Influence of Low Urea Fertilizer Rates on 1000-Seeds Weight of Maize (Zea mays L.) Varieties in a Tropical Humid Ecology

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted from 2015 to 2018 at the Teaching and Research Farm of Federal College of Education (Technical), Omoku - Rivers State, Nigeria; to determine the influence of low urea fertilizer rates on 1000-seed weight of five maize (Zea mays L.) varieties. The experiment was laid-out in a RCBD with three replications. Treatment rates were 0, 30 and 60 kg N ha -1 . The maize varieties were Bende white, DMR-ESRY, Mangu white, Oba super II and Oba super 4. Soil and yield component data of 1000-seeds weights were collected and analyzed. Treatment means were separated using LSD at 5% (P < 0.05) probability level. The site had sandy soil texture with slightly acidic pH. Cations, organic C and total N were low except for Ca and Mg. Micronutrients were sufficient. The analyses presented in the seasons, showed that there was variation in seeds weights in accordance with the rates of urea applied. The minimum seed weight values were obtained in the control while the maximum weights were recorded at plots treated with 60kg N ha -1 . The 1000-seeds weight of Mangu white (208.03 g) was significantly different amongst the other varieties. All the maize varieties attained maximum weight gain at 60 kg N/ha. 60 kg/ha is preferable for Mangu white variety on the sandy soil of Omoku for low input maize production.