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.