Assessment of Soil Compaction Effects on Crop Yield Under Different Tillage Systems in Oyo State

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Soil compaction from tillage equipment affects soil properties and crop growth. This study assessed compaction effects under different tillage systems in Oyo State. Three tillage systems were compared: conventional tillage (moldboard plowing), minimum tillage (disc harrowing only), and no-tillage. Soil bulk density, penetration resistance, and porosity were measured at different depths. Maize was planted and yield measured. Results showed conventional tillage had highest bulk density (1.52 g/cm3) at 20-30cm depth due to plow pan formation. Minimum tillage had intermediate values (1.38 g/cm3) while no-tillage had lowest (1.25 g/cm3). Maize yield was highest under minimum tillage (4.2 t/ha), followed by no-tillage (3.8 t/ha) and conventional tillage (3.5 t/ha). The study recommends minimum tillage to balance soil health and productivity.