Zero-tillage for rice production on Cameroonian Vertisols

The applicability of zero-tillage (ZT) for irrigated rice (Oriza sativa L.) as compared with conventional tillage (CT) was investigated on Cameroonian Vertisols over four cropping seasons, Soil parameters evaluated were particle size distribution and soil moisture profile. Bulk density was also monitored, Because experimental plots were kept flooded throughout the rice growing period, soil conditions for rice development - including bulk density - did not significantly vary among treatments over the 3 year study, As a result, although the yields obtained differed significantly between seasons, no significant difference was found among treatment means within seasons, showing that yields were not affected by the type of tillage used. Besides, economic analysis showed that labour costs were 2.0-2.6 times higher in CT than ZT, thereby suggesting that ZT will be more economical than CT especially for small farmers.