Tillage and Mulch Effect on Growth and Yield of Cucumber (Cucumis sativus) on an Ultisol in Nsukka, South-Eastern Nigeria

Abstract

Objectives: Despite the global success of minimal tillage and plastic-film mulching since the 1950s, their application remains limited in sub-Saharan Africa. This study evaluated the effects of two tillage systems and four mulch types on the growth and yield of cucumber (Cucumis sativus) in the typical paleosol soil of South-Eastern Nigeria.

Method: A field experiment was conducted between June and September 2020 using a 2 x 4 factorial arrangement in a Randomised Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replicates. Treatments consisted of two tillage levels (conventional and minimal) and four mulch types (no mulch, black plastic, transparent plastic, and grass). Growth traits, including vine length, branch number, and Leaf Area Index (LAI), were measured alongside maturity yield components. Data were analysed using GenStat.

Result: Statistical analysis showed no significant difference (p ≥ 0.05) between minimal and conventional tillage, though minimal tillage produced numerically superior results, such as a longer vine length (98.7 cm) and larger LAI (200.4) compared to conventional tillage (75.5cm and 165.5), respectively, at 42 days after planting (DAP). At harvest (53 DAP), the highest yield of 1.72 t/ha was achieved using black plastic mulch. Overall, yields were consistently higher in minimal-tillage plots than in conventional-tillage plots.

Conclusion: The findings suggest that mulched plots, particularly those using black plastic, provide a superior soil environment for cucumber production. Furthermore, minimal tillage provides a more favourable edaphic environment than conventional methods in this region, making it a viable strategy for enhancing vegetable production in South-Eastern Nigeria.