Effect of Organo-mineral Fertilization on Phenological Development, Growth, and Yield of Maize under Experimental Station Conditions

Abstract

Maize (Zea mays L.) is one of the major cereal crops grown in Senegal. However, maize yields remain low due to poor soil fertility and inadequate nutrient management. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of combined organic and mineral fertilisation on maize (Zea mays L.) growth and yield. The study was conducted during the rainy season at the experimental station of the Department of Plant Protection in Tambacounda. A randomised complete block design was used, comprising eight treatments replicated three times. The treatments included an absolute control, NPK fertiliser alone, cattle manure, sheep manure, poultry manure, and combinations of NPK with cattle manure, sheep manure, and poultry manure in equal proportions (50/50). The results showed that poultry manure-based treatments significantly improved plant height, whereas mineral NPK fertiliser resulted in the highest number of leaves (12.44). The combination of poultry manure and NPK resulted in earlier female flowering at 49 days after sowing (DAS). This treatment also produced superior ear and grain weights compared with sheep and cattle manure. The 1,000-grain weight and maize biomass improved significantly, by 47% and 98%, respectively, compared with the absolute control. These results indicate that combining poultry manure with mineral NPK fertiliser can enhance maize growth, phenological development, and productivity under rainfed conditions in the Tambacounda region.