Comparative effect of ridge furrow and zero tillage on cowpea at Abeokuta and Akure, Nigeria

Trials were carried out to compare effect of different seedbeds on cowpea at Abeokuta and Akure in different microclimates of Nigeria. The values of selected soil physical properties, plant nutrient status and growth and yield of cowpea given by zero tillage, manual clearing, ridge top, ridge side, ridge base, and furrow were compared. At Abeokuta with drier microclimate, coarser and denser soil, seedbed type significantly influenced cowpea yield. Root growth, number of leaves, grain yield and leaf P and K were grater at side and top of ridge with lower soil bulk density values. The furrow with highest soil bulk density had least grain yield. Cowpea grown at ridge base and on untilled manually cleared and zero tillage soils with relatively high soil densities had lower grain yield. Seedbed did not influence cowpea yield at Akure with less dense and coarse soil, and more humid climate. Nigerian Journal of Soil Science Vol. 15 2005: 54-5