COMPARATIVE EFFECT OF ORGANIC MANURES AND METHODS OF APPLICATION ON YIELD OF MAIZE AND SOIL NUTRIENTS DYNAMICS

Abstract

Field study was conducted on the effect of Organic manures and methods of application on yield of maize and Soil nutrients dynamics during the cropping seasons of 2022 and 2023. Two organic amendments (poultry manure (PM) and compost manure (CM) with two methods of application Surface (S) and Incorporated (I) and no amendment ( Co). The treatments thus includes; Co, CI, CS, PI and PS which were arranged in a Randomized Complete Block Design with four replications. Soil nutrient statuses of the site were evaluated before and after cultivation to reveal the nutrients content and yields of maize taken at harvest. Data obtained were subjected to analysis of variance and means separated using Duncan Multiple Range Test. Manure application improved soil fertility status, especially soil organic C, CEC, available P, exchangeable K, Ca, and Mg and increased nutrient uptake and yields of maize. Nutrient of Soils treated with CM gave the highest potential for carbon sequestration and the incorporated had nutrients compared to the surface. The highest grain yield was obtained in the rainy season for CMI, followed by PMI, CMS and PMS, respectively while the control gave the least. Soil nutrient responses after the first cropping, following one time manure application indicated residual effects of manure application. Hence, the study shows that CM >PM and Incorporated application is better than surface method. Therefore, the application of CMI at 5t/ha should be considered for optimum maize production in the region of investigation.