This study evaluated the effects of phosphorus fertilizer rates on maize yield and yield components in two locations in Kogi State, Nigeria. Seven phosphorus rates ranging from 0 to 120 kg/ha were applied. Across both locations and years, phosphorus application significantly increased plant height, number of leaves, leaf area, stem girth, cob weight, and grain yield compared to the control. The highest cob weights and grain yields were obtained from application rates of 100-120 kg/ha. Specifically, 100 kg/ha of P was found to provide optimum maize yields of 5.40 and 5.51 tons/ha in the Anyigba soils over two years. In the Ofere soils, the optimum yield of
Role of Organic and Inorganic Fertilizers on the Performance of Some Medicin...Premier Publishers
Medicinal plants are nutrient demanding plants for normal growth and to produce higher yield. The aim of this review is to assess and indicate the role of plant nutrients both organic and inorganic in some medicinal plants. Inorganic and/or organic fertilizers are needed to meet inadequate soil nutrients and the declining of soil fertility as a result of continuous cultivation. Maintaining soil organic matter concentration above the threshold level is critical for improving soil quality. A careful combination of organic and inorganic fertilizers is widely recognized strategy of integrated nutrient management to sustain agronomic productivity and improve soil fertility. The effects of organic fertilization and combined use of chemical and organic fertilizer on crop growth and soil fertility depend on the application rates and the nature of fertilizers used. Interestingly, applications of organic fertilizers to plants have been reported to increase the presence of bioactive compounds and antioxidants in them. On the other hand, inorganic fertilizers are crucial to increase the yield of medicinal plants like roselle within a short period of time. Most of the research conducted in plant nutrient demand for medicinal plants reported that integrated nutrient management for continuous and sustainable production of medicinal crop is necessary to gain quality products.
Integrated Nutrient Management refers to the maintenance of soil fertility and of plant nutrient supply at an optimum level for sustaining the desired productivity through optimization of the benefits from all possible sources of organic, inorganic and biological components in an integrated manner
Integrated nutrient management (INM) involves efficient and judicious use of all the major components of plant nutrient sources for sustaining soil fertility, health and productivity
Integrated approach for plant nutrition is being advocated because single nutrient approach often reduces fertilizer use efficiency and consequently creates problem fertilizers can help in enhancing and maintaining stability in production with least degradation in chemical and physical properties of the soil.
A healthy soil is a living, dynamic ecosystem that performs many vital functions.
A healthy soil produces a healthy feed for consumption. Improved soil health often is indicated by improvement on physical, chemical and microbiological environment.
Introduction of high yielding varieties, irrigation and use of high analysis fertilizer without proper soil tests, accelerated the mining of native soil nutrient resources.
Under intensive cultivation without giving due consideration to nutrient requirement has resulted in decline in soil fertility and consequent productivity of crops
Vegetables are rich source of energy and nutrition.
Role of Organic and Inorganic Fertilizers on the Performance of Some Medicin...Premier Publishers
Medicinal plants are nutrient demanding plants for normal growth and to produce higher yield. The aim of this review is to assess and indicate the role of plant nutrients both organic and inorganic in some medicinal plants. Inorganic and/or organic fertilizers are needed to meet inadequate soil nutrients and the declining of soil fertility as a result of continuous cultivation. Maintaining soil organic matter concentration above the threshold level is critical for improving soil quality. A careful combination of organic and inorganic fertilizers is widely recognized strategy of integrated nutrient management to sustain agronomic productivity and improve soil fertility. The effects of organic fertilization and combined use of chemical and organic fertilizer on crop growth and soil fertility depend on the application rates and the nature of fertilizers used. Interestingly, applications of organic fertilizers to plants have been reported to increase the presence of bioactive compounds and antioxidants in them. On the other hand, inorganic fertilizers are crucial to increase the yield of medicinal plants like roselle within a short period of time. Most of the research conducted in plant nutrient demand for medicinal plants reported that integrated nutrient management for continuous and sustainable production of medicinal crop is necessary to gain quality products.
Integrated Nutrient Management refers to the maintenance of soil fertility and of plant nutrient supply at an optimum level for sustaining the desired productivity through optimization of the benefits from all possible sources of organic, inorganic and biological components in an integrated manner
Integrated nutrient management (INM) involves efficient and judicious use of all the major components of plant nutrient sources for sustaining soil fertility, health and productivity
Integrated approach for plant nutrition is being advocated because single nutrient approach often reduces fertilizer use efficiency and consequently creates problem fertilizers can help in enhancing and maintaining stability in production with least degradation in chemical and physical properties of the soil.
A healthy soil is a living, dynamic ecosystem that performs many vital functions.
A healthy soil produces a healthy feed for consumption. Improved soil health often is indicated by improvement on physical, chemical and microbiological environment.
Introduction of high yielding varieties, irrigation and use of high analysis fertilizer without proper soil tests, accelerated the mining of native soil nutrient resources.
Under intensive cultivation without giving due consideration to nutrient requirement has resulted in decline in soil fertility and consequent productivity of crops
Vegetables are rich source of energy and nutrition.
Influence of NPK Fertilizer and Poultry Manure on the Growth of Okra (Abelmos...AI Publications
Field trials were conducted during the 2018 rainy season at the Federal University Dutsin-Ma Teaching and Research Farm, Badole. The aim of the work was to evaluate the influence of different levels of NPK fertilizer (0, 40, 80 kg ha-1) and poultry manure (0, 4, 8 tons’ ha-1) on the growth of okra. The trial was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) and replicated three times. The application of 4 and 8 tons’ ha-1 of poultry manure showed significant difference on the number of plant per plot at 4 and 6WAS. While the application of NKP 15:15:15 at all level were statistically at par on the number of plant per plot. The application of poultry manure and NPK 15:15:15 showed significant difference among the treatment to plant height, number of leaves, leaves area, stem girth at various weeks of data collection. The increase in the level of poultry manure and NPK 15:15:15 fertilizer showed the significant effects on number plant, number of leave per plant, leave area, plant height, stem girth. And some of parameters were statistically at far by varied level of factors and time. Okra variety Clemson spineless significantly gave taller plants and increase in the plant organs. Both NPK fertilizer and poultry manure were found to play a significant role in increasing the growth of okra plant.
A systematic review of biochar as a soil amendment and bioremediation tool in...Innspub Net
In arid and semi-arid regions limited water inputs, lower soil organic matter and carbon decreases the soil moisture retention which make soils of these regions difficult to sustain healthy crop. Moreover, intensive agricultural practices are depleting the soil of its organic matter and nutrients which is reducing the soil fertility even further. Pakistan has high rainfall variability during different seasons. The regions which remain dry in all seasons due to low precipitation are greatly vulnerable to drought. Organic farming provides a solution to mitigate this problem to some extent but in this case the yield is less as compared to the conventional agriculture system. Biochar serves as a novel method for increasing soil carbon content due to its enhanced carbon stability. Biochar being highly porous material has large surface area and it causes significant changes in soil physical properties such as water holding capacity, porosity, drainage and bulk density. Adding the biochar in soil have many advantages from reduction of pollutants and heavy metals concentration in soil, increasing soil carbon sequestration as a strategy to mitigate climate change and increased soil microbial diversity due to substrate enhancement. The incorporation of biochar in soil has a great impact on the soil texture, density, particle size distribution, and soil density and can be used as fertilizer to increase the crop yield due to its ability to slow release of the nutrients in soil.
