Optimum tillage system for pepper production in an alfisol of South-western Nigeria

Optimum soil tillage for different crops in different regions needs be established for good yield. For pepper production on an alfisol with soil texture on the surface soil, this paper investigated three tillage systems (Plough-Plough Till – PPT, Plough-Harrow Till – PHT and Plough-Ridge Till – PRT) and two compaction levels induced by a 50 kW MF tractor (5 and 10 tractor passes – 5P and 10P) with No Tillage (NT) and zero tractor passes (ZP) as control. The experimental design was a randomized complete block design with three replications. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed significant difference (p < 0.05) on soil moisture content, bulk density, porosity and soil strength, investigated. Results showed that moisture content decreased with compaction level and was highest in NT plots (10.56%). Bulk density was highest in tilled plots (1.49 Mgm-3) and increased with compaction level. Furthermore, porosity decreased with compaction and tillage intensity. In NT plots, soil strength was 1.12 Mpa, while 0.73 Mpa was recorded in tilled plots and increased with compaction level. Significant difference was observed in growth parameters and yield in tilled plots (5 t/ha), compared to 1.5 t/ha recorded in NT plots. This study has established that soil tillage is necessary for pepper production on an alfisol of southwestern Nigeria and is optimal at 5 tractor passes with PRT tillage system.