Tillage and compaction implements for maize cultivation

As a result of the intensification of agriculture whether under conventional sowing methods or with the use of no-till farming there has been an increase in compacted areas. The aim of this study was to assess the influence of tillage implements and compaction levels on the physical attributes of a typical dystrophic yellow Argissolo with a sandy texture and its possible impact on the agronomic characteristics of maize. The treatments consisted of three soil preparation implements and four levels of compaction caused by tractor traffic. A randomised block experimental design was used in a sub-divided plot layout with four replications with the soil preparation implements being placed in the plots and the compaction levels in the sub-plots. The following soil physical attributes were assessed in the 0.00 - 0.10; 0.10 - 0.20; 0.20 - 0.30 and 0.30 - 0.40 m layers: soil density (Ds) total porosity (Pt) and soil mechanical resistance to penetration (RP).