Tillage and Mulching Affect on Growth and Yield of Cowpea Grown Following Rice in the Post-Monsoon Season of Northeastern Thailand

Abstract

Field studies were conducted to assess the effects of tillage and no-tillage with and without mulch on the growth and yield of cowpea grown following rice in the post-monsson season of Northeastern Thailand. The results showed that growth and yield of cowpea were not significantly affected by tillage. There was slightly higher seed yields in tilled plots. This was attributed to tillage operation which is known to improve soil aeration. Mulch application significantly increased the leaf area per plant, total top dry weights, tap root length, root dry weight per plant and seed yield of cowpea. This was due to the better ability of mulched plots in storing soil moisture during the growing season.