Profitability Of Maize Research Articles

Optimizing sulfur fertilizer application rate for profitable maize production in the savanna agroecological zones of Northern Ghana

Although several studies have established the importance of sulfur (S) in increasing maize productivity in the savanna agroecological zones (AEZs) of northern Ghana, the economically optimum S application rate is still unknown. In a two-year study at eight locations across the AEZs, we determined the economically optimum S application rate for S-deficient soils. We compared eight S application rates, ranging from 0 to 70 kg ha−1 at 10 kg intervals, for optimal maize productivity and profitability. The study identified 30 kg S ha−1 as the minimum rate that resulted in a plant tissue S concentration above the critical level of 0.15%. Although increasing the S application rate resulted in increases in maize grain yield, application of S beyond a rate of 30 kg ha−1 resulted in increases in maize grain yield that were not statistically significant and leveled off at 50 kg S ha−1. Application rates ≥50 kg ha−1 resulted in a high proportion of the applied S not taken up by the plant and, thus, subject to losses from the soil. Based on agro-input prices at the local level and the farm-gate prices of maize, the greatest potential profit resulting from S application was observed at 30 kg S ha−1, with a projected average maize yield of between ∼4.2 and 5.3 Mg ha−1, representing >90% of the observed yield with the highest S application rate of 70 kg ha−1. Thus, we conclude that, for sustainable and profitable maize production in S-deficient soils of the savanna AEZs of northern Ghana, an S applications rate of 30 kg ha−1 is economically justified.

Analysis of Maize Profitability among Smallholder Farmers in Mbinga District, Tanzania

This cross-sectional study analyzed the profitability of maize production among smallholder farmers in Mbinga District, Ruvuma, Tanzania. A multistage sampling procedure was applied to select 120 smallholder farmers. Data was collected by using semi-structured questionnaires and then analyzed by using descriptive statistics and farm budgeting technique. The results reveal that Gross Margin for maize enterprise was 1,182,650.79 TZS per hectare. This implies that maize farming is a profitable enterprise in the study area. The study recommends that the government should promote financing mechanisms to facilitate conducive environment for investment in the subsector. More, it is recommended that the government should manage the inputs subsidy provision by using participatory techniques. Further, the government should regulate informal maize markets to protect the welfare of farmers. Moreover, youth, women and people with disabilities should utilise the funds (10% of councils’ budgets) available at the Local Government Authorities to engage in agricultural activities. This will ultimately offer an opportunity to reduce unemployment in such localities.

Effect of Active Silica on Growth and Profitability of Maize under Organic Farming

Irrational use of agro chemicals decreases the ecological diversity and increases the biotic and abiotic stresses, ultimately affects the crop yield. The use of active silica counters such ill effects and also enhances the crop yield especially under organic farming. Therefore, a field experiment was conducted during the season of 2018 and 2019 at Organic Unit of Instructional Farm, Rajasthan College of Kharif Agriculture, Maharana Pratap University of Agriculture and Technology, Udaipur (Rajasthan). The experiment consisting of six soil application in main plots (0, 50, 75, 100, 125 and 150 kg ha ) and six foliar application of active silica in sub plots (no spray, water spray, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75 -1 and 1.0%) was carried out in split plot design. The significantly higher chlorophyll content, plant height, dry matter accumulation, leaf area index, crop growth rate, relative growth and net assimilation rate was observed with 150 kg ha active silica application. Similarly, higher -1 biological yield, net return, B C ratio and available P in soil was recorded at 150 kg ha active silica application. Among foliar application, the -1 spray of 1.0% active silica significantly enhanced the chlorophyll content, plant height, dry matter accumulation, leaf area index, crop growth rate between 60 to 75 DAS, net assimilation rate, biological yield, economics and available P in soil in maize under organic production system. Overall, the use of 150 kg ha active silica through soil or 1.0% foliar spray may be recommended to increase the maize growth and economics -1 under organic farming condition.

