Effect of Soil Conservation Practices on Soil Chemical Properties and Growth of Maize in Makurdi, Southern Guinea Savanna Zone of Nigeria

This research was conducted at the Teaching and Research Farm of the University of Agriculture, Makurdi during 2013 and 2014 cropping seasons to assess the potentials of selected soil conservational practices on soil fertility and yield of maize. The experiment consisted of twelve treatments namely: zero tillage + soybean, zero tillage + cowpea, zero tillage + mulch, zero tillage + maize-only, surface-hoeing + soybean, surface-hoeing + cowpea, surface-hoeing +mulch, surface-hoeing + maize-only, manual ridging + soybean, manual ridging + cowpea, manual Ridging + mulch and manual Ridging + maize-only which were laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) and replicated three times. Composite soil samples were taken before cultivation and after harvest for physical and chemical soil properties determinations. Plant height, number of leaves, leaf area and seed yield were taken. Data collected were analysed using ANOVA and the significant means were separated using F-LSD. From the study it was observed that tillage and agronomic practices significantly affects soil chemical and physical properties, growth and yield of maize. Manual ridging and surface hoeing enhanced better crop growth and maize seed yield compared to zero tillage practice. Surface hoeing + Soybean produced the highest yield followed by manual ridging + soybean and surface hoeing + cowpea, with improved soil nutrient content. Zero tillage treated plots and surface hoeing +Mulch plot had the least values of maize plant height, number of leaves, leaf area and yield. For sustainable maize production, surface-hoeing and manual ridging tillage methods are hereby recommended. Soybean or cowpea should be inter-cropped with maize, the combination will ensure maintenance of soil fertility and increased yield of maize.