The Effects of Different Tillage Techniques and N Fertilizer Rates on Nitrogen and Phosphorus in Dry Land Agriculture

Processes governing soil organic matter (SOM) decomposition and mineralization are important for fertility ecosystem sustainability. However, in the sub-Saharan region, limited work has been conducted on SOM dynamics; therefore, there was an imperative need this study. The objective of study to determine phosphorus (P) nitrogen (N) dynamics under different tillage fertilizer management practices. field trial arranged as a randomized split plot design, with forming whole application rate being sub-plot. techniques were no-till (NT), annual (CT-ANNUAL) conventional every fifth season (CT-Y5), whereby NT practiced four consecutive seasons, season, employed. For all these techniques, urea applied amounts 60, 120 240 kg N ha−1 control each treatment. Ammonium nitrate levels determined calorimetrically. Sulfuric acid, at 1 M, along 0.057 M ascorbic acid molybdate reagent used extract P from extractable P. total N, ammonium, P, surface higher (p < 0.05) compared values both CT-Y5 CT-ANNUAL. high mineralization, NT, CT-ANNUAL, depth 0–10 cm may be attributed accumulation crop residues less disturbance. Furthermore, found concentrations CT-ANNUAL rates depths. ploughing improves aeration, which accelerates material into soluble forms. No-till, 60 depth, had optimum nitrate, values, thus showing its salient impact maintenance fertility. conclusion drawn is that CT-Y5, due average pools, can recommended under-resourced farmers preferentially over because it does not require advanced technology equipment sustains