Fertiliser use efficiency, production risks and profitability of maize on smallholder farms in East Africa

Abstract The use of fertilisers in maize production has been the focus for many years of agronomic studies on research stations in East Africa. However, information on production risks and profitability of fertiliser use on smallholder farms is generally lacking because most of the early studies have focused on mean yields and yield components on research stations. This study applied rigorous analyses to determine conditions under which (1) production risks are low; (2) the recommended nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) fertiliser rates achieve a yield target of ≥3 t ha−1 believed to be a necessary condition to kick start a smallholder-led ‘green revolution’ in Africa and (3) N and P fertiliser use is profitable on smallholder farms in East Africa. Analysis of data from 464 on-farm trials in Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda revealed significant variations in production risks and nutrient use efficiency with season and soil type. On most sites, except in Uganda, production risks were lower with the recommended N and P fertilisers than the control during both the short and long rains. Production risks were three to four times higher with N and P fertiliser relative to the control on Lixisols and Ferralsols, but such risks were much lower on Nitisols, Leptosols, Vertisols, Plinthosols and Cambisols. The probability of exceeding grain yields of 3 t ha−1 with the recommended N and P rates was over 0.60 on Nitisols and Leptosols, but less than 0.20 on Lixisols and Plinthosols. The agronomic use efficiencies of N (AEN), P (AEP) and value cost ratios (VCR) were highest on Cambisols and lowest on Plinthosols. The VCR increased linearly with increase in AEN (R2 = 0.92) and AEP (R2 = 0.87) and less so with increase in grain yields (R2 = 0.47–0.60). Net present values indicated profitably of N and P fertiliser over the long term in only 30% of the site by season combinations in Uganda compared with 69% in Kenya, 81% in Rwanda and 84% in Tanzania. Patterns of N use efficiencies were different from P use efficiencies across soil types. Therefore, we recommend that N and P fertilisers should be appropriately targeted to soils where applied nutrients are used efficiently by maize crops.

Comparative Efficacy of Leguminous Intercrops and Weed Management Practices on Nutrient Uptake, Productivity and Profitability of Maize based Intercropping System

Background: Presently, labour force is diminishing and becoming costlier. In agriculture management of weeds in cropped field has become a real challenge to the farmers, since weeds are affecting the crop yields due to competition for growth resources. Intercropping of leguminous crops and application of pre-emergence herbicides offers an ample scope for weed control. Methods: The present study was conducted at University of Agricultural Sciences, Bengaluru during 2016 and 2017 on red sandy loam soil and the experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with factorial concept and replicated thrice. There were 15 treatment combinations involving three intercrops and five weed management treatments. Result: The results revealed that intercropping of maize with cowpea has recorded significantly higher grain yield (5842 kg/ha), stover yield (7035 kg/ha) and total nutrients uptake (99.53, 27.37, 96.95 kg/ha NPK, respectively). Among the chemical weed management practices, pre-emergence application of pendimethalin 30% EC @ 1.50 kg a.i./ha has recorded significantly higher grain (6589 kg/ha), stover yield (8033 kg/ha), maize equivalent yield (8860 kg/ha), total nutrients uptake (112.81, 31.05, 109.88 kg/ha NPK, respectively) and B:C ratio (3.35) compared to other weed management practices.

Weed Flora Dynamics in Maize (Zea mays L.) Field as Influenced by Cover Crop Types and Planting Densities at Jalingo, Northeast, Nigeria

