Abstract
Influence of mineral fertilizer on the growth of maize (Zea mays L.) and soil fertility improvement for food security, environmental development and sustainable agriculture were studied. Five treatments viz: 0, 5, 10, 15, and 20 kg of NPK (15:15:15) mineral fertilizer per hectare (kg ha-1) were used in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replicates. These treatments were applied once to five week-old seedlings of Zea mays (L.) using ring method. The effects of these treatments on plant height (PH) and number of leaves (NOL) were monitored weekly. Soil samples were taken and analyzed in the laboratory, before and after cropping. The study showed that NPK (15:15:15) mineral fertilizer increased plant height, number of leaves and nutrient (N, P,K, Ca, Na, Mg, Organic matter, Cation Exchange Capacity and pH) content of the soil. The highest (p = 0.05) plant height and number of leaves were obtained from NPK treatment at 20 kg ha-1 which stands significantly (p < 0.05) different over the control. At p < 0.05, there were significant difference among treatments. The use of NPK mineral fertilizer at an application rate between 15 and 20 kg NPK (15:15:15) ha-1 seems effective, responsive and productive for maximum growth of maize (Zea mays L.), for soil fertility improvement, food security, environmental development and for sustainable agricultural production.
References
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