DETERMINATION OF OPTIMAL NITROGEN RATE FOR GROWTH AND GRAIN YIELD OF MAIZE (ZEA MAYS L.) IN DADIN-KOWA, GOMBE STATE

Abstract

Maize production is often being challenged by poor soil fertility and other factors leading to poor grain yield. Nitrogen being the major component of the macro elements is largely required for improved maize yield performance. A field study was carried out during the 2023 rainy season at the Teaching and Research Farm of the Federal College of Horticulture, Hinna, Dadin-Kowa to determine the optimal nitrogen rate for growth and grain yield of maize. The experiment was laid in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with four replications. Treatments consisted of four nitrogen rates:  0kg, 50kgha-1, 100kgha-1 and 150kgha-1 applied in two split dozes. The first split doze was applied at two weeks after sowing together with phosphorus and potassium at 50kgha-1 respectively, while the second dose was applied at 5 weeks after sowing. The results showed that nitrogen application significantly influenced grain yield performances of maize. 50kgNha-1, 100kgNha-1 and 150kgNha- 1 treated plots perform better than 0kgNha-1 treated plots (control). Plots treated with 150kgNha-1 gave higher grain yield than 100kgNha-1 but with no significant difference statistically between them. 0kgNha-1 (control) gave the least grain yield, confirming the need for nitrogen application to improved grain maize yield. The result confirms the previous recommendation of 100 kg N ha-1 as optimal rate for maize in the savannah, hence we recommend 100 kg N ha-1 to the farmers in the study area. We also recommend further studies under irrigated conditions to compare the results with rainfed conditions.