Abstract
<p>The experiment was conducted to refined profitable NPK fertilizer rate for maize production on <em>Tanchera</em> series (Ferric Lixisol, FAO, 2006) in the Sudan savanna agro-ecological zone of Ghana. RCBD design with four replications was used. Treatments evaluated were N = 0, 40, 80, 120, 160; P = 0, 45, 90 and K = 0, 45, 90 kg/ha. Results showed significant N rate effect on grain yield, benefit cost ratio and gross return (P ≤ 0.01). P and K did not show significant effect among these parameters. Application of nitrogen from 80-120 kg/ha may be recommended for improve grain yield and gross return of maize production on Ferric lixisol. Due to poor nature of soils, application of P and K up to 45 kg/ha may also be recommended for maize production.</p>
Highlights
Maize is the most important cereal crop in most parts of West Africa (Fosu et al, 2004)
Low soil fertility and low application of external input are the major causes of low yields of maize
Soils in maize producing areas especially Northern savanna agro-ecological zones are low in OC (< 2%), total N (< 0.02%), available P (< 10 mg/kg) and exchangeable K (< 100 mg/kg) (Adu and Asiamah, 2003)
Summary
Maize is the most important cereal crop in most parts of West Africa (Fosu et al, 2004). In Ghana, it is the major staple especially in the northern part where it is even replacing sorghum and millet which were the major staples some years ago. Low soil fertility and low application of external input are the major causes of low yields of maize. Soils in maize producing areas especially Northern savanna agro-ecological zones are low in OC (< 2%), total N (< 0.02%), available P (< 10 mg/kg) and exchangeable K (< 100 mg/kg) (Adu and Asiamah, 2003). Average fertilizer nutrient application in Ghana is approximately 8 kg ha-1 (FAO, 2005). The use of old and blanket fertilizer recommendation in Sudan savanna agro-ecological zone of Ghana is not useful in recent times. FAO estimates show negative nutrient balance for all crops in Ghana. The escalating rate of soil nutrient mining is a serious threat to sustainability of agriculture
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