On Farm Evaluation of the Effect of Crystallizer and Soil Conditioners on Maize Growth and Yield in Niger State

Abstract

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of crystallizer and soil conditioners on maize growth and yield. Five locations were used. The farmers’ practice of growing maize was compared side by side with technology of crystallizer and boost extra application. The effects of the applied treatments to maize increase the growth and yield parameter of maize. With the recommended practice field maize vigour on the average for all locations 3 and for farmers practice field on the average was 5 , implying normal vigour and weak vigour respectively. Maize height at maturity on the average for all locations with recommended practice was 262.2 cm and farmers practice field was 228.1 cm. maize yield and it’s component showed a positive respond to all the treatments in terms of percentage increase effect of application as follows height at maturity 13.1, days to 50% tasselling 1.1 and grain yield (kg/ha) 25.6, implying significant increase in height and yield of maize. It is recommended that both farmers and farm managers alike should adopt the application of crystallizers and soil conditioners using recommended practices to ensure proper growth and to obtain optimum yield from maize.

Keywords: Crystallizer, Soil conditioners, Maize growth and Yield

Journal of Agriculture and Social Research (JASR) Vol. 11, No. 1, 2011