scholarly journals Comparative effects of some soil amendments on the agronomic performance of maize varieties in a low fertile soil

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 189-195
Author(s):  
Kolawole E. LAW-OGBOMO ◽  
Remande AHMADU ◽  
Sunday A. OGEDEGBE

A field study was conducted in cropping seasons to determine the comparative effects of some soil amendments on postharvest soil chemical properties and performance of maize (Zea mays L.) in humid low fertile soil. The experiment was laid out in 3 x 4 split plot arrangement, fitted into a randomized complete block design with three replications. The main plots were maize varieties (‘SUWAN-I-SR’, ‘Oba 98’ and ‘Uselu’ local maize) and the subplots were soil amendments (control, poultry manure, cattle manure and NPK). Data were collected on growth parameters (plant heights (cm), number of leaves, leaf area index and stem girth) at 50% silking stage. At harvest, data were collected on grain yield components and several soil chemical properties. The results showed that the variety had significant (p<0.05) effect on growth and yield performance of maize. Fertilizer application significantly (p<0.05) improved maize vegetative characters. The fertilized plants were higher in all the parameters accessed than the unfertilized plants. ‘SUWAN-1-SR’ had the highest grain yield (2.49 t ha-1). The highest grain yield of 2.22 and 2.11 t ha-1 were produced from plants fertilized with NPK and poultry manure, respectively. Variety significantly (p<0.05) influenced organic carbon, available P, exchangeable acidity (H+ and Al3+). Poultry and cattle manures improved soil fertility through increase in soil pH, organic carbon and exchangeable cations. Since NPK and poultry manure had the highest grain yield, poultry manure could be used as viable option for maize production in low fertile soil environment, due to low cost and for environmental cleanliness.

Author(s):  
I. J. Dantata ◽  
E. A. Shittu ◽  
H. J. Philip ◽  
M. Sani

Field experiment was carried out during the wet season of 2012 at the Teaching and Research Farm of Faculty of Agriculture, Adamawa State University, Mubi (Lat.10° 15II N and Long.13° 16II E, altitude of 696 m above sea level) and a Community based Demonstration Farm in Gombe (Lat.11° 30” N and Long.10° 20” E, altitude of 340 m above sea level). Both locations were situated in the Northern Guinea Savanna agro-ecological zone of Nigeria. The study was carried out to determine the level of correlation between weed parameters, growth and yield attributes of maize as affected by pendimethalin application. Treatments which consisted of six different rates of pendimethalin (1.0, 2.0, 3.0, 4.0, 5.0, 6.0kg a.i.ha-1) + two control checks (weed free and weedy check) were placed in the main plots as main treatment while maize cultivar SAMMAZ 17 was placed in the sub-plots as sub-treatments in a split plot design and replicated three times. Pendimethalin was pre-emergence- applied a day after sowing (DAS). Weed free check plots (control) were kept weed free by regular weeding. Similarly, all agronomic practices were adequately carried out except those under study. Data collected on weed cover score (WCS), weed fresh weight (WFW), weed dry weight (WDW), days to 50% emergence (D50E), crop injury score (CIS), crop vigour score (CVS), establishment count (EC), plant height (PH), leaf area index (LAI), crop growth rate (CGR), relative growth rate (RGR), days to 50% tasseling (D50T), 1000 grain weights (1GWTs) and grain yield (GY) were analyzed using Minitab Version 11 Statistical Software. Results revealed that WCS was significantly higher and strongly correlated with WFW, WDW but was strong and negatively associated with GY of maize in both Mubi and Gombe. D50E, D50T and LAI were positive but contributed weakly to the GY of maize in Mubi. Similarly, D50E, D50T, PH and LAI had same pattern of behavior as the former in Gombe. EC was negative and also contributed weakly to the grain yield of maize in both locations. PH, CVS, CGR, 1GWTs were positive and strongly associated with GY of maize in Mubi. The same trend was also observed for all parameters except PH which though positive it was weakly associated to the final GY of maize in Gombe. Pendimethalin did not posed any significant effect on the post- physico-chemical properties of the soils at the two experimental sites, except in soil-pH, organic carbon, available phosphorus, total nitrogen, magnesium, potassium and sodium in Mubi and available phosphorus, total nitrogen, Calcium, Magnesium and Potassium in Gombe. These soil properties were significantly influenced by rates of soil applied Pendimethalin compared to the control checks.


