Maize grain yield formation depending  on macro-  and microfertilizers

The research results of the foliar fertilization influence with different levels of mineral nutrition on the maize grain yield were presented, and the economic efficiency of growing of grain products was clarified. It was found that when increasing the mineral fertilizer dose from N30P30K30 to N45P45K45 and N60P60K60, the height of plants increased by 3 and 7 cm, the leaf surface area of one plant – by 4.8 and 10.9 %, respectively. Due to foliar fertilization, the height of plants increased by 2–5 cm, and the leaf area changed insignificantly. Depending on the background of mineral nutrition, it was accounted 98–99 ears per 100 maize plants, and in the case of foliar fertilization – 98–100 ears. The maize grain yield on the background of N30P30K30 was 7.56 t/ha, on the background of N45P45K45 and N60P60K60 – 8.65 and 8.68 t/ha, respectively. In the control variant (without spraying) the yield was 7.77 t/ha, and when plants fertilizing with urea (15 kg/ha) – 8.09 t/ha. The grain yield in the variants with maize plant fertilizing with a mixture of urea and micronutrients reached to 8.30–8.78 t/ha. The prime cost of 1 ton of maize grain when growing on the background of N30P30K30 was 1808 UAH, with increasing the fertilizer dose to N45P45K45 and N60P60K60 – 1781 and 1903 UAH, respectively. In the control variant, it was equal to 1828 UAH, in the variants under maize fertilization with urea (15 kg/ha) or a mixture of urea and micronutrients – 1827–1836 UAH. The conditional profit on the background of N30P30K30 was 21878 UAH/ha, it enlarged to 24264–25265 UAH/ha in the case of fertilizer dose increasing. In the control variant (without spraying) the conditional profit was equal to 22310 UAH/ha, when plants were fertilized with urea (15 kg/ha) – 23257 UAH/ha, with a mixture of urea and micronutrients – 23823–25155 UAH/ha. The highest level of profitability (163.9 %) was on the background of N45P45K45; the impact of foliar fertilization on this indicator was insignificant. Key words: maize, fertilizers, foliar fertilization, grain yield, economic efficiency.

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Response of Maize (Zea maysL.) to Different Rates of Palm Bunch Ash Application in the Semi-deciduous Forest Agro-ecological Zone of Ghana

Applied and Environmental Soil Science ◽

10.1155/2012/870948 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 2012 ◽

pp. 1-5 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

S. Adjei-Nsiah

Keyword(s):

Grain Yield ◽

Deciduous Forest ◽

Block Design ◽

Chemical Properties ◽

Mineral Fertilizer ◽

Ecological Zone ◽

Maize Grain Yield ◽

Maize Grain ◽

Four Levels ◽

Palm Bunch

The effects of palm bunch ash (PBA) and mineral fertilizer application on grain yield and nutrient uptake in maize and soil chemical properties were studied in both the major and minor rainy seasons in the semi-deciduous forest agro-ecological zone of Ghana. In both the major and minor rainy seasons, the response of maize to four levels (0, 2, 4, and 6 tons per hectare) of palm bunch ash and 200 kg per hectare of NPK (15-15-15) application was evaluated using randomised complete block design. Results of the study showed that application of palm bunch ash significantly (P<0.05) increased soil pH, soil phosphorus, and exchangeable cations. Maize grain yield varied significantly (P<0.05) among the different treatments in both the major and minor rainy seasons. The highest maize grain yield of 4530 and 6120 kg ha-1was obtained at PBA application rate of 2 tonsha-1for the major and minor rainy seasons, respectively.

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Economically Optimal Rate for Nutrient Application to Maize in the Semi-deciduous Forest Zone of Ghana

Journal of soil science and plant nutrition ◽

10.1007/s42729-020-00240-y ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 20 (4) ◽

pp. 1703-1713 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Benedicta Essel ◽

Robert Clement Abaidoo ◽

Andrews Opoku ◽

Nana Ewusi-Mensah

Keyword(s):

Grain Yield ◽

Deciduous Forest ◽

Mineral Fertilizer ◽

Fertilizer Application ◽

Application Rate ◽

Yield Response ◽

N Recovery ◽

Forest Zone ◽

Maize Grain Yield ◽

Maize Grain

Abstract Low inherent nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) contents of smallholder farms limit maize grain yield. Maize grain yield response to N, P, and K mineral fertilizer application and economically optimal rates for nitrogen (EORN), phosphorus (EORP), and potassium (EORK) were evaluated on a Ferric Acrisol within the semi-deciduous forest zone of Ghana. The nutrient rates evaluated were N (0, 30, 60, 90, and 120 kg N ha−1), P (0, 30, 60, and 90 kg ha−1 P2O5), and K (0, 30, 60 and 90 kg ha−1 K2O). The treatments were arranged in a randomized complete block with three replications using an incomplete factorial design. Nutrient responses were determined using asymptotic quadratic-plus plateau functions. The best nitrogen rate for all P and K levels was 60 kg ha−1, which gave grain yield of 5 t ha−1. Nitrogen uptake, N agronomic and N recovery efficiencies peaked at 60 kg N ha−1 while N partial factor productivity declined with increasing N application rate. Cost to grain price ratios (CP) were 1.29, 1.65, and 1.65 for N, P, and K, respectively. The EORN was 61 kg ha−1, 32% less than the recommended 90 kg N ha−1 for maize production in the semi-deciduous forest zone of Ghana. Nitrogen application had the lowest CP ratio, making its application economically profitable than P and K. The findings suggest that the application of N at 61 kg N ha−1 to maize is economically profitable than at higher application rates. However, further studies should be conducted on farmers’ fields to validate the results obtained.

