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RESPONSE OF MAIZE (ZEA MAYS L) ) AND SOME SOIL PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES TO POULTRY MANURES AND TILLAGE PRACTICES IN AN ULTISOL

ABSTRACT

This study investigated the effects of poultry manure on soil physical and chemical properties and maize yield in tropical Alfisols. The experiment was conducted in a randomized complete block design with four replicates. The treatments included three levels of poultry manure (0, 10, and 20 tons per hectare) and two tillage practices (conventional and conservation tillage). The results showed that poultry manure significantly improved soil physical properties, increased soil chemical properties, and increased maize yield. The highest level of poultry manure (20 tons per hectare) resulted in the greatest improvement in soil physical and chemical properties and maize yield. Conservation tillage practices also resulted in higher maize yields compared to conventional tillage practices. The study concludes that poultry manure is a valuable resource for improving soil fertility and maize yield in tropical Alfisols, and that conservation tillage practices should be adopted to reduce soil disturbance and promote soil organic matter. The study recommends the use of poultry manure and conservation tillage practices to improve soil fertility and maize yield in tropical Alfisols.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1Background of the Study

Maize (Zea mays L) is a widely cultivated crop in many parts of the world, including Nigeria (FAO, 2020). It is a good source of food, feed, and income for many farmers (Adebayo et al., 2017). Maize is a versatile crop that can be grown in various agro-ecological zones, making it an essential component of many agricultural systems (Bänziger et al., 2006). In Nigeria, maize is a staple food crop, and its production is crucial for food security and sustainable livelihoods (Ogunbameru et al., 2017).

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, maize is the third most important cereal crop in the world, after wheat and rice (FAO, 2020). Global maize production has been increasing over the years, with the total production reaching over 1.1 billion metric tons in 2020 (FAO, 2020). In Nigeria, maize production has also been increasing, with the country producing over 10 million metric tons in 2020 (FAO, 2020). However, the productivity of maize in Nigeria is still low compared to other countries, with an average yield of 2.5 tons per hectare (Ogunbameru et al., 2017).

Soil fertility decline and degradation are major constraints to maize production in Nigeria (Ogunbameru et al., 2017). The use of chemical fertilizers has been linked to environmental pollution and health risks (Adetunji et al., 2017). Moreover, intensive tillage practices have led to soil erosion and degradation (Lal, 2005). Therefore, there is a need to explore alternative sustainable soil management practices that can improve soil fertility and maize productivity.

Organic amendments such as poultry manure have been shown to improve soil fertility and maize productivity (Ogunbameru et al., 2017). Poultry manure is a readily available and inexpensive organic fertilizer in