Influence of tillage and cropping systems based on plants cover ( Arachis glabrata and Bracharia ruziziensis ) on performance of maize and soil properties in the Western Highland agro-ecological zone of Cameroon

A study was conducted at the University of Dschang’s Application and Research Farm to evaluate the impact of three types of tillage combined with sole and intercropped systems on maize production and soil properties. The study factors were the type of tillage (zero, minimum, and conventional) and the cropping system under plant cover (intercropping of maize – Bracharia ruziziensis, maize + Arachis glabrata and sole maize, B. ruziziensis , A. glabrata crops). A randomized complete block design with a split-splot arrangement was used. Multiple linear regression model, correlations between soil properties and yield, and comparison of means using Tukey’s test were carried out. Minimum tillage + intercropping with A. glabrata produces the highest maize yield. Intercropping with B. ruziziensis enhances maize growth. Zero/minimum tillage provides the best maize yield overall. No-tillage and minimum tillage systems combined with A. glabrata or B. ruziziensis increase nitrogen, increase organic carbon, increase CEC, improve the C/N ratio, and increase available phosphorus. Minimum tillage & no tillage are the most effective. Which maize-based cropping system is superior (intercropping with A. glabrata or B. ruziziensis ). Which combination gives the best results (minimum tillage + A. glabrata is the best system for yield). Maize performance improves (growth & yield) and soil properties improve (nutrients, C, CEC, etc.). Based on these results, zero/minimum tillages and maize intercropping with A. glabrata / B. ruziziensis can solve the maize production problem and improve the physico-chemical properties of the soil.