AAMUSTED Knowledge Manager

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    Groundnut (Arachis hypogea L.) Varietal Response and Productivity to Different Planting Distances and Weeding Regimes.
    (AYISI, Nana Edward, 2024-07) AYISI, Nana Edward
    Two field experiments were carried out in 2023 major rainy season (April to July) as well as the minor rainy season (August to November) at the Research fields of AAMUSTED, Mampong Campus to determine the effect of different planting distances and weeding regimes on the performance of groundnut cultivars in terms of growth and yield. A 2 x 2 x 2 factorial experiment arranged in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) replicated four times was used. The factors studied were: (A) two groundnut varieties (GHA-Chinese and OUG-Awi), (B) Planting distances (30cm x 20 cm and 20cm x 20 cm), and (C) Weeding regimes (2 weeks weed control interval and 3 weeks weed control interval). The results revealed varietal differences in vegetative traits such as plant height, number of branches, and canopy spread, with GHA-Chinese exhibiting superior growth, while OUG-Awi showed increased branching. Spacing significantly affected canopy architecture, with wider spacing (30 cm × 20 cm) promoting larger canopy spread and plant height. Frequent weed control (2-weeks weed control interval) improved vegetative performance and yield components by minimizing competition. Yield analysis showed that GHA-Chinese consistently outperformed OUG-Awi in pod number and grain yield, while OUG-Awi recorded higher seed size and 100-seed weight. The correlation analysis revealed that growth and yield components such as plant height, canopy spread, number of pods per plant and plot, seed weight per plot, and 100-seed weight had strong and significant positive associations with grain yield. These findings suggest that these traits play an important role in determining groundnut yield and can serve as useful selection criteria for improving productivity. The combination of GHA-Chinese × 30 cm × 20 cm spacing × 2-week weed control produced the highest grain yield (1.36 t/ha and 1.53 t/ha) respectively for the 2023 major and minor seasons hence recommended to farmers aiming for improved growth and higher yields.
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    Effects of Integrated Nutrient Management on Growth, Yield and Nutritional Quality of Carrots (Daucus carota L.).
    (AGYAPONG, Francis, 2024-08) AGYAPONG, Francis
    Two experiments were conducted from September to December 2021 and from April to July 2022 at the Multipurpose Crop Nursery Field of Akenten Appiah-Menka University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development (AAMUSTED), Mampong Campus. The objective was to assess the effects of combining inorganic fertilizer with chicken manure on the growth, yield, nutritional qualities, and profitability of carrot production. The study was conducted using a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with six treatment options, each replicated four times. The treatments included: (i) 300 kg/ha of NPK (15-15-15) fertilizer (Full NPK), (ii) 20 t/ha of poultry manure (Full PM), (iii) 225 kg/ha NPK combined with 5 t/ha PM (¾ NPK + ¼ PM), (iv) 150 kg/ha NPK plus 10 t/ha PM (½ NPK + ½ PM), (v) 75 kg/ha NPK with 15 t/ha PM (¼ NPK + ¾ PM), (vi) Control treatment with no fertilizer applied. The results showed that vegetative growth parameters of the carrots such as plant height, canopy width, and number of leaves per plant were significantly improved with the application of full chicken manure (CM) and full NPK compared to the control. Additionally, dry shoot weight, fresh root weight, and dry root weight were higher in treatments with full CM, full NPK, ¾ NPK + ¼ CM, and ¼ NPK + ¾ CM than in the control group. Application of full chicken manure (CM), ¼ NPK + ¾ CM, and ½ NPK + ½ CM resulted in increased root diameter, root length, number of plants harvested, number of marketable roots, and total root yield compared to the control. Root yield in these treatments was 14–41% higher than that of the control. The nutritional qualities of carrots including crude protein, iron, calcium, reducing sugars, total oxalates, total carotenoids, carbohydrates, and moisture content were generally higher in treatments with full chicken manure (CM) and full NPK compared to the control. The economic analysis revealed that applying 20 t/ha of poultry manure (PM) was the most profitable option in 2021, yielding the highest benefit-cost ratio (2.56) and marginal rate of return (MRR) of 641.57%. In 2022, the combination of 75 kg/ha NPK + 15 t/ha PM proved more profitable, recording the highest MRR of 708.44%. During the minor season, 20 t/ha PM produced the highest yield (4.06 t/ha), along with the best benefit-cost ratio and MRR, and is therefore recommended to farmers for improved yield and profitability in carrot production during that season. In contrast, the application of 75 kg/ha NPK combined with 15 t/ha poultry manure resulted in the highest yield (14.37 t/ha) and marginal rate of return (MRR) of 708.44% during the major season. This treatment is therefore recommended for farmers to adopt in order to achieve higher yields and increased profitability in carrot production during the major season.
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    Growth and Yield Performance of Maize (Zea mays L.) as Affected by Blended Basal Fertilizer and Briquette N Top Dressing.
