The short term effect of tillage on soil physicochemical properties in Bayelsa State, Nigeria

The objective of the research was to determine effect different tillage methods on some soil physicochemical properties in Niger Delta University Teaching and Research Farms. land divided into plots measuring 5 x m with three replicates per treatment. Five treatments considered were: No Till, hoeing, digging, hoeing + digging once, twice. Two samples were collected plot at 0-15 cm 15-30 depth. A total number thirty (30) from field. laid out using Randomized Complete Block Design. Results showed that had no significant soil's chemical but influenced physical. Mean pH across all ranged 4.42–4.49 indicating strongly acidic state, electrical conductivity 65.67-82 dS m-1 salinity stress, detrimental crops; organic carbon matter moderate a range 18.52-21.55 g kg-1 37.03-43.10 respectively. Total nitrogen its 7.88-12.17 kg-1. Exchangeable acidity low 1.52-1.71 cmol bulk density porosity; highest recorded NT zone (1.18 cm-3) which decreased steadily an increase intensity. With hoe+digging (twice) recording lowest value 0.94 cm-3. Similarly, porosity found method (0.94 cm-3: 64.7%), while observed 55.7%). positive correlation (P<0.05) (r=0.62), (r=0.94), (r=0.90), negative exchangeable (r=-0.52). Organic strong (r=0.99), effective cation exchange capacity (r=0.69), clay (r=0.50), (r=0.61). Silt (r=0.74) (r=0.70) relationship density, (r= -0.99) porosity. It is therefore recommended crude be used for sustainable conservative agriculture.