Effects of Incorporated Green Manure and Inorganic Fertilizer on Amaranth Ama...ijtsrd
Four cowpea varieties Oloyin, Drum, Zobo and White Mallam , and four levels of nitrogen fertilizer 20, 40, 60 and 80 kg N ha were applied at 2 weeks after planting WAP to the vegetable Amaranth between October 2018 to April 2019. The cowpea green manure was incorporated into soil 6 WAP and left for a week to decompose before planting the vegetable Amaranth. Growth of cowpea varieties used as green manure in 2018 showed no significant difference. However, in 2019 the canopy height and fresh weight at 3 WAP were significantly p 0.05 different among cowpea varieties. The canopy height of Oloyin, Drum and White Mallam were similar but significantly p 0.05 higher than that of Zobo variety. Similarly, application of 60 and 80 kg N ha significantly produced more yield relative to 0 and 40 kg N ha of inorganic fertilizer rates. Generally, higher significant yield p 0.05 was recorded in the second cycle of planting. This study concluded that green manure from Oloyin produced yield of Amaranth us 11.0 47.3 t ha which was similar to the yield obtained from 80 kg N ha 12.13 37.7t ha . Adeniji Azeez Adewale | Kumoye Deborah Etooluwa "Effects of Incorporated Green Manure and Inorganic Fertilizer on Amaranth (Amaranthus Caudatus. L) Vegetable" Published in International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development (ijtsrd), ISSN: 2456-6470, Volume-4 | Issue-6 , October 2020, URL: https://www.ijtsrd.com/papers/ijtsrd33676.pdf Paper Url: https://www.ijtsrd.com/biological-science/zoology/33676/effects-of-incorporated-green-manure-and-inorganic-fertilizer-on-amaranth-amaranthus-caudatus-l-vegetable/adeniji-azeez-adewale
Generation and proliferation rate assessment of saba banana (Musa balbisiana)...Innspub Net
The main production constraint of banana is the availability of disease-free and healthy planting materials. Tissue culture is a technique that could provide these materials, but it requires high cost and technical expertise. Macropropagation offers simpler and more affordable processes that could enhance seedling production. This study evaluated the effects of irrigation levels and growth enhancers on macropropagation of saba banana under glasshouse conditions using factorial in completely randomized design. Factor A consisted of irrigation levels: A1=50%RR, A2=100% RR and A3=150%RR. Different growth enhancers were used for Factor B: B0=Control, B1=Coconut water, B2=Seaweed extract and B3=Benzyl Amino Purine. Results clearly suggests the advantage of using plant growth enhancers and appropriate irrigation level for macropropagation of banana. The irrigation level of 50% of recommended rate or 4liters/day plus the application of BAP (2mg/l) or the plant growth enhancers may be recommended for obtaining maximum growth, more plantlets produced and irrigation water efficiency of banana. It could not only save water for plants but also accelerate the growth and production of banana.
Effects of salinity stress on growth, Water use efficiency and biomass partit...Innspub Net
Future crop production is predicted to face significant challenges from salinity stress due to secondary salinization. Therefore future-proofing crop production in these conditions is an essential path towards addressing food security. We evaluated the effect of irrigation with water of 0, 4 and 8 ppt salinity on growth, biomass partitioning, WUE and chlorophyll fluorescence of Vernonia hymenolepis A.Rich as ameliorated by fertilization with three levels of NPK20:10:10. Data were analysed for variance using the General Linear Model ANOVA procedure, after positive tests for normality and homogeneity of variance. Means were separated through the Dunnett test. Pearson Correlation was done to determine relationship between variables and these were spatially projected using the Factor Analysis procedure, without rotation. Under fertilization at 8 g NPK20:10:10 per plant, growth was stimulated by salinity increase to 4 ppt (35.43cm) compared to 30.43cm for control plants. Fertilizer application significantly improved all the biomass fractions of plants irrigated with water of 4 ppt relative to the control, while root:shoot ratios were highest for unfertilized plants indicating resource re-allocation to roots for better foraging. Chlorophyll fluorescence ranged between 0.716 and 0.727 and did not differ significantly across treatments. These values indicate that all treatments were under stress, including control plants. Values of WUE and RGR indicate that fertilization of plants irrigated with water of 4ppt salinity enhances growth and Harvest Index of V. hymenolepis, in spite of the registered stress. This is significant to future food security.
Indian agriculture is passing through difficult times due to erractic weather conditions, especially drought and excessive rainfall, there by resulting into wide spread distress among farmers.
The average income of an agricultural household during July 2012 to June 2013 was as low as Rs.6,426.
As many as 22.50% of the farmers live below poverty line, the country also witnessed a sharp increase in the number of farmers suicides due to losses from farming and low farm income.
Farming in India is becoming hard and unsuccessful due to several causes like unexpected rainfalls,droughts, increased cost of cultivation due to pests and diseases, decrease in productivity of land, unavailability of water etc..
Farmers get very low income for their produce due to prevailing market prices that are very unstable.
Decline in Agriculture productivity and Income has a serious effect on rural house holds, and other economic, social as well as sustainability indicators.
A brief study on Integrated Nutrient Management (INM). This presentation has created by me after studying many articles and research papers regarding INM. Suggestions are kindly invited.
Plant need water, air, light, suitable temperature and 17 essential nutrients for growth and development in the right combination. When plant suffers from malnutrition, exhibits symptoms of being unhealthy reliable nutrient recommendations are dependent upon accurate soil tests and crop nutrient calibrations based on extensive field research. An important part of crop production is being able to identify and prevent plant nutrient deficiencies. Optimization of pistachio productivity and quality requires an understanding of the nutrient requirements of the tree, the factors that influence nutrient availability and the methods used to diagnose and correct deficiencies. Several methods for nutritional diagnosis using leaf tissue analysis have been proposed and used, including the critical value (CV), the sufficiency range approach (SRA), and the diagnosis and recommendation integrated system (DRIS). de both soil and tissues analysis. Renewed and intensified efforts are in progress to identify nutrient constraints using latest diagnostic tools and managing them more precisely through intervention of geospatial technologies (GPS, GIS etc.). There have been consistent concerns about the relegated fertilizer use efficiency, warranting further the revision of ongoing practices, and adoption of some alternative strategies. Diagnosis of nutrient constraints and their effective management has, therefore, now shifted in favour of INM.
3. Integrated nutrient management (organic matter status of pakistan soil)Mr.Allah Dad Khan
A Series of Presentation To Trainee in Field By Mr. Allah Dad Khan Former DG Agriculture Extension Department Khyber Pakhtun Khwa Province , Provincial Project Director Crop Maximization Project II ( CMP II) Ministry of Food Agriculture and Livestock Islamabad and Visiting Professor the University of Agriculture Peshawar , Pakistan allahdad52@gmail.com
Effect of Spacing and Poultry Manure Rates on Growth, Yield and Quality of Ca...IJEABJ
Field experiment was conducted at the Teaching and Research Farm of the Department of Agriculture, Ndele Campus, Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, to study the effects of poultry manure rates and crop spacing on growth, yield and quality of Cayenne pepper. The 3 x 3 factorial experiment with three replicates was arranged in a Completely Randomized Design. The main plots were three poultry manure rates (0, 10, 20tons/ha-1) and sub plots, three spacing (50cm x 50cm, 100cm x 50cm and 100cm x 100cm). Data collected were plant height, number of leaf per plant, leaf area; number of fruits per plot, fruit weight per plot, fruit yield per hectare, fruit lycopene and vitamin C contents. Results showed plant height increased with reducing planting distance and increasing Poultry manure rate; 50cm by 50cm fertilized at 20tons/ha produced the tallest plants with most number of leaves but least leaf area LA. Number of fruits, fruit weight and yield per plot, per hectare increased with increasing planting density and increasing Poultry manure rates lycopene and vitamin c contents increased with Poultry manure levels within the different spacing. Spacing of 50cm by 50cm fertilized with poultry manure at 20 tons per hectare is recommended.
Nutrient budgets are becoming accepted tools to describe nutrient flows within cropping system and to assist in the planning of the rotational cropping and mixed farming system
Depending on the farm management and the balance of inputs and outputs of nutrient N,P and K budgets have been shown to range from deficit to surplus in cropping system
Budgets are the outcome of simple nutrient accounting process which details all the inputs and outputs to a given defined system over fixed period of time
A soil surface nutrient budget accounts for all nutrients that enter the soil surface and leave the soil through crop uptake.
The development of Plant Nutrient Management to increase the quantity of plant nutrients in farming systems and thus crop productivity is a major challenge for food security and rural development.The depletion of nutrient stocks in the soil is a major but often hidden form of land degradation. On the other hand, excessive application of nutrients or inefficient management means an economic loss to the farmer and can cause environmental problems, especially if large quantities of nutrients are lost from the soil-plant system into water or air.
Increasing agricultural production by improving plant nutrition management, together with a better use of other production factors is thus a complex challenge. Nutrient management implies managing all nutrient sources - fertilisers, organic manures, waste materials suitable for recycling nutrients, soil reserves, biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) and bio-fertilizers in such a way that yield is not knowingly increased while every effort is made to minimise losses of nutrients to environment
Influence of NPK Fertilizer and Poultry Manure on the Growth of Okra (Abelmos...AI Publications
Field trials were conducted during the 2018 rainy season at the Federal University Dutsin-Ma Teaching and Research Farm, Badole. The aim of the work was to evaluate the influence of different levels of NPK fertilizer (0, 40, 80 kg ha-1) and poultry manure (0, 4, 8 tons’ ha-1) on the growth of okra. The trial was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) and replicated three times. The application of 4 and 8 tons’ ha-1 of poultry manure showed significant difference on the number of plant per plot at 4 and 6WAS. While the application of NKP 15:15:15 at all level were statistically at par on the number of plant per plot. The application of poultry manure and NPK 15:15:15 showed significant difference among the treatment to plant height, number of leaves, leaves area, stem girth at various weeks of data collection. The increase in the level of poultry manure and NPK 15:15:15 fertilizer showed the significant effects on number plant, number of leave per plant, leave area, plant height, stem girth. And some of parameters were statistically at far by varied level of factors and time. Okra variety Clemson spineless significantly gave taller plants and increase in the plant organs. Both NPK fertilizer and poultry manure were found to play a significant role in increasing the growth of okra plant.
A systematic review of biochar as a soil amendment and bioremediation tool in...Innspub Net
In arid and semi-arid regions limited water inputs, lower soil organic matter and carbon decreases the soil moisture retention which make soils of these regions difficult to sustain healthy crop. Moreover, intensive agricultural practices are depleting the soil of its organic matter and nutrients which is reducing the soil fertility even further. Pakistan has high rainfall variability during different seasons. The regions which remain dry in all seasons due to low precipitation are greatly vulnerable to drought. Organic farming provides a solution to mitigate this problem to some extent but in this case the yield is less as compared to the conventional agriculture system. Biochar serves as a novel method for increasing soil carbon content due to its enhanced carbon stability. Biochar being highly porous material has large surface area and it causes significant changes in soil physical properties such as water holding capacity, porosity, drainage and bulk density. Adding the biochar in soil have many advantages from reduction of pollutants and heavy metals concentration in soil, increasing soil carbon sequestration as a strategy to mitigate climate change and increased soil microbial diversity due to substrate enhancement. The incorporation of biochar in soil has a great impact on the soil texture, density, particle size distribution, and soil density and can be used as fertilizer to increase the crop yield due to its ability to slow release of the nutrients in soil.
Effects of Incorporated Green Manure and Inorganic Fertilizer on Amaranth Ama...ijtsrd
Four cowpea varieties Oloyin, Drum, Zobo and White Mallam , and four levels of nitrogen fertilizer 20, 40, 60 and 80 kg N ha were applied at 2 weeks after planting WAP to the vegetable Amaranth between October 2018 to April 2019. The cowpea green manure was incorporated into soil 6 WAP and left for a week to decompose before planting the vegetable Amaranth. Growth of cowpea varieties used as green manure in 2018 showed no significant difference. However, in 2019 the canopy height and fresh weight at 3 WAP were significantly p 0.05 different among cowpea varieties. The canopy height of Oloyin, Drum and White Mallam were similar but significantly p 0.05 higher than that of Zobo variety. Similarly, application of 60 and 80 kg N ha significantly produced more yield relative to 0 and 40 kg N ha of inorganic fertilizer rates. Generally, higher significant yield p 0.05 was recorded in the second cycle of planting. This study concluded that green manure from Oloyin produced yield of Amaranth us 11.0 47.3 t ha which was similar to the yield obtained from 80 kg N ha 12.13 37.7t ha . Adeniji Azeez Adewale | Kumoye Deborah Etooluwa "Effects of Incorporated Green Manure and Inorganic Fertilizer on Amaranth (Amaranthus Caudatus. L) Vegetable" Published in International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development (ijtsrd), ISSN: 2456-6470, Volume-4 | Issue-6 , October 2020, URL: https://www.ijtsrd.com/papers/ijtsrd33676.pdf Paper Url: https://www.ijtsrd.com/biological-science/zoology/33676/effects-of-incorporated-green-manure-and-inorganic-fertilizer-on-amaranth-amaranthus-caudatus-l-vegetable/adeniji-azeez-adewale
Generation and proliferation rate assessment of saba banana (Musa balbisiana)...Innspub Net
The main production constraint of banana is the availability of disease-free and healthy planting materials. Tissue culture is a technique that could provide these materials, but it requires high cost and technical expertise. Macropropagation offers simpler and more affordable processes that could enhance seedling production. This study evaluated the effects of irrigation levels and growth enhancers on macropropagation of saba banana under glasshouse conditions using factorial in completely randomized design. Factor A consisted of irrigation levels: A1=50%RR, A2=100% RR and A3=150%RR. Different growth enhancers were used for Factor B: B0=Control, B1=Coconut water, B2=Seaweed extract and B3=Benzyl Amino Purine. Results clearly suggests the advantage of using plant growth enhancers and appropriate irrigation level for macropropagation of banana. The irrigation level of 50% of recommended rate or 4liters/day plus the application of BAP (2mg/l) or the plant growth enhancers may be recommended for obtaining maximum growth, more plantlets produced and irrigation water efficiency of banana. It could not only save water for plants but also accelerate the growth and production of banana.
Effects of salinity stress on growth, Water use efficiency and biomass partit...Innspub Net
Future crop production is predicted to face significant challenges from salinity stress due to secondary salinization. Therefore future-proofing crop production in these conditions is an essential path towards addressing food security. We evaluated the effect of irrigation with water of 0, 4 and 8 ppt salinity on growth, biomass partitioning, WUE and chlorophyll fluorescence of Vernonia hymenolepis A.Rich as ameliorated by fertilization with three levels of NPK20:10:10. Data were analysed for variance using the General Linear Model ANOVA procedure, after positive tests for normality and homogeneity of variance. Means were separated through the Dunnett test. Pearson Correlation was done to determine relationship between variables and these were spatially projected using the Factor Analysis procedure, without rotation. Under fertilization at 8 g NPK20:10:10 per plant, growth was stimulated by salinity increase to 4 ppt (35.43cm) compared to 30.43cm for control plants. Fertilizer application significantly improved all the biomass fractions of plants irrigated with water of 4 ppt relative to the control, while root:shoot ratios were highest for unfertilized plants indicating resource re-allocation to roots for better foraging. Chlorophyll fluorescence ranged between 0.716 and 0.727 and did not differ significantly across treatments. These values indicate that all treatments were under stress, including control plants. Values of WUE and RGR indicate that fertilization of plants irrigated with water of 4ppt salinity enhances growth and Harvest Index of V. hymenolepis, in spite of the registered stress. This is significant to future food security.
