Comparative effects of some soil amendments on the agronomic performance of maize varieties in a low fertile soil

Kolawole E Law-Ogbomo,Sunday A Ogedegbe,Remande Ahmadu

doi:10.15835/nsb12110529

Abstract

A field study was conducted in cropping seasons to determine the comparative effects of some soil amendments on postharvest soil chemical properties and performance of maize (Zea mays L.) in humid low fertile soil. The experiment was laid out in 3 x 4 split plot arrangement, fitted into a randomized complete block design with three replications. The main plots were maize varieties (‘SUWAN-I-SR’, ‘Oba 98’ and ‘Uselu’ local maize) and the subplots were soil amendments (control, poultry manure, cattle manure and NPK). Data were collected on growth parameters (plant heights (cm), number of leaves, leaf area index and stem girth) at 50% silking stage. At harvest, data were collected on grain yield components and several soil chemical properties. The results showed that the variety had significant (p<0.05) effect on growth and yield performance of maize. Fertilizer application significantly (p<0.05) improved maize vegetative characters. The fertilized plants were higher in all the parameters accessed than the unfertilized plants. ‘SUWAN-1-SR’ had the highest grain yield (2.49 t ha-1). The highest grain yield of 2.22 and 2.11 t ha-1 were produced from plants fertilized with NPK and poultry manure, respectively. Variety significantly (p<0.05) influenced organic carbon, available P, exchangeable acidity (H+ and Al3+). Poultry and cattle manures improved soil fertility through increase in soil pH, organic carbon and exchangeable cations. Since NPK and poultry manure had the highest grain yield, poultry manure could be used as viable option for maize production in low fertile soil environment, due to low cost and for environmental cleanliness.

Highlights

Maize (Zea mays L.) is the third most important cereal crop after wheat and rice (Mohamed and Hassan, 2011)
Maize seeds of improved varieties (‘SUWAN-I-SR’ and ‘Oba 98’) sourced from International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) was used, while the local variety was bought from Uselu market, Benin-City, Edo State, Nigeria
The present study has showed that the yield of maize can be increased with soil amendment application and the selection for use of the most promising variety

Summary

Introduction

Maize (Zea mays L.) is the third most important cereal crop after wheat and rice (Mohamed and Hassan, 2011). The crop is commonly cultivated worldwide, including in the tropics and warm sub-tropics. It is one of the most important cereals, both for human and animal consumption and is grown for grain and forage. The world production of the crop is of about 785 million tons of grain from about 158 million ha (FAO, 2009). In Nigeria, maize is an important food, fodder and industrial crop grown both commercially. Received in revised form: 23 Mar 2020.

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