EFFECT OF DIFFERENT CONCENTRATION OF FERTIZER ON GROWTH AND PERFORMANCE OF MAIZE

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EFFECT OF DIFFERENT CONCENTRATION OF FERTIZER ON GROWTH AND PERFORMANCE OF MAIZE

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study

Maize (Zea mays) ranks third after wheat and rice in the world grain production. It is grown extensively with equal success in temperate, sub-tropical and tropical regions of the world (Anonymous, 2009 – 10). It belongs to the grass family of Gramineae and originated from Central America, where it is known as corn (Gordon and Whitney, 1993). It is believed that maize was introduced into Africa and West Africa by the Portuguese at the beginning of the 16th Century (Onwueme, 1976). Its grains, which serve as food, feed as well as industrial raw materials contain carbohydrate in form of starch up to 80% and crude protein up to 10% (Mangel, 1978).

Maize crop is a key source of food and livelihood for millions of people in many countries of the world. It is produced extensively in Nigeria, where it is consumed roasted, baked, fried, pounded or fermented (Agbato, 2003). In advance countries, it is an important source of many industrial products such as corn sugar, corn oil, corn flour, starch, syrup, brewer’s grit and alcohol (Dutt, 2005). Corn oil is used for salad, soap-making and lubrication. Maize is a major component of livestock feed and it is palatable to poultry, cattle and pigs as it supplies them energy (Iken et al, 2001). The stalk, leave, grain and immature ears are cherished by different species of livestock (Dutt, 2005) in spite of the increasing relevance and high demand for maize in Nigeria, yield across the country continues to decrease with an average of about it/ha which is lowest African yield ( Fayenisin, 19930).

According to Sridhar and Adeoye (2003), maize has a fibrous rough system which has seminal and prop root in the soil stem, stalk which are solid unbranched and herbaceous where ear bearing branches are formed. Maize can supply human requirement for iron when largely consumed (Gordon and Whitney, 1993). Fertilizer play an important role in increasing the maize yield and their contribution is 40-50 percent. Balanced and optimum use of nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium fertilizer play a pivotal role in increasing yield of cereals (Asghar et al, 2010).

Cereal crops are influenced by N fertilizer in many ways, firstly it increases N supply and helps/results in canopy (leaf area index, LAI) and (leaf area duration, LAD), which ultimately results in high rates of dry its amounts can also affect the growth of the plants. Thirdly, late and or heavy N application may result in grain unacceptable to industry because of their high N/protein contents (Uyovbisere, 2000). Therefore, in this way quality and quantity of grain is also influenced by fertilizer application finally fertilized.

It was also found that deficiency or excess of N affects the partitioning of assimilates between vegetative and reproductive organs (Donald and Hamblin, 2006). By increasing N supply, leaf area index, leaf area duration photosynthetic radiation interception and radiation use efficiency also increase (Muchow and Davis, 1988; Sinclair and Horic, 1989 and Cannor et al, 2012).

Among the limiting factors, proper level and ratio of nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium are of prime importance (Asghar et al, 2010). 2. The steady decline in maize yield can be attributed to: rapid reduction in soil fertility caused by intensive use of land and reduction of fallow period as reported by. Failure to identify and plant high yielding varieties most suited or adapted to each agro-ecological zone (Kim, 1997, Olakojo et al; 1998) Use of inappropriate plant population and final yield (Zeidan et al; 2006). Negligence for soil amendment such as organic manure and inorganic fertilizers which improve soil condition and enhance crop yield.

1.2 Problem Statement

Fertilizer has been known to increase plant growth and yield for a long time ago, but the best macro elements and the required ratio was not properly understood, as various brand of NPK fertilizers in market are been recommended to the local farmers by the extension agents. The ratio of nitrogen, phosphorous of potassium that the plant required must be investigated upon.

1.3 Significance of the Study

This research work will be able to provide the farmers with the best ratio of N.P.K fertilizer for maize production in the Jalingo area and the state at large so that the farmers will know the best composition of N.P.K fertilizer to purchase for maize production.

1.4 Objectives of the Study

The objectives of the study include:

1. to identify the effects of N.P.K fertilizers on the growth and yield of maize in Jalingo

2. to determine which ratio of N.P.K fertilizer that gives the optimum growth and yield of maize in Jalingo

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