Aim: Competition from weeds is an obstacle to profitable maize production. Knowledge of weed species limiting productivity is essential for sustainable management. A two years field experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of a leguminous cover crop, akidi (Vigna unquiculata sub-sp sequipedalis) and two non-leguminous cover crops (melon and sweet potato) planted at three densities on weed flora composition and shift in maize at Jalingo, North-eastern Nigeria.
 Study Design: There were 11 treatments replicated three times in a randomized complete block design.
 Methodology: Low, moderate and high densities (20,000, 30,000 and 40,000 stands/ha respectively) of Akidi, Melon and Sweet potato (A1, A2, A3, M1, M2, M3, S1, S2, S3) with weeded (C1) and unweeded (C2) checks constituted the treatments laid out in a randomized complete block design replicated three times. Weed flora abundance, percentage density, percentage frequency, frequency index and percentage contributions were determined from a 50cm x 50cm quadrat thrown twice per plot at various phases of maize growth.
 Results: Thirteen weed families made up of 11 broad leaves, one grass and one sedge were identified. The abundance was in the order Broad leaf > Grass > Sedges. The most abundant weed species were: Imperata cylindrica L (3.8), Mucuna utilis (3.0), Oldenlandia herbacea L. (2.6) Sida acuta Burm F, Tridax procumbens L. (2.5 each), Leucas martinicensis, Pennisetum pedicellatum (2.3 each). Commelina benghalensis, Cyperus difformis (3.5), Digitaria horizontalis, Fimbristylis littoralis (2.8 each). The influence of selected cover crops on individual weed percentage the contribution shows: Commelina benghalensis ( C2<C1 < M <S< A), Euphorbia hyssopifolia (C2<M/S < A<C1), Euphorbia heterophylla (M<S<A), Leucasmartinicensis (C1<C2<M<A<S), Mucunautilis (S<M<C1<C2<A) and Sida acuta (M<S<A<C2<C1) while grassy weeds, Imperata cylindrical (A<C2<S<M), Pennisetum pedicellatum (A<C2), Digitaria horizontalis (C1/ C2< A < M <S), Kyllinga squamulata (M/S <C2<A <C1). Commelina spp. increased in status from an accessory (21.2%) to abundance (66.7%) while others increased from rare to accessory (from 0.0 to 20-40%).
 Conclusion: Akidi was more effective on broad-leaved weeds while melon and sweet potato were more effective on grasses and Commelina benghalensis need to be monitored.

Performance of black soldier fly frass fertiliser on maize (Zea mays L.) growth, yield, nutritional quality, and economic returns

Although the black soldier fly frass fertiliser (BSFFF) is globally recognised as a promising and potential high-quality organic fertiliser, there is inadequate information on its impact on the growth performance and nutritional status of maize. Furthermore, no information exist on their combination with mineral fertiliser (NPK) as well as economic impact on maize production. This study evaluated the comparative impact of BSFFF, NPK and commercial organic fertiliser (Evergrow®) on growth, nitrogen use efficiency, yield, nutritional quality, and profitability of maize under greenhouse conditions. The treatments included: (1) sole application of BSFFF, conventional compost of brewers’ spent grain (BSG), Evergrow, and NPK at rates equivalent to 100 kg nitrogen (N) per hectare; (2) BSFFF and BSG combined with NPK so that each fertiliser supplies 50% of the N required; and (3) the control (unamended soil). Our findings revealed that BSFFF increased maize grain yield at higher rates: 2-25, 25-113 and 153-212% than NPK, BSG and Evergrow, respectively. Similarly, the BSF frass application led to higher maize growth and yield than the control treatment. The agronomic N use efficiency of maize grown using BSFFF was 2 and 3 times higher compared to that of BSG and Evergrow, respectively. Maize grown using BSFFF and NPK had higher crude protein and crude fibre content compared to the other treatments. The net income generated from the commercialisation of maize grown using a combination of BSFFF and NPK was 2, 163 and 173% higher than those achieved using sole NPK, mixture of BSG and NPK, and sole BSFFF, respectively. Our results imply that developing and promoting BSFFF alone or in integration with NPK can enhance the food security and livelihoods of smallholders, while safeguarding planetary health.

Welfare impacts of smallholder farmers' participation in multiple output markets: Empirical evidence from Tanzania.

