Leucaena (Leucaena leucocephala (Lam) de Wit) prunings as nitrogen source for maize (Zea mays L.)

Abstract

The effectiveness ofLeucaena leucocephala (Lam.) de Wit, prunings as N source for maize (Zea mays L.) was evaluated in field and pot trials at Ibadan, southern Nigeria. An N deficient, sandy Apomu soil (Psammentic Usthorthent) was used. The prunings significantly increased N uptake of seedlings and N percentage in ear leaves of maize. High maize gain yield was obtained with application of 10 tons fresh prunings or a combination of 5 tons fresh prunings and N at 50 kg ha−1. The prunings as N source, appeared to be more effective when incorporated in the soil than when applied as mulch. In the pot trial, prunings applied two weeks before planting was more effective than when applied at time of planting maize. Under screen house conditions, the apparent N recovery from prunings with early incorporation about equals that of fertilizer N.