Indian agriculture is passing through difficult times due to erractic weather conditions, especially drought and excessive rainfall, there by resulting into wide spread distress among farmers.
The average income of an agricultural household during July 2012 to June 2013 was as low as Rs.6,426.
As many as 22.50% of the farmers live below poverty line, the country also witnessed a sharp increase in the number of farmers suicides due to losses from farming and low farm income.
Farming in India is becoming hard and unsuccessful due to several causes like unexpected rainfalls,droughts, increased cost of cultivation due to pests and diseases, decrease in productivity of land, unavailability of water etc..
Farmers get very low income for their produce due to prevailing market prices that are very unstable.
Decline in Agriculture productivity and Income has a serious effect on rural house holds, and other economic, social as well as sustainability indicators.
A brief study on Integrated Nutrient Management (INM). This presentation has created by me after studying many articles and research papers regarding INM. Suggestions are kindly invited.
Plant need water, air, light, suitable temperature and 17 essential nutrients for growth and development in the right combination. When plant suffers from malnutrition, exhibits symptoms of being unhealthy reliable nutrient recommendations are dependent upon accurate soil tests and crop nutrient calibrations based on extensive field research. An important part of crop production is being able to identify and prevent plant nutrient deficiencies. Optimization of pistachio productivity and quality requires an understanding of the nutrient requirements of the tree, the factors that influence nutrient availability and the methods used to diagnose and correct deficiencies. Several methods for nutritional diagnosis using leaf tissue analysis have been proposed and used, including the critical value (CV), the sufficiency range approach (SRA), and the diagnosis and recommendation integrated system (DRIS). de both soil and tissues analysis. Renewed and intensified efforts are in progress to identify nutrient constraints using latest diagnostic tools and managing them more precisely through intervention of geospatial technologies (GPS, GIS etc.). There have been consistent concerns about the relegated fertilizer use efficiency, warranting further the revision of ongoing practices, and adoption of some alternative strategies. Diagnosis of nutrient constraints and their effective management has, therefore, now shifted in favour of INM.
3. Integrated nutrient management (organic matter status of pakistan soil)Mr.Allah Dad Khan
A Series of Presentation To Trainee in Field By Mr. Allah Dad Khan Former DG Agriculture Extension Department Khyber Pakhtun Khwa Province , Provincial Project Director Crop Maximization Project II ( CMP II) Ministry of Food Agriculture and Livestock Islamabad and Visiting Professor the University of Agriculture Peshawar , Pakistan allahdad52@gmail.com
Effect of Spacing and Poultry Manure Rates on Growth, Yield and Quality of Ca...IJEABJ
Field experiment was conducted at the Teaching and Research Farm of the Department of Agriculture, Ndele Campus, Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, to study the effects of poultry manure rates and crop spacing on growth, yield and quality of Cayenne pepper. The 3 x 3 factorial experiment with three replicates was arranged in a Completely Randomized Design. The main plots were three poultry manure rates (0, 10, 20tons/ha-1) and sub plots, three spacing (50cm x 50cm, 100cm x 50cm and 100cm x 100cm). Data collected were plant height, number of leaf per plant, leaf area; number of fruits per plot, fruit weight per plot, fruit yield per hectare, fruit lycopene and vitamin C contents. Results showed plant height increased with reducing planting distance and increasing Poultry manure rate; 50cm by 50cm fertilized at 20tons/ha produced the tallest plants with most number of leaves but least leaf area LA. Number of fruits, fruit weight and yield per plot, per hectare increased with increasing planting density and increasing Poultry manure rates lycopene and vitamin c contents increased with Poultry manure levels within the different spacing. Spacing of 50cm by 50cm fertilized with poultry manure at 20 tons per hectare is recommended.
Nutrient budgets are becoming accepted tools to describe nutrient flows within cropping system and to assist in the planning of the rotational cropping and mixed farming system
Depending on the farm management and the balance of inputs and outputs of nutrient N,P and K budgets have been shown to range from deficit to surplus in cropping system
Budgets are the outcome of simple nutrient accounting process which details all the inputs and outputs to a given defined system over fixed period of time
A soil surface nutrient budget accounts for all nutrients that enter the soil surface and leave the soil through crop uptake.
The development of Plant Nutrient Management to increase the quantity of plant nutrients in farming systems and thus crop productivity is a major challenge for food security and rural development.The depletion of nutrient stocks in the soil is a major but often hidden form of land degradation. On the other hand, excessive application of nutrients or inefficient management means an economic loss to the farmer and can cause environmental problems, especially if large quantities of nutrients are lost from the soil-plant system into water or air.
Increasing agricultural production by improving plant nutrition management, together with a better use of other production factors is thus a complex challenge. Nutrient management implies managing all nutrient sources - fertilisers, organic manures, waste materials suitable for recycling nutrients, soil reserves, biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) and bio-fertilizers in such a way that yield is not knowingly increased while every effort is made to minimise losses of nutrients to environment
Similar to 11.response of maize (zea mays l) yield and yield components to rates of applied phosphorus fertilizer in the guinea savanna soils of kogi state
Urea-supergranules and phosphorus application increases irrigated rice yields...INNS PUBNET
Nitrogen and phosphorus deficiencies are some of the main factors restricting irrigated rice (Oryza sativa L.) productivity in Burkina Faso. Urea supergranules (USG) have been proven to increase rice yield but this increased productivity is likely to be constrained because P is becoming limiting in irrigated rice systems. Field experiments were carried out with rice variety Nerica 62N in Sourou valley in the wet season of 2012 and in the dry season of 2013. The effect of two sizes (1.8 and 2.7 g) of USG and five levels of phosphorus (0, 20, 30, 40 and 50 kg P ha-1) were studied in a split plot design on rice yields. The use of USG 2.7 g did not significantly increase rice yields compare with USG 1.8 g in both seasons. P application significantly increased rice yields. The 1.8 g USG significantly increased the agronomic efficiency (AE) by 48.9% over the USG 2.7 g in the 2012 wet season while the increase in AE was 24.4% in the 2013 dry season. The best AE 42 kg kg-1 in 2012 and 25 kg kg-1 in 2013 were obtained with 50P and 30P. This study suggests that USG can be used by farmers in small rate (USG 1.8 g) to improve nitrogen use efficiency and the application of 30 kg P kg-1 seems to be adequate to increase yield in irrigated rice cropping system.
Role of native arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi on maize (Zea mays) growth and nu...Innspub Net
Indigenous arbuscular mycorrhizae Fungi (AMF) have a potential to boost maize (Zea mays) growth and increase the P and Zn uptake through the symbiotic association they form with the plant, even in acidic soils conditions. Five AMF inoculums produced from the most abundant and ubiquitous morphotypes isolated from field soils in maize fields in South Kivu (DRC) were assessed. A greenhouse experiment was conducted to determine the role of these AMF on nutrients uptake in a Nitisol and a Ferralsol. Eight treatments namely inoculums named AMF1 (Gigaspora gigantea), AMF2 (Gigaspora sp.), AMF3 (Gigaspora margarita), AMF4 (Rhizophagus intraradices) AMF5 (Acaulospora reducta), mineral phosphorus fertilizers (Pi), commercial biofertilizer Rhizatech and a Control were laid in a randomized complete block design. In the Ferralsol, Pi application, Rhizatech and AMF2 produced the highest height. Pi application resulted in the best shoot biomass. No difference was observed for the P content, but for the Zn content, AMF2 was the highest. Roots colonization did not vary among treatments. In the Nitisol, AMF4 produced the highest plant height and AMF1 the highiest chlorophyll content. AMF4 and Rhizatech colonized highly the roots. AMF3 gave the highest P however, Zinc content was equal in all treatments and the controls yielded the lowest results. Spores densities in both inoculums produced and experimental soils were low compared to the commercial inoculum but growth and roots colonisation was influenced by fertilization and soils types. The performance of efficient AMF inoculums of Gipaspora gigantea, Gigaspora sp., Rhizophagus intraradices and Acaulospora reducta applied with high densities spores and multispecies inoculums should be assessed.
