Effects of tillage and fertilizer application methods on the performance of maize (Zea mays L.)

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted at the Teaching and Research Farm of the University of Ibadan, Nigeria, in 2002 and 2003 cropping seasons to evaluate the effects of tillage, fertilizer application method, and the interaction between these two factors on the performance of maize. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design, arranged in a split-plot configuration. Tillage method constituted the main-plot treatment, which included: no-tillage (control) and conventional tillage (ploughing and harrowing). Fertilizer application methods were the sub-plot treatment, which were: broadcast and banded covered method. The results obtained indicated that there were significant differences (P=0.05) between the treatments for the growth and yield parameters of maize. On the two year-average, conventional tillage method gave maize leaf area (0.81 m2/plant), which was significantly higher than 0.59 m2/plant for no-tillage. Banded covered method of fertilizer application gave maize leaf area (0.70 m2/plant), which was significantly higher than 0.56 m2/plant for broadcast method. Conventional tillage gave maize grain yield (1.62 t/ha), which was significantly higher than 1.53 t/ha for no-tillage treatment. Banded covered method gave maize grain yield (2.01 t/ha), which was significantly higher than 1.51 t/ha for broadcast method. No significant interaction existed between tillage and fertilizer application methods for the growth and yield parameters of maize.

Keywords: Tillage; fertilizer and maize

Moor Journal of Agricultural Research Vol. 7 (1&2) 2006 pp. 63-68