Integrated Nutrient Management on Growth and Yield of Maize (Zea mays L.).

Abstract

Two field experiments were conducted at different locations of the research field at the Akenten Appiah-Menka University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development (AAMUSTED), Mampong campus during the minor rainy season (August - December 2021) and the major rainy season (March - July 2022) to evaluate the effect of integrating biochar, chicken manure and NPK fertilizer on growth and yield of maize. The experiment was laid out in a 2 x 6 factorial arranged in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) and replicated three times. There were six treatments [(T1 = 10 t/ha Chicken manure (CM), T2 = 300 kg/ha NPK 15:15:15, T3 = 2.5 t/ha Gliricidia sepium biochar (GB), T4 = 150 kg/ha NPK 15:15:15 + 1.25 t/ha GB, T5 = 1.25 t/ha GB + 5 t/ha CM) and T6 = No fertilizer (Control)] imposed on two maize varieties (Omankwa and Obatanpa). The results showed that amending soil with 10 t/ha CM or 1.25 t/ha GB + 5 t/ha CM improved soil chemical properties (total N, available P and increased soil pH and exchangeable bases). Omankwa x 10 t/ha CM or 1.25 t/ha GB + 5 t/ha CM interactions produced greater number of established plants which tasseled and silked earlier as compared to Obatanpa grown on the same amended soils. Obatanpa x 10 t/ha CM or 1.25 t/ha GB + 5 t/ha CM interactions produced significantly higher vegetative growth than Omankwa grown on 300 kg/ha NPK, 2.5 t/ha GB and 150 kg/ha NPK + 1.25 t/ha GB. Obatanpa x 10 t/ha CM or 1.25 t/ha GB + 5 t/ha CM interactions produced significantly higher grain yield, cob length, cob diameter and 100-seed weight per plot than Omankwa grown on the same treatments. It is recommended that farmers who practice organic agriculture should apply 10 t/ha CM or 1.25 t/ha GB + 5 t/ha CM to enhance early tasseling and silking of maize, vegetative growth and grain yield. Again, for the higher marginal rate of return, the application of 300 kg/ha NPK 15-15-15 is recommended although it did not produce a higher yield as compared to other amended plots.