Conclusions
In comparison with pre-clearing control, soil physical properties deteriorated
with continuous cultivation. Mechanized farm operations and the
resultant soil compaction was an important factor responsible for the soil
degradation [Lal, 1985]. The maize-cowpea rotation involving 2 crops per
year brought about significant increase in bulk density and penetrometer
resistance and decrease in moisture retention at low suctions. The relative
decrease was, however, less in agroforestry compared with the nonagroforestry
systems. The data presented supports the following conclusions: