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Sep 4, 2019Keywords:
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Main Article Content
Effect of compounded composts on the growth of maize (<i>Zea mays L</i>)
Abstract
A field trial was conducted to evaluate potentials of locally manufactured organic fertilizers –compounded composts made from vegetal matter of six legumes (Centrosema pubescens, Mucuna bracteata, Calopogonium mucunoides, Mucuna pruriens, Lablab purpureus, and Stylosanthes capitata) respectively composted with rice husk, poultry waste and swine waste in a ratio 5:4:4:4 dry weigh - in maize crop production at Umudike, Nigeria. The eight treatment growth media were topsoil mixed with each of the 6 fertilizers respectively; top soil mixed with NPK 15:15:15 fertilizer; and Topsoil only (Control). A sample size of 4 maize plants made up 32 plants per block, and a total 96 plants use for the experiment arranged in a Randomized Complete Block Design in 3 replications. The experiment was monitored for 9weeks after planting (WAP). Plant height (cm), girth and number of leaves were measured weekly while leaf area (cm2) was measured only at 7 weeks after planting (7WAP). Data collected were subjected to statistical analysis of variance using SPSS 12. Significant means were separated by Duncan Multiple Range Test at P<0.05. The result shows significant differences in the height, girth and leaf area in the organic fertilizers treated crops than in the NPK and control treatments. Highest values were recorded in L. purpureus organic fertilizer treatment and C. pubescence fertilizer treatments while the control treatment recorded least values. The organic fertilizers, especially the Lablab purpureus organic fertilizer, also improved soil physico-chemical properties than the NPK treatment. These indicate that the use of locally manufactured fertilizers have potentials for improving crop productivity in Nigeria.
Keywords: Organic fertilizers, maize, plant growth, organic fertilizers, and agricultural productivity