A relatively large body of literature has documented the welfare effects of smallholder farmers’ participation in single-commodity output markets. However, limited empirical evidence is available when smallholder farmers participate in multiple-commodities output markets. We tried to fill this gap in the literature by estimating the impacts of smallholder farmers’ contemporaneous participation in both maize and legume markets vis-à-vis in only maize or legume markets using household-level data from Tanzania. Applying a multinomial endogenous switching regression model that allows controlling for observed and unobserved heterogeneity associated with market participation in single-commodity and multiple-commodity markets, results showed that smallholder farmers’ participation in both single–and multiple–commodity markets was positively and significantly associated with household income and food security. Moreover, the greatest benefits were obtained when farmers participated in multiple-commodity markets, suggesting the importance of policies promoting diversification in crop income sources to increase welfare and food security. Our findings also signal the complementary–rather than substitute–nature of accessing multiple-commodity markets for enhancing household livelihoods under a specialization strategy. Finally, important policy implications are suggested, from promoting and supporting public infrastructure investments to expanding road networks to reduce transportation costs, especially in remote communities, to enhance smallholder farmer access to profitable maize and legume markets in Tanzania.

Impact of long-term sludge application on yield, nutrient uptake and profitability of maize (Zea mays)

A field experiment was conducted to evaluate the long-term sewage sludge (SS) and fertilizer impact on yield and farm profitability in maize (Zea mays L.) grown at the ICAR-IARI, New Delhi during 2014-17. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with eight different treatment combinations comprising of different levels of sludge and fertilizer as follows: T1= control (no sludge and NPK fertilizer), T2= 100% recommended dose of NPK (NPK), T3= 25% N substituted by sludge +75% N + PK, T4= 50% N substituted by sludge + 50% N + PK, T5= 100% N substituted by sludge + PK, T6= Two times of sludge as applied in T5 + PK, T7= Three times of sludge as applied in T5 + PK and T8= NPK+2.5 t sludge/ha. Results revealed that the combined application of sludge @ 2.5 t/ha along with NPK (T8) showed highest grain yield of maize i.e. 5.93 t/ha. Total P, K and micronutrients uptake by straw and grain of maize were found to be highest in T7 treated plot. The maximum gross return, net return and B:C ratio were recorded under NPK along with 2.5 SS t/ha. Application of sludge not only enhanced the crop productivity of maize by supplying major and micronutrients, but also enriched maize grain with micronutrients like Zn and Fe throughout the treatments. Finally, it can be concluded that the treatment T8 i.e. NPK+2.5 SS t/ha could be an effective option for getting higher profitability and better quality yield of maize.

Supplemental irrigation using brackish water on maize in tropical semi-arid regions of Brazil: yield and economic analysis

ABSTRACT: Supplemental irrigation during dry spells could reduce maize yield losses in tropical semi-arid regions, notably in small farms. However, good quality water reserves are not sufficient to meet the demands of farming communities. Consequently, our objective was to evaluate the productivity and profitability of maize under different simulated rainfall scenarios, with and without supplemental irrigation (SI) with brackish water. The field experiments were carried out during the cropping seasons of 2018 and 2019 on Ultisol. The experiment followed a randomized block design in the split-plot scheme with four replicates. The plots were formed by simulating the water supply in the soil corresponding to four water scenarios (rainy, normal, drought and severe drought), and the sub-plots with or without SI with brackish water (Electrical conductivity of 4.5 dS m−1). Mean yields of green maize ears were 13,083, 11,532, 10,358 and 9,609 kg ha−1 for rainy, normal, drought and severe drought scenarios, as supplemented with brackish water. For the same treatments without SI the values were 11,394, 7,896, 3,913 and 1,374 kg ha−1, respectively. Data on farmer's income showed that under normal, drought and severe drought supplementation with brackish water becomes economically advantageous from 0.9, 1.0 and 2.4 ha, respectively, while maize cultivation without SI is not advantageous under the last two scenarios. For severe drought conditions, however, SI using brackish water reduced commercial yield by 27 % with negative effects on the farmers’ profitability. In this case, it is necessary to use water with either lower salinity or select salt tolerant crops.

