Effect of Zero Tillage and Residues Conservation on Continuous Maize Cropping in a Subtropical Environment (Mexico)

Abstract

The effects of zero tillage and residue conservation in continuous maize-cropping systems are poorly documented, especially in the tropics, and are expected to vary highly with climatic conditions and nitrogen availability. In the present study, maize was cultivated during the wet and dry seasons in central Mexico for three consecutive years, under different treatments combining tillage with residue management techniques and with nitrogen rates. In some treatments, maize was also intercropped with jackbean, Canavalia ensiformis L. (DC). Yield and yield components as well as physiological traits and soil characteristics were assessed during the wet and dry seasons for the third year of cultivation. During the wet season, zero tillage was associated with less biomass and grain yield. Leaf chlorophyll concentration was smaller under zero tillage, suggesting less nitrogen uptake. Both zero tillage and residue conservation reduced early growth and strongly increased ear rot. During the dry season, zero tillage was associated with greater root mass, as measured by electrical capacitance. Residue conservation decreased the anthesis-silking interval, suggesting better water uptake. There was, however, no significant effect of tillage or residue management practices on yield. Zero tillage was found to be associated with increased soil bulk density, nitrogen concentration and microbial biomass organic carbon. Residue conservation increased soil carbon concentration as well as microbial biomass organic carbon. Intercropping with jackbean and conservation of its residues in addition to maize residues increased soil nitrogen concentration. Further investigation may provide more information on the factors related to zero tillage and residue conservation that affect maize early growth, and determine to which extent the observed modifications of soil chemical and physical properties induced by conservation tillage will further affect maize yield.

Growth, Phenology and Seed Yield of Fodder Maize in Relation to Different Planting Methods and Nitrogen Levels

“…However, higher numbers of grains per cob (258.5) were recorded in bed planted crop as compared to other methods. Monneveux et al, (2006) also reported less number of grains per cob in maize in zero tillage method as compared to conventional tillage method.…”

Effect of Intercropping of Angelica sinensis with Garlic on its Growth and Rhizosphere Microflora

“…Long-term continuous cropping changed soil microbial community structure and diversity, and soil physicochemical property, which result in the negative effect on crop growth, yield and quality (Ryszkowski et al, 1998;Sun et al, 2001;Monneveux et al, 2006). However, diverse intercropping system can manage crop disease and improve crop production (Govaerts et al, 2006).…”

Impact of conservation tillage under organic mulches on the reproductive efficacy and yield of quality protein maize

“…as an alternative to conventional tillage is gaining popularity worldwide (Monneveux et al, 2006). Zero tillage increases the mechanical resistance and the apparent density of soil and curbs soil evaporation (Rivas et al, 1998).…”