Response of sweet maize (<i>Zea mays</i> L. </i>Saccharata strut</i>) and soil chemical properties to compost in Asaba, Delta State

Abstract

Abstract The experiment was conducted in Delta State University, Asaba Campus in early and late seasons of 2016 to evaluate the response of sweet maize and soil chemical properties to rice husk and cowdung compost. This was applied at 0 (control), 5, 10 and 15 t/ha to 15kg processed soil per polythene bag and replicated three times. The soil was analyzed to measure the nutrient content before application. The bags were arranged in a completely randomized design and maize variety Sammaz 37 was used. Four seeds were sown and later thinned to one two weeks after sowing. Plant height, leaf area, stem girth, dry mater, weight of green ear and weight of dehusked green ear were measured. Soil samples were collected after harvest. Data were subjected to analysis of variance and means were separated with Duncan Multiple Test at 5% level of probability. Results revealed that treated plant had outstanding performance than untreated, 15 t/ha of compost had higher plant height, stem girth, leaf area, dry matter, weight of green ear and weight of dehusked green ear in both seasons. It also had higher soil chemical properties. Therefore, the compost could be recommended at 15 t/ha in the study area.