Effect of Intercropping of Some Oil Summer Crops with Maize under Levels of Mineral N and Nano N Fertilizers

In Egypt, we have a big gap between our production and consumption of edible oil accounted by more than 95%. In recent few years many attempts and efforts were pushed to increase our production, one of these attempts is intercropping of oil summer crops with maize to increase the production in addition to provide the soil with natural nitrogen. Therefore, two field experiments were carried out at Mallawi Agricultural Research Station, Minia, ARC, during 2018 and 2019 seasons, to study the effect of intercropping three oil crops on productivity, quality and profitability of maize and using different rates of N nano + mineral fertilizer .A complete Randomized Block Design in a split plot arrangement. Main plots were devoted for the following soybean, groundnut and sesame 50% of the recommended. The following rates of fertilizer , 100 % N mineral fertilizer, 100% N nano fertilizer,75% nano+25% mineral fertilizer, 50% nano + 50% mineral fertilizer and 25 % nano+ 75% mineral fertilizer added for maize and three oil crops from recommended does were allocated in the sub- plots. The intercropping groundnut with maize gave the highest values of grain yield (23.25 & 21.61) ardab/fad in the both seasons respectively. The intercropping groundnut with maize and using 75% N nano fertilizer +25% N mineral fertilizers recorded the highest values for land Equivalent Ratio (LER). The pattern of maize- 50% groundnut intercrop fertilized with 75% nano fertilizer N +25% mineral fertilizer N of the recommended for maize were more profitable for farmer.

Identification of Maize Yield Trend Patterns in the North China Plain

Yield growth stagnation in grain crops has been reported worldwide over recent decades. To understand this recent crop yield trend and its causes in China, we conducted an analysis of maize (Zea mays L.) in the North China Plain (NCP) as a case study. First, we analyzed the change characteristics of maize yield for the whole region during 1998–2015, then identified trend patterns at county level via an approach based mainly on the Mann–Kendall and Sen’s slope methods, and finally, analyzed the contribution of major causal factors to maize yield changes based on multiple linear regression (MLR) function. The results indicated that regional mean maize yield in the whole NCP increased by 0.02–2.03% per year before 2011, then declined by—0.83% during 2011–2015. Regionally, maize yield in the southern NCP did not improve greatly; in the north, it increased before 2011, then declined or stagnated thereafter. Only 40 counties showed a continuous increasing trend (IN), whereas 180 counties displayed an increasing–stagnating trend (IN-ST); 52 and 40 counties showed trend patterns of stagnating (ST) and decreasing (DE) in yield, respectively. On the whole, the maize yield in 87.8% of the counties tended to stagnate or even decrease. The reason was mainly attributed to the reduced net returns due to the quickly rising costs of labor and production material. To stimulate yield growth, it is essential to increase the profitability of maize by adopting appropriate policy measures to improve production efficiency.

Application of Biogas Slurry in Combination with Chemical Fertilizer Enhances Grain Yield and Profitability of Maize (Zea Mays L.)

ABSTRACT Biogas slurry is a by-product of biogas production, which is generated from anaerobic digestion of animal waste and crop residue. It is generally considered a waste material. However, its application can improve soil health, crop yield, and profitability of the farmers as it is a rich source of organic matter and plant nutrients. Field experiments were conducted to evaluate the combined effect of biogas slurry and chemical fertilizer on grain yield of maize and economic return. The treatments were soil test-based chemical fertilizer, chemical fertilizer + cow dung manure (5 t h–1) or poultry manure (3 t h–1), chemical fertilizer + cow dung biogas slurry (5 t h–1) or poultry biogas slurry (3 t h–1) along with traditional farmer practice as the control. Application of biogas slurry from cow dung or poultry manure in combination with chemical fertilizer resulted in 20–24% higher grain yield along with 22–23% greater gross return and 52–53% more gross margin compared with the traditional farmer practice indicating the beneficial effect of integrated application of biogas slurry and chemical fertilizer on maize productivity and financial return. Integrated application of biogas slurry and chemical fertilizer has a good potential in maize production as it provides higher grain yield and economic profitability.

