Effects of Soil Physico-Mechanical Properties on Field performance Efficiency of Ox-drawn Mouldboard plough in Yola, Adamawa State

ABSTRACT An assessment of the effects of soil physico-mechanical properties on field performance efficiencies of ox-drawn mouldboard plough was conducted in four (4) sublocations within Yola environment, between May and July, 2005. Composite soil samples were collected at 15-20cm depths using soil auger in well labeled polythene bags under four (4) moisture regimes (10, 15, 20 and 25%). The soils were investigated for relevant properties (δb, M.C., texture, consistency) following laboratory procedures. The data were statistically compared using the student’s t-test. The mouldboard plough performance efficiencies at various soil M. C. varied significantly (P=0.05) among the soil units at differing compaction limits (1.35-1.50 Mgm-3). FE was highest (0.133 ha/hr) in Sabon-gari and lowest (0.112ha/hr) in FDF at the same soil M.C. (25%). Lowest time losses of 13 and 14 minutes was at 10 and 25% soil M. C. in Sabon-gari with relatively lower (1.35 Mgm-3) soil compactions. In view of the results obtained, it suffices to recommend that ox-drawn mouldboard plough utilization be encouraged and up graded into multiple bottoms implement for team of animal traction, as it effectively conserves valuable soil physico-mechanical properties as much as a close substitutes to the scarce tractors among peasant farmers in the study area. Keywords: Mouldboard plough, sublocations, efficiencies, animal traction, soil compaction, peasant farmers, Nigeria