Maize Grain Research Articles

Quality Evaluation of Akamu Powder Incorporated with Fermented Sweet Orange Pulp Flour

ABSTRACT Akamu was prepared from maize grains and oven dried at 50 C to constant weight. Flour was prepared from sweet orange fruits, fermented naturally for 5 days, oven-dried at 50 C, and sieved. Akamu powder was replaced with 0, 5, 10, 15%, and 20% fermented sweet orange pulp flour (FOPF). The proximate, mineral and phytochemical compositions of the akamu powder, FOPF, and the blend as well as the functional properties, were determined. Blends were used to prepare porridges, and the sensory attributes of porridges were evaluated. The addition of 5% FOPF significantly (p < 0.055) increased the flavonoids, phenols, and carotenoids in the blend over those of the 100% akamu powder. Conclusively, the incorporation of 5% FOPF produced akamu with more acceptable sensory attributes with improved proximate and phytochemical contents over 100% akamu.

Ear reproductive development components associated with kernel set in maize: Breeding effects under contrasting environments

Context or problemKernel number per ear (KNE) is the main driver of improved grain yield per ear (GYE) in maize (Zea mays L.). Under non-limiting conditions, KNE responded to variations in ear developmental traits such as the number of completely developed florets (CDFE) and exposed silks per ear (ESE), which have been positively affected by breeding. This trend needs to be assessed under common abiotic constraints that usually affect rainfed maize production. Objective or research questionThe aim of the current research was to study breeding effects on maize grain yield and its associated reproductive developmental traits as well as the sources of loss of kernel number under a wide range of growing conditions per plant. MethodsField experiments were conducted at two sites of the Central Pampas of Argentina, where hybrids of different year of release (from 1980 to 2012) were evaluated under 10 managed environments generated by the combination of (i) three growing seasons (2015–16: S1; 2017–18: S2; 2018–19: S3), (ii) two nitrogen rates (N0: no nitrogen added; N200: 200 kg N ha-1), and (iii) two stand densities in S1 and S2 (9 and 12 plants m-2). Plant biomass at R1 was used as a classifier of pre-flowering growth conditions (LOW, MID-LOW, MID-HIGH, and HIGH environments). ResultsAlthough modern hybrids always presented more GYE and KNE than old hybrids, the reproductive developmental processes behind this response were different depending on the environment. Under HIGH environments, the KNE improvement (4.53 kernels year-1) was the result of a greater CDFE (7.55 florets year-1) and more ESE (6.01 silks year-1). Under LOW environments, the genetic progress in KNE (2.41 kernels year-1) was associated with a reduced kernel abortion (−0.48 % year-1). Non-significant trend with year of release was observed in spikelet growth rate in all groups of evaluated environments, however, there was a significant decrease in the residual effect of the relationship between spikelet growth rate during the critical period and kernel abortion under LOW environments. ConclusionsTraits responsible for improved grain yield differed across environments because the relative importance of the determinant processes of kernel set vary across them. Under low-yielding environments, decreased kernel abortion is more beneficial than increased potential ear size (i.e., florets per ear) to enhance kernel number and grain yield. Implications or significanceThis finding highlights the relevance of focusing on processes conducive to kernel abortion under stress-prone environments to improve maize grain yield.

Self-fermented agro-wastes as antioxidant enriched maize grain replacer for sustainable animal feeding

Piles of agro-wastes resulting from quantum agro-industrial growth can be best utilized as animal feed, reducing envionmental impact by 50–95% depending on their nutritive value. However, palatability issues have limited their use, which can be addressed by combining them based on their nutritional value. Thus present three-phase study aimed to utilize these waste materials as animal feed by utilizing a self-fermentation approach. Six combinations of apple pomace (AP), spent mushroom compost (SMC) and wheat straw were self-fermented and analysed for quality in phase-I. Phase-II assessed the best combination obtained from phase-I as an antioxidant-enriched maize replacer (AEMR) by replacing maize (0–32%) in total mixed ration (TMR) under in-vitro ruminal conditions and two best TMR were assessed for nutrient utilization under metabolic trial. In phase-III, the three-month feeding effect of AEMR on the overall growth performance of male Gaddi goat kids was assessed. Findings showed that 85:7.5:7.5 proportion had optimal pH (3.92), significantly higher lactic acid (5.29 g 100−1 g DM), water soluble carbohydrates (2.29 g 100−1 g DM) and oxidative and microbial stability (Lactobacillus: 8.38 log10 cfu g−1). Fermentation also resulted in significant increase in antioxidant activities. AEMR exhibited a significant reduction in CH4 and NH3–N and higher volatile fatty acid production under in-vitro conditions at 32% level with no adverse effects on nutrient utilization. AEMR feeding also exhibited significantly improved feed conversion ratio (FCR) and serum lipid and oxidative profiles. In conclusion, AP and SMC in combined form can be utilized as an AEMR through self-fermentation at 32% level in TMR which may serve as a promising and sustainable approach for reducing environmental footprints and boosting eco-friendly livestock production.

Maize grain and silage yield prediction of commercial fields using high-resolution UAS imagery

Maize grain and silage yield prediction of commercial fields using high-resolution UAS imagery

Co-implementation of tillage and precision nutrient management practices on crop yield of kharif maize (Zea mays)

Our accustomed agricultural practices of tilling the soil continuously and excessive fertilizer applications caused not only a decrease in organic carbon content and soil degradation but also disturbed environmental harmony. With this backdrop, current study was carried out during rainy (kharif) seasons of 2018 and 2019 at the research farm of Trihut College of Agriculture, Dholi, Pusa, Bihar to evaluate the effect of different tillage and nutrient management practices on maize (Zea mays L.). The experiment was laid out in split-plot design with tillage as the main plot and nutrient management as the sub-plot. The results showed significantly superior maize grain yield in PB (6.1, 6.2 mg/ ha) and 60% RDN+GSGN (6.0, 5.9 mg/ha) over CT (4.9, 5.0 mg/ha) and RDF (5.1, 5.4 mg/ha) during 2018 and 2019. Similar trend was followed in stover yield, net returns and B:C ratio. Among path analysis, harvest index and no of grains/cob observed largest direct path coefficient of yield attributes to determine the maize grain yield and stover yield respectively. The results suggest that the adoption of conservation tillage and precise nutrient management practices will help in the realization of better yield with maximum profit by way of reducing the input capital apart from improving soil health thereby sustaining natural resources for future generations.

Impact of organic fertilization on establishing an agroforestry system in a semi-arid Brazilian region

Improving soil fertility with organic sources is crucial, particularly in degraded regions. Organic fertilizers, when integrated into systems, provide cost-effective solutions. This study aimed to assess the impact of various organic fertilizers on the establishment of an agroforestry system in Planosol in a semi-arid region of Ceará State, Brazil. We used a randomized block design arranged in split plots. Four organic fertilizer sources (sheep manure, cattle manure, carnauba palm straw, and control) were assigned to the main plots. Evaluation years for annual crops (2015, 2017, and 2019) and for trees (2015 through 2017, and 2019) were allocated to subplots, with three replicates. All organic fertilization sources received an annual rate of 10 t ha-1, broadcasted uniformly. Experimental plots, spanning 18 x 7 m, were intercropped with maize and cowpea between rows of trees (Mimosa caesalpiniifolia and Spondias mombin). We examined soil fertility, tree growth, and crop grain yield. Soil chemistry, notably P and K, showed marked improvement with sheep manure. Organic fertilization did not enhance tree growth in the newly established agroforestry system. However, organic fertilization elevated maize and cowpea grain yields by over 60% and 90%, respectively, compared to the control. In conclusion, the use of sheep manure, cattle manure, and carnauba palm straw can significantly boost maize and cowpea grain yields in an agroforestry system found in the semi-arid region of Ceará, Brazil.

