Agronomic and Yield Parameters of CHC202 Maize (Zea mays L) Variety Influenced by Different Doses of Chemical Fertilizer (NPK) in Bali Nyonga, North West Region Cameroon

Abstract

Aims: The aim of this study was to evaluate the agronomic and yield performance of CHC202 maize (Zea mays) variety as influenced by different doses of chemical fertilizer (NPK – 20:10:10) in Bali Nyonga, North West Region of Cameroon. Study Design: Four treatments (0 g, 4 g, 8 g and 12 g of NPK/plant) were evaluated in a Randomized Complete Block Design. Commercial NPK (20:10:10) fertilizer was used. Place and Duration of Study: The experiment was conducted in Bali Nyonga, a village located in Bali sub- Division, North West Region of Cameroon. This research was conducted in 2014 from March to July. Methodology: There were four blocks, each with a surface area of 38.2 m2. Each block was divided into raised beds (3 m x 0.4 m x 0.4 m), raised beds within a block were separated by a 40 cm gap. Maize seeds were sown on the 25th of March 2014 after two consecutive heavy rain falls. Two fertilizer applications were made in the experiment; on the day of sowing and five weeks after emergence. On the day of sowing, the fertilizer was applied in shallow trenches mixed with soil and the maize seed 3 cm deep. Five weeks after germination, the second application of fertilizer was made: fertilizer was applied in a ring manner 4 cm away from the plant. Plant spacing and fertilizer application was done based on farmer’s practice. Data was collected on growth and yield parameters. Results: Results indicated that different doses (0 g, 4 g, 8 g and 12 g per plant) of NPK fertilizer in two applications influenced agronomic (plant emergence, plant height, stem diameter, leaf area index, plant vigour, and number of plants at harvest) and yield parameters of maize. The highest plant emergence was recorded from with 0 g of NPK application (P = .05). The highest plant height 222.5 cm resulted from treatment with 12 g/plant (P = .05). Maize plants treated with 12 g/plants also gave the highest yield 2.4 kg (P = 0.05). There was also a strong correlation (r = 0.75, P < .01) between plant vigour and yield. Conclusion: From the findings of this experiment, judicious application of NPK fertilizer can improve agronomic and yield parameters of maize. Farmers are recommended to use 12 g of NPK for optimal growth and maximum yield. Other implications are discussed.