Influence of Rice Husk - Mulch on Soil Water Balance Components under Sorghum and Millet Crops in Maiduguri, Semi Arid Northeast Nigeria

Abstract

A 2 x 3 factorial experiment was conducted at two sites in Maiduguri, Borno State during the 2009 cropping season. The objective was to evaluate the influence of rice husk-mulch on soil water balance components under sorghum and millet crops. The treatments comprised of two test crops (sorghum and millet) and three rates of application (0, 10 and 15 t ha-1) of rice husk mulch, fitted in a split-plot design. The test crops were assigned to the main plot, while the mulch application rates were assigned to the sub-plot. The treatments were replicated three times. The components of soil water balance determined were annual rainfall, moisture storage within sorghum and millet root zone, drainage below crop root zone and seasonal crop evapotranspiration. Profile moisture content was measured weekly with the aid of a neutron probe installed at a depth of 2.0 m using access tubes. Also, soil (0 – 30 cm depth) moisture content was determined gravimetrically on weekly basis. Rainfall was measured using a manual rain gauge installed at each of the two sites. Findings in this study indicated that, under the prevailing circumstances, annual rainfall was lower than the amount observed over a ten-year period in Maiduguri. Consequently, soil moisture storage, drainage and seasonal crop evapotranspiration generally declined. An average of over 90 % of this low annual rainfall was lost as seasonal crop evapotranspiration. Sorghum plots stored higher moisture within the root zone, had higher drainage and lower seasonal evapotranspiration than millet plots. Moisture storage and drainage increased with increasing mulch application rate, while, seasonal crop evapotranspiration decreased with it.

Influence of Tithonia Diversifolia on Maize (Zea mays L.) Yield, Fertility and Infiltration Status of Two Clay Varied Soils

“…Mulch is the protective layer of a material spread on the soil. Mulch from organic matter will be incorporated naturally into the soil [15] by the activity of worms and other organisms. Out of the very many plant species used as sources of green manures, Tithonia diversifolia has been said to be particularly promising [16].…”

Effect of Land Configuration and Crop Residue – Mulch on Millet Performance in Minna, Savanna of Nigeria

“…Fifteen t/ha mulch rate produced longer panicles and higher stover yield than both 0 and 10 t/ha rates. This observation could be attributed to lower crop evapotranspiration and better microclimate resulting from higher soil surface cover and higher leaf canopy cover under 15 t/ha mulch treatment [31]. Other reasons could be higher soil nutrient content.…”

“…Another reason could be improved nutrient status following the application of 15 t/ha mulch. Eze et al [29,30] reported that higher soil organic carbon and total nitrogen contents resulted from 15 t/ha mulch rate. This produced taller plants than 0 and 10 t/ha mulch treatments.…”

“…This produced taller plants than 0 and 10 t/ha mulch treatments. A third reason for the production of the tallest plants as a result of application of 15 t/ha mulch could be reduction in evaporative moisture loss or lower crop evapotranspiration with increase in mulch application rate [29,14,30]. Table 5 displays the results of the effect of land configuration and crop residue-mulch on panicle length and stover yield.…”

Effect of Different Mulching Materials on Growth Parameters and Yield of Okra (<i>Abelmoschus </i><i>esculentus</i><i>) </i>Production in Minna, Nigeria

“…This is affected by various factors, including temperature, solar radiation levels, water and nutrient availability, crop variety, cultivar, and age. Eze et al (2018) highlight the significance of implementing efficient agricultural management techniques to optimise the absorption and utilisation of the limited remaining moisture supply from rainfall. This approach promotes sustainable soil productivity and enhances crop growth and yield.…”