2 research outputs found
Effect of Chromolaena Odorata Residue and Urea Fertilizer on Plant Available Nitrogen, Growth and Yield of Maize (Zea Maysl.) in Ejiba, Kogi State, Nigeria
Field experiments were conducted at Lower Niger River Basin and Rural Development Authority, Ejiba to
examine the effects of Chromolaena odorataresidue and urea fertilizer on plant available nitrogen, growth and
yield of maize. The experimental design employed was randomized complete block design (RCBD) consisting
of six (6) treatments with three(3) replicates. The treatments consisted of the following: Urea (mineral fertilizer)
at 260 kg/ha, 10t/ha Chromolaena odorata stem & Leaf, 8t/ha Chromolaena odorata residue + 52 kg/ha urea,
6t/ha Chromolaena odorata residue + 104 kg/ha urea, 4t/ha Chromolaena odorata residue + 156 kg/ha urea and
2t/ha Chromolaena odorata residue + 208 kg/ha urea. Maize seeds (ACR 9931 DMR - SR - Y) were sown at a
spacing of 90 cm between rows and 30cm within rows. Soil sample was collected and analysed for soil organic
carbon and mineral nitrogen. Data were taken on agronomic traits such as plant height, leaf area, stem diameter
and days to50% tasselling. Yield parameters taken were number of seed per cob, grain weight per plant (kg),
and weight of 1000 seeds. Data collected was subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA), and the means were
separated using Duncan Multiple Range Test at 5% level of probability. The integrated use of Chromolaena
odorata residues and mineral fertilizer(urea) showed promising potential in conserving soil fertility and improve
the yield of maize in the study area. It is recommended that the use of Chromolaena odorata residue at 6t/ha
plus urea fertilizer at 104kg/ha be adopted for maize cultivation in the study area.
Keywords: Nutrient, Maize, Residue, Organic, Inorganic and Fertilize