Crop Residue Management Effects on Runoff and Maize Performance in the Guinea Savannah Zone of Nigeria

The effects of different residue management techniques on runoff, growth and yield of maize (Zea mays. L) were evaluated in a sandy loam soil (Typic haplustalf) at Ilorin, Nigeria, using maize stover as mulch material.Treatments consisted of surface placement and tillage incorporation of residue mulch at the application rates of 2, 4 and 6 t ha-1 , with three replications in a Randomised Complete Block Design (RCBD). Runoff was monitored using multi-divisor flumes in runoff plots. Optimum crop growth and highest grain yield were achieved from the tillage incorporated crop residue plots at an application rate of 2 t ha-1 . However, surface placement of residue mulch exhibited higher potential for runoff reduction than tillage incorporated residue. Overall, the results show the positive impact of residue mulching in runoff reduction and enhanced crop yield.