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Effects of Conservation Tillage on Soil Properties and Maize Yield in Karst Regions, Southwest China

Author

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  • Lizhen Bai

    (Faculty of Modern Agricultural Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China)

  • Xiangying Kong

    (Faculty of Architecture and City Planning, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China)

  • Hui Li

    (Shandong Academy of Agricultural Machinery Sciences, Ji’nan 250100, China)

  • Huibin Zhu

    (Faculty of Modern Agricultural Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China)

  • Chengwu Wang

    (Faculty of Modern Agricultural Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China)

  • Shiao Ma

    (Faculty of Modern Agricultural Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China)

Abstract

Karst rocky desertification associated with human disturbance is one of the most serious eco-environmental problems, threatening the sustainable development of agriculture in southwestern China. In the current study, the practice of conservation tillage as one of the best ways of reducing the constraints is addressed. During a two-year trial (2014–2015), the effects of no tillage with straw cover (NT) and traditional tillage (TT) on soil properties and maize yields were investigated in karst regions, Southwest China. The results showed that the trial with NT increased soil moisture content by 3%, while decreasing soil bulk density by 7% in the top 30 cm compared with TT. In 2014, within 0–30 cm of soil depth, total nitrogen under NT treatment was 5% higher than that under TT treatment. In 2015, the mean soil organic matter (SOM) and available P were enhanced to 12% and 13% in 0–30 cm soil depth more than that under TT, respectively. The trial with NT significantly ( p < 0.05) increased available N in the top 20 cm by 9% as compared to TT. This improvement in soil physical and chemical properties might have increased the crop yield. After the two-year trial with NT, the mean maize yields increased by 11% compared with the TT trial. Therefore, conservation tillage is the better option considering long-term environmental sustainability in karst regions.

Suggested Citation

  • Lizhen Bai & Xiangying Kong & Hui Li & Huibin Zhu & Chengwu Wang & Shiao Ma, 2022. "Effects of Conservation Tillage on Soil Properties and Maize Yield in Karst Regions, Southwest China," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 12(9), pages 1-10, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jagris:v:12:y:2022:i:9:p:1449-:d:913283
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Irmak, Suat & Kukal, Meetpal S. & Mohammed, Ali T. & Djaman, Koffi, 2019. "Disk-till vs. no-till maize evapotranspiration, microclimate, grain yield, production functions and water productivity," Agricultural Water Management, Elsevier, vol. 216(C), pages 177-195.
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    Cited by:

    1. Mehmet Emin Bilgili & Yasemin Vurarak & Ali Aybek, 2023. "Determination of Performance of No-Till Seeder and Stubble Cutting Prototype," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 13(2), pages 1-15, January.

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