Comparison on drying characteristic, efficiency, unit drying cost and quality of maize dried by a novel multi-crop mobile dryer, existing industrial dryer and sun drying method

This research aimed to investigate the effects of different drying methods on drying characteristic, drying efficiency, unit drying cost and quality of maize grain dried by newly developed HSTU multi-crop mobile dryer (HMMD) which was operated by alternative heating sources such as LPG and electric heater (EH), existing HSTU multi-crop industrial dryer (HMID) which was operated by rice husk fired cyclonic furnace and sun drying method. The comparative drying experiments were carried out at the drying temperature of 60±5 °C, 70±5 °C and 80 ± 10 °C for HMMD-LPG, HMMD-EH and HMID, respectively, while sun drying was accomplished at 30±5 °C. The results indicated that the HMMD was capable of drying 820 ± 10 kg maize in each batch from 29.8 ± 0.87 % (wb) moisture to 14 ± 0.56 % (wb). Drying time in HMMD-LPG, HMMD-EH, HMID, and sun drying were 8.24 ± 0.18, 7.36 ± 0.17, 10.18 ± 0.16 and 16.14 ± 0.24 h, respectively, indicated that HMMD reduced time significantly for drying of freshly harvested maize. Unit drying cost in BDT/kg for EH and LPG integrated HMMD was 2.64 ± 0.17 and 1.69 ± 0.10, respectively, while lesser unit cost was found in HMID and sun drying methods. However, drying efficiency of HMMD-LPG was the highest (64.79 ± 1.21 %) while HMID exhibited the lowest drying efficiency (49.42 ± 1.63 %). Mechanically dried grain especially by HMMD-LPG was better or comparable in terms of nutritional quality than sun dried maize. HMMD-LPG and HMMD-EH dried grain exhibited a lower ΔE value than HMID and sun dried samples which indicated that the color properties were not affected so much by the drying method. Furthermore, maize samples dried in HMMD had lower microbial loads than other products. Therefore, the HSTU multi-crop mobile dryer with alternative heating source is recommended as an alternative drying technique for quick and safe management of high moisture maize at farm level in Bangladesh and other subtropical countries in contrast to weather depended sun drying method.

Integrated Transcriptomic and Proteomic Analyses of Low-Nitrogen-Stress Tolerance and Function Analysis of ZmGST42 Gene in Maize.

Maize (Zea mays L.) is one of the major staple crops providing human food, animal feed, and raw material support for biofuel production. For its growth and development, maize requires essential macronutrients. In particular, nitrogen (N) plays an important role in determining the final yield and quality of a maize crop. However, the excessive application of N fertilizer is causing serious pollution of land area and water bodies. Therefore, cultivating high-yield and low-N-tolerant maize varieties is crucial for minimizing the nitrate pollution of land and water bodies. Here, based on the analysis of the maize leaf transcriptome and proteome at the grain filling stage, we identified 3957 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and 329 differentially abundant proteins (DAPs) from the two maize hybrids contrasting in N stress tolerance (low-N-tolerant XY335 and low-N-sensitive HN138) and screened four sets of low-N-responsive genes and proteins through Venn diagram analysis. We identified 761 DEGs (253 up- and 508 down-regulated) specific to XY335, whereas 259 DEGs (198 up- and 61 down-regulated) were specific to HN138, and 59 DEGs (41 up- and 18 down-regulated) were shared between the two cultivars under low-N-stress conditions. Meanwhile, among the low-N-responsive DAPs, thirty were unique to XY335, thirty were specific to HN138, and three DAPs were shared between the two cultivars under low-N treatment. Key among those genes/proteins were leucine-rich repeat protein, DEAD-box ATP-dependent RNA helicase family proteins, copper transport protein, and photosynthesis-related proteins. These genes/proteins were involved in the MAPK signaling pathway, regulating membrane lipid peroxidation, and photosynthesis. Our results may suggest that XY335 better tolerates low-N stress than HN138, possibly through robust low-N-stress sensing and signaling, amplified protein phosphorylation and stress response, and increased photosynthesis efficiency, as well as the down-regulation of 'lavish' or redundant proteins to minimize N demand. Additionally, we screened glutathione transferase 42 (ZmGST42) and performed physiological and biochemical characterizations of the wild-type (B73) and gst42 mutant at the seedling stage. Resultantly, the wild-type exhibited stronger tolerance to low N than the mutant line. Our findings provide a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying low-N tolerance during the maize grain filling stage and reveal key candidate genes for low-N-tolerance breeding in maize.