2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Aruna Olasekan Adekiya ◽  
Oluwaseyi Iyabo Ogunboye ◽  
Babatunde Sunday Ewulo ◽  
Adeniyi Olayanju

During integrated nutrient management involving poultry manure (PM) and urea fertilizer (UF) for maize (Zea mays L.), it is necessary to investigate the best time to apply UF that will optimize soil chemical properties, growth, and yield of maize. Hence, studies were carried out to investigate the effect of different rates of PM and single and split applications (SA) of UF on soil chemical properties, growth, and yield of maize. The treatment involved three levels of PM (0.0, 4.0, and 8.0 t·ha−1) and four sets of periods of UF: (i) 0 kg N ha-1 (control), (ii) 120 kg N ha-1 applied at planting (AP), (iii) two SA of 120 kg N ha−1 (90 kg N ha-1 applied AP + 30 kg N ha-1 at thirty days after planting (DAP)), 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 tasseling). The 12 treatments were arranged in a randomized complete block design and replicated three times. PM and UF alone and integrating UF with PM improved soil chemical properties, growth, and yield of maize compared with the control. SA of UF three times (60 + 30 + 30) had the most improved soil chemical properties, growth, and yield of maize. Results also showed that maize yielded higher under UF integrated with PM compared with their sole forms. Application of 60 + 30+30 with 8 t ha−1PM (60 + 30+30 + 8 t ha−1PM) or with 4 t ha−1PM treatments showed the highest growth and yield of maize, but due to the bulkiness, handling challenges, and cost of PM, 60 + 30+30 + 4 t ha−1PM is recommended. Therefore, for better growth and yield of maize, after the initial application of PM, UF application should be split-applied in accordance with plant growth and the pattern of uptake to avoid losses by leaching and therefore ensured that N level in the soil is high at the critical stage of N demand.


2019 ◽  
pp. 1-11
Author(s):  
Michael Rotimi Olojugba ◽  
Ezike Florence Chinedu

The combine use of dry cocoa bean testa ash and poultry droppings for the improvement of soil fertility, maize growth and yield was studied on an Alfisol south western Nigeria, located at Joseph Ayo Babalola University Ikeji-Arakeji, Ilesa Osun State, Nigeria. Research farm from April to July 2018 and from August to November 2018. Four treatments of poultry droppings (PD) at 5 tones  ha-1, cocoa bean testa ash (CBTA) ash at 5 tones ha-1, mixture of poultry droppings and cocoa bean testa ash (PD + CBTA) at 2.5 tones ha-1 each and control (C) were used in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. The study showed that organic manure is a valuable fertilizer and can serve as a suitable alternative to inorganic fertilizer in the south western Nigeria especially, CBTA that has higher concentration of potassium (K) and organic carbon (OC). Poultry droppings (PD 2.5 tones ha-1) treatments plus cocoa bean testa ash (CBTA 2.5 tones ha-1) produced higher values for plant height, leaf area, chlorophyll, leaf area index, plant diameter, cob length, cob diameter and grain yield against the control that recorded the lowest value. Also, CBTA improves soil pH (94%) and OC (87%) over the control as well as increases minerals such as N, P, K Ca, Mg, and Na at 19%, 37%, 19%, 53%, 43% and 36% respectively.  Organic fertilizer applications increase maize growth towards the later stage and were significantly different from the control according to DMRT at p<0.05. Cocoa bean testa ash (CBTA) and poultry dropping (PD) application registered over 47% increases of N levels in the soil, from 0.15% to 0.77% to 0.84%. Organic carbon increased as poultry droppings plus cocoa bean testa ash were added to the soil. Maize grain yield increased from control plot to 1.95 t ha-1 in CBTA + PD plot. The study recommends an application rate of cocoa testa ash and poultry droppings for maize growth on this type of soil in this agro-ecology.


