Effect of Conservation Tillage on Water Use Efficiency in Maize-Cowpea Cropping System in Semi-Arid Eastern Kenya

  • J.M Miriti
  • J.O Kironchi
  • C.C.K Gachene
  • A.O Esilaba
  • P.M Wakaba
  • D.M. Mwangi
Keywords: Agriculture

Abstract

Inadequate soil moisture and nitrogen are the principal factors limiting maize and cowpea production in the arid and semi-arid areas of Kenya. An experiment was conducted at KARI-Kampi ya Mawe substation in Makueni district to evaluate the effects of soil water conservation tillage on seasonal soil water storage, water use efficiency and crop yields in maize (Zea mays L.) and cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) production systems. The experimental treatments consisted a combination of three tillage practices (tied-ridges, subsoiling/ripping and  ox ploughing) and four cropping systems (maize sole crop, cowpea sole crop, maize-cowpea intercrop and  maize sole crop + 5 t/ha manure). 

There were no differences in soil profile water storage between tie ridging, sub-soiling/ripping and ox ploughing. However, tie ridging conserved highest soil water in the wet season (SR07) while ripping had the highest water storage in the dry season (LR07). Maize biomass production (TDM) was not significantly affected by tillage system. Intercropping maize and cowpea reduced maize TDM by 49% and 16% during LR07 and SR07 seasons respectively when compared with maize sole crop.  Application of manure resulted in poor germination and reduced maize total dry matter yields and water use efficiency during the dry season (LR07) than in the wet season (SR07). Sole cowpea cropping systems gave the lowest soil moisture conservation, total dry matter yields and water use efficiency compared to sole maize, maize/cowpea intercrop and maize + manure treatments.

These results imply that intercropping maize and cowpea in the same row has negative effects on maize total biomass production in dryland farming areas. Application of manure is more effective in improving crop production during wet seasons than in very dry seasons. Sole cowpea cropping systems results in low soil profile moisture conservation and water use efficiency compared to sole maize, maize/cowpea intercrop and maize + manure treatments.

Published
2010-06-25
How to Cite
Miriti, J., Kironchi, J., Gachene, C., Esilaba, A., Wakaba, P., & Mwangi, D. (2010). Effect of Conservation Tillage on Water Use Efficiency in Maize-Cowpea Cropping System in Semi-Arid Eastern Kenya. East African Agricultural and Forestry Journal, 74(1&2), 7. Retrieved from https://www.kalro.org/www.eaafj.or.ke/index.php/path/article/view/373
Issue
Vol 74 No 1&2 (2008): East African Agricultural and Forestry Journal
Section
Articles

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