RISING TO THE CHALLENGE OF LOW SOIL FERTILITY IN NIGERIA; SUSTAINABLE MAIZE CROP PRODUCTION UNDER MORINGA OLEIFERA TECHNOLOGY.
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Date
2019
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AgEcon Search
Abstract
The moringa oleifera technology is a soil fertility improvement
technique that is environment friendly. The objective of this
study was to investigate the effects of moringa technology on
yield and profitability of maize production. Field experiment
was conducted in 2016 and 2017 planting seasons, at the
Teaching and Research Farm of Kwara State University,
Malete. The study comprised of six treatments including;
control with zero addition, 100% MO, 100% NPK 15-15-15
fertilizer, 100% PM, 50% MO +50% NPK and 50%MO +50%
PM all at the rate of 60 kg N/ha. The experiment was laid out
in a RCB design with three replicates. Data were collected on
maize growth parameters; crop yield, cost and returns. These
were subjected to statistical and economic viability analyses.
Results showed that application of the mixed MO leaves +NPK
significantly (P< 0.05) increased the growth parameters and
grain yield of maize and net income. The highest grain yield
(4.4 and 4.5t/ha) and net income [ ₦143,500 (US$ 448.44)
were obtained from the mixture in 2016 and 2017 respectively.
On the basis of these findings therefore, the use of moringa
based fertilizer ( MO+NPK) at the rate of 60 kg N/ha
recommended for adoption by maize farmers.