Impact of different manure on the growth and yield of maize in Southern Nigeria

Abstract

A field experiment was conduct at the Teaching and Research Farm, Akwa Ibom State University, Nigeria, to study the impact of different manures on the growth and yield of maize (Zea mays L). Three different manures were used to include: poultry droppings, pig dungs and goat droppings. It was replicated three times and was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD). Data were collected on vegetative traits and yield component and statistically analyzed. The growth and yield attributes increased significantly with the application of poultry droppings. The control plot gives significantly lower means and maize that received 20 t/ha recorded the highest mean in all growth and yield parameter evaluated in the study. Applications of poultry manure significantly improve vegetative growth and yield attributes of maize plant and therefore recommended for adoption by resource-poor farmer can adopt the use of poultry droppings as substitute for inorganic fertilizer and ultimately improve yield in the study area.