Growth, Nutrient Uptake and Dry Matter Yields of Maize (Zea mays L. var) Grown with Different Levels of Organic and Inorganic Fertilizers in Morogoro, Tanzania

Abstract

A screen house study was conducted at the Department of Soil Science Screen house SUA, Morogoro to determine the effects of different levels of N, P and FYM on the growth, nutrient uptake and dry matter yield of maize. The experimental design used in the study was factorial design in RCBD (Randomized Complete Block Design) The results obtained indicated that application of different rates of N, P and FYM had significant influenced on the growth, nutrients uptake and dry matter yield of maize. Plot with Farm yard manure (FYM) was combined N and P fertilizers. Results on plant height ranged from 8.50 to 40.25 cm in control and from 9.38 to 67.00 cm in plants treated with 150 40 kg NP ha-1 with FYM 10 ton ha-1 of FYM. Plant growth, nutrient uptake and DMY were significantly (P < 0.05) influenced by treatments. Plot treated with 150 kg N ha-1, 80 kg P ha-1 and 5 t FYM ha-1 significantly had higher N (2.94%) content, while plot treated with 75 kg N ha-1, 80 kg P ha-1 and 5 t FYM ha-1 had higher P (0.39%) content. It is therefore concluded that, different levels of FYM with N and P were equally effective in enhancing nitrogen and phosphorus uptake by maize.