Management effects of ultisol on soil physical and chemical properties as well as maize growth in oil palm replanting area

This experiment was conducted at ultisol under oil palm replanting area. The objectives of this research were to study the effect of tillage and soil amelioration techniques on soil physical and chemical properties, to find the appropriate tillage system to intensify maize production, and to find out best maize variety. The experiment was conducted in Split Plots under RCB design with 3 replications. The main plot was a combination of tillage and soil amelioration techniques, i.e. intensive tillage (A), intensive tillage with application of lime (B), intensive tillage with application of organic matter (C), minimum tillage (D), minimum tillage with application of lime (E), minimum tillage with application of organic matter (F), and zero tillage (G). Lime and organic matter were applied at the rate of 1x exchangeable Aluminium and 10 t/ha, respectively. The sub plot was maize genotypes, i.e. hybrid and open pollinated varieties. Each plot consisted of four 3-meter long rows. Results revealed that combination of intensive and minimum tillage system with soil amendments improved soil permeability (41.10 – 50.14 cm h-1 and 13.52 – 18.52 cm h-1 for combination of tillage with lime application and organic matter application respectively), exchangeable aluminium, P availability and cation exchange capacity. Both responded similarly on maize plant height, cob and pod dry weight, but became better maize performance compared to zero tillage. Sukmaraga variety performed higher plant height (18.3 cm) and pod dry weight (12.9 g) than the commercial hybrid, indicating high tolerance of Sukmaraga to acid soil.