Influence of Tillage and Weed Management Strategies on Soil Microbial Biomass and Dehydrogenase Activity in Maize (Zea maysL.) Cultivation

The purpose of this study is to investigate soil biological activities in vertisols,
specifically exploring the influence of conservation tillage and different weed management
strategies on maize production. Utilizing a strip-plot design, two tillage methods (conventional
and reduced) were implemented as vertical strips, while seven weed management strategies
formed horizontal strips. Although CT and RT don't differ significantly in terms of soil microbial
mass and dehydrogenase activity, herbicides, a dominant weed management method, have been
shown to harm soil microbes. The weed management strategies implemented had noteworthy
effects on both soil microbial biomass and dehydrogenase activity, signifying substantial impacts
on these aspects of the soil. Notably, maize intercropped with cowpea exhibited higher microbial
mass and dehydrogenase activity compared to treatments involving herbicides, hand weeding,
and a weedy check. These findings provide quantitative insights into the soil health implications
of different agricultural practices in vertisols.