Effect of Poultry Manure on Growth and Yield of Maize (Zea mays Var Praecox) in Jalingo, Taraba State, Nigeria

Abstract

Aim: The aim of the experiment was to investigate the influence of poultry manure on the performance of maize (Zea mays Var Praecox). Study Design: A randomized complete block design (RCBD) with 4 replications a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with 4 replications Place and Duration of the Study: Field trials were established at the Nukkai Irrigation Teaching and Research Farm of the Crop Science Department, Taraba State College of Agriculture, Jalingo during the 2014 and 2015 cropping seasons. Methodology: The trial consisted of five treatments namely, 0, 1, 1.5, 2.0 and 2.5 tonnes/ha of poultry manure worked into the soil and watered for one week before planting of maize. Soil samples randomly taken at 0 – 30 cm depth and poultry manure samples were analyzed using standard laboratory procedures to determine the physico-chemical characteristics of the soil and manure nutrient content. Results: The results obtained showed the soil was highly acidic (pH 4.52) with a sandy clay loam structure with nutrient contents below critical levels (Organic carbon 1.4%, total N 0.14%, available P 9.18 mg/kg, and exchangeable K, Ca, Mg and  ECEC of 0.24, 0.58, 0.51 and 1.53 cmol/kg, respectively). Results also showed that poultry manure at 2.5 tones/ha produced tallest plants (124.8/130.2 cm) with largest stem girth (12.5/12.8 cm), bearing more cobs/plant (2.7/2.6) and highest grain yield of 3,050 and 3,058 kg/ha in 2014 and 2015, respectively at P = 0.05. Conclusion: This indicates that 2.5 tones of poultry manure and above per hectare could be adequate for good growth and yield of maize and is recommended for farmers in Jalingo area.