Author(s):  
Fabiana Schmidt ◽  
Ronaldir Knoblauch

Abstract: The objective of this work was to evaluate changes in the soil chemical properties, nitrogen use efficiency, and grain yield of flood-irrigated rice fields after the addition of poultry manure during five years. Trials were carried out in a randomized complete block design, with three replicates. The treatments were: chemical fertilizers, N-P2O5-K2O; control, no fertilizers; and poultry manure doses, 2.5, 5.0, and 10.0 Mg ha-1. Poultry manure increased soil pH, base saturation, and phosphorus, potassium, calcium, and zinc contents more than the chemical fertilizers. Adding poultry manure to the soil increased N ammonification (35 mg kg-1 NH4 +-N) from the first to the fourth week after rice was sown. The exclusive use of poultry manure was not sufficient to provide adequate nutrition to rice plants after the decrease in NH4 +-N content in the soil. The cumulative N uptake by plants and rice yield were lower with poultry manure application than with the chemical fertilizers. Adding poultry manure to flood-irrigated rice fields for five years alters soil chemical properties, improves fertility, does not favor nitrogen use efficiency by rice plants, and promotes a lower grain yield than the chemical fertilizers.


Author(s):  
I. Audu ◽  
R. Idris

A field experiment to study the growth and yield stability of maize varieties (Zea mays L.) to different rates of nitrogen fertilizer and cow dung in Mubi Adamawa State, Nigeria was conducted in 2014 and 2015 cropping seasons at the Food and Agricultural Organization/Tree crops Plantation (FAO/TCP) Farm of Faculty of Agriculture, Adamawa State University Mubi. Two maize varieties; viz. Quality Protein Maize (QPM) and Extra Early White (EEW) were selected for sowing. They were assigned to the main plots and nitrogen with cow dung assigned to the subplots in a factorial combination with nitrogen at the rates of 0, 60 and 120 kg N ha-1 and cow dung at 0, 1- and 2-ton ha-1 in split plot design. Data were collected on plant height, leaf area per plant, leaf area index and grain yield per hectare. Data collected were subjected to analysis of variance and treatment means were separated using Duncan Multiple Range Test. The result showed that EEW had the highest plant height (190.77 cm), higher leaf area per plant (535.6 cm2) and leaf area index (0.40 cm) than QPM. The effect of nitrogen fertilizer on the growth and yield parameters increased as the nitrogen fertilizer was increased. 120kg N ha-1 gave the highest plant height (195.68 cm) and grain yield (5658.3 kg). The control plot produced the least; 164.77 cm (plant height) and 2662.50 kg ha-1 (grain yield). Application of 1ton ha-1 cow dung exhibited the highest plant height, (95.00 cm), leaf area per plant (518.91 cm2) and leaf area index (0.37 cm). There was an interaction of variety with nitrogen on plant height and grain yield. High interaction of variety with cow dung on plant height and leaf area per plant was recorded. There was an interaction of nitrogen with cow dung on plant height, leaf area per plant and leaf area index. However, there was an interaction of variety with nitrogen and cow dung on plant height, leaf area per plant and leaf area index. Application of 120 kg N ha-1 significantly increased the yield of QPM maize along with 2-ton ha-1 of cow dung.


Author(s):  
Ndzimandze Sibonginkosi ◽  
Mabuza Mzwandile ◽  
Tana Tamado

Maize is staple food and the most cultivated crop in Eswatini. However, its yield is very low partly due to use of non-optimum plant density for different maturity group maize varieties. Thus, an experiment was conducted at Luyengo, Middleveld of Eswatini during the 2018/2019 cropping season. The experiment consisted of factorial combinations of two varieties [SC 403 (early maturing) and PAN 53 (medium maturing)] and three plant densities (44444 plants/ha, 50000 plants/ha, 57143 plants/ha) in randomised complete block design in three replications. Results showed that medium maturing maize variety PAN 53 had higher leaf area, leaf area index, plant height, cob height (139.4 cm), days to 90% anthesis (69 days), dry biomass, thousand kernels mass (374.0 g), grain yield (43.1 t/ha), and stover mass (59.8 t/ha) than the early maturing variety SC 403. With respect to the effect of plant density, as the plant density increased from 44444 to 57143 plants/ha, leaf area, dry biomass at V12 and R5 growth stages, number of cobs per plant, grain yield, stover mass, and thousand kernels mass (g) were decreased while the leaf area index was increased. The interaction effects of variety and plant density were not significant on all the parameters recorded. Thus, it can be concluded that medium maturing variety PAN 53 and plant density of 44444 plants/ha (90 cm ´ 25 cm) are best options to maximum productivity of maize in the study area. However, it is recommended that the experiment be repeated with inclusion of more varieties and densities to reach at more conclusive recommendation.


