Growth and yield response of maize {zea mays l.)to different levels of nitrogen and phosphorus in Handeni district, Tanzania
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Date
2014
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Publisher
Sokoine University of Agriculture
Abstract
The effects of sixteen levels of Nitrogen and Phosphorous fertilizers on growth and yield
of maize (Zea mays L.) in Handeni District, Tanga Tanzania were studied between
October 2012 and February 2013. The overall objective was to determine optimum rate of
Nitrogen and Phosphorous recommendations for increased growth and productivity of
maize in the district. The experiment was designed as split plot laid out in Randomized
Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications and 16 treatments. Two maize
varieties TMV1 and TAN250 were used; Nitrogen and Phosphorous fertilizers used in the
experiment were Urea and TSP, respectively. Data collection started two weeks after
treatments had been imposed in which grain yield components were recorded as follows;
plant height, number of leaves, stem girth, leaf area, ear length, ear girth, number of
grains per ear, weight of grains per ear, weight of grain per plot, weight of 100 grains and
grain yield per ha. Cost of fertilizers per hectare and price of Itone of maize grain were
determined. The data were analysed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) technique using
GenStat statistical package. The treatment means were separated using the Duncan
Multiple Range Test (DMRT) at 5% level of probability. The results showed that the
application of 100 kgN/ha+40 kgP/ha significantly increased growth and yield of maize.
These results also confirmed that, application of 80 kgN/ha + 40 kgP/ha can bring about
an increase in growth and yield of maize but this will greatly benefit farmers in areas
where the costs of Nitrogen and Phosphorus fertilizer is high. The experimental results
revealed that application rate of 40 kgP/ha+100 kgN/ha would give the highest economic
returns. These rates are recommended for growth and yield increases with better
economical returns on maize production in Handeni District, Tanzania
Description
Dissertation
Keywords
Floral biology, Botanical, Seed dispersal, Reproductive Biology