Abstract
The research, optimizing nitrogenous fertilizer with and without cow dung on the growth and yield of maize (Zea mays L.) in Digil-Mubi, Adamawa state, Nigeria, was conducted in Farm and skills acquisition center Digil -Mubi, to determine the effects of nitrogenous fertilizer with and without cow dung on the growth and yield of maize (Zea mays L.) in the area. Seeds of maize was obtained from the open market in Mubi. Complete randomized design (CRD) was used and replicated three times. The trials were conducted during the 2018 cropping season at Digil - Mubi, Mubi Local Government, Adamawa state, Nigeria. Located in the Northern Guinea Savannah of Nigeria. Digil - Mubi is situated between latitude 100 10’’ and 100 30’’ North of the Equator and between longitude 130 10 and 130 30’’ E of the Greenwich meridian and at an altitude of 696 m above mean sea level (MSL). The results obtained, showed that, there were significant differences at P< 0.05 in terms of yield between treatment two (30Kg N + 0 tone cow dung and 60Kg N + 5 ton cow dung. But there were no significant difference at P< 0.05 in terms of yield between 90Kg N + 5 tones cow dung and 120Kg N + 5 tones cow dung. However, luxuriant growth was observed in 120Kg N + 5 tones cow dung than the 90Kg N + 5 tones cow dung. Similarly, there were no significant difference in yield in the control plot ( 0Kg N + 0 tone cow dung) and 30Kg N + 0 tone cow dung. But the growth performance varies based on the treatment’s combinations. The results obtained from this study showed that, combined application of nitrogen and cow dung in Digil Locality resulted in higher growth, yield and changes in some soil chemical properties than sole application of each nutrient source in the study area. The results also reveals that, the application of 90Kg N + 5 tones of cow dung gave the highest yield of 2,928Kg/ha-1 while 120Kg N + 5 tones of cow dung gave the highest vegetative yield. The lowest grain of 1,796Kg-1 was obtained at 30Kg N + 0 tone of cow dung. The application of 90Kg N + 5 tones of cow dung is therefore recommended in Digil – Mubi and it surroundings for maximum yield and maintenance of soil fertility level in the area.
Highlights
IntroductionMaize ( Zea mays L.) is a member of the grass family (Poacea)
There were no significant difference at P< 0.05 in terms of yield between 90Kg N + 5 tones cow dung and 120Kg N + 5 tones cow dung
Luxuriant growth was observed in 120Kg N + 5 tones cow dung than the 90Kg N + 5 tones cow dung
Summary
Maize ( Zea mays L.) is a member of the grass family (Poacea). It originated from South and Central America and later introduced to West Africa by the Portuguese in the 10th Century (Olaniyi and Adewale, 2012). Maize crop requires adequate soil fertility for high productivity in which it requires relatively higher Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P) and Potassium (K) than other elements as opined by Ibrahim and Isa (2012). Among the three most essential nutrients for proper growth and performance of maize, nitrogen and phosphorus are the most limiting in the Savannah soils, this is not unconnected with the vagaries of weather in the area
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
