Authors:
Usman, J., Idoga, S., Abagyeh, S. O. I., Ugese, F.D. and Ogbu, O.J ,Nigeria |
Abstract:
This experiment was conducted during rainy season of 2017 and 2018 in Guma, Benue State
with the aim to determine the optimum fertilizer rate for maize production and also to evaluate
growth and yield response of maize to fertilizer application among the Inceptisols of Benue.
Orba Super II Hybrid was sourced from Fadama III as well as Commercial NPK 15: 15: 15 at the
rates of 0: 0: 0, 60: 30: 30, 90: 45: 45, 120: 60: 60 and 150: 75: 75 kg/ha representing 0.48, 0.72,
0.96 and 1.20 kg/ha were used for the experiment. The soils were low in fertility. NPK fertilizer
applications significantly increase performance of maize relative to control during the 2017 and
2018 growing seasons. In terms of growth parameters, plant height and number of leaves in 2017
were highest (122.21 cm and 11.32) and lowest (68.06 cm and 8.82) at fertilizer rate of 150: 75:
75 kg/ha and control respectively while in 2018, the highest (65.64 cm and 12.20) and lowest
(50.64 cm and 10.28) plant height were obtained at 90: 45: 45 kg/ha fertilizer rate and control.
Data during 2017 cropping season showed that the highest and lowest LAI were 0.25 and 0.16 at
800 and 150: 75: 75 kg/ha fertilizer rate and control respectively; whereas, during 2018 cropping
season, the highest and lowest values were 0.52 and 0.39 from 600 kg/ha and 150: 75: 75 kg/ha,
respectively. The optimum level of NPK for successful production of maize grains was NPK 90:
45: 45 kg/ha based on the fact that it had the greatest yield |
