchers and extension agents to educate farmers during workshops.