Soil fertility analysis for rice production in the lowland areas of Diplahan,...Open Access Research Paper
The most important practice that contributes to rice production is nutrient management. However, if the nutrient plant required is insufficient, low production is unavoidable. Thus, this study was carried out to determine the soil fertility status of lowland areas in the municipality of Diplahan. Soil samples from each sampling site were collected in rice farms using a composite random soil sampling moving in a zigzag pattern. A depth of 0- 15cm soil samples were collected from 15 – 30 different places in 1-5 hectares. An air-drying procedure was done before it was carried to the laboratory for final testing. Soil samples were analyzed for pH, organic carbon, organic matter, nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium following the BSWM (Bureau of Soils and Water Management) procedures. Furthermore, a soil fertility map was outlined through ArcGIS software by plotting local coordinates in Google Map. Results showed that the areas in 10 selected barangays in the municipality have moderate soil acidity, with a pH level that falls below the desirable range of 5.5 – 7.0 but no lower than 4.5. According to the results of the soil organic carbon analysis, all barangays have insufficient SOC. Only four barangays have the optimal soil organic matter content for lowland rice production. The study also revealed that only two (2) barangays receive an adequate amount of nitrogen, while the rest are considered deficient. Phosphorous-rich soils were found in two (2) barangays; the five (5) barangays have a medium content; and the remaining three (3) barangays have a low content. Lastly, no barangay in the municipality obtains an adequate amount of exchangeable potassium ranging from 82-246 ppm. Problem of insufficient nutrient requirements for rice crop production is widespread in the municipality.
Assessment of Zinc and Copper Status of Fadama Soils In Borgu Local Governmen...Agriculture Journal IJOEAR
Abstract— The status of Zinc (Zn) and Copper (Cu) of fadama soils under cultivation at Borgu Local Government Area, Niger State, Nigeria was studied. Soil samples were purposely collected from three extension blocks, namely; Wawa, Babana and Goffanti. Particle size distribution of the soils showed sandy loam texture. The soils pH were either slightly acidic or neutral with a range between 6.05 and 6.93. The level of Organic Carbon (OC) ranged between low and medium, total nitrogen were rated high, available phosphorus were low while exchangeable cations (Na, K, Ca, Mg) were all rated high. Though soil content of Zn and Cu were very low, values were not significantly (P<0.05) different for all locations. The mean values for Zn ranged between 0.496 and 0.592 mg/kg, while Cu ranged between 0.550 and 0.945 mg/kg. This result implies that soil amendments in the form of organic manure and/or supplement of Zn and Cu would enhance nutrient availability for optimum yields of crops for the resource-poor farmers in the study area.
Growth and yield of 12 accessions of Pawpaw (Carica papaya L.) as influenced ...Innspub Net
Pawpaw (Carica papaya L.) has gained important commercial status in Nigeria due to its nutritional, medicinal and health benefits. In recent times, there is a growing preference for pure organic food due to the envisaged health and environmental benefits. Thus, a study was carried out on 12 selected accessions of pawpaw evaluated under three poultry manure (PM) application rates at the Department of Crop Science, University of Nigeria, Nsukka. The field experiment was a split plot in randomized complete block design of three replications. The main plot treatment was three PM application rates (0, 5 and 10 t ha-1) and the sub-plot treatment was 12 accessions of pawpaw. Accession Ijm-Cl-Ro significantly (p<0.05) produced the tallest plants (71.7, 87.3, 108.3, 127.4 and 150.0cm) at 3, 6, 9, 12 and 15 months after transplanting (MAT), respectively. It had the greatest number of fruits (9.3) at 11 months after the onset of fruit formation, maximum fruit weight (7.15kg) and the highest fruit yield (23.83 t ha-1). Increasing PM rate increased growth traits of the pawpaw plants. Interaction of manure rate × accession on most of the growth attributes varied greatly, but showed no significant difference on yield traits. The accession Ijm-Cl-Ro with the application of 10 t ha-1 of PM which produced the best growth and highest fruit yield is recommended for improved productivity of pawpaw. The control plot produced no fruit throughout the study period, suggesting that manure application is crucial for sustained yield of pawpaw in the study area.
Soil - Plant Nutrient Correlation Analysis of Maize Varieties at the Guinea S...IJEABJ
Field trials were conducted during the rainy season of 2008 and 2009 at the Institute for Agricultural Research farm in Samaru (110 11’ N, 70 38’E) within the northern Guinea savanna ecological zone of Nigeria to evaluate correlation relationships among soil, yield and yield quality of maize varieties. The objectives of the study are to correlate among soil, grain yield and grain composition. The treatments consisted of four rates of nitrogen fertilizer (0, 50, 100 and 150kgNha-1), two rates of micronutrients (0, cocktail mixtures) Cu, Fe, Zn, B and Mo and four maize varieties SAMMAZ 14, SUSUMA (QPM), SAMMAZ 11 and SAMMAZ 12 (normal maize) which gave a total of thirty-two (32) treatments. There was basal application of 60kgha-1P and 60kgha-1K. These treatments were tested in a randomized complete block design with three replications with a total of 96 plots respectively. The fertilizer treatments were factorially combined. Significant correlations were obtained between grain parameters and other yield parameters such as Stover (r= 0.669, P < 0.05); 1000grain weight (r= 0.617, P < 0.05); crude proteins (r= 0.364, P< 0.05) and total nitrogen in grain (r =0.993, P < 0.05). Grain yield also increased as soil pH (r =0.26, P < 0.01); TN (r =0.19, P < 0.01); Calcium (r =0.17, P <0.05); Zn (r =0.24, P < 0.01); Cu (r =0.31, P < 0.01) and B (r =0.49, P <0.05) increased while it decreased as crude protein (-0.39, P<0.05) of the grain decreased.
Maize yield response to potassium and lime application at Bungoma and Trans N...Open Access Research Paper
Maize is the most important staple food in Kenya, and is grown across a wide range of agro-ecological zones, accounting for about 40 present of daily calories. A major constraint in maize production in Kenya is low and declining soil fertility. Nutrient input and output studies on farmlands across Kenya and sub-Saharan Africa show an alarming negative balance leading to widespread land degradation. This study sought to increase maize yield through application of potassium (K) and lime in western Kenya. The studies were conducted at Bungoma and Trans Nzoia counties, considered as the breadbasket region for the country. The objectives were to establish maize responses to K fertilization and lime application. The field studies evaluated maize response to different rates of potash fertilizer (0 – 200 K2Okg/ha) in order to establish the K requirement for maximum/optimum crop yields. Experimental design was a split plot arranged in randomized complete block design (RCBD) replicated four times. The lime and no lime were assigned to the main plots while the K levels were assigned to the sub-plots. There were three farms in Trans Nzoia county, and two farms in Bungoma county. At Bungoma, liming increased maize stover yields by 70% from 2.4 to 4.3 tons/ha. Bungoma, maize grain yields ranged from 2.2 to 4.5 tons/ha in Mabanga and 3.6-6.2 tons/ha. The optimal response to K at 40kg K2O/ha at Ndengelwa and 80kg/ha at Mabanga sites. In Trans Nzoia, liming treatment stratum was significantly different at 5% level and increased stover yields by 17%. At the 40 K2Okg/ha application, liming increased stover yields by 50% (6.3-9.5 tons/ha), whilst under no liming, 40kg K2O /ha application increased the stover yields by 30% (5.4-6.9 tons/ha). Our work confirms that soils in western Kenya are acidic and have low levels of K. These soils therefore require liming and NPK fertilization for optimal maize production and food security.
