The effects of application rates of phosphorus fertilizer on growth and yield of maize was investigated in Akure (7015’N, 50 15’E) in 2007 and 2008. Single Superphosphate (SSP 26 % phosphorus) was applied at 5 rates of 0, 100, 150, 200, 250 kg/ha. The experimental design was randomized complete block with three replications. The total area of experiment was 30 x 20 meters with each experimental plot being 5 x 5 meters. Growth and yield parameters were taken on maize plants and the data subjected to Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) while mean comparisons were performed using Duncan Multiple Range Test (DMRT) at 5 % probability. Significantly higher plant height and stem girth were obtained in plots treated with phosphorus fertilizer compared to the plots without fertilizer. Maximum maize yield of 1,650 kg/ha, was obtained at 250 kg/ha phosphorus fertilizer while significantly lower yield of 840 kg/ha maize was obtained in the plot without fertilizer (0 kg/ha). The 250 kg/ha phosphorus increased maize yield by 96.4%, 43.5%, 10% and 5.8% compared to 0, 100, 150, 200 kg/ha phosphorus respectively. Increases in yield correlated with increases in rates of fertilizer phosphorus (r = 0.97). The cost-benefit analysis showed highest net revenue was obtained at 250 kg/ha phosphorus fertilizer. Increases in phosphorus fertilizer rates, resulted in improved maize performance, yield and financial status of the maize farm enterprise.
PAPER TITLE :EVALUATION OF DIFFERENT RATES OF PHOSPHORUS FERTILIZER APPLICATION ON THE GROWTH AND YIELD OF MAIZE
JOURNAL Of SUSTAINABLE TECHNOLOGY | VOLUME 1 NUMBER 1 2010
Paper Details
- Author(s) : ADEKAYODE, F.O.1 and ADEOLA, O.F
- Abstract:
