Effect of tillage and mulching on soil environment and cowpea seedling growth under arid conditions

A study was conducted during 1982 and 1983 to determine the effect of tillage and mulching on soil environment and cowpea ( Vigna unguiculata cv. FS-68) seedling growth under arid conditions. One disking and three diskings with a disc harrow up to 15-cm depth improved the soil environment and increased the final seedling emergence count, but did not affect the population of Macrophomina phaseolina in soil. Disking also increased plant growth and markedly reduced seedling mortality. Placement of weed mulch in-between the crop rows at the rate of 6 t ha −1 along with disking treatments significantly increased the mean moisture status of the 15-cm soil depth by 1.4% on a dry weight basis (P w ), significantly decreased the mean maximum temperature of the 10-cm depth (measured at 2 p.m.) by 3.9°C and thus increased plant growth and dry matter production. Mulching also markedly reduced the population of M. phaseolina and the mortality of the cowpea seedlings.