Impact of conservation tillage on runoff, soil loss, and soil properties on acrisols and ferralsols in central Benin

Abstract

The present study is aimed at assessing the impact of different tillage practices and mulch input rates on soil erosion and soil properties in Central Benin. The experiment was carried out at two sites (Dan and Za-zounmè) using a randomized complete block design. The effect of three tillage practices: contour ridging (CR); slope ridging (SR) and no-tillage (NT) and four mulch input rates (0 t.ha-1; 3 t.ha-1; 5 t.ha-1, 7 t.ha-1) were investigated. The runoff, the soil and nutrients losses were measured during the major rainy seasons of 2018 and 2019. Bulk density, gravimetric moisture and water infiltration were collected in 2019. The effect of the interaction between tillage practices and mulch input rates were significant on runoff amount, runoff coefficient, soil loss, N, P, K losses and soil moisture. Over the investigated seasons, CR+7M decreased runoff amount, runoff coefficient, soil loss, N, P and K losses by 100% compared to the treatments. NT was found to be effective in runoff and soil erosion controlling when combined with a mulch quantity greater than 3 t.ha-1, NT+5M and NT+7M reduced the soil loss respectively by more than 30% compared to the farmer’s practice (SR+0M) at both sites. Contour ridge treatments yielded more soil moisture than no-tillage and slope ridge treatments. Whatever the tillage practice, the greatest gravimetric moisture were recorded on 5 t.ha-1 and 7 t.ha-1 plots (i.e. CR+7M, NT+7M and SR+7M). This study provides decision-makers with requisite information for effective soil erosion management in Benin where mechanization aids are limited.

Effect of no‐tillage on soil redistribution estimated by beryllium‐7, soil moisture, and carbon fractions loss in central Benin

“…The furrow serves as a means for directing runoff water, leading to high soil erosion. A growing body of research over the past few years has shown that CR can significantly curb water erosion compared with SR (Akplo et al., 2022; Barton et al., 2004; Shi et al., 2004; Stevens et al., 2009). The review of the literature on NT or minimum tillage suggests that they typically result in a significant reduction in surface runoff and sediment losses (Quinton & Catt, 2004; Ryken et al., 2018; Silgram & Shepherd, 1999; Strauss et al., 2003).…”

“…In Benin forest destruction, land overexploitation and unsuitable agricultural practices have contributed to great land degradation (Avakoudjo et al., 2021). As a result, most of the agroecological zones in Benin are characterized by high erosion (Akplo et al., 2022). Erosion results in declining soil fertility and decreasing crop yields (Saïdou et al., 2012).…”

Dual‐purpose crops for grain and fodder to improve nutrition security in semi‐arid sub‐Saharan Africa: A review

“…In contrast, potential trade‐offs tend to be lower in agroecosystems with adequate precipitation or irrigation, high levels of inputs, mechanization, and greater crop production allowing enough CR for different uses (Erenstein et al, 2012). Several researches have shown that maintaining CR is a good farming practice (Akplo et al, 2022; Traoré et al, 2020). One key principle of conservation agriculture is the maintenance of CR on fields as mulch‐alternative options such as cover crops imply extra costs and challenges (Erenstein, 2002).…”

Effect of Sustainable Land Management Practices on the Soil Erodibility at the Plateau of Abomey (Centre of Benin)

“…Soil erosion reduction effect of no-tillage practice has been documented frequently and is mostly attributed to increased organic carbon content and the retention of crop residues at the soil surface [46]. Appropriate tillage is considered an important management tool to combat water erosion risks, promote in situ water conservation, improve crop yields and stabilize rainfed agricultural systems [6].…”

“…While water and wind are the main causes of soil erosion, soil losses by water are more serious than those by wind [3]. Africa hosts more than 45% of the total erosion affected people [4] where it affects millions of hectares of soil [5] [6].…”