Influence of Source and Rates of Organic Residues Application on the Growth and Yield of Maize (Zea mays L.) and Soil Chemical Properties in Minna, Nigeria

Abstract

Two season field experiment were conducted at the Teaching and Research Farm of Federal University of Technology Minna, Niger State during 2012 and 2013 cropping season. The experiments were designed to investigate the effect of sources and rates of organic residues on the growth, and yield of maize and on soil chemical properties. The treatments consisted three organic residues (orange waste, tamarind pulp and amaranthus leaves) and five rates of application (0, 2, 4, 6 and 8t ha-1). The treatment combinations were laid in a split plot arrangement using the randomized complete block design with three replicates. Organic residue sources occupied the main plots while their rates of application were assigned to the sub plot. Parameters recorded were : plant height at 2, 4, 6 and 8 weeks after planting (WAP), shoot dry weight at 50% tasseling, dry cob weight, grain yield at harvest and post-harvest soil chemical properties (soil pH, total nitrogen, organic carbon and available phosphorus. The results obtained showed that the treatment had a significant (p < 0.05) effects on the plant height at 4, 6 and 8 WAP), cob weight and yield parameters in both seasons. Significant (p< 0.05) differences were also observed on the growth and yield among the sources and their rates of application of the organic materials. Similarly, the post soil analysis showed a significant improvement of soil chemical properties (soil pH, total nitrogen, organic carbon and available phosphorus) over the control and initial soil analysis.