Growth and Yield Performance of Maize (Zea mays L.) as Influenced by NPK Briquettes Fertilizers Blended with RP, S, and Zn.

Abstract

Two field experiments were conducted at different locations at the Multipurpose Nursery at the Akenten Appiah-Menka University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development (AAMUTED) Mampong Ashanti and Ejura Agricultural College Crop Farm from April 2021 to August 2021. The objective of the study was to determine the effect of growth and yield of maize as influenced by NPK briquettes formulations. The Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) was used with eight treatments and four replications. There were eight (8) treatments made up of different rates of inorganic fertilizers formulated into briquette namely: T1- NPK 23-10-5 (NPK 276-40-40 kg/ha) (control), T2- NPK 23-10-5+ (RP) (NPK 276-40-20 (40) kg/ha), T3- NPK 23-10+5 + (RP + P) + K+S (NPK 276-40-20 (40+40) +40+6.2 kg/ha), T-4 NPK 23-10-5 (RP + P) + K + S+ Zn (NPK 276-40-20 (40+40) +40 +6.2+2.5 kg/ha) T-5 NPK 23-10-5 (RP + P) (NPK 276-40-20 (40+4 kg/ha), T6- NPK 23-10-5 (RP +P) + S (NPK 276-40-20 (40+40) +6.2 kg/ha), T7- NPK 23-10-5+P+S+K (NPK 276-40-20 (40+40+6.2 kg/ha) and NPK 23-10-5+P+S (NPK 276-40-20 (40+6.2 kg/ha). The results showed that NPK 23-10-5+ (RP) (NPK 276-40-20 (40) kg/ha and NPK 23-10-5 (RP + P) + K + S+ Zn (NPK 276-4020 (40+40) +40 +6.2+2.5 kg/ha) tasselled and silked earlier than other treatments and was significantly different from NPK 23-10-5+P+S+K (NPK 276-40-20 (40+40+6.2 kg/ha) and other treatment. There were significantly taller plants at 7 and 9 WAP, greater number of leaves per plant at 13 WAP, wider stem diameter at 13 WAP with plants grown on NPK 23-10-5+P+S+K (NPK 276-40-20 (40+40+6.2 kg/ha) in Mampong across the growing period than other treatments. Similarly, NPK 23-10-5+P+S+K (NPK 276-40-20 (40+40+6.2 kg/ha) application produced significantly higher number of cobs per plot, dehusked cob weight per plot, number of plants harvested and cob diameter than NPK 23-10-5 (NPK 276-40-20 kg/ha) which had the least mean values for the Ejura field. The NPK 23-10-5+P+S+K (NPK 276-40-20 (40+40+6.2 kg/ha) had significantly greater number of lodged plant and cob length at Ejura compared to NPK 23-105+P+S+K (NPK 276-40-20 (40+40+6.2 kg/ha with the least mean value. Total grain weight per plot, total stover weight plot at harvest, 100 seed weight, undehusk cobs per plot and grain yield per hectare, chlorophyll content on sixth leaf at 13 DAP for maize planted on NPK 23-10-5+P+S+K (NPK 276-40-20 (40+40+6.2 kg/ha were significantly higher in Ejura than those planted at Mampong. It is recommended that farmers are encouraged to apply NPK 23-10-5 (RP + P) + K + S+ Zn (NPK 276-40-20 (40+40) +40 +6.2+2.5 kg/ha) and NPK 23-10-5+P+S+K (NPK 276-40-20 (40+40+6.2 kg/ha) to their maize for higher growth and yield with sustained soil fertility.