Soybean and Corn crop response to enhanced efficiency phosphate fertilizerAI Publications
Many agricultural soils worldwide in their natural state are deficient in phosphorous (P). As P is vital for all living beings, as P fertilizers are manufactured from non-renewable resources and as P fertilizer efficiency is generally low, we need to improve the P use efficiency and minimize P fertilizers usage to ensure the future sustainability of our cropping systems. Enhanced-efficiency fertilizers use is one of the strategies to increase P fertilizer efficiency, but there is no consensus on the effectiveness of this type of technology. The need to increase the efficiency of P fertilization and the lack of information about enhanced efficiency P fertilizer justifies studies to evaluate the performance of this kind of fertilizer. Experiments were carried out in greenhouse and field conditions to investigate the effect of P fertilizer coated with anionic polymers (Policote) on corn and soybean crop development and yield, and agronomic P use efficiency. Greenhouse experiments were conducted with corn crop, while field trials were carried out with soybean crop. Greater increases in plant growth parameters, crop yield, soil P content, and fertilizer efficiency use were observed with Policote coated fertilizer than with conventional P fertilizer. The observed changes in P use efficiency among P fertilizers increased our understanding of enhanced efficiency fertilizers. The obtained results demonstrated that Policote coated fertilizer can be used as an enhanced efficiency fertilizer. Results show that Policote coated fertilizer is a more efficient way to deliver required phosphorous to plants than conventional ones.
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11.response of maize (zea mays l) yield and yield components to rates of applied phosphorus fertilizer in the guinea savanna soils of kogi state
1. Journal of Biology, Agriculture and Healthcare www.iiste.org
ISSN 2224-3208 (Paper) ISSN 2225-093X (Online)
Vol 2, No.3, 2012
Response of Maize (Zea mays L) Yield and Yield Components
to Rates of Applied Phosphorus Fertilizer in the Guinea
Savanna Soils of Kogi State, Nigeria
Sunday Amhakhian1 Isaac Osemwota2 Charles Iledun. Oyewole 3*
1Department of Soil and Environmental management, Kogi State University, Anyigba, P.M.B. 1008,
Anyigba, Kogi State, Nigeria
2Department of Soil Science, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma.. Edo State
3Department of Crop Production Kogi State University, Anyigba, P.M.B. 1008, Anyigba, Kogi State,
Nigeria
*
oyewolcharles@yahoo.com
Abstract
Crops respond differently to P-fertilizer treatments. The role of phosphorus in soils for sustainable crop
production cannot be over emphasis. It has been observed that P after nitrogen is the most important macro
nutrient limiting crop production in the tropics. Thus multi - location studies undertaken in Kogi State
University, Anyigba, Kogi State, Nigeria in 2007 and 2008 cropping seasons assessed the response of maize
crop to phosphorus additions. The experiment, a Randomized Complete Block Design with three
replications had seven rates of P (0, 20, 40, 60, 80, 100 and 120kg ha-1) applied as Single Super Phosphate
for P calibration studies. Maize agronomic traits and yields were subjected to statistical analysis and means
found to be statistically significant (p<0.05) were compared using the Least Significant Difference (LSD).
In this trial, application of P fertilizer irrespective of rates significantly increased plant height, number of
leaves, leaf area, stem girth and grain yields in both locations. The magnitude of increases in all these
parameters revealed that the application of 100 and 120kgP ha-1 compared favorably in both locations and
significantly better than the control. Obtained data showed that in Anyigba soils, optimum maize yield of
5.40 and 5.51 ton/ha were obtained for 2007 and 2008 cropping season, from the application of 100 and
120kg P ha-1, respectively while in Ofere soils, optimum maize yield of 3.93 and 3.86 ton/ha were obtained
for 2007 and 2008 cropping season, respectively from the application of 120kg P ha-1. 100 and 120kg P
ha-1 are recommended for maize cultivation in soils of Anyigba and Ofere, respectively based on better
grain yields obtained with this treatments.
Key words: Phosphorus, maize, agronomic traits, yield components and yield
1. Introduction
Crop outputs are often severely constrained by complex interacting factors such as soil fertility, farmers’
resources, pests, diseases, and crop factors (Alofe et al., 1996; Smaling et al., 1996; Sinclair et al., 1997;
Tian et al., 2000). Farmers resources will often among other things limit their responses to fertilizer
treatments. With consistent land use in Nigeria coupled with alternating wet and dry seasons in the Nigerian
savanna characterized by intense heat, which has led to rapid decomposition of soil organic matter and
loss of soil fertility, soils often requires fertilizer application. Indiscriminate burning of fallows and crop
residues by farmers also reduces the accumulation of organic matter in the soil thus compounding the
problem of soil fertility. Therefore most Nigerian soils have lost their productivity under cultivation
(Adams, et al., 1998). Because soil organic matter is low, native soil N is also low P and S deficiencies are
also widespread in most soils. Due to low buffer capacities, it is relatively easy to cause ionic in-balance
and acidity by incorrect use of fertilizers (Adams, et al., 1998), therefore requiring absolute care and
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2. Journal of Biology, Agriculture and Healthcare www.iiste.org
ISSN 2224-3208 (Paper) ISSN 2225-093X (Online)
Vol 2, No.3, 2012
understanding of the most economic rates that will give the best response.
Crop responses differ with P-fertilizer treatments, thus, Khasawneh and Samples (1979) observed that the
concentration of soil solution P required by cowpea for maximum growth potential may be only two-third
the concentration required by maize. Therefore the relative agronomic effectiveness of rock phosphate
would be higher for crops with lower P demands, such as legumes than for cereal crops. Kogbe and
Adediran (2003) found that the application of 80KgP ha-1 depressed maize yield. While observing that
higher rates of P lowered the phosphorus use efficiency of the maize crop, they added that the efficiency of
maize in P utilization decreased as P fertilizer rate was increased, with the highest phosphorus use
efficiency obtained at 40 and 20 kg P2O5 ha-1 at Ilora and Mokwa, Nigeria, respectively. The authors
reported that the control (O kg P2O5) gave the least yield of maize when compared to other rates. However,
a steady increase in grain yields to 3.5 ton ha-1 of the hybrid maize was obtained when up to 60kg Pha-1
was added. In conclusion, they opined that emphasis should be placed on N and P application for maize
production, especially where K is found to be adequate in the soils. Results of various fertilizer experiments
conducted in Nigeria had led to fertilizer recommendations that gave blanket nutrient requirements for
maize in different ecological zones, having varying soil conditions and under varying levels of soil
management, contrary to the observation by Kogbe and Adediran (2003) that the response of maize to P
fertilizer application varies with location, and was found to be highest in the southern Guinea savanna than
in the derived savanna.
In P deficient soils, poor establishment of seedlings results from a general reduction in growth of stem and
root system. Sometimes, a general darkening of the leaves in dicotyledons plants lead to brown leaf patches,
while a reddish tinge is seen in monocotyledons. Adequate P nutrition enhances many aspects of plant
physiology, including the fundamental process of photosynthesis, nitrogen fixation, flowering (including
seed production) and maturation (Brady and Weil, 1999). Brady and Weil (1999) reported that P deficiency
is generally not easy to recognize in plants. They pointed out that P deficient plant is stunted, thin-stemmed
and spindly, but its foliage is often dark, almost bluish-green. They stressed that unless healthy plants are
present to make a comparison, P deficient plants often seem quite normal in appearance. In severe cases,
though, P deficiency can cause yellowing and senescence of leaves. Furthermore, they reported that some
plants develop purple colors in their leaves and also stem as a result of P deficiency. They, however,
reported that P is very mobile within the plant, so when the supply is short, P in the older leaves is
mobilized and transferred to the younger and, rapidly growing ones. They added, thus, both the purpling
and premature senescence associated with P deficiency are therefore more prominent in the older leaves
than in younger ones. They summed up P problem in the soil as three fold: that the total P level in the soil is
low, usually not more than one-fourth that of N and one-twentieth that of K. Secondly, the P compounds
commonly found in soils are mostly unavailable for plant uptake, often because they are highly insoluble
and, thirdly, when soluble sources of P, such as those in fertilizers and manures, are added to soils, they are
fixed - changed to unavailable forms, and in time, forms highly insoluble compounds. Many factors
influence P availability to crops, including the form of native soil P, the type of P applied to the soil and soil
reaction. An early trial with P fertilizer indicated that 11kgP ha-1 was the optimum rate of phosphate
fertilization in the savanna zone of Nigeria. However, based on recent experiments, with improved cultivars,
it was observed that maize could respond to high rates of P application. Thus, the objective of this study
was to determine the effect of P on the yield components and yield of maize in the Guinea savanna soils of
Kogi State, Nigeria using two locations: Ofere and Anyigba.
