Effects of phosphorus and sulphur on dry matter yield of maize (<i>Zea mays</i>) in some soils at Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria

Abstract

Pre-planting analyses were performed to determine soil pH, particle size, organic matter, K, Na, P and S. Eight weeks after planting, maize parts above the soil level were harvested, oven-dried and dry-matter yield were computed and recorded. Application of S fertilizer appears not to be critical to maize production in the study areas since singly added S did not produce significant increase in biomass yield. In contrast, applied P significantly increased MDY in all the soils except Obantoko II, which already contained high amount of P sufficient for maize yield. Both synergism (Alabata II and III) and antagonistic (Alabata I) interactions were observed between P and S on MDY without any interactive effect in Obantoko I soil. Application rate of 30-45 kg P ha -1 with or without 10 or 20 kg S ha -1 resulted in significant effects on the MDY in the study areas. Field studies on effects of P and S on maize grain yield are recommended.

Pig (Sus scrofa domesticus) dung and their associated fungi: Potential candidates for bio-remediation and nutrients improvement of crude oil contaminated soils

“…Phosphorus is essential for cell division and proper meristematic activity in plants. Therefore, the level of P in the growth medium of plants impacts their leaf color, leaf area, number of leaves, and seed and tuber development (Ogunsola and Adetunji 2016). Findings in this study where pig dung amendment significantly improved the yield and yield components of soybean is consistent with the report of Samuel et al (2018) who found that COCS amended with mammalian dung produced higher biomass and better quality bean crop than what was obtained from the untreated control experiment.…”

“…This is congruent with Ikeogu and Nwaofia (2013) submission who also found these elements in low amounts in unamended soil of Umudike and Amakama, Southeast Nigeria. High aluminum toxicity, bio-unavailability of carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus characterize COCS, and these constraints were sufficiently overcome by pig dung amendments in a trial (Ojo-Omoniyi et al 2020). Findings in this study revealed increases in content of organic carbon, organic matter, K, P N in the amended COCS; harmonizing with reports of Ojo-Omoniyi et al (2020) who found these parameters to increase in COCS amended with pig dung.…”

“…High aluminum toxicity, bio-unavailability of carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus characterize COCS, and these constraints were sufficiently overcome by pig dung amendments in a trial (Ojo-Omoniyi et al 2020). Findings in this study revealed increases in content of organic carbon, organic matter, K, P N in the amended COCS; harmonizing with reports of Ojo-Omoniyi et al (2020) who found these parameters to increase in COCS amended with pig dung. Our observations that sodium was low in the pig dung-treated soil was also in harmony with Ojo-Omoniyi et al (2020) who found in a trial that pig dung amended soils recorded less sodium content than goat dung-amended soil.…”

“…Dung and other agro-derived wastes improve the physical and chemical properties as well as microbial populations in soils (Amaechi et al 2018;Ojo-omoniyi et al 2020). Presence of nitrogen, sodium, magnesium, and potassium as well as organic carbon and organic matter amongst other nutrients were observed in low quantities in the un-amended pre-experiment soil (Table 5).…”

Understanding nutrient imbalances in maize (Zea mays L.) using the diagnosis and recommendation integrated system (DRIS) approach in the Maize belt of Nigeria

“…The higher ear leaf content and lower limitation order of P under the NPKS is not surprising as P and S interact in synergy to influence uptake of each other. Studies in Nigeria by Ogunsola and Adetunji 50 recommended S application for enhanced P uptake by maize. The high recurrence of negative DRIS P balance index and increased order of P limitation for NPK and NPKB treatments is more difficult to explain, especially as P uptake is reported to be positively influenced by B application 51 .…”