Effect of mulch types on nutrient composition, maize (Zea mays L.) yield and soil properties of a tropical Alfisol in Southwestern Nigeria

Abstract

Article Info Received : 08.07.2016 Accepted : 17.10.2016 Field investigations were carried out to evaluate the influence of shrub and herbaceous mulch types on soil properties and nutrient composition of maize (Zea mays L.) at the Teaching and Research Farm of the Federal University of Technology, Akure in the rainforest zone of southwestern Nigeria in 2013 and 2014 respectively. The shrub mulch; Gliricidia sepium and Tithonia diversifolia, herbaceous mulch; Calopogonium mucunoides and Moringa oleifera were applied at the rate of 5 t ha -1 . Application of NPK (20:10:10) fertilizer at the rate of 200 kg ha -1 was included as the standard treatment for the experiments. The treatments were laid out in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replication. The growth, agronomic parameters and nutritional quality of maize (Zea mays L.) were monitored and determined in both experiments. Results indicated that herbaceous mulch types and NPK fertilizer significantly (P<0.05) increased the number of leaves, plant height and leaf area when compared with the control in both years. Significant increases in yield parameters over the control were obtained for the NPK fertilizer treatment. In 2013 and 2014 cropping season NPK 20-10-10 treatment significantly produced the highest cob yield but was not significantly higher than the yield from Gliricidia sepium treatment in 2014. Soil organic carbon, total nitrogen (N), potassium (K), and exchangeable cations were positively stimulated by herbaceous mulches while residual phosphorus (P) was increased by NPK fertilizer treatment. Mulched treatments significantly increased crude protein, carbohydrate, nitrogen, phosphorus and ash content of maize grain in both years of cropping season thereby improving nutritional content of maize grain. Therefore, shrub and herbaceous mulch treatments applied at 5t/ha -1 could be applied alternatively in lieu of scarce and expensive inorganic fertilizer for improved maize yield, soil properties and nutrient composition.

Effects of biochar and nitrogen fertilizer on soil physicochemical properties, nitrogen use efficiency and upland rice (Oryza sativa) yield grown on an Alfisol in Southwestern Nigeria

“…Topographically, the site is generally flat, consisting of large quantities of red laterite and very little of mangrove swamp soil of humid tropical equatorial area. Climatically, the study area has a tropical climate and belongs to the equatorial rain forest belts (Awopegba et al 2017). Field experiments were carried out at the experimental station of the Federal University of Technology, Akure, Department of Crop, Soil and Pest Management (7°20′N; 5°30′E) during the wet seasons of August-November, 2016 and May-August, 2017.…”

“…Consequently, potential crop yield has become unattainable without the application of inorganic fertilizer and organic materials (Mohamed et al 2008). Farmers often use inorganic fertilizers which are expensive and scarce; therefore, they are forced to depend on alternative nutrient source such as organic manures (Awopegba et al 2017). However, the effects of organic manure amendment on soils in SSA are short term due to rapid decomposition and less stability (Glaser et al 2002).…”

Effects of Different Types and Dosage of Green Mulch on Yield and Quality of Aloe vera L. on Coastal Sandy Soil

“…Kwanbe et al (2014) stated that the grass mulch could keep the soil temperature low, increase moisture and weed population, thus increasing the growth and yield of beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.). Supporting result was given by Murdaningsih and Mbu'u (2014), who stated that green kirinyu (Chromolaena odorata L.) mulch could increase the yield of carrot, and Awopegba et al (2017) reported that mulch application of Cajanus cayan and Chromolaena odorata improved the yield of corn.…”

“…These results are supported by the study of Vidya and Girish (2014) who stated that the application of water hyacinth mulch could increase the chlorophyll and protein level in the wheat seeds. Awopegba et al (2017) also reported that Cajanus cayan and Chromolaena odorata mulch could improve nutrient composition of corn.…”

Evaluation of four microbial bio-effectors for growth promotion and nutrient acquisition in bambara nut Vigna subterranea (L.) Verdc. (Fabales: Fabaceae) without mineral fertilization

“…Crop production in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is becoming increasingly difficult as a result of drought and low soil fertility (Nyanmangara and Nyagumbo, 2010;Awopegba et al, 2017). Excessive use of inorganic fertilizers has triggered several environmental problems such as release of greenhouse gases which depletes the ozone layer pollution of water resources, destruction of micro-organisms, and acidification of water and soil as well as leading to degrading of soil physical properties caused by low organic matter levels and nutrient imbalance (Nottidge, Ojeniyi and Aswalam, 2005;Akingbola et al, 2016).…”