Abstract

Under intensive cropping systems in the tropics, application of chemical fertilizers becomes an apparently indispensable means of replenishing the rapidly depleting soil nutrients. However, the reported side effects of continuous application of synthetic fertilizers on soil and man are now a major concern. Hence, determination of the potentials of some easily exploitable natural or organic-based fertilizer material(s), which can effectively compete with the commonly used synthetic fertilizers like NPK 15-15-15, is a worthwhile scientific approach, not towards improved performance of versatile arable crop like maize, but also for total eradication or alleviation of chemical inputs on tropical soils. A field experiment was conducted at the Teaching and Research Farms, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso, in the year 2017, to comparatively determine the effects of NPK fertilizer and some selected organic-based fertilizer / ammendments on growth, yield and nutrient uptakes of maize (Zea mays). Six treatments were introduced, T0 (the control which received no fertilizer application), T1 (NPK fertilizer application), T2 (Tithonia compost application), T3 (Organomineral fertilizer application), T4 (Poultry manure application) and T5 (Cow dung application). All fertilizers were applied at recommended rates.

Authors and Affiliations