EFFECTS OF SHORT-TERM FALLOW SPECIES ON SELECTED SOIL PROPERTIES, CARBON SEQUESTRATION AND MAIZE YIELD
The study was conducted to determine the effect of short-term fallow on soil properties, carbon sequestration, and maize yield at the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching and Research Farm, Ile-Ife, Nigeria. The field was laid out in a randomized complete block design. The fallow treatments were Mega...
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| Main Authors: | , , |
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| Format: | Online |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
The Faculty of Agriculture Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria.
2023
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| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://ija.oauife.edu.ng/index.php/ija/article/view/773 |
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| Summary: | The study was conducted to determine the effect of short-term fallow on soil properties, carbon sequestration, and maize yield at the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching and Research Farm, Ile-Ife, Nigeria. The field was laid out in a randomized complete block design. The fallow treatments were Megathyrsus maximus, Pueraria phaseoloides, Chromolaena odorata, and Native fallow. The fallow treatments were planted and established for 3 months before being incorporated into the soil. Using standard methods, the parameters assessed include bulk density, pH, organic carbon, exchangeable cations, total nitrogen, carbon sequestered, and total porosity. Megathyrsus maximus fallow improved bulk density, exchangeable cations, and total porosity and sequestered more carbon compared to Pueraria, Chromolaena, and natural fallow. Megathyrsus also increased organic carbon and total nitrogen by 41.3% and 32.8%, respectively, compared with the other treatments. Maize dry matter yield was significantly (P < 0.05) increased by Chromolaena (10.98 tons/ha), Megathyrsus (9.69 tons/ha), and natural fallow (9.16 tons/ha) three months after incorporation compared to Pueraria (7.54 tons/ha). Therefore, fallow plant species of high quality are necessary for the improvement of soil properties. Overall, Megathyrsus showed the best promise in terms of improvement of soil chemical properties and carbon sequestration while Chromolaena improved dry matter yield. |
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