Influence of soil and management of maize (Zea mays L.) yield in some selected farms in Lagos State, Nigeria

Abstract

The reliability of soil classification at the series level as a basis for crop yield prediction was examined by comparing the influence of cultural management and soil classification on the yield of maize. Yield of maize was measured on different soil series for some selected farms for two years using two management systems (Low and improved). The results show that generally soil classification greatly influenced maize yield, but this was significantly (P<0.01) enhanced by management, especially the improved management practice. Maize yield analysis showed that on all the soil types, improved management was consistently better than the farmer's management. The effect of management in controlling crop yield was strong as substantial variation in response to management by the different soil series was observed. The average maize yield (2.18 tons/ha & 2.62 tons/ha) of improved management (M2) was about two times higher than that of low management (Ml-1.07 tons/ha and 1.27 tons/ha) for the two years of study. The study shows that soil classification/evaluation may not be practically relevant in terms of crop yield prediction without reference to the management practice.

Nigerian Journal of Soil Science Vol. 15 2005: 68-74