Response of sweet maize (Zea mays L. Saccharata strut) and soil chemical properties to compost in Asaba, Delta State

Abstract

Experiment was conducted in Delta State University, Asaba Campus during the early and late seasons of 2016 to monitor the response of sweet maize and soil chemical properties to compost. The compost was formulated with rice husk and cowdung at a ratio of 7:3. The compost was applied at 0 (control), 5, 10 and 15 t/ha to 15kg soil per polythene bag. The soil was analyzed to determine the initial nutrient content. The bags were arranged in a completely randomized design in three replicates and maize variety Sammaz 37 was used. Four seeds were sown and later thinned to one stand two weeks after sowing. Plant height, leaf area, stem girth, dry mater, weight of green ear and weight of dehusked green ear were measured. Soil samples were collected after harvest for post harvest soil analysis. Data were subjected to analysis of variance and means were separated with Duncan Multiple Range Test at 5% level of probability. Results revealed that treated plant had outstanding performance than untreated, 15 t/ha of compost had higher plant height (144.5±7.3 and 146.8±16.6 cm), stem girth (8.3±0.43 and 8.6±0.47 cm), leaf area (247.5±41.5 and 148.8±30.3 cm2), dry matter (2.9±0.82 and 3.2±1.0 t/ha), weight of green ear (0.24±0.04 and 0.30±0.01 kg) and weight of dehusked green ear (0.16±0.03 and 0.16±0.4 kg) in both seasons respectively. It also had higher soil chemical properties. Therefore, the compost could be recommended at 15 t/ha in the study area.

Keywords: sweet maize, soil fertility, rice husk, cowdung, compost