Optimizing maize planting density based on soil organic matter to achieve synergistic improvements of yield, economic benefits, and resource use efficiency

With the development of the economy, the contradiction between population, resources, and the environment has become more and more prominent. How to make full use of limited cultivated land resources to increase food production while reducing damage to the environment is an important issue facing agricultural production. Maize plays an essential role in ensuring global food security. Furthermore, planting density is a key agronomic factor affecting maize yield. Although soil organic matter (SOM) is an important indicator of soil fertility. Whether there are different agronomic optimal planting densities of maize under varying SOM contents remains unknown. Furthermore, there is limited understanding on whether optimizing maize planting density based on SOM further improves grain yield and resource use efficiency. Therefore, this study investigates the influence of SOM and planting density on maize grain yield. We also determine the relationship between SOM and agronomic optimal planting density (AOPD) and compare the grain yield, economic benefits, and resource use efficiency of sowing under uniform conventional planting density (SUD) versus optimized planting density based on SOM (SOD). The results showed that AOPD and its corresponding yield increased linearly with the increase in SOM. Compared with SUD, the yield of the two experimental sites under SOD increased by 2.3 % and 5.5 %, respectively, and the economic benefits increased by 0.5 % and 4.9 %, respectively. The average energy use efficiency, energy mass productivity, and energy economic productivity of the two experimental sites under SOD were all higher than those of SUD. These results demonstrate that it is theoretically feasible to optimize maize planting density based on the spatial heterogeneity of SOM. SOD is a potentially sustainable maize production method that can fully utilize the resources of cultivated land to increase grain yield and economic benefits.

Securing maize reproductive success under drought stress by harnessing CO2 fertilization for greater productivity.

Securing maize grain yield is crucial to meet food and energy needs for the future growing population, especially under frequent drought events and elevated CO2 (eCO2) due to climate change. To maximize the kernel setting rate under drought stress is a key strategy in battling against the negative impacts. Firstly, we summarize the major limitations to leaf source and kernel sink in maize under drought stress, and identified that loss in grain yield is mainly attributed to reduced kernel set. Reproductive drought tolerance can be realized by collective contribution with a greater assimilate import into ear, more available sugars for ovary and silk use, and higher capacity to remobilize assimilate reserve. As such, utilization of CO2 fertilization by improved photosynthesis and greater reserve remobilization is a key strategy for coping with drought stress under climate change condition. We propose that optimizing planting methods and mining natural genetic variation still need to be done continuously, meanwhile, by virtue of advanced genetic engineering and plant phenomics tools, the breeding program of higher photosynthetic efficiency maize varieties adapted to eCO2 can be accelerated. Consequently, stabilizing maize production under drought stress can be achieved by securing reproductive success by harnessing CO2 fertilization.

Fine mapping and discovery of a candidate gene MIR172e required for inflorescence development and lower floret abortion in maize ear

Maize (Zea mays L.) is a monoecious grass species with separate male and female inflorescences which form the tassel and ear, respectively. The mature ear inflorescences usually bear hundreds of grains, thus directly influence maize grain production and yield. Here, we isolated a recessive maize mutant, tasselseed2016 (ts2016), which exhibits pleiotropic inflorescence defects and a reduction in grain yield. These defects include loss of determinacy and identity in meristems and floral organs, as well as a lack of the lower floret abortion in maize ear, and the smaller grain size. Using map-based cloning and allelic test, we identified and confirmed a microRNA gene MIR172e as the target gene controlling these related traits. Furthermore, our evidence uncovered a new potential miR172e/ETHYLENE RESPONSIVE ELEMENT BINDING197 (EREB197) regulatory module which controls the abortion of lower floret in maize ear. Transcriptome analysis revealed that the mutation of MIR172e represses multiple biological processes, particularly the flower development and hormone-related pathways in maize ear. Additionally, we found the mutation in the DNA sequence of MIR172e affects in RNA transcription, resulting in elongation blockage at the mutant site. Our results reveal the function and molecular mechanism of MIR172e in maize inflorescences and grain yield, and this study deepens our knowledge of maize inflorescence development.

