Evaluation of Fertilizer Types on the Growth and Yield of Maize (Zea mays)

Abstract

This study was conducted to evaluate the growth and yield of maize to compost, organomineral fertilizer, and mineral fertilizer at Iyaganku and Moniya farm sites in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria. Treatments consisted of Organomineral fertilizer (A), Compost (B), Fresh compost (C), Mineral fertilizer (D = N.P.K. 15:15:15), and Control (E = no fertilizer). Experimental design was randomized complete block design replicated four times. Compost treatments (45 kgNha-1) were applied at one week before sowing while N.P.K. 15:15:15 fertilizer (300 Kg N ha-1) was applied two weeks after sowing. The growth and yield data collected were analyzed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) of GENSTAT Discovery software. Significant means were compared using Duncan Multiple Range Test (DMRT) at p = 0.05. The results of the analysis revealed no significant difference in the number of leaves and stem girth at 8 weeks after sowing (WAS) at Iyaganku. Tallest maize plants were recorded from plots treated with A and B. Also, treatments showed no significant difference in the dry weight (g/cob) of husked and unhusked maize at harvest. At Moniya, plots treated with A produced high number of leaves while lowest number of leaves were recorded from control plots and plots treated with B, C, and D. Similarly, no significant difference was observed in stem girth, plant height, dry weight (g/cob) of husked and unhusked maize at harvest between control plots, and plots treated with C, and D. Larger stem girths, tallest plants, dry weight (g/cob) of husked and unhusked maize at harvest were observed in plots treated with A and B. The results from Moniya farm site suggest that organomineral fertilizer and compost have the potential to enhance the growth and yield of maize in studied location.