Effect of a synthetic foliar fertilizer (super gro) on growth and yield of maize (Zea mays L.) in Northern Guinea Savanna of Nigeria

Field experiments were conducted to study the effects of a synthetic foliar fertilizer (Super gro) and varieties on growth and yield of maize during 2013 cropping season. The experiments were carried out at Dumne in Song Local Government Area, and the Teaching and Research farm of the Department of Crop Production and Horticulture, Modibbo Adama University of Technology, Yola, Nigeria. The experimental design was a split-plot with the synthetic foliar fertilizer (Super gro) applied at 6 different rates (0, 100, 150, 200, 250, and 300 milliliters (mls) per hectare) in the main plot and three varieties of maize (Sammaiz 15, Sammaiz 17, and Sammaiz 26) planted in the sub-plots, replicated three times. Data were collected on physical and chemical properties of the soils of the experimental sites, rainfall conditions of the two areas, and the plant growth and yield parameters of the maize crop. Data collected were analyzed statistically using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Duncan’s Multiple Range Test was used to separate the means at 5% level of probability. The results showed that the textural class of the soils of the two sites were loamy sand at both depths at Dumne location and sand and sandy loam at the depths of 0-20 and 20-40cm respectively at Yola location. Similarly, the total amount of rainfall and the number of rain days at Dumne were higher compared to those of Yola area. The combined mean effects of the synthetic foliar fertilizer (Super gro) was not significant on growth and yield of maize. Also, the combined mean effects of variety on growth and yield parameters of maize did not significantly vary, but differed numerically with Sammaz 17 recording the highest grain yield of 3782.8 kg/ha It could be concluded that the synthetic foliar fertilizer (Super gro) had no influence on growth and yield of maize. Secondly, since variety differed numerically with Sammaz 17 producing the highest grain yield than the other two varieties, farmers may adopt the use of the variety as an alternative to the in availability of other high yielding varieties of maize. Thirdly, with the results of the physico-chemical properties of the soils of experimental sites and rainfall conditions of the two areas, it could be stated that Dumne location possessed a more suitable environmental conditions for maize production than Yola location.  

 

Keywords: Fertilizer, Foliar, Maize, Super gro, Varieties

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