2. Materials and Methods
2.1 Study Areas:
The study area, Kogi State, lies between latitudes 50 151 to 70 451 N and longitudes 50 451 and 80 451 East of
the equator. The State has a total land area of about 25,948 square kilometers. Over seventy per cent (70%)
of the population live in the rural area and their main occupation is farming. It is bounded by the Federal
Capital Territory, Niger and Plateau States in the North; Kwara State in the west, Benue State in the East
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3. Journal of Biology, Agriculture and Healthcare www.iiste.org
ISSN 2224-3208 (Paper) ISSN 2225-093X (Online)
Vol 2, No.3, 2012
and Ondo, Edo and Enugu States in the south. Kogi state has a bimodal rainfall with the peak pattern
occurring in July and September. The mean annual rainfall ranges from 1,560 mm at Kabba in West to
1,808 mm at Anyigba in the East (Table 1a). The temperature shows some variation throughout the years.
Average monthly temperature varies from 17 0C to 36.2 0C. Relative humidity is moderately high and
varies from an average of 65 - 85% throughout the year. The State has two main vegetations; the forest
savanna mosaic zone and the southern guinea zone. The state has two main geological formations; they are
the Basement complex rocks to the west while the other half is on Cretaceous sediments, to the North of the
confluence and East of River Niger.
2.2 Field Calibration Studies:
On the basis of geological formation, two locations were chosen, one from each of the distinct geological
formation: Ofere (Basement complex soils), and Anyigba (Cretaceous Sediments) in Kogi state, Nigeria.
The field trial spanned two years: 2007 and 2008 cropping seasons. The experiment was conducted using
Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications (RCBD) with an experimental sub plot size
measuring 3.00 m x 1.75 m (5.25 m2) while the entire experimental area was 15.25 m x 11 m (167.75 m2).
Maize variety, Downey mildew resistant (DMRT) obtained from IAR&T Ibadan, Nigeria was used for the
trial, adopting plant spacing of 75 cm by 25 cm. Seeds were manually sown, three seeds per hole at 3 - 5
cm depth and thinned down to one plant per stand two weeks after seedling emergence. There were a total
of 28 stands of maize plants in each plot, 196 stands in a block giving a plant population of 588 plants on
the entire experimental site. Seven different levels of single super phosphate (SSP) fertilizer were applied at
the following rates: 0, 20, 40, 60, 80, 100 and 120kg ha-1 coded P0, P1, P2, P3, P4, P5, P6, respectively.
Nitrogen and potassium were below critical levels; hence urea and muriate of potash were used to raise
them above the critical levels before planting was done. The fertilizers were mixed properly and applied
banded on one side of the maize seeds using groove of 10 cm wide and 10 cm deep and 8 cm away from
the seeds. Banding of fertilizer especially for micro-nutrients was found to be more effective for maize
(Tisdale et al., 1985). The experimental plots were manually weeded by hoeing and by hand weeding as
required. Before sowing in the fields, composite surface soil samples (0 – 15 cm and 15 – 30 cm) were
collected from each the experimental sites and analyzed for their physico-chemical properties (Table 1b).
The following agronomic traits: plant height, number of leaves per plant, leaf area, stem girth were
measured at 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 weeks after seed sowing using 10 per cent sampled population from the net
plot. Plant height before tasseling was measured from soil level to the tip of the longest leaf. After tasseling,
it was measured from soil level to the tip of the tassel. Leaf area determination was carried out using the
method described by Egharevba (1978) for millet crop. The apparent leaf area obtained as a product of
length x width was multiplied by a constant factor (0.751). For yield determination, cobs from four plants
sampled from two middle rows (to eliminate the effects of cross feeding) were harvested from the 28 plants
in each plot and yields were computed per hectare based on the area of the harvested cobs. The harvested
cobs were de-husked, weighed, threshed and weighed again and the grain yield adjusted to 13 per cent
moisture content. Maize agronomic traits and yields were subjected to analysis of variance using SAS
Computer Statistical Package (SAS Institute, 1996) as described for RCBD. Mean comparisons were
carried out using Least Significant Differences (LSD) test only when F- value was significant.
2. Results and Discussion
Plants cannot grow without phosphorus. It is an essential component of the organic compound often called
the energy currency of the living cell: adenosine triphosphate (ATP) (Brady and Weil, 1999). However,
phosphorus deficiency symptoms are not very distinctive. In this trial, application of P fertilizer
irrespective of rates significantly increased plant height, number of leaves, leaf area, and stem girth in both
locations studied (Tables 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9). The magnitude of increases in all these parameters
revealed that the application of 100 and 120kgP ha-1 compared favorably in both locations and significantly
better than the control. At the termination of the trials (10WAS), all phosphorus rates resulted in plants that
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4. Journal of Biology, Agriculture and Healthcare www.iiste.org
ISSN 2224-3208 (Paper) ISSN 2225-093X (Online)
Vol 2, No.3, 2012
were significantly taller than the control (Table 2), similar responses were obtained in other parameters
measured (Tables 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9). These observations have both positive and negative implications
for the maize crop. Increase in plant height will increase lodging in the crop, this is coupled with the
increase in foliage production, which will contribute to plant’s above ground weight with negative
implication for lodging. However, production of more leaves with P fertilization, should enhance the crop’s
ability to intercept solar radiation, impacting on dry matter accumulation and subsequently on crop yield
(Hay and Walker, 1989). In line with these observations, previous reports have shown that on several
species, phosphorus deficiency was shown to severely reduce leaf growth and subsequently the amount of
solar radiation intercepted by plants (Rodriguez et al., 1998). Other authors have shown that P deficiency
affects the photosynthesis per unit of leaf area (Jacob and Lawlor, 1991; Qiu and Isreal, 1994). This
suggests that both effects (reduction of leaf area and reduction of net photosynthesis per unit of leaf area)
may contribute to the final reduction of biomass production.
Effect of phosphorus application on the cob weight and grain yield (ton ha-1) in soils of Anyigba and Ofere
in 2007 and 2008 is shown in Tables 10 and 11. The result obtained showed significant response of maize
to the different rates of P application in both locations: Anyigba (Cretaceous sediments) and Ofere
(Basement complex). In 2007 cropping season in soils of Anyigba, application of 120kgP ha-1 gave the
highest cob weight (7.40 ton ha-1), while optimum grain yield of 5.40 ton ha-1 was obtained from the
application of 100kgP ha-1. However, the optimum grain yield from the application of 100kgP ha-1 was not
significantly (p > 0.05) different from that obtained from the application of 120kgP ha-1 (5.05 ton ha-1). It
was, however significantly different from that obtained from other P rates in this study. In 2008, application
of 100kgP ha-1 gave the highest cob yield of 7.22 ton ha-1 while optimum grain yield of 5.51 ton ha-1 was
obtained from the application of both 100 and 120kgP ha-1. Generally, relative yields of 27.5% and 29.4%
were obtained for 2007 and 2008 cropping seasons, respectively in soils of Anyigba (Table 2). In 2007
cropping season in soils of Ofere, the highest cob weight of 4.68ton ha-1 was obtained from the application
of 100 and 120kgP ha-1, this was not significantly different from what resulted from the application of 60
and 80kgP ha-1. Optimum grain yield of 3.93ton ha-1 was obtained from the application of 120kgP ha-1
(Table 2). In 2008, the highest cob weight of 6.09ton ha-1 was also obtained from the application of 120kgP
ha-1. This was, however not significantly different from what were obtained from the application of 60, 80
and 100 kgP ha-1. Optimum grain yield of 4.86ton ha-1 was obtained from the application of 120kgP ha-1.
