Improvement of Soil Nutrient and Yield of Maize Through the Application of Different Rates of Sawdust - Piggery Compost Fortified With Urea

Abstract

Fortification of compost with inorganic fertilizer is necessary to compliment for some deficient nutrient in organic manure to improve soil fertility and crop yield. This experiment was carried out at Ambrose Alli University Teaching and Research Farm, Ekpoma, Nigeria and it was fitted in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with seven treatments replicated thrice. The treatments were; Control, 2 tonnes of saw dust piggery compost + 75Kg/ha of urea, 4 tonnes of sawdust piggery compost + 75kg of urea, 6 tonnes of sawdust piggery compost + 75kg of urea (75kg Urea +6 SPC), 8 and 10 tonnes of compost, 150kg/ha of urea. Data collected were analysed using ANOVA and LSD was used to separate means. It was observed from the initial soil test that the soil nutrients status was below critical levels and this necessitate the application of the fertilizer to improve the fertility status of the soil. The application of 75kg Urea + 6 SPC significantly (p≤0.05) increased the soil nutrient status compared to other treatments. The growth, cobs weight, dry matter and grain yield of maize were significantly (p≤0.05) higher with application of 75kg Urea +6 SPC compared to other treatments. Also, the nutrient uptake of maize was significantly (p≤0.05) higher with application of 75kg Urea + 6 SPC. In conclusion, the application of 75kg Urea +6 SPC significantly (p≤0.05) increased the soil nutrient status, growth and the yield of maize.