Effect of conservation agriculture on soil moisture content and biomass water productivity: Case study of crop residues as soil cover

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Research Paper 01/08/2020
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Effect of conservation agriculture on soil moisture content and biomass water productivity: Case study of crop residues as soil cover

O. A. Akilapa, L. O. Adebisi, C. O. Farayola
Int. J. Agron. Agri. Res.17( 2), 1-7, August 2020.
Certificate: IJAAR 2020 [Generate Certificate]

Abstract

One of the important principles of Conservation Agriculture is the permanent soil cover with crop residues which enhances soil and water productivity that leads to improved agricultural productivity. The effect of crop residues on soil moisture content, relative growth rate and biomass water productivity were examined in a completely randomized design at the University of Reading, Berkshire district, England. Straw treatment was significant on moisture content and water use efficiency at (p< 0.01) respectively while there is no significant difference on mean relative growth rate and dry final biomass weights. The study concluded that soil moisture content is conserved with increased use of crop residues as soil cover. The study therefore recommended that project based research on Conservation Agriculture should be carried out by governments and NGO’s that will involve farmers; also they should provide support for the knowledge diffusion of Conservation Agriculture to local farmers since it will improve yield and productivity. Extension agents and other agencies that work with farmers should also be properly trained to be able to disseminate this technology to farmers.

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