ABSTRACT
Understanding the controlling
factors of the soil erosion process can help plan conservation strategies and
enhance crop production. Field experiments were conducted to evaluate the
effects of different groundcover on runoff, soil loss, growth and yield of
maize. The experiment was carried out in Imo State Polytechnic Research Farm,
Umuagwo, Imo State. Runoff plots measuring 1 meter by 4 meters (1m x 4m) were
constructed and placed in such a way that all the runoff plots were fenced
round with zinc sheet except at the downstream end. A multiple divisor flume
with five (5) openings of 2.5cm each in diameter were placed across the
direction of runoff flow at the downstream end of the plots to channel runoff
to the collection tank. One end of the pipe was connected and fixed to one of
the 5 openings while the other end of the pipe was fixed at the opening at the
top cover of the collection tank. The treatments were laid out in a Randomized
Complete Block Design (RCBD) with four (4) treatments and three (3)
replications; consisting of twelve (12) runoff plots. The treatments were Palm
Kernel Shell (PKS), Palm Fronds (PF), Mucuna Plant (MP) and Bare Plot (BP) as
control. The data collected was analyzed statistically using ANOVA and FLSD at
P < 0.05 level of significance. The results indicated that high maize yield
was recorded in the covered plots in relation to the control in the following
order: PKS (0.342 kg/ha) > MP (0.333 kg/ha) > PF (0.326 kg/ha) > and
BP (0.250 kg/ha). Minimum runoff was recorded in PKS plots (20.1 mm) followed
by PF (99.8 mm), MP (113.1 mm), and BP (216.6 mm), respectively. PKS recorded
zero soil loss followed by PF (0.55 kg/m2), MP (0.72 kg/m2), and BP (1.39
kg/m2) in that order. These results suggest that groundcover is an effective
soil and water conservation measure to minimize runoff and soil loss from
agricultural land, and consequently enhance crop productivity.
CHINEDU, C (2023). Effect Of Different Groundcovers On Runoff, Soil Loss And Maize (Zea Mays) Performance In Umuagwo, Imo State, Nigeria:- . Mouau.afribary.org: Retrieved Dec 24, 2024, from https://repository.mouau.edu.ng/work/view/effect-of-different-groundcovers-on-runoff-soil-loss-and-maize-zea-mays-performance-in-umuagwo-imo-state-nigeria-7-2
CHIMEZIE, CHINEDU. "Effect Of Different Groundcovers On Runoff, Soil Loss And Maize (Zea Mays) Performance In Umuagwo, Imo State, Nigeria:- " Mouau.afribary.org. Mouau.afribary.org, 04 Dec. 2023, https://repository.mouau.edu.ng/work/view/effect-of-different-groundcovers-on-runoff-soil-loss-and-maize-zea-mays-performance-in-umuagwo-imo-state-nigeria-7-2. Accessed 24 Dec. 2024.
CHIMEZIE, CHINEDU. "Effect Of Different Groundcovers On Runoff, Soil Loss And Maize (Zea Mays) Performance In Umuagwo, Imo State, Nigeria:- ". Mouau.afribary.org, Mouau.afribary.org, 04 Dec. 2023. Web. 24 Dec. 2024. < https://repository.mouau.edu.ng/work/view/effect-of-different-groundcovers-on-runoff-soil-loss-and-maize-zea-mays-performance-in-umuagwo-imo-state-nigeria-7-2 >.
CHIMEZIE, CHINEDU. "Effect Of Different Groundcovers On Runoff, Soil Loss And Maize (Zea Mays) Performance In Umuagwo, Imo State, Nigeria:- " Mouau.afribary.org (2023). Accessed 24 Dec. 2024. https://repository.mouau.edu.ng/work/view/effect-of-different-groundcovers-on-runoff-soil-loss-and-maize-zea-mays-performance-in-umuagwo-imo-state-nigeria-7-2