Variable Rate Nitrogen and Water Management for Irrigated Maize in the Western US

Nitrogen (N) and water continue to be the most limiting factors for profitable maize (Zea Mays L.) production in the western US Great Plains. Precision application of N and water has the potential to significantly enhance input use efficiency without impairing yields. The overall objective of this study was to determine the most productive and efficient nitrogen and water management strategy for irrigated maize by using site-specific management zones and a proximal remote sensing approach. This study was conducted over 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019 crop growing seasons near Fort Collins, Colorado, USA. Six nitrogen rates (0, 56, 112, 168, 224, and 280 kg N ha−1) were applied along experimental strips across three delineated management zones (low, medium, and high productivity). Four rates of irrigation were applied to maize (60%, 80%, 100%, and 120% of evapotranspiration) using a center pivot precision irrigation system equipped with zone control. Optical proximal sensor readings were acquired on all experimental strips four times during the growing season to assess four nitrogen management strategies (uniform, management zone (MZ), remote sensing (RS), and management zone remote sensing (MZRS)) on grain yield and nitrogen use efficiency (NUE). Results from this three-year study showed the significant interaction (p = 0.05) of zone vs. irrigation and irrigation vs. nitrogen across all years. In two of the three years (2016 and 2018), the high productivity zone benefitted from high irrigation rates, demonstrated by 16% and 18% yield increase from the lowest irrigation rate. In 2016, yield plateau was reached at 168 kg N ha−1 with 80% and 100% irrigation rates, whereas the plateau was reached at 112 kg N ha−1 in the 120% irrigation rate. These results demonstrate the possibility of fine-tuning zones, irrigation, and nitrogen to achieve optimum yield. While uniform and MZ nitrogen management strategies produced the highest grain yield, the best NUE was achieved via the RS strategy, followed by the MZ strategy. In this study, the MZRS strategy (combined MZ and RS) did not produce superior yield and NUE as compared to uniform and other strategies. However, there is a tremendous opportunity to fine-tune these two strategies, using other algorithms that are not explored in this study to improve the sustainability of maize production under irrigated conditions.

Precision nutrient management for enhanced yield and profitability of maize (Zea mays)

A three-year study was carried out at six locations in three agro-ecologies representing the areas of irrigation water availability at critical stages during kharif maize (Zea mays L.) in North Western Plain Zone (NWPZ), North Eastern Plain Zone (NEPZ) and Peninsular Zone (PZ) for optimizing the nutrient requirement and realizing potential yield of the popular genotypes. The study included five popular genotypes/hybrids with three nutrient management practices of RDF, 50% RDF/Farmer Fertilizer Practices (FFP) and nutrient expert based site-specific nutrient management (NE-SSNM) in the split-plot design and replicated thrice. The grain yield of maize was significantly higher at four locations with NE-SSNM however; it was at par with RDF at two locations. The gross returns followed the same trend as of grain yield but the returns over fertilizer cost (ROFC) were significantly higher with NE-SSNM which indicates that the use of these nutrient management practices has the potential to rationalize the nutrient management practices in maize. Hence, it was concluded that the NE-SSNM could be an effective strategy for realizing the potential yield and enhancing net returns of maize production in NWPZ, NEPZ and PZ.

