Effects of Motorized Tillage on Soil Physico-chemical Properties in the Senegal River Valley

Abstract

The present study aimed to contribute to a better understanding of the effects of motorized tillage on the soil. In Senegal, one of the major problems facing agriculture is the pronounced loss of soil fertility due, among other things, to the combined effects of sustained exploitation, poor soil management and a lack of mastery of agricultural machinery operating techniques and conditions. To this end, the first step was to optimize the tractor-tool linkage using 3 adjustment workshops. Subsequently, a complete block experimental set-up with a single factor, motorized tillage, was set up for 2 successive years. This work was carried out in 2 modes: minimum tillage and conventional tillage. Soil samples were taken from each plot before tillage and after harvest at the 0-30 cm horizon for physical and chemical analysis. The results show that the soils at the 2 sites have a clayey texture. Structural stability varied significantly from one year to the next (p<0.002). The Lab 40 treatment at the Lampsar site, with a value of around 6.3, showed the highest stability.  Soil bulk density varied significantly (p<0.002) from site to site and from year to year. The Off10 treatment in the second year at the Lampsar site, with a value of around 1.7 g/cm3, had the highest density. This could explain the high penetration resistance observed in the same treatment (1180 N). Organic matter (OM), CEC and C/N ratio varied significantly from year to year and site to site (p<0.05). pH remained more or less the same, always below 7.