EFFECTS OF DIFFERENT ORGANIC MANURES ON THE PERFORMANCE OF MAIZE (ZEA MAYS L.) IN GIREI LOCALGOVERNMENT AREA, ADAMAWA STATE, NIGERIA
Abstract
This Experiment was conducted at Modibbo Adama University Research Farm to evaluate the effects of different organic manures on the growth, development, and yield of maize (Zea mays L.) in Girei Local Government Area, Adamawa State, Nigeria. Randomized Complete Block Design was adopted for this experiment with four replications and five treatments: control (0 kg/plot), cow dung (8 tons/ha), rice bran (8 tons/ha), soybean debris (8 tons/ha), and NPK fertilizer (120 kg N/ha, 45 kg P/ha, 45 kg K/ha). Maize variety SAMAZ-15 was sown, and data on growth parameters (plant height, stem girth, number of leaves, leaf area) and yield parameters (days to 50% tasseling, silking, maturity; ear height; cob weight; grain weight; yield per plot and net unit area) were collected from 2 to 12 weeks after sowing and analyzed using ANOVA with LSD at P < 0.05. Results indicated no significant (P= 0.05) differences in plant establishment count. However, cow dung and rice bran treatments significantly enhanced vegetative growth, with plant heights reaching
183.0 cm and 166.8 cm at 12 Weeks after sowing, respectively, compared to 131.5 cm in the control. Stem girth, leaf area, and number of leaves also improved significantly (P < 0.05) under these treatments. Phenological stages were accelerated, with cow dung and rice bran achieving 50% tasseling at 47.75 and 47.50 days, versus 58.50 days in the control (P < 0.001). Yield parameters showed marked increases, with plot yields of 1042 g and 992 g for cow dung and rice bran, nearly doubling the control's 508 g .The findings demonstrate that organic manures, particularly cow dung, outperformed NPK and control in promoting sustainable maize production through improved soil fertility and nutrient uptake. Recommendations include adopting cow dung at 8 tons/ha for enhanced yields and soil health in similar agroecological zones, with implications for food security and environmental sustainability in Nigeria.
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