Opportunities and constraints for adoption of maize-legume mixed cropping systems in Laos

ABSTRACT Land use and land cover have rapidly changed in Kham basin, northern Laos, with a rapid expansion of maize cultivated area. While maize monoculture has contributed to reduce rural poverty, many farmers are now confronted to declining yields, indebtedness, rising health and environmental concerns. Interventions at two different stages of the maize boom, i.e. expansion-intensification and distress-diversification phases, allowed capturing the main drivers of change in maize production systems, and assessing opportunities and constraints for the adoption of more sustainable maize-legume mixed systems. The successive innovations in maize cropping systems, i.e. introduction of hybrid seeds, motorized tillage, herbicides, service provision, planters, and mineral fertilizers, were mainly driven by productivity and profitability objectives. Farmers’ interest in maize-legume mixed systems was low during maize expansion-intensification phase. The decline in maize profitability and new market outlets for legumes open new opportunity windows for maize-legume mixed systems. Yet, farmers’ adoption of such systems is limited by (i) local perceptions of legumes as cash crops only, and (ii) farmers’ least effort strategies that includes e.g. heavy herbicide use and livestock free roaming after maize harvest. Large-scale adoption of maize-legume mixed systems requires innovative intervention mechanisms to engage local stakeholders into redesigning their landscapes and value-chains.

Productivity and profitability of maize as influenced by genotypes, spacing and nutrient levels under irrigated situation

A field experiment was conducted on “Productivity and profitability of maize as influenced by genotypes, pacing and nutrient levels under irrigated situation” during the Kharif 2019 at Agriculture Research Station, Siruguppa, Karnataka, India. It is situated on the latitude of 15o38’ N, longitude 76o54’ E, 380 m elevation from MSL belongs to Northern Dry Zone (Zone 3) of Karnataka. The soil of the experimental site was medium deep black cotton soil with organic carbon content of 0.43 per cent, low in available N (226 kg ha-1), medium in available phosphorus (18 kg ha-1) and high in potassium (380 kg ha-1) content. Trail consisting 12 treatment combinations of 3 genotypes viz.V1: GPMH 1101, V2: GH 0727 and V3: RCRMH 4 in main plots, two spacing S1: 60cm x 20cm and S2:45cm X 20cm in sub plots and two nutrient levels F1:150:75:37.5 kg NPK/ha and F2: 225:112.5:56.5 kg NPK/ha in sub-sub plots laid out in split-split plot design and replicated three times. The experimental results revealed that, among the genotypes, RCRMH 4 recorded higher maize grain (8939 kg ha-1), stover yield (14167 kg ha-1) compared to other genotypes. Spacing did not influenced on grain and stover yield. Maize fertilized with 225:112.56.5 kg NPK/ha registered significantly superior grain (8085 kg/ha) and stover yield (13013 kg/ha) than lower dose. Similarly, maximum gross return (Rs. 140249/ha), net return (Rs.110651/ha) with B: C (4.75) was recorded in RCRMH 4 compared to other genotypes. Application of 225:112.5:56.5 kg NPK/ha gave higher gross, net returns and B: C of Rs. 126989 /ha, Rs. 96034/ha and 4.11, respectively than lower fertilizer dose. Similar trend in cob weight, 100 seed weight, cob length, cob girth, number of grain rows per cob and grain rows per cob were observed in RCRMH 4 and higher dose of fertilizer compared to rest of the genotypes and fertilizer level. But, spacing did not significantly influence on monetary returns.

Effects of Split Application of Urea Fertilizer on Soil Chemical Properties, Maize Performance and Profitability in Southwest Nigeria