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LONG-TERM YIELD SUSTAINABILITY AND FINANCIAL RETURNS FROM GRAIN LEGUME–MAIZE INTERCROPS ON A SANDY SOIL IN SUBHUMID NORTH CENTRAL ZIMBABWE

Experimental Agriculture ◽

10.1017/s0014479707005303 ◽

2007 ◽

Vol 43 (4) ◽

pp. 489-503 ◽

Cited By ~ 29

Author(s):

S. R. WADDINGTON ◽

MULUGETTA MEKURIA ◽

S. SIZIBA ◽

J. KARIGWINDI

Keyword(s):

Grain Yield ◽

Mineral Fertilizer ◽

Maize Yield ◽

Grain Legume ◽

Financial Returns ◽

North Central ◽

Maize Grain Yield ◽

Loamy Sand Soil ◽

Sole Crop ◽

Maize Grain

To measure the yield and financial returns from five grain legume–maize intercrop combinations over 12 years of cropping, a field experiment was conducted on a loamy sand soil in the subhumid unimodal rainfall environment of Domboshava in north-central Zimbabwe. Inputs and management followed smallholder practice, including partial grazing of crop residues and a zero mineral fertilizer treatment. The intercropped legumes grew moderately well most years. Cowpea averaged the highest grain yield (0.244 t ha−1) and haulm yield (1.54 t ha−1) over the 12 years, followed by pigeonpea and sugar bean. Intercropped pigeonpea yield was the least variable of the legumes over the years. Maize grain yield was highly variable across years with or without fertilizer and was reduced in years of low (533 mm) and high (1313 mm) rainfall. The pigeonpea–maize intercrop grown without fertilizer produced 0.11 t ha−1 (6.25 %) more maize grain yield per year than sole crop maize, in addition to pigeonpea grain and haulms. Intercropped cowpea (which yielded more than double the above-ground non-grain biomass of pigeonpea) had less effect on maize grain yield. There was no trend to greater benefits from the legumes on maize yield after more years of intercropping. Net present values of annual margins accumulated over the 12 years for sole maize with fertilizer (US$1719 ha−1) and without fertilizer (US$935 ha−1) were higher than the fertilized and unfertilized intercropping options (US$1017 and US$745 ha−1). Pigeonpea or cowpea–unfertilized maize generated more financial returns than the other intercrops, but the low yields and high labour costs for the legumes made the intercrops financially unattractive. We conclude that regularly intercropped pigeonpea or cowpea can to a small extent help to maintain maize yield when maize is grown without mineral fertilizer on sandy soils in sub humid zones of Zimbabwe, and simultaneously provide some nutritious food, but that financial considerations will encourage smallholder farmers to persist with growing low input sole crop maize.

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ENHANCING MAIZE PRODUCTIVITY AND PROFITABILITY USING ORGANIC INPUTS AND MINERAL FERTILIZER IN CENTRAL KENYA SMALL-HOLD FARMS

Experimental Agriculture ◽

10.1017/s0014479713000525 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 50 (2) ◽

pp. 250-269 ◽

Cited By ~ 25

Author(s):

MONICAH MUCHERU-MUNA ◽

DANIEL MUGENDI ◽

PIETER PYPERS ◽

JAYNE MUGWE ◽

JAMES KUNG'U ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Soil Fertility ◽

