Interactive Effects of Zai Pits and Conventional Practices with Soil Amendments on Soil Physico-chemical Properties

Abstract:

Soil fertility decline and moisture deficits are major challenges facing crop production in semi-arid areas.

Soil water conservation, in combination with nutrient management, might be useful in agricultural land

restoration in tropical developing countries. This study aimed to examine the interactive effect of Zai pits

and conventional planting with soil amendment on restoring soil physico-chemical properties in semiarid

areas. The selected physico-chemical properties were soil pH, soil organic carbon, nitrogen content,

available phosphorus, aggregate stability, and soil moisture. A field experiment was carried out for three

consecutive cropping seasons SR20, SR21, and LR21. Two planting techniques (conventional and Zai pit)

and five soil amendment options (control, cattle manure, Tithonia diversifolia, 60 kg N ha⁻¹, cattle manure

+ 30 kg N ha^-1, Tithonia + 30 kg N ha^-1) were tested. Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with

twelve treatments and three replications was used. Results revealed a significant increase in soil fertility

parameter pH (p<.001), TN (p=0.003), OC (p=0.014), and Av. P (p=0.004). A significant increase in aggregate

stability in Zai pits than in conventional planting was equally observed. Additionally, a significant increase

in volumetric water content was observed in Zai treatments as compared with conventional treatments at

a depth of 35 cm. The combination of soil amendments with Zai pits and conventional planting enhanced

soil nutrient availability meanwhile improving water retention. Application of soil amendment with Zai

pits and conventional planting is therefore recommended in semi-arid areas. Particularly, Zai pits would

be essential for moisture retention and infiltration of water in arid and semi-arid areas.