Effect of inorganic fertilizers and planting density on growth and yield of selected maize varieties in eastern Rwanda

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Research Paper 01/11/2018
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Effect of inorganic fertilizers and planting density on growth and yield of selected maize varieties in eastern Rwanda

Jean de Dieu Mbarushimana, Josiah Mwivandi Kinama, George Ndiema Chemining’wa
Int. J. Agron. Agri. Res.13( 5), 22-34, November 2018.
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Abstract

Maize grain yield is needed worldwide due to its potential to fight against hunger and many other industrial uses. This study was done in the effort to improve maize grain yield by using high genetic potential hybrid and adequate management technologies. Its aim was to determine the effect of varying N, P, & K fertilizers rate and planting density on growth and yield of selected maize varieties. Trials were conducted in Rwanda, Bugesera district in Karama and Musenyi sites during short rain season from October 2017 to March 2018. RCBD under 2×3×4 factorial arrangement was used with 3 replications. RHM 104 new hybrid variety and ZM 607 OPV were used. Planting densities were 83,334, 68,334, and 53,334 plants/ha. Fertilizer rates were NPK 175-68-68, NPK 150-59.5-59.5, NKP 97-51-51 and control. Plot size was 5 m × 4.5 m with 6 rows/plot and 32, 26 and 20 hills/row following each planting density. The density of 83,334 plants/ha showed significant differences in control plots on days to antes is and silking with mean of 70.33 and 72.42 days respectively (P = 0.026 and 0.008). The interaction of RHM 104 hybrid variety × 83,334 plants/ha x NPK 150-59.5-59.5 (P =0.022) on ear height was significant with highest ear at 95 cm. NPK fertilizers rates showed no effect on grain yield. The interaction of RHM 104 variety × 68,334 plants/ha gave best grain yields with mean of 5975 Kg/ha, (P = 0.003) site combined and 8679 Kg/ha with maximum of 11,606 Kg/ha at Karama site.

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