Effect of source, rate and method of nitrogen fertilizer application on maize yield in the savanna zone of south western Nigeria

Abstract

Field trials were conducted for three years to determine the effects of source, rate and method of application of nitrogen fertilizer on maize yield at Ilora in the derived savanna zone and Ogbomoso in the southern guinea savanna zone of Nigeria. The nitrogen fertilizers (Granulated urea, Regular urea and Calcium Ammonium Nitrate) tested were at 0, 50, 100 and 150 kg N/ha. The methods of fertilizer application used were banded covered and banded uncovered. Results showed that, there were no significant differences in yields obtained from the fertilizers applied. Likewise, the methods of fertilizer application were not significantly different from each other. However, the rates of nitrogen fertilizer applied produced significant differences in maize yields at both locations and nitrogen content in maize leaf tissue at the two locations. Application of 100 kg N/ha produced optimum grain yield and nitrogen content in the ear leaf tissue. The use of granulated urea would be a better choice out of the other nitrogen fertilizers due to its better handling (physical) properties, high nitrogen level and availability. Key Words: Nitrogen sources; nitrogen rate; application methods; maize yield Moor J. Agric. Res. Vol.4(1) 2003:19-25