Abstract
A comparison was made of conventional tillage and no-tillage for cowpea production on two major soil types, Anira peat and Onverwagt clay, on the coast of Guyana. Conventional tillage did not enhance the soil physical characteristics of the Anira peat. Growth and yield of cowpea on this soil type were therefore not significantly affected by tillage; lower average yields on no-tilled plots were thought to be caused largely by poor weed control. In contrast, the physical properties of the clay soil were significantly enhanced by tillage. There were no significant differences in yield of tilled and untitled plots, but the lower average yield on untilled plots appeared to be caused by poorer soil physical conditions. No-tillage on the Anira peat rather than on the Onverwagt clay, with adequate weed control, is therefore preferred at the present time for cowpea production on the coast of Guyana. Further research is required to develop a suitable management system for clay soils.
