Comparative effects of organic based fertilizer and mineral fertilizer on the dry matter yield of maize

Abstract

A greenhouse experiment was conducted to evaluate comparative effectiveness of organic based fertilizer (OBF), Compost and mineral fertilizer (MF) on maize performance. The OBF was a product of Compost and MF containing major ingredients which are locally sourced and regarded as wastes.  The fertilizers were applied to pot filled with 3 kg soil at rates having equivalent weight of between 0 and 400 mgN/kg.

     The results of organic fertilizers analysis showed that the N concentration in Compost was twice that in farm waste and 40% higher than that in the poultry manure. The phosphorus level was 25% higher than in farm waste and 30% lower in poultry manure. The Ca and Mg contents were higher in Compost almost by 400% and 200% respectively as compared with the levels in farm waste. Higher levels of some micronutrients were also detected in the Compost than in the original materials.  The OBF, on the other hand, was richer in plant nutrients than the Compost.

     Application of the organic and mineral fertilizers increased the dry matter yield of maize. In the first cropping, the MF and OBF were more superior to Compost at application rates less than 400 mgN/kg. The MF was less effective than the organic fertilizers in subsequent croppings showing that the latter gave better residual effect than the former which is a conventional fertilizer. Application of OBF improved uptake of both macro and micronutrients by maize.  On the whole, influence of the fertilizers on nutrient uptake followed in the ascending order of Compost, MF and OBF except that there were some slight variations in cumulative uptake of some of the lements. The use of OBF as fertilizer source in crop production provides an alternative to lack of organic input in inorganic fertilizer application.