Effects of Tillage Methods on the Fruit Yield on Pepper

A field study on the effects on tillage techniques was conducted in NIHORT (03.35”E, 07’24”N) altitude 168m on a well-drained clayey subsoil with 2% slope and latisol series. Three tillage treatments (Pha; Pho + Pha; Pho + Pha _ Phb) in a randomized completed block design comprising three replicates were investigated between June and December 1990 and between May and November, 1992. Mean values of the soil temperature at 5cm and 20cm depth, mean moisture regime, fruit yield and crop growth was compared at different stages of the crop life cycle. Bulk density, saturated hydraulic conductivity and porosity appeared predominant soil factors affecting the yield of pepper (Capsicm spp.) Ploughing recorded better soil moisture storage with reduced soil temperature of both 5cm and 20cm depth. Both canopy cover (leaf number) and plant height from Ploughing operation differed significantly in 1990 cropping season, though with no significant difference in 1992. In essence tillage techniques with the lowest saturated hydraulic conductivity and moderate values of soil temperature, optimum soil moisture storage produced the best results in growth parameters and fruit yield.