Comparative Economic of Different Weed Control Methods and Poultry Manure Rates among Different Maize (Zea mays L.) varieties

Abstract

Different Field experiment was conducted during the 2016 and 2017 rainy season to evaluate the efficacy of different weed control methods and poultry manure rates on yield and economic returns in three varieties of maize (SAMMAZ 15, SAMMAZ 21 and SAMMAZ 35) at Kano in Sudan savanna zone of Nigeria. The trials consisted of six weed control methods (S-Metolachlor 290 g/L + Atrazine 370 g/L at 2.0kg a.i. ha-1 followed by Nicosulfuron at 100 g a.i.ha-1, S-Metolachlor 290g/L + Atrazine 370 g/L at 2.0kg a.i. ha-1 followed by Bentazone 480 g/L at 2.5kg a.i. ha-1, Metolachlor 375 g/L + Terbuthylazine 125 g/L + Mesotrione 37.5 g/L at 2.5 kg a.i ha-1 followed by Nicosulfuron at 0.1 kg a.i. ha-1, Metolachlor 375g/L + Terbuthylazine 125 g/L + Mesotrione 37.5 g/L at 2.5kg a.i ha-1 followed by Bentazone at 2.5kg a.i. ha-1, two hoe weeded at 3 and 6 WAS and Weedy check) and three levels of poultry manure (0, 4, and 8 t ha-1 and a recommended NPK fertilizer as check at the rate of 120 kg N, 60 kg P2O5 and 60 kg K2O ha-1). The experiment was laid out in a split-split plot design with variety allocated to the main plot, poultry manure to the sub-plot while weed control method to the sub-sub plot, and was replicated three times. The result from the study showed that Metolachlor 290g/L + Atrazine 370 g/L at 2.0kg a.i. ha-1 followed by Bentazone at 2.5kg a.i. ha-1 in combination with 8 t ha-1 poultry manure suppressed weed infestation and increased the growth and grain yield of maize. Net income was higher when herbicide in combination with poultry manure at 8 t ha-1 was used.