The effect of different tillage methods on corn production | |
| Author | Wilaiwan Sornpoon |
| Call Number | AIT Thesis no.AE-05-03 |
| Subject(s) | Corn--Planting Tillage |
| Note | A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Engineering, School of Environment, Resources and Development |
| Publisher | Asian Institute of Technology |
| Series Statement | Thesis ; no. AE-05-03 |
| Abstract | The tillage and residue management practices need to be in appropriate manner for sustainable crop production without affecting the quality of soil and environment. The effects of tillage and residue management methods on corn cropping were studied for a single crop season of corn (Lea Mays). The experiment was conducted on loamy soil in Bangrakum District of Phitsanulok Province, Northern region of Thailand, during the second crop season of corn production. The effects of five tillage methods as main factor and two corn residue management methods as sub-factor were studied in a random strip plot configuration. Tillage treatments investigated were subsoiler tillage (ST), three models of conventional tillage (CT1, CT2 and CT-3)), and no-tillage (NT). Two methods of corn residue management investigated were burnt (RI) and unburnt (R2) corn residue conditions. Tillage treatment showed significant effect on soil properties; both physical and chemical properties, plant growth and development, grain yield and total aboveground biomass however, the two crop residue managements methods did not show significant differences. The study revealed that the improvements in plant development and grain production was due to increased tilled depth and thus the ST as the most effective tillage method for improving soil physical properties and to increase corn production; corn growth properties, biomass and grain yield. ST obtained highest total grain yield than CT1, CT2, CT3 and NT approximately 35. 101, 88, 216% higher values respectively. It was generally concluded that ST as the best and sustainable method of soil management for corn cropping while having typical weeding practices. |
| Year | 2005 |
| Corresponding Series Added Entry | Asian Institute of Technology. Thesis ; no. AE-05-03 |
| Type | Thesis |
| School | School of Environment, Resources, and Development (SERD) |
| Department | Other Field of Studies (No Department) |
| Academic Program/FoS | Agricultural and Food Engineering (AE) |
| Chairperson(s) | Jayasuriya, H.P.W.; |
| Examination Committee(s) | Salokhe, Vilas M.; Dares Kittiyopas; |
| Scholarship Donor(s) | Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, Thailand; |
| Degree | Thesis (M.Eng.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 2005 |