Varietal Response of Maize (Zea mays) to Integrated Nutrient Management of NPK and Chicken Manure Amendments

Abstract

Two field experiments were conducted for two years at the Multipurpose crop nursery, University of Education, Winneba, Mampong-Ashanti from May to August, 2015 and 2016 respectively to evaluate varietal response of maize (Omankwa and Obatanpa) to integrated nutrient management of NPK and Chicken manure [3 t ha-1 CM, ½ CM + ½ NPK (32.5:19:19 kg ha-1 NPK) and ¾ CM + ¼ NPK]. The experimental design was a 2 x 5 factorial arranged in randomized complete block design with three replicates. The result showed that there was a significant (p< 0.05) differences between Obatanpa and Omankwa and fertilizer type in total grain yield in both cropping seasons. Omankwa grown under 65:38:38 kg ha-1 NPK and 3 t ha-1 CM produced higher grain yield and longer cob length during the 2015 and 2016 cropping seasons respectively. Obatanpa grown on 65:38:38 kg ha-1 NPK produced thicker cob diameter, higher dry matter accumulation, taller plants at 77 days after planting, and total grain yield in both cropping seasons.  Obatanpa grown under 3 t ha-1 CM produced the longest cob length and heaviest 100 seed weight during the 2016 cropping season.  Obatanpa grown under ¾ CM + ¼ NPK produced thicker cob diameter during the 2016 cropping season. In conclusion (i) Farmers are encouraged to grow Omankwa on 65:38:38 kg ha-1 NPK or 3 t ha -1 CM for higher grain yield and longer cob length. (ii) Farmers who prefer inorganic fertilizers for increased grain yield, cob length and thicker cob diameter of Obatanpa maize should apply 65:38:38 kg ha-1 NPK. (ii) Farmers who practise organic agriculture in transitional agro-ecological zone of Ghana should apply 3 t ha-1CM and ¾ CM + ¼ NPK to enhance maize grain weight, cob length  and cob diameter respectively.