Effects of Nitrogen Fertilizer Rates and Soil Types on Yield and Yield Components of Maize (Zea mays L.) in Yola, Adamawa State, Nigeria

Aims: The experiments were carried out o determine the effects of different rates of nitrogen fertiliser and soil types on the yield and yield component of maize plant in Yola.

Duration and Place of Study: Field experiments were conducted during 2010, 2011 and 2012 cropping seasons at the Teaching and Research Farm, Modibbo Adama University of Technology Yola (Sandy-loam soil) and a private farm in Karewa area of Yola (Clay-loam soil).

Methodology: Treatments consisted of five levels of nitrogen fertiliser (0, 40, 80, 120 and 160 kg N/ha) applied as urea while phosphorus and potassium were maintained at 60 kg/ha each applied as single superphosphate and Muriate of potash on the sandy-loam and clay-loam soils. The experiments were laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) replicated three times. Parameters measured include number of ears/plant, length of ears, ear diameter, number of grains per year, the weight of 100 grains, the weight of grains/ear and total grain yield. Data collected were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) appropriate to RCBD using statistical package SAS for Windows Release 9.2 and Least Significant Difference (LSD) method was used to compare the difference between means.

Results: Regarding ear diameter, 100-grain weight and total grain weight, there were significant influences of rates of nitrogen fertiliser and soil types. The yield of maize was significantly affected by rates of nitrogen fertiliser and soil types. The highest yield of 5,330.6 kg/ha was obtained with 160 kg N/ha.

Conclusion: Based on the finding of the study, applying the rate of 160 kg N/ha on sandy-loam soil appeared to be promising for improved yield of maize in Yola and is, therefore, recommended to farmers in Yola.