EFFECTS OF SOIL AND FOLIAR APPLICATION OF PHOSPHORUS, SULPHUR AND ZINC ON THE GRAIN YIELD OF MAIZE (Zea mays L.) IN KPALGA AND NYANKPALA IN THE NORTHERN REGION

Abstract

Maize (Zea mays L.) has a very high yield potential compared to many cereal crops. Despite its importance and potential, maize production is beset by many problems which include soil nutrient deficiency with the average maize yield in the Guinea Savanna Ecological region as low as 1.5 t/ha. This trial carried out in two locations in the Guinea Savanna ecological zone explored the effects of soil and foliar applications of Zn, S and P. The treatments were made up of NPK grade (23-10-5) in combination with S, Zn and P supplement using Triple super phosphate (TSP). The additional nutrients were applied either through soil or foliar. The combinations of the NPK and the additional nutrients gave ten treatments which were laid out on 5m×5m plots in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with four replications. Growth and yield data were collected and subjected to analysis of variance using Gentstat Statistical software. The study discovered that applying NPK +Zn through the soil increased plant height and the leaf area index, whereas applying NPK+S through the soil sped up flowering (tasseling) and generated the highest dry biomass yield. In comparison to foliar application, the soil application of NPK+ Zn +S was also quicker to reach days to 50% silking. The best grain production was also achieved with foliar applications of NPK +Zn + S and NPK+P. Nitrogen use efficiency assessed using Agronomic efficiency revealed that soil application of NPK+S and supplementation of P through foliar (NPK+[P] delivered the best efficiency among the treatments. It is therefore recommended that these treatments should be considered in the formulation of fertilizers for maize.