Main Article Content
Effect of organic mulch materials on maize performance and weed growth in the derived savanna of south eastern Nigeria.
Abstract
The experiment was conducted at the Research and Teaching Farm of the Federal College of Agriculture, Ishiagu during 2008 cropping season, to assess the effect of organic mulch materials (Plant and Animal) on the performance of maize and weed growth in the derived savanna. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with six (6) treatments replicated three(3) times. Weeds flora, composition, growth and yield parameter of crop were collected. Results showed that Graminaea, Asteraceae and Solanaceae weeds families were predominant. Annual weed species, mostly broad leaves and grasses dominated the area. There was a significant (P et al, et al, baessien2004@yahoo.com !0.05) suppression of weeds in all the treatments, except on no application. Maize growth and yields were not significantly influenced by the soil amendment. Amongst the treatments however, poultry dropping and a combination of soil amendments produced the highest crop growth and yield, and no application produced the lowest. This research work proves the significance of organic mulch materials on weed suppression and crop performance.
Keywords: Organic Mulch, Maize, weed