Impact of Different Tillage Practices on Maize (Zea mays L.) Production

Tillage plays a crucial role in modifying soil structure, water retention, and nutrient availability, all of which directly influence crop performance. Hence, understanding the response of maize to different tillage practices is of agronomic importance. Therefore, this study examined the effect of different tillage practices on maize (Zea mays L.) grain yield. The three tillage systems compared were ripping tillage, strip tillage, and winter ploughing in the 2024 growing season under field conditions. The results revealed significant (p<0.05) differences in maize yield across the tillage methods, with ripping tillage achieving the highest average yield (11.40 t ha⁻¹), followed by winter ploughing (10.60 t ha⁻¹) and strip tillage (10.20 t ha⁻¹). Ripping tillage shows a statistically proven higher yield (p<0.001) than winter ploughing and strip tillage. There was no significant difference between winter ploughing and strip tillage. Based on the results, ripping tillage should be recommended for farmers seeking to maximize maize yields, as it consistently outperformed the other tillage methods in the study. Ripping and strip-tillage practices contributed to yield improvement through improved soil moisture retention and reduced soil erosion, highlighting their potential long-term benefits for sustainable farming. These findings underscore the importance of selecting appropriate tillage systems to optimize maize production while promoting the conservation of soil and the sustainability of agriculture.