Insecticidal and Repellent Activities of Four Essential Oils Against Sitophilus zeamais (Coleoptera: Curculionidae).

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of Corymbia citriodora, Melaleuca alternifolia (Myrtaceae), Mentha × piperita (Lamiaceae), and Schinus terebinthifolius (Anacardiaceae) essential oils as an alternative to manage Sitophilus zeamais (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) adults. Acute contact toxicity, acute toxicity on treated maize grain, fumigation toxicity, repellency bioassays, and GC-MS analysis of the essential oils were carried out. Corymbia citriodora, M. alternifolia, M. × piperita, and S. terebinthifolius oils were toxic at different levels to S. zeamais through residual contact, ingestion and via fumigation, and were also repellent to adults of this pest. Melaleuca alternifolia oil was the most active in contact (LC50 = 18.98μL.mL-1), ingestion (LC50 = 1.03μL.g-1), and fumigant (LC50 = 20.05μL.L-1 air) bioassays. Citronelal (53.6% in C. citriodora), terpinen-4-ol (46.9% in M. alternifolia), menthol (44.8% in M. × piperita), and β-caryophyllene (16.2% in S terebinthifolius) are the major constituents of these oils. Melaleuca alternifolia and M. × piperita essential oils can be used by residual contact, while those of C. citriodora, M. alternifolia, and M. × piperita by mixing with maize grains. Melaleuca alternifolia essential oil can be used as a fumigant, while those of C. citriodora and S. terebinthifolius as repellents for S. zeamais adults.

A 90-day feeding study of genetically modified maize LP007-1 in wistar han RCC rats.

LP007-1 is a variety of insect-resistant and herbicide-tolerant maize containing the modified cry1Ab, cry2Ab, vip3Aa and cp4-epsps genes. The food safety assessment of the maize LP007-1 was conducted in Wistar Han RCC rats by a 90-days feeding study. Maize grains from both LP007-1 or its corresponding non-genetically modified control maize AX808 were incorporated into rodent diets at 25% and 50% concentrations by mass and administered to rats (n=10/sex/group) for 90 days. A commercialized rodent diet was fed to an additional group as the basal-diet group. The diets of all groups were nutritionally balanced. No biologically relevant differences were observed in rats fed with maize LP007-1 compared to rats fed with AX808 and the basal-diet with respect to body weight/gain, food consumption/utilization, clinical signs, mortality, ophthalmology, clinical pathology (hematology, prothrombin time, activation of partial thrombin time, serum chemistry, urinalysis), organ weights, and gross and microscopic pathology. Considering the circumstances of this study, the results provided evidence that LP007-1 maize did not exhibit toxicity in the 90-day feeding study.

English

English

Animal performance, carcass characteristics and beef quality of steers fed with a whole oat or maize grain-based diet

Aim of study: We evaluated the use of oat grain as an alternative source of energy to maize grain in high energy finishing diets. Maize crop production in arid and semi-arid areas is poor or non-existent. Thus, small grains such as oats have become an alternative in high energy rations due to their versatility and ease of cultivation. Area of study: Semiarid region of Buenos Aires province, Argentina Material and methods: Sixteen Angus steers were randomly assigned to two dietary treatments based on whole oats grain (OD) or whole maize grain (MD) for 61 days. Diets were formulated iso-nitrogenous and iso-energetic. Animal performance, carcass attributes and beef quality traits were evaluated. Longissimus thoracis steaks were wet-aged at 4°C for either 4 or 14 days. Main results: Similar results were found between OD and MD for the variables of performance, carcass evaluation and water retention in fresh meat. No interactions between diet and ageing period were found for any of the variables evaluated. The MD beef was lighter and had a redder appearance than the OD beef. The 4 days-aged beef showed higher values of L*, a* and b* and was more saturated than the 14 days-aged beef. However, the perception of beef colour by the human eye, evaluated through the CIEDE2000 metric, showed no differences among diets and ageing periods. Research highlights: Oat grain could be used in replacement of maize grain as an energy source in fattening rations of beef cattle, obtaining similar animal performance and meat quality.

