Response of nitrogen and bio-fertilizer rates on yield, yield components and seed quality of Maize (Zea mays L.) at Kedida Gamela District, Kambata Tambaro Zone, Southern Ethiopia
Paper Details
Response of nitrogen and bio-fertilizer rates on yield, yield components and seed quality of Maize (Zea mays L.) at Kedida Gamela District, Kambata Tambaro Zone, Southern Ethiopia
Abstract
Low soil fertility is one of the major factors limiting maize productivity. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the response of nitrogen and bio-fertilizer (BF) rates on yield components and yield of maize. Five levels of nitrogen (0, 23, 46, 69, and 92kg N ha-1) and three levels of BF (0, 5 and10kg BF ha-1) were tested by using a randomized complete block design with three replicates. Gen Stat software was used to analysis of variance which revealed almost all parameters were significantly (P ≤ 0.01) affected by the main effects of nitrogen and BF, except BF had no significant effect on number of kernel rows per ear. On other hand, their interaction effect also had highly significant effect on all parameters, except days to 50% tasseling. The maximum seed yield was obtained at the combination rate of 92kg N ha-1 and 10kg BF ha-1, which was superior to the yield obtained at the control treatment by about 277.88%. This shows that higher inorganic nitrogen and BF inputs are required for maximum grain yield of maize in the study area.Therefore, it could be concluded that the combination of 92kg N and 10kg BF ha–1 could be recommended as best for maximum seed yield of maize. However, the experiment was carried out only in one location for one cropping season, further studies at different locations for at least three years or seasons should be conducted in the study area.
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