2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aruna Olasekan Adekiya ◽  
Elizabeth Temitope Alori ◽  
Christopher Muyiwa Aboyeji ◽  
Oluwagbenga Dunsin ◽  
Kehinde Abodunde Adegbite ◽  
...  

For soil fertility maintenance, secondary nutrient such as Magnesium (Mg) is always being neglected. However, its role is critical in the growth, yield, and quality of crops. Therefore, two field experiments were initiated in 2017 and 2018 to evaluate the response of soil chemical properties, performance, and qualities of turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) to Mg fertilizer alone and in combination with poultry manure (PM) and NPK 15-15-15 fertilizer (NPK). The treatments applied were the following: (i) PM alone at 8 t ha−1, (ii) NPK alone at 200 kg ha−1, (iii) Mg fertilizer alone (in form of MgO) at 20 kg ha−1, (iv) PM at 8 t ha−1 with MgO at 20 kg ha−1 (PM + Mg), (v) NPK at 200 kg ha−1 with MgO at 20kgha−1 (NPK + Mg), and (vi) control (no amendment of any kind). PM, NPK, and Mg fertilizers alone or NPK + Mg and PM + Mg increased soil chemical properties, performance (plant height, number of leaves, number of tillers, number of rhizomes, and fresh rhizome weight), and minerals and vitamins C and A contents of turmeric rhizome compared with the control. By averaging 2017 and 2018, Mg fertilizer alone increased the yield of turmeric by 10.8% compared with the control. For this experiment, NPK + Mg increased growth and yield of turmeric compared with other treatments. Also, averaging 2017 and 2018, NPK + Mg increased rhizome yield of turmeric by 13.6% and 10.6% compared with PM + Mg and NPK alone, respectively. Similarly, PM + Mg significantly improved mineral and vitamins contents compared with other treatments. Therefore, for those that desire turmeric rhizome for its nutritive value, PM + Mg is recommended. For those that want quantity, NPK + Mg is recommended.


2021 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
pp. 7-25
Author(s):  
A.K. Adebayo ◽  
O.T. Ayoola ◽  
F.B. Anjorin ◽  
T.E. Oladehinde

The need for available space for individual plants grown in a community and good soil fertility management ensure high yield and quality of crop produce. A field experiment was carried out in the early planting season between May-September, 2015 at the Institute of Agricultural Research and Training Stations (Ibadan and Ilora) Nigeria, to determine the effects of poultry manure and planting patterns on growth, yield components and dry matter accumulation of three maize varieties. Treatments included (i) 90 x 40 cm+ 0t/ha, (ii) 90 x 40 cm+ 5 t/ha,(iii) 90 x 40 cm+10 t/ha (iv) 75 x 50 cm + 0 t/ha (v) 75 x 50 cm + 5 t/ha (vi) 75 x 50 cm + 10 t/ha planting patterns- poultry manure combinations and three maize varieties (ART98-SW8, ART98-SW-1 and SUWAN-1-SR-Y) using randomized complete block design with three replications per treatment. From the result, the combination of 90 x 40 cm planting pattern with10 t/ha of poultry manure significantly increased growth, yield components and dry matter accumulation than other treatments, exceptfor plant height where the 70 x 50 planting pattern with 10 t/ha poultry had the tallest plants. The growth and grain yield of ART98-SW-performed better than the other maize varieties. Planting maize at 90 x 40cm spacing together with the application of 10 t/ha poultry manure enhanced grain yield of maize. Keywords; Dry matter accumulation, Maize grain yield, spacing, poultry manure, maize varieties


2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (6) ◽  
pp. 66
Author(s):  
Albert Berdjour ◽  
Ibrahim Yakamba Dugje ◽  
Nurudeen Abdul Rahman ◽  
Daniel Asomaning Odoom ◽  
Alpha Yaya Kamara ◽  
...  

