Anotace:
A two year field experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of different tillage practices on soil physical properties and agronomic properties of three varieties of sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) in 2013 and 2014 cropping seasons. The study was a split plot in randomized complete block design (RCBD). Tillage was the main treatment having three types; manual clearing (MC), ploughed twice (PT) followed by ridged (RT) while the sub plot was sesame varieties; 03L+ Tithonia, Ex-Sudan and E8. The result showed that soil physical properties and sesame varieties were not generally affected by tillage practices during the two years of the experiment. However, there was significant interaction of tillage and sesame varieties on soil microporosity and available water content (AWC) in 2013. RT increased AWC in 2013 and 2014 compared to MC and PT although, the treatments were statistically similar. RT significantly increased stem girth, number of leaves, and number of branches of sesame in 2013. Ex- Sudan variety produced significantly higher number of leaves and branches in 2013. However, E8 produced higher number of capsules per plant and seed yield. In 2013, interaction between tillage practices and sesame variety were significant on microporosity, available water content and plant height. Ridge tillage and E8 variety gave the best result in terms of improved soil physical properties and yield, therefore it is recommended in this study area.