a Department of Soil Science, Obafemi Awolowow University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria
b Department of Agronomy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
c RESEAU EROSION ORSTOM, BP 5045 F34032, Montpellier, France
Abstract:
A review is made of appropriate tillage methods for West African soils. Soil and ecological constraints to crop production and soil and water conservation measures in West Africa are discussed. Experimental results relating to the effects of different tillage methods on soil productivity and crop responses are described for different eco-regions in relation to the potentials of different tillage methods for soil and water conservation. The review shows that limited experimental data and diverse research methodologies make generalizations from the available information tenuous at best. Serious gaps in our knowledge of the ecological suitability of alternative tillage methods and soil and water conservation technologies are identified. The future course for regionally coordinated research in soil tillage and soil and water conservation is suggested.