AGRONOMIC RESPONSE OF MAIZE (Zea mays L.) TO SULPHUR AND THE PRIMARY NUTRIENTS IN THE GUINEA SAVANNA ZONE OF GHANA

Abstract

Maize is an important cereal crop that requires a high dose of fertilizer for optimum growth and productivity. While primary nutrients and sulphur are known to impact on the crop’s growth, data remains relatively scanty on the comparative productivity of these four nutrients. A field experiment was conducted at Bolgatanga municipality and Bongo district of Ghana during the 2020 cropping season to assess the relative agronomic productivity of each primary nutrient (N, P and K) and of sulphur (S) on growth and yield of Wang-dataa maize variety. Eighteen treatments, made up of four nutrient combinations {(N(PR)KS, N(P+PR) KS), NPKS}, three {NPK, NPS, NKS, PKS}, two {PS, PK, PN, KN, KS, NS},sole nutrient {N, P, K and S} and control (no fertilization) were used. At each site, four replications were used. Data were collected on maize growth and yield and treatment means were separated at probability of 95% using LSD. The results also showed a significant interaction effect of fertilizer combinations. The application of at least one nutrient element improved growth and yield than non application of nutrient elements.Increasing the number of nutrient elements resulted in better growth and yield which were dependent on the type of nutrient combinations. NP and NS were found to be the best performng treatmernts among the binary combinations while N, NPK and N (P+PR) KS treatments were observed to be the best performing among the sole, tertiary and quaternary combinatons. Significantly, higher grain yield and percentage increase in yield were obtained in response to the application of N (P+PR) KS and NPKS. This confirms the need for inclusion of all four elements in fertilizer formulation for increasing maize growth and yield. Apllication of NPK and S to maize production is recommended for fertilizer formulation for maize growth and production. Also, the research further recommends that smallholder farmers who cannot afford compound fertilisers may apply NP or N fertilisers at lower cost for yield enhancement. This research finally recommends an investigation concerning the agronomic productivity in growth and yield parameters of other crops like soya bean and yam.