Effect of strigolactone on growth, photosynthetic efficiency, antioxidant activity, and osmolytes accumulation in different maize (Zea mays L.) hybrids grown under drought stress

ABSTRACT Drought alters plant physiology, morphology, and biochemical pathways, necessitating effective mitigation strategies. Strigolactones (SLs) are phytohormones known to enhance plant growth under abiotic stress. However, their specific impact on drought stress in maize remains unclear. This study aimed to determine the optimal SL concentration for mitigating drought stress in two maize hybrids (HY-1898, FH-1046). Maize plants were subjected to 60% field capacity drought stress in a pot experiment. After 40 d, different concentrations (0, 0.001, 0.01, and 0.1 mg L−1) of the synthetic SL analogue GR24 were applied to evaluate their effects on growth features, photosynthesis attributes, and osmolyte accumulation in the maize hybrids. Results showed that exogenous SL application significantly increased photosynthetic pigments in maize hybrids under drought stress. Chlorophyll content, gas exchange characteristics, net CO2 assimilation rate, stomatal conductance, water use efficiency, and antioxidant activities were enhanced by GR24. Leaf ascorbic acid and total phenolics also increased with SL application. Organic osmolytes, such as glycine betaine and free proline, were elevated in both maize hybrids under drought stress. Yield-related parameters, including cob diameter, cob weight, number of seeds per cob, and number of seeds per plant, were significantly increased by GR24 under drought stress. Our findings highlight the potential of GR24 foliar application to mitigate drought stress and promote maize growth and grain yield in a concentration-dependent manner. The minimum effective SL concentration against drought stress was determined to be 0.01 mg L−1. Overall, foliar application of GR24 could serve as a sustainable approach for drought tolerance in agriculture.

Impact of biological seed treatments on maize (Zea mays L.) and soil: Crop growth and yield

AbstractSeed treatments have been used since the 17th century, but interest has accelerated in the last 20 years due to our increased understanding and importance of the plant microbiome. Particularly, biological seed treatments (BST) have rapidly gained popularity because soil biota is critical to plant health. Despite growing interest and an expanding market, we still lack understanding of what conditions BST are most effective for plant health. The objective of this study was to understand if seed treatments (including BST) will increase maize (Zea mays L.) growth and grain yield. Here, we tested (1) four maize hybrids and (2) five seed treatments (untreated control [UTC], base fungicide control [BFC], BFC + Poncho [P5] [Clothianidin], BFC + Poncho Votivo [P5V] [Bacillus firmus I‐1582], BFC + Poncho Votivo + TWO.O [P5V2] [Bacillus firmus I‐1582 plus Bacillus thuringiensis EX297512]) across four site‐years. Both BFC and BST had little effect on normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), plant height, and lodging. We did find a variable effect of BST on maize yield, with a significant site‐year × hybrid interaction (p = 0.06). For instance, in 2019 in Northwest Iowa, both BST treatments (P5V and P5V2) increased yield by an average of 1.5 Mg ha−1 compared to the control (+12%, p &lt; 0.032). BST can improve maize yields, but complex hybrid‐BST interactions warrant further understanding in order to maximize the benefit of BST.

Nutritional characterization of quality protein maize (QPM) (Zea mays L.) protein concentrates

