197
Views
9
CrossRef citations to date
0
Altmetric
Original Articles

Effect of Incorporation of Crop Residues on a Maize–Groundnut Sequence in the Humid Tropics. I. Yield and Nutrient Uptake

, , &
Pages 1841-1858 | Published online: 14 Feb 2007
 

Abstract

Low soil organic matter (OM) characterizes most soils of the humid tropics because crop residues are not returned to the field. A two‐year (1997–1999) field experiment was carried out in an Ultisol to determine the contribution of crop residue application in sustaining yields of maize (Zea mays L.) and groundnut (Arachis hypogaea) in a crop rotation system. Three management practices were compared, inorganic fertilizer with crop residues (T1), inorganic fertilizer without crop residue (T2) and half dose of inorganic fertilizer with crop residues combined with chicken manure (CM) (T3), in a randomized block design. During five crops cycle of continuous application of crop residues with inorganic fertilizers or combined with CM, 43% of the observed maximum yield of the maize was sustained compared to 21% in plots where crop residues were removed. Nitrogen (N) and potassium (K) uptake by the subsequent crops were significantly higher in crop residue treatments whereas phosphorus (P), calcium (Ca), and magnesium (Mg) were not significantly affected by application of crop residues. In the highly weathered soils of the tropics, incorporation of crop residues appeared to be a beneficial management practice for sustaining crop yields.

Acknowledgments

We are grateful to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the Malaysia Government for funding this work. The contribution by the staff (Mr. Mutu, Pn. Faridah, Pn. Rosnah, Hajah Umi Kalthoum, Hajah Faridah, Ench. Sabri, and Che. Wan) member of the Department of Land Management of the Faculty of Agriculture, Unversiti Putra Malaysia is highly appreciated.

Reprints and Corporate Permissions

Please note: Selecting permissions does not provide access to the full text of the article, please see our help page How do I view content?

To request a reprint or corporate permissions for this article, please click on the relevant link below:

Academic Permissions

Please note: Selecting permissions does not provide access to the full text of the article, please see our help page How do I view content?

Obtain permissions instantly via Rightslink by clicking on the button below:

If you are unable to obtain permissions via Rightslink, please complete and submit this Permissions form. For more information, please visit our Permissions help page.