Research Article

Effects of Variation in N:k Ratio in Soils on the Growth, Nutrient Availability and Yield of Maize (zea Mays L. )

A. O. BAKARE1*, I.O. Osemwota2
1 Department of Soil Science, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State
2 Soil Science Department, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State
* Corresponding author: aosayanmon@yahoo.com
Published: Apr, 2015
DOI: 10.67042/njss.2015.9xu4pr53
Pages: 116-124
Views: 449
Downloads: 630

Abstract

This study was undertaken in two distinct ecological zones of Edo state of Nigeria to determine the effects of variation in the N: K ratio in soils on the availability of N, K and on the growth and yield of maize. The two sites used were Rubber Research Institute of Nigeria (RRIN) Iyanomo (forest) and the Teaching and Research Farm of Ambrose Alli University, Emaudo, Ekpoma (derived savanna). RRIN is located in coastal plain sand while Emaudo is located in a transition zone between the coastal plain and basement complex of Edo state, Nigeria. The soils of the two experimental sites were analyzed for physicochemical properties before the commencement of the experiments. The experiments were carried out in two stages: Pot experiments in the screen house and field experiments. Each of the experiments had ten treatments (adjusted ratios) that were fitted into a randomized complete block design and replicated three times. The following adjusted N:K ratios of 0:0 (control), 1:1, 2:1, 3:1,:4:1, 5:1, 2:1, 3:1, 4:1, and 5:1 were used with maize (suwan - 1 variety) as the test crop. Results from the screen house revealed that N/K ratio 4:1 had the highest dry matter yield for both locations, (RRIN; 2.60 g/pot and Emaudo; 2.75 g/pot) but these values were not significantly different (P< 0.05) from what were obtained from the N/K ratio 3:1 and 2:1, respectively. The N: K ratio in the soil had an influence on the availability of N, and K. Under field conditions, N/K ratio 4:1 had the highest grain yield for both locations (RRIN; 3.46 ton/ha and Emaudo; 3.33 ton/ha), and the highest cob field weight (RRIN; 9.92 ton/ha and Emaudo; 9.33 ton/ha), hence its recommendation.

Keywords

n:k ratios n and k availability growth maize yield.

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How to Cite

BAKARE, A. O., & Osemwota, I. (2015). Effects of Variation in N:k Ratio in Soils on the Growth, Nutrient Availability and Yield of Maize (zea Mays L. ). Nigerian Journal of Soil Science, 25(1), 116-124. https://doi.org/10.67042/njss.2015.9xu4pr53

A. O. BAKARE, and I. Osemwota, "Effects of Variation in N:k Ratio in Soils on the Growth, Nutrient Availability and Yield of Maize (zea Mays L. )," Nigerian Journal of Soil Science, vol. 25, no. 1, pp. 116-124, April 2015. doi: 10.67042/njss.2015.9xu4pr53

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