Yield and Growth Response of Maize (Zea mays L.) to Varietal and Nitrogen Application in the Guinea Savanna Agro-Ecology of Ghana

Alhassan Bawa,Yunchao Tang

doi:10.1155/2021/1765251

Abstract

Background and Objective. Maize is one of the oldest cultivated crops. It is the third most important cereal after wheat and rice globally. Compared to all other cereals, maize has the highest average yield per unit area. The objective of the research was to evaluate maize varietal response to different nitrogen fertilizer rates. Materials and Methods. The treatment consisted of two factors, namely six varieties of maize and four levels of nitrogen application rates. These were arranged in 6 × 4 factorial combinations and laid out using randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The data collected were subjected to combined analysis for variation in factorial experiments in RCBD using Genstat statistical package edition 18. The means were separated using Duncan’s multiple range test at a 5% probability level. Results. The study revealed that varieties, such as IWD-C3-SYN-F2 and OBATAMPA, produced the highest grain yield and growth parameters (agronomic traits) relative to other varieties. The maximum grain yield and biomass production also occurred at the nitrogen application rates of 90 and 120 kg N/ha. Conclusion. Varieties, such as IWD-C3-SYN-F2 and OBATAMPA, and N rate of 90 kg N/ha are, therefore, recommended to be used for maize production by the resource-poor farmers in the Guinea Savanna Agro-Ecology of Ghana.

Highlights

Maize or corn (Zea mays L.) is a plant belonging to the tribe Maydeae of the grass family Graminae (Poaceae)
Six maize varieties obtained from the Savanna Agricultural Research Institute (SARI) of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) were screened under four nitrogen fertilizer application rates for improved grain yield, yield components, and other growth/agronomic characteristics during the 2016 and 2017 cropping seasons under field experimental conditions. e treatment consisted of two factors, namely six varieties of maize and four levels of nitrogen application rates
Shoot, and Biomass Production. e data for the two seasons were combined and analyzed, and the results indicated that the variety GH120 DYF/D POP produced the lowest number of 11 leaves, while OBATAMPA produced the highest number of 14 leaves (Table 5). ere were significant differences (p < 0.05) between OBATAMPA and GH120 DYF/D POP with respect to leaf production (Table 6)

Summary

Introduction

Maize or corn (Zea mays L.) is a plant belonging to the tribe Maydeae of the grass family Graminae (Poaceae). It is a native of Southern Mexico [1]. Maize is one of the oldest cultivated crops It is the third most important cereal after wheat and rice globally. E treatment consisted of two factors, namely six varieties of maize and four levels of nitrogen application rates. Varieties, such as IWD-C3-SYN-F2 and OBATAMPA, and N rate of 90 kg N/ha are, recommended to be used for maize production by the resource-poor farmers in the Guinea Savanna Agro-Ecology of Ghana

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion