Impact of Tillage and Vegetative Mulch on Growth and Yield of Maize under Ferralitic Soil Conditions in Southern Benin

Aims: Crop production is exposed to climate change phenomenon resulting in change in rainfall amount and long drought spells. Good conservation practices are important in yield improvement. This study aims to assess the effect of tillage and vegetative mulch on maize growth rate, yield and harvest index in ferralitic soil of southern Benin. Study Design: The complete randomized block design (CRBD) with 4 repetitions was implemented. Place and Duration of Study: The experimental site is located at Allada, in southern Benin, and conducted between May 2017 and July 2017. Methodology: During this study, two factors were tested (Tillage and mulch) and 6 treatments have been obtained of combination of two factors level (No-tillage, tillage and 0%, 50%, 75% mulch). The growth parameters, yield parameters and harvest index were determined. Results: The results indicated that tillage and mulching significantly influenced the growth rate, leaf surface and leaf number of maize plants. Tillage increased to 54% the grain yield compared to no tillage whereas 50% and 75% mulch promoted the highest grain yield. Considering the combination of tillage and mulching, LM50 (Tillage + 50% mulch) and LM75 (Tillage + 75% mulch) treatments resulted in about 85% increase of grain yield compared to direct seeding without mulch. Conclusion: These results reflect the importance of soil cover in improving of maize productivity.