EFFECT OF TILLAGE METHODS ON YIELD AND GROWTH PERFORMANCES OF TWO MAIZE VARIETIES IN SANDY- LOAM SOIL IN OWERRI IMO STATE NIGERIA

Abstract

The effect of tillage methods on yield and growth performances of two maize varieties in sandy loam soil in Owerri, 
Imo State was studied. The results of the study were statistically analyzed using randomized complete block design 
(RCBD). The least significant difference was determined at P < 0.05 level to the test difference between four main 
treatments; ploughing T1, harrowing T2, ploughing and harrowing combination T3 and no-till T4 with white and yellow 
maize P1 and P2 respectively were considered within each tillage methods. The estimated marginal mean for plant 
height (cm) was recorded; for ploughing operation (152.45cm for white maize and 151.06cm for yellow maize), for 
harrowing operation (148.36cm for white maize and 147.65cm for yellow maize), for ploughing and harrowing 
combination (154.66cm for white maize and 153.56cm for yellow maize), for no-till (147.84cm for white and 145.64 
cm for yellow maize). The results showed highest values were recorded for ploughing and harrowing combination, 
followed by ploughing operation, harrowing operation and lastly no-till. Also, the white maize variety recorded higher 
values for maize height (cm) at maturity, stem girth (cm),  grain weight (g), number of grain per ear, maize weight (g) 
and maize yield (t/ha); as follows 154.66cm, 4.55cm, 235g, 543, 42.34g, and 12.24t/ha respectively for ploughing and 
harrowing combination  as against yellow maize variety of 153.56cm, 4.35cm, 234g, 541, 40.25g, and 10.11t/ha 
respectively. The study therefore recommends ploughing and harrowing combination method for increase production 
of maize.