While relative yields of 22.7% and 29.5% were obtained for 2007 and 2008, respectively in Ofere location
(Table 2). This finding was in agreement with Kogbe and Adediran (2003), who earlier reported a steady
increase in grain yields of maize as P application increases obtaining grain yield of 3.50 ton ha-1 from the
application of 60kgP ha-1. Better crop yields obtained with P fertilization in this trial, could be explain by
increase in forage with P fertilization, which must have enhanced the crop’s ability to intercept solar
radiation, impacting on dry matter accumulation and subsequently on crop yield (Hay and Walker, 1989).
However, the finding was at variance with what was reported by some other workers, who suggested lower
levels of P application (Irving, 1956., Elkased and Nnadi,1987). Enwezor (1979) had earlier criticized the
low P application recommended by Irving (1956) and Igbokwe et al (1981) and questioned the validity of
the general P fertilizer application of less than 18kgP ha-1. In line with the observed increased in maize
yield with fertilization, in a trial conducted by Plenet et al. (2000) on the growth analysis of maize field
crops under P deficiency, they observed that grain yield was significantly reduced in P0 (no treatment).
Above ground biomass accumulation was severely reduced, with the maximum difference between
treatment (60% in P0). The lower biomass production in P0 was accounted for by the reduction in the
amount of photo synthetically active radiation (PAR) absorbed by the canopy, which was a consequence of
the reduced leaf area index.
3. Conclusion
In soils of Anyigba, optimum grain yields of 5.40 and 5.51ton ha-1 were obtained for 2007 and 2008 cropping
seasons while in soils of Ofere, optimum yields of 3.93 and 3.86ton ha-1 were obtained for 2007 and 2008
cropping seasons, respectively from the application of 100 and 120kgP ha-1 in both locations. Application of
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ISSN 2224-3208 (Paper) ISSN 2225-093X (Online)
Vol 2, No.3, 2012
P fertilizer irrespective of rates significantly increased the number of leaf, plant height, stem girth and leaf
area in both locations. Hence 100 and 120kgP ha-1 were recommended for maize cultivation in soils of
Anyigba and Ofere, respectively as these treatments gave the best responses in respect of grain yield in these
areas.
References
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– Heinemann Publisher, Great Britain, 213 pp
Alofe, C. O.; C. O. Adebooye & A. J. Isei (1996). Effect of nitrogen and stand density on grain yield
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37-43
Brady, N. C. and R. R. Weil (1999). The Nature and Properties of Soil (12th edn.), Prentice-Hall
International, (UK), Ltd., London, 881 pp
Egharevba, P. N. (1978). A Correction factor in the estimation of leaf area in millet. Samaru Agricultural
Newsletter 19 (2): 84-85
Elkased, F.A. & Nnadi, L.A. (1987). Phosphorus response of grain sorghum in the guinea savanna of
Nigeria as influenced by rates, placement and plant spacing. Journal of Fertilizer Research. 11:3-8.
Enwezor, W. O. (1978). Phosphate sorption capacity of the soil as a measure of the phosphate requirement
for maize grown on acid soils of southeastern Nigeria. Nigeria Journal of Agricultural Science. 1: 3-7.
Hay, R. K. M. & J. A. Walker (1989). An Introduction to the Physiology of Crop Yield. Long man Group
UK. Ltd., 292 pp
Igbokwe, M.C.; Noka, B.O. & Odurukwe, S.O. (1981) Liming effects on the response of maize to
phosphate fertilizers on an ultisols in Eastern Nigeria. Journal of Soil Science. 2: 102 -133.
Irving, H. (1956). Fertilizer studies in Eastern Nigeria. 1947 - 51. Eastern Region Technical Bulletin 1
pp.36.
Jacob, J. & W. Lawlor (1991). Stomatal and Mesophyll limitations of photosynthesis in phosphate deficient
sunflower, maize and wheat plants. Journal of Experimental Botany 42: 1003-1011
Khasawneh, F.E. & Sample, E. C. (1979). Phosphorus concentration in soil solution as a factor affecting
phosphate rock effectiveness: In proceedings on Seminar on phosphate rock for direct application pp 130 -
146.
Kogbe, J.O S. & Adediran, (2003). J.A. Influence of Nigeria, Phosphorus and Potassium application on the
yield of maize in the savannah zone of Nigeria. Africa Academic. .2 (10): 345 – 349.
Plenet, D.; A. Mollier & S. Pellerin (2000). Growth analysis of maize field crop under phosphorus
deficiency. II. Radiation use efficiency, biomass accumulation and yield components. Plant Soil 224:
259-272
SAS Institute (1996). SASSAT Users’guide. Version 6 SAS Institute Cary, NC.
Sinclair, T. R.; R. C. Muchow & J. L. Montieth (1997). Model of sorghum response to N in subtropical and
tropical environment. Agronomic Journal 89:201-207
Smaling, E. M. A.; L. O. Fresco & A. De Jager (1996). Classifying monitoring and improving soil nutrient
stocks and flows in African Agriculture. Ambio 25:492-496
Tian, G.; Kolawole, G. O., Kangand B. T. & Kirchoff, G. (2000). Nitrogen fertilizer replacement indexes of
legume cover crop in the derived savanna of West Africa. Plant and Soil 224:287-296
Tisdale, S.L.; Nelson, W.L. and Beaton, J.B. (1985). In Soil fertility and fertilizer (4th edition), the
Collier-macmilian Company Limited, New York.
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Vol 2, No.3, 2012
Qiu, J. & D. W. Isreal (1994). Carbohydrate accumulation and utilization in soybean plants in response to
altered phosphorus nutrition. Physiol. Plant. 90:722-28
Rodrigriguez, D.;. Keltjens, W. G., & Goudriaan, J. (1998). Plant leaf area expansion and assimilate
production in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) growing under low phosphorus condition. Plant Soil.
200:227-240
Dr Oyewole, Charles Iledun, was born 16th December 1963. He holds a B. Agriculture degree from the
University of Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria an M. Sc and a Ph. D in agronomy from the Usmanu Danfodiyu
University, Sokoto, Nigeria. He currently lectures at the Kogi State University, Anyigba, Kogi State,
Nigeria as a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Crop Production.
Table 1a: Monthly total and mean rainfall and temperature records for field experimental sites
Month Anyigba Ofere
0
Rainfall (mm) Temperature C Rainfall (mm) Temperature 0C
January - 32.5 - 30.7
February - 34.1 3.0 33.3
March 27.5 28.7 10.7 29.7
April 76.0 22 1 129.0 20.5
May 331.0 24.1 136.8 21.9
June 224.1 19.6 226.8 18.9
July 332.5 19 7 321.50 17
August 348.0 20.3 309.6 20.6
September 207.8 23.1 208.1 24.1
October 220.3 29.2 245.0 28 7
November 37.2 35 7 - 33.9
December - 36.2 - 35
Total 1808 352.3 1584.5 314.3
Mean 150.4 27.11 132.0 26.19
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