Background: Since N fertilizer applied to maize (Zea mays L.) is prone to loss by leaching, it is important to derive an application time during the phenology of maize when the fertilizer is most efficiently and effectively used by the crop with minimal losses. Objective: Hence, experiments were carried out in 2014 at two locations in Osogbo southwest Nigeria to determine the effects of split application of N fertilizer on soil chemical properties, maize performance, and profitability. Methods: The treatments were: (i) control, (ii) 120 kg N ha-1 Applied at Planting (AP), (iii) two split applications (SA) of 120 kg N ha-1 {90 kg N ha-1 applied AP + 30kg N ha-1 at thirty Days After Planting (DAP) [90 + 30]}, and (iv) three SA of 120 kg N ha-1 {60 kg N ha-1 applied AP + 30 kg N ha-1 thirty DAP + 30 kg N ha-1 at tasselling[60+30+30]}. The four treatments were arranged in a Randomized Complete Block Design with three replicates. Results: Results indicate that at both sites, SA three times (60+30+30) has the most improved soil chemical properties, growth and yield of maize relative to other methods. The yield parameters increased in the order: control < 120 kg N ha-1 applied once < 90+30 < 60+30+30. Using the mean of both sites, 60+30+30 increased yield of maize by 15.3%, 37.1% and 138.2%, respectively compared with 90+30, 120 kg N ha-1 applied once and the control. Optimum returns were recorded by 60+30+30 with net return of ₦ 227,600 and a benefit cost ratio of 3.67:1 while the application of 120 kg N ha-1 applied once has a return of ₦ 157,200 with a benefit ratio of 2.9. These results show that farmers would benefit by making more profit by adopting the method of SA of N fertilizer three times (60+30+30). Conclusion: Therefore, for improved soil chemical properties, growth, yield and profitability of maize, N fertilizer application should be structured in accordance with this pattern of uptake to avoid losses by leaching and therefore ensure that N level in the soil is high at the critical stage of N demand.

Economic analysis of smallholder maize farmers: implications for public extension services in Eastern Cape

ABSTRACT This study sought to determine the economics of maize farmers in Amatole District, Eastern Cape. Multistage sampling procedure was used to select hundred and nine (109) smallholder farmers (homestead and irrigators). Descriptive statistics and gross margin analysis were used to determine the economics and profitability of maize in the study area. Findings indicated that majority (66 per cent) of them were men with an average age of 61 years old, majority (69 per cent) were married, with mean household size of 4 persons and household heads having some primary education. Moreover, majority (76 per cent) of the farmers depended on irrigation technology; majority (33 per cent) of the famers spent between 9 and 11 years of experience in farming; majority (89 per cent) of the respondents in the study area were dependent on farming as their major occupation and livelihood. Pertaining to land acquisition, majority (48%) of the farmers believed that the traditional or community leaders set rules and regulations regarding land acquisition. From the profitability analysis, smallholder farmer irrigators generated significantly higher yield, total revenues and gross margins more than the homestead gardeners at 5, 10 and 5 per cent levels, respectively. Moreover, homestead gardeners spent more money in purchase of inputs and this may have contributed to their low gross margins. On the other hand, smallholder-farmer irrigators who incur less input costs have higher chances of benefiting from price discounts and transport offer by input suppliers than the homestead gardeners. This results in smallholder farmer irrigators wielding more profits, thereby creating more income and wealth which is pivotal in the improvement of farmers' livelihoods. Keywords: Economics, profitability, Maize farmers, Extension service, Eastern Cape.

Profitability Analysis of Small HolderMaize Farm Systems in the Western Highlands of Cameroon: Evidence from Tubah Sub-division

This study to analysis profitability of maize production under the different farming systems practiced within Tubah subdivision. Purposive sampling technique was used to select 80 farmers from the 4 villages (Bambili, Bambui, Big Babanki, and Small Babanki) in the study area; 20 from each village. The study used primary data collected through the use of questionnaires and interviews. Results showed that there are basically two farming systems: mono-cropping and multi-cropping. Using the cost–return analytically technique, results of the NFI and profits per bucket under mono-cropping and multi-cropping farming systems in FCFAwere (2,103,266), (6,707,250) and (3,322), (5,174.4) respectively. The result showed that maize production in the study area under both farming systems is not profitable. The findings were attributed to some constraints notably inadequate credit, access to improved seeds challenge, insufficient fertilizer application, and high cost of labour. The study recommends that for profitable maize production within the study area, the government, and NGOs should assist farmers to overcome the main challenges as well as organise farmers into cooperatives to ease marketing with a high bargaining power.