Effect of different nitrogen levels, plant population and soil nutrient status on yield and yield components of maize (Zea mays L.) in different ecological zones of Nigeria
Kayode, G.O.; Agboola, A.A.
Fertilizer Research 2(3): 177-191
1981
DOI: 10.1007/bf01834811
Accession: 000865675
N significantly influenced yield at 6 of the 8 sites, NIFOR, Umudike and Uyo (rain forst zone), Mokwa and Samaru (Savanna zone) an Riyom (derived savanna zone). Optimum N required for maize ranged 50-100 kg N in the different zones. There was no response to spacing except at Umudike, Uyo and Riyom, and no significant interaction between N and spacing at any location. N application significantly influenced ear weight at Ikenne, NIFOR, Umudike, Uyo and Mokwa. Nitrogen application had a significant effect on the number of cobs at NIFOR, Uyo and Mokwa, while spacing significantly influenced number of cobs at all locations except Uyo. Husk weight was significantly increased by nitrogen application at 4 locations, NIFOR, Uyo, Mokwa and Samaru, but spacing had no effect on this yield component in any of the other locations except Umudike. There was an N by spacing interaction on husk weight at Umudike and Mokwa. N application significantly influenced lodging at tasseling at Uyo, Mokwa and Riyom, whilst there was a significant effect of spacing at Uyo and Samaru. At harvest, lodging was not influenced by N application but spacing significantly affected lodging at Ibadan and NIFOR. Both N application and spacing had no significant effect on shelling percentage at any location. The high correlation between relative yield and available Zn (r = 0.77*), Cu (r = 0.63) and Fe (r = -0.66) of the soil at all the locations showed that other nutrients besides N, P and K affected maize yield, and different levels of NPK fertilizer plus other nutrients are required in each ecological zone and this can be determined by soil testing.