Growth and Yield of Maize (Zea mays L.) as Affected by Organic Soil Amendment in Rainforest Agro-Ecology

Authors: Agboola K* , Lamidi K , Musa MA , Yusuf M and Evinemi TO

DOI: 10.23880/jenr-16000402

Volume 9, Issue 1

Abstract

The field study was carried out to assess the Growth and Yield of Maize (Zea mays L.) as Influenced by Soil Organic Amendment in Rainforest Agro-Ecology The aim was to study the effects of Soil Organic Amendment on maize growth and yield. The experiment had eight (8) treatments (control, 10kg of humic acid per hectare, 20kg of humic acid per hectare, 30kg of humic acid per hectare, the recommended rate of NPK (900kg: 60kg: 60kg) per hectare, 1/3 of RNPK + 30kg of humic acid, 1/2 of RNPK + 30kg of humic acid and 2/3 of RNPK + 30kg of humic acid) which were replicated three (3) times and the experimental design was randomized complete block design (RCBD). From the result obtained, the application of Humic Acid on maize had no significant (p>0.05) influence on the plant height, number of leaves and stem girth for most of the sampling periods in both cropping seasons. However there were significant difference (p>0.05) for all the yield parameter tested except the cob diameter. The total yield of maize gotten in this study showed that treatment 60kgNPK/ha and HA₃₀+1/2RNPK had the highest yield were statistically at par in the first (6.13 and 5.74 t/ha) and Second (7.56 and 7.38 t/ha) cropping season respectively. Therefore, application of 1/2 fraction of the recommended mineral fertilizer rate in combination with HA (1/2 RNPK + HA₃₀) can be considered for optimum maize yield in the Study location for agriculture to be sustainable.

Keywords: Humic Acid; Soil Structure; Mineral Fertilizer; Growth and Yield

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