Growth and Yield Response of Maize (Zea mays L.) to Integrated Nutrient Management of Biochar, Organic and Inorganic Fertilizers

Abstract

Aims: Maize yield is largely influenced by integrated nutrient management of biochar, organic and inorganic fertilizers application. In view of this, field study to evaluate varying rates of chicken manure (CM), Gliricidia sepium biochar (GB) and NPK fertiliser on growth and yield of maize was carried out.
 Study Design: The study design was a 2 x 6 factorial arranged in Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications.
 Place and Duration of Study: The field study was carried out at Mampong- Ashanti in the Forest-Savannah transition zone of Ghana over 2 years in 2021 minor and 2022 major cropping seasons.
 Methodology: The study treatments were different rates of amendments using biochar, chicken manure and NPK (15-15-15) fertiliser; [10 t ha-1 CM, 300 kg ha-1 NPK, 2.5 t ha-1 GB, 150 kg ha-1 NPK + 1.25 t ha-1 GB, 1.25 t ha-1 GB + 5 t ha-1 CM and No fertiliser (Control)] which were applied to two maize varieties (Omankwa and Obatanpa). Physiological growth parameters (crop growth rate and relative growth rate) were determined. Vegetative growth parameter (leaf count) as well as yield and yield traits (number of lodged plants per plot, husked cob weight per plot, number of filled and unfilled cobs per plot and grain yield) were estimated.
 Results: The results revealed that the application of 10 t ha-1 chicken manure and 1.25 t ha-1 GB + 5 t ha-1 CM to Omankwa and Obatanpa maize outperformed in crop growth rate (RGR), relative growth rate (RGR) and leaf count compared to the unamended plots in both seasons. Omankwa had significantly higher filled cobs per plot than Obatanpa across seasons. The interaction of Omankwa and 10 t ha-1 CM and 1.25 t ha-1 GB + 5 t ha-1 CM gave higher number of filled cobs per plot than Obatanpa on same although not significantly different in both cropping seasons. The grain yield of maize was enhanced by soil amendments in the major and minor cropping seasons, especially with interaction of Obatanpa and 10 t ha-1 CM (7474.0 kg ha-1), (3473.4 kg ha-1) respectively. Obatanpa x 1.25 t ha-1 GB + 5 t ha-1 CM (6802.1 kg ha-1) interaction followed closely in grain yield in the major season.
 Conclusion: Both biochar, organic and inorganic fertilizers have varying effects on growth and yield of different maize varieties. For optimize maize grain yield, 10 t ha-1 CM or 1.25 t ha-1 GB + 5 t ha-1 CM application is recommended.