Response of Maize (<i>Zea mays</i> L.) to Nitrogen Fertilization in Zuru, Northern Guinea Savanna, Nigeria

Abstract

Nitrogen, a deficient nutrient in northern guinea savanna is a very important nutrient for maize growth and development. Field experiments were conducted in 2006 and 2007 cropping season at the upland site of the Teaching and Research Farm of College of Agriculture, Zuru Kebbi State, Nigeria. The aim was to investigate the growth and yield of maize (Zea mays L.) as influenced by nitrogen (N) rates (0, 40, 60, 80, 100 and 120KgNha^-1). The treatments were laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications per treatment. Result indicated that plant height, number of leaves, leaf area index (LAI) and total dry matter increased with increase in N rates up to 120kg Nha^-1. However, increase in N rate above 100kg Nha^-1 did not produce significant (p<0.05) grain yield. The research. It is therefore recommended that an N rate of 100 and 120kg Nha^-1 for grain and fodder production, respectively, be adopted by maize farmers in the northern guinea savanna

Key words: Nitrogen fertilization, growth, yield, maize.