Leaf area index (LAI) plays an important role in radiation capture, crop growth and yield formation. However, there is limited quantitative data on the influence of poultry manure (PM) and NPK fertilizer rate (NPK) on LAI, as estimated directly. Using a split-plot design with three replications, a field experiment was conducted to determine the effects of three PM rate (0, 2 and 4 t/ha) as main plot and three NPK rate (0:0:0, 60:30:30 and 120:60:60 kg N P2O5 K2O/ha) as sub plot, on LAI and maize grain yield. The maize was planted at a density of 106,666 plants/ha; two rows on a ridge, one plant per stand at 75 &times; 25 cm. Linear regression was used to establish predictive equations among correlated variables and to describe the degree of associations. The application of PM in maize increased (p &lt; 0.05) number of leaves/plant (NL) at 8 and 10 weeks after sowing maize (WASM). NL, leaf area constant at 6 and 10 WASM, leaf area (LA) and LAI were significantly affected by NPK. LAI correlated positively with NL, LA and grain yield. The coefficient of determination between actual and estimated LA was in the range of 0.85-0.97. The PM &times; NPK interaction was significant on maize grain yield. The results suggest that small-scale maize farmers faced with challenges in obtaining and transporting large quantities of poultry manure can use 2 t PM/ha with either 60:30:30 kg N P2O5 K2O/ha or 120:60:60 kg N P2O5 K2O/ha to increase grain yield of maize.


Agronomy ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 76
Author(s):  
Aloysius Beah ◽  
Alpha Y. Kamara ◽  
Jibrin M. Jibrin ◽  
Folorunso M. Akinseye ◽  
Abdullahi I. Tofa ◽  
...  

This paper assessed the application of the Agricultural Production Systems sIMulator (APSIM)–maize module as a decision support tool for optimizing nitrogen application to determine yield and net return of maize production under current agricultural practices in the Nigeria savannas. The model was calibrated for two maize varieties using data from field experiments conducted under optimum conditions in three locations during the 2017 and 2018 cropping seasons. The model was evaluated using an independent dataset from an experiment conducted under different nitrogen (N) levels in two locations within Southern and Northern Guinea savannas. The results show that model accurately predicted days to 50% anthesis and physiological maturity, leaf area index (LAI), grain yield and total dry matter (TDM) of both varieties with low RMSE and RMSEn (%) values within the range of acceptable statistics indices. Based on 31-year seasonal simulation, optimum mean grain yield of 3941 kg ha−1 for Abuja, and 4549 for Kano was simulated at N rate of 120 kg ha–1 for the early maturing variety 2009EVDT. Meanwhile in Zaria, optimum mean yield of 4173 kg ha–1 was simulated at N rate of 90 kg ha−1. For the intermediate maturing variety, IWDC2SYNF2 mean optimum yields of 5152, 5462, and 4849 kg ha−1, were simulated at N application of 120 kg ha−1 for all the locations. The probability of exceeding attainable mean grain yield of 3000 and 4000 kg ha−1 for 2009EVDT and IWDC2SYNF2, respectively would be expected in 95% of the years with application of 90 kg N ha−1 across the three sites. Following the profitability scenarios analysis, the realistic net incomes of US$ 536 ha–1 for Abuja, and US$ 657 ha−1 for Zaria were estimated at N rate of 90 kg ha−1 and at Kano site, realistic net income of US$ 720 ha–1was estimated at N rate of 120 kg ha−1 for 2009EVDT.For IWDC2SYNF2, realistic net incomes of US$ 870, 974, and 818 ha−1 were estimated at N application of 120 kg ha−1 for Abuja, Zaria, and Kano respectively. The result of this study suggests that 90 kg N ha−1 can be recommended for 2009EVDT and 120 kg N ha–1 for IWDC2SYNF2 in Abuja and Zaria while in Kano, 120 kg N ha−1 should be applied to both varieties to attain optimum yield and profit.


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