Maize is considered a staple food for the population; however, its protein contribution to the development of individuals is limited by its low quality. Quality protein maize varieties (QPM) have been developed to remedy this. The protein quality presents in protein concentrates obtained from two QPM varieties was evaluated: Sac Beh (SB) and Chichen Itza (ChI), which were compared with a traditional variety (Blanco Uxmal, BU) as a control. All were evaluated with non-nixtamalization (NN) and nixtamalization (N). Amino acid profile, in vitro digestibility, calculated protein digestibility-corrected amino acid score (PDCAAS), calculated protein efficiency ratio (c-PER), and biological value (BV) were determined. The extraction process of the QPM concentrates and nixtamalization had important effects on the essential amino acids Lys and Trp. In vitro digestibility showed significant differences (p < 0.05). The predominant limiting amino acid was tryptophan. The QPMs were closer to the requirements of the FAO/WHO standard, since they obtained chemical score values higher than 100% for His and Leu. PDCAAS values decreased in the amino acid tryptophan of SB and BU nixtamalized maize compared with the NN. PER7 and PER10 values were statistically higher (p < 0.05) in the QPMs compared to the BU control. The estimated biological value showed an imbalance in the concentration of essential amino acids. Lys and Trp in the QPM varieties were not sufficient evidence of increased biological value the proteins, due to the effect of the extraction processes and the alkaline heat treatment to which the maize grains were subjected.

IoT-Based Real-Time Crop Drying and Storage Monitoring System

Maize flour obtained from the dried corn is one of the most consumed foods in Rwanda. It is imperative that this should be healthy and risk-free for a safe consumption. Therefore, it is vital to keep track of the environmental conditions during the drying process and the characteristics that exist inside maize storage containers. In Rwanda, traditional methods are most commonly used by maize farmers for drying and storage purposes, where no smart system is being used to monitor the environmental conditions under which the maize grains are dried and stored. This mostly affects the quality of maize and flour being produced which will finally affect food security. In this research, temperature, humidity, and light sensors are deployed in the grain storage containers for environmental parameter detection purposes to achieve the primary goal of providing practical, secure, and easily accessible storage in inclement weather. Temperature and humidity are two factors that have an impact on grain quality while in storage. The ThingSpeak platform has been used to help farmers monitor the drying and storing conditions of the maize on a real-time basis. A global system for mobile (GSM) communication module is used to notify farmers by sending a short message in case of critical drying or storing environmental parameters under which the maize grains are stored. The result is shown in the form of humidity, temperature, and light graphs which are displayed on the ThingSpeak platform in real-time mode.

Comparative Effect of Spent Mushroom Compost and NPK Fertilizer on the Growth of Sorghum bicolor L. Moench and Zea mays L. Using Fodder Hydroponics Techniques

The grains of maize and sorghum were converted to grass in the screenhouse for eight days. The treatments evaluated were control (water), spent mushroom compost (SMC), NPK fertilizer, and SN (combination of SMC and NPK). Each treatment was replicated thrice in a complete randomized block design. Growth parameters and nutrient analysis were determined. The effect of organic and inorganic fertilizer was tested on proximate, minerals and digestibility of hydroponics maize fodder (HMF) and hydroponics sorghum fodder (HSF). The study showed significant difference (P &lt; 0.05) in all the compositions and parameters except pH values. SN application gave the highest proximate compositions (%) of maize-crude-protein (23.66±0.05), maize-moisture (14.62±0.01), maize-CHO (57.86±0.03), maize-NFE (43.96±0.02), maize-fibre (2.44±0.03), sorghum-ash (1.28±0.02), and sorghum moisture (12.56±0.01). NPK gave the highest result of sorghum-crude-protein (18.51±0.04); while SMC gave the highest results of maize maize-crude-fibre (27.71±0.02), maize-fibre (2.22±0.01), maize-ash (3.21±0.01), sorghum-CHO (61.00±0.03) and sorghum-NFE (54.87±0.02). SN gave the highest mineral compositions (mg/100g) of maize-P (155.20±0.02), maize-Ca (34.95±0.08); sorghum-Fe (11.35±0.13), sorghum-P (153.20±0.87), sorghum-Ca (30.00±0.30). NPK gave the best results of maize-Fe (8.00±0.26), maize-Mn (1.55±0.08), and sorghum-Mn (3.40±0.15). There was significant difference in plant heights, fresh weight, dry weight, digestibility, dry matter. The comparative effects of SMC and NPK showed that utilization of SMC, NPK and SN could serves as nutrient supplements for fodder hydroponics used as feed supplements for dairy animals.