    (AMU, Michael, 2024-08) AMU, Michael
    Maize (Zea mays L.) remains a key staple crop in Ghana, yet yields continue to lag behind the attainable potential due to nutrient-depleted soils, poor fertilizer use efficiency, and climate variability. This study investigated the effects of blended basal fertilizer and nitrogen briquette top dressing on the growth, yield, soil properties, and economic performance of maize. Two field experiment were conducted at different sites of the demonstration farm of Akenten Appiah-Menka University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development (AAMUSTED), Mampong–Ashanti, during the major (March to July) and the minor (August to December) seasons of 2023 using a Randomised Complete Block Design (RCBD) with five treatments with four replication. The treatments were: (i) No Fertilizer (Control), (ii) Granular NPK (70-50-50 kg/ha) + Urea briquettes, (iii) Granular NPK (70-50-50 kg/ha) + 20S + (NH₄)₂SO₄ briquettes, (iv) Granular NPK (90-60-60 kg/ha) + Urea briquettes and (v) Granular NPK (90-60-60 kg/ha) + 20S + (NH₄)₂SO₄ briquettes. The results showed that, the treatment involving NPK (90-60-60 kg/ha) combined with 20S and ammonium sulphate briquettes significantly outperformed all others. It recorded the highest grain yield (6.17 t/ha), cob length (19.7 cm), plant height (222.7 cm), and leaf area index (4.87). Soil chemical analysis showed improvements in pH, total nitrogen, and organic carbon. Economically, this treatment achieved the highest gross margin (GH₵8,076.00/ha), net return (GH₵5,486.00/ha), and benefit-cost ratio (2.13), making it the most profitable and resource-efficient option.The findings suggest that integrating site-specific blended basal fertilizer with urea briquette top dressing enhances maize performance, soil health, and farmer profitability more effectively than conventional granular Fertilizers. It is therefore recommended that policy frameworks such as Ghana’s Planting for Food and Jobs (PFJ) programme incorporate controlled-release fertilizer technologies into subsidy schemes.
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    Weed Control Regime And Plant Population Density Effects On The Growth And Yield Of Early Maturing Maize (Zea Mays L.) Variety.
    (AGYEMAN, Appiah Douglas, 2024-07) AGYEMAN, Appiah Douglas
    This study was conducted to provide a comprehensive understanding of the impact of weed control strategies and plant population density on the growth and yield of early maturing maize variety. The experiment was conducted at the Akenten Appiah-Menka University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development (AAMUSTED), Mampong Campus, Multipurpose Crop Nursery in two cropping seasons (major and minor) in the year 2023. The experimental design was Split-plot arranged in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. The main plot factor was weed control which included (i) weed free (weed regularly at every 2 weeks), (ii) weed once at 4 weeks after planting (WAP), (iii) weed twice at 2 and 6 weeks after planting (WAP), and (iv) unweeded (control) and the sub plot factor was plant population density (PP) which also included (i) 80 cm x 30 cm (83,333 plants/ha), (ii) 80 cm x 40 cm (62, 500 plants/ha) and (iii) 80 cm x 50 cm (50,000 plants/ha). The results showed that Weeding at 2 and 6 weeks after planting and 80 cm x 40 cm and the interaction significantly produced taller maize plant and greater number of leaves. Weeding once at 4 weeks after planting and 80 cm x 40 cm also produced higher plant dry matter. Weeding at every 2 weeks and 80 cm x 40 cm produced longer cobs, although the difference was not significant. Weeding regularly every 2 weeks significantly produced heavier stover and more grain yield during the minor season only. 80 cm x 30 cm (83,330 plants/ha) significantly produced heavier stover in both seasons and grain yield during the major season. All the treatment produced significant benefit to cost ratio. Weed once + 80 × 50 cm, weed twice + 80 × 40 cm, Weed twice + 80 × 30 cm and Weed free + 80 × 30 cm dominated over other treatments, where Weed twice + 80 × 40 cm had the highest marginal rate of return. Regular weeding every two weeks after planting or twice at two and six weeks after planting, along with a planting distance of 80 cm x 30 cm (83,333 plants/ha) or 80 cm x 40 cm (62,500 plants/ha), or a combination of weeding every two weeks after planting and 80 cm x 30 cm (83,333 plants/ha), could result in higher maize productivity and higher economic returns.
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    Effect of Different Rates of Npk Fertilizer and Supergro on Growth and Yield of Two Varieties of Groundnut (Arachis Hypogaea L.).
    (AYER, Kwasi Simon, 2024-09) AYER, Kwasi Simon
    Two field experiments were carried out at the Akenten Appiah-Menka University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development (AAMUSTED)-Mampong campus research field during the 2023 major rainy season (May to August) and minor rainy season (September to December) to evaluate the effect of varying fertilizer and SuperGro application rates on groundnut productivity. The experimental design used for the study was a 2×5 factorial experiment arrangement in a Randomized Complete Block Design with ten treatments, each replicated four times. The factors were: (A) groundnut varieties ((i) Yenyawoso and (ii) Dehyee) and (B) fertilizer rates ((i) no fertilizer, (ii) 50 kg/ha NPK, (iii) 150 kg/ha NPK, (iv) 250 kg/ha NPK, and (v) 10 ml SuperGro per 10 L of water). The results showed that percentage crop establishment was significantly affected (P≤0.05) by variety, fertilizer rates, and their interaction across both seasons. Yenyawoso consistently recorded higher crop establishment percentages compared to Dehyee, with the highest values observed at 150 kg/ha NPK. Days to 50% flowering, pegging, podding, and maturity were generally earlier in Yenyawoso, particularly under 50–150 kg/ha NPK, than in Dehyee, mostly in the minor season. Growth parameters such as plant height, canopy spread, number of branches, stem girth, and biomass accumulation were influenced by variety, fertilizer rate, and their interactions across different growth stages. Dehyee had taller plants and wider canopies in the major season, while Yenyawoso showed superior growth in the minor season. Across both seasons, Dehyee grown on 50 kg/ha NPK produced the greatest number of pods per plant, pod weight per plot, and pod yield, while Yenyawoso treated with 150 kg/ha NPK achieved the highest seed yield compared to its control. Farmers are encouraged to grow Dehyee with 50 kg/ha NPK and Yenyawoso with 150 kg/ha NPK for higher yield and yield component.