Grain Yield ◽

Mineral Fertilizer ◽

Calliandra Calothyrsus ◽

Soil Fertility Management ◽

Grain Yields ◽

Maize Grain Yield ◽

Good Site ◽

Maize Grain ◽

Poor Site

SUMMARYDeclining land productivity is a major problem facing smallholder farmers today in Sub-Saharan Africa, and as a result increase in maize grain yield has historically staggered behind yield gains that have been achieved elsewhere in the world. This decline primarily results from reduction in soil fertility caused by continuous cultivation without adequate addition of external nutrient inputs. Improved soil fertility management practices, which combine organic and mineral fertilizer inputs, can enable efficient use of inputs applied, and can increase overall system's productivity. The trials were established at two sites with different soil fertility status to determine the effects of various organic sources (Tithonia diversifolia, Mucuna pruriens, Calliandra calothyrsus and cattle manure) and their combinations with mineral fertilizer on maize grain yield, economic return and soil chemical properties. Drought spells were common during the peak water requirement periods, and during all the seasons most (90%) of the rainfall was received before 50% flowering. In good and poor sites, there was a significant (p < 0.001) effect of season on maize grain yield. Tithonia diversifolia recorded the highest (4.2 t ha−1) average maize grain yield in the poor site, while Calliandra calothyrsus gave the highest (4.8 t ha−1) average maize grain yield in the good site. Maize grain yields were lower in treatments with sole fertilizer compared with treatments that included organic fertilizers. The maize grain yields were higher with sole organics compared with treatments integrating organic and inorganic fertilizers. Soil pH increment was statistically significant in the sole manure treatment in good and poor sites (t-test, p = 0.036 and 0.013), respectively. In the poor site, magnesium increased significantly in the sole manure and manure + 30 kg N ha−1 treatments with t-test p = 0.006 and 0.027, respectively. Soil potassium was significant in the sole manure treatment (t-test, p = 0.03). Generally the economic returns were low, with negative net benefits and benefit cost ratio of less than 1. Inorganic fertilizer recorded the highest net benefit and return to labour (p < 0.001 and <0.01, respectively) in the good site. The treatments that had very high maize grain yields did not lead to improved soil fertility, thus there is need for tradeoffs between yield gains and soil fertility management when selecting agricultural production technologies.

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INFLUENCE OF MINERAL NUTRITION ON FORMING MAIZE GRAIN YIELD

SCIENTIFIC LIFE ◽

10.35679/1991-9476-2019-14-7-1097-1106 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 14 (7) ◽

pp. 1097-1106

Author(s):

Svetlana Semina ◽

◽

Irina Gavryushina ◽

Keyword(s):

Grain Yield ◽

Mineral Nutrition ◽

Maize Grain Yield ◽

Maize Grain

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Determining and managing maize yield gaps in Rwanda

Food Security ◽

10.1007/s12571-020-01059-2 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 12 (6) ◽

pp. 1269-1282

Author(s):

Charles Bucagu ◽

Alain Ndoli ◽

Athanase R. Cyamweshi ◽

Leon N. Nabahungu ◽

Athanase Mukuralinda ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Grain Yield ◽

Best Management Practices ◽

Management Practices ◽

Maximum Yield ◽

Maize Yield ◽

Nutrient Inputs ◽

Maize Grain Yield ◽

Yield Gaps ◽

Maize Grain ◽

The Impact

AbstractSmallholder maize growers are experiencing significant yield gaps due to sub-optimal agricultural practices. Adequate agricultural inputs, particularly nutrient amendments and best management practices, are essential to reverse this trend. There is a need to understand the cause of variations in maize yield, provide reliable early estimates of yields, and make necessary recommendations for fertilizer applications. Maize yield prediction and estimates of yield gaps using objective and spatial analytical tools could provide accurate and objective information that underpin decision support. A study was conducted in Rwanda at Nyakiliba sector and Gashora sector located in Birunga and Central Bugesera agro-ecological zones, with the objectives of (1) determining factors influencing maize yield, (2) predicting maize yield (using the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) approach), and (3) assessing the maize yield gaps and the impact on food security. Maize grain yield was significantly higher at Nyakiliba (1.74 t ha−1) than at Gashora (0.6 t ha−1). NDVI values correlated positively with maize grain yield at both sites (R2 = 0.50 to 0.65) and soil fertility indicators (R2 = 0.55 to 0.70). Maize yield was highest at 40 kg P ha−1 and response to N fertilizer was adequately simulated at Nyakiliba (R2 = 0.85, maximum yield 3.3 t ha−1). Yield gap was 4.6 t ha−1 in Nyakiliba and 5.1 t ha−1 in Gashora. Soil variables were more important determinants of social class than family size. Knowledge that low nutrient inputs are a major cause of yield gaps in Rwanda should prioritize increasing the rate of fertilizer use in these agricultural systems.

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Analysis of the moisture content of maize kernels in over-ripe plants

Acta Agronomica Hungarica ◽

10.1556/aagr.54.2006.4.5 ◽

2006 ◽

Vol 54 (4) ◽

pp. 425-430

Author(s):

T. Árendás ◽

L. C. Marton ◽

P. Bónis ◽

Z. Berzsenyi

Keyword(s):

Linear Regression ◽

Moisture Content ◽

Grain Yield ◽

Equilibrium Moisture Content ◽

Weather Conditions ◽

Positive Correlation ◽

Maize Grain Yield ◽

Maize Grain ◽

Maize Kernels

The effect of varying weather conditions on the moisture content of the maize grain yield was investigated in Martonvásár, Hungary from late August to late September, and from the 3rd third of September to the 1st third of Novemberbetween 1999 and 2002. In every year a close positive correlation (P=0.1%) could be observed between the moisture content in late September and the rate of drying down in October. Linear regression was used each year to determine the equilibrium moisture content, to which the moisture content of kernels returned if they contained less than this quantity of water in late September and harvesting was delayed. In the experimental years this value ranged from 15.24-19.01%.

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