Abstract:
The moringa oleifera technology is a soil fertility improvement technique that is environment
friendly. It is based on the use of natural inputs including: moringa oleifera crop as green
manure, poultry manure as animal manure and mineral fertilizer. The objective of this study is to
investigate the effects of moringa technology on yield and profitability of maize production in
Ilorin Southern Guinea Savannah of Nigeria. Field experiment was conducted in 2016 and 2017
planting seasons, at the Teaching and Research Farm of Kwara State University, Malete, Nigeria.
The study comprised of six treatments including; control with zero addition, 100% MO, 100%
NPK 15-15-15 fertilizer, 100% PM, 50% MO +50% NPK and 50%MO +50% PM all at the rate
of 60 kg N/ha. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with three
replicates. Data were collected on maize growth and yield parameters; cost of production and
crop yield. These were subjected to statistical and economic viability analyses. Results showed
that of all the treatments, application of the mixed MO leaves +NPK at 2,4, 8 and 12 weeks
after planting (WAP) significantly (P< 0.05) increased the growth parameters and grain yield of
maize when compared to other applications and the control (without application). The highest
grain yield (4.4 and 4.5t/ha) was obtained from MO+NPK during 2016 and 2017 planting
seasons respectively. The NPK, MO+PM, PM,MO and control treatments had (3.6 and 3.9 t/ha),
(3.5 and 3.9 t/ha), (2,5 and 2.7 t/ha) and, (1.5 and 1.7 t/ha) respectively during 2016 and 2017
planting seasons. Overall, net income was higher in maize plot treated with MO leaves + NPK
15-15-15 fertilizer. On the basis of these findings therefore, the use of MO+NPK at the rate of 60
kg N/ha was judged more economical